Jan. 1, 2014 Edition of The Observer by The Observer Newspaper

January 1, 2014 • www.theobserver.com • Vol CXXVI, No. 32

Happy New Year!

COVERING: BELLEVILLE • BLOOMFIELD

• EAST NEWARK • HARRISON • KEARNY • LYNDHURST • NORTH ARLINGTON • NUTLEY

A year in review see page 2

• January 16, 2013

May 8, 2013 • www.theobserver.com

CXXV, No. 36 ver.com • Vol www.theobser

• Vol CXXV, No. 51

August 21, 2013 • www.theobserver.com

COVERING: BELLEVILLE • BLOOMFIELD

• NUTLEY TH ARLINGTON HURST • NOR NY • LYND ISON • KEAR ARK • HARR • EAST NEW

Belgrove 2-family rejected

Duty, honor, country

LD • BLOOMFIE BELLEVILLE COVERING:

VOICE giving vets a lift up By Ron Leir spondent Observer Corre

April 24, 2013 • ww w.theobse rver.com •

• EAST NEWARK • HARRISON • KEARNY • LYNDHURST • NORTH ARLINGTON • NUTLEY

Meet the ‘Ghost Army’

By Ron Leir Observer Correspondent

• Vol CXXVI, No. 13

ARLINGTON • NUTLEY • KEARNY • LYNDHURST • NORTH • EAST NEWARK • HARRISON

COVERING: BELLEVILLE • BLOOMFIELD

say the deck was stacked against them before they got to the table. First, the new owners of 612 Belgrove Drive were mistakenly told by the town construction office that their newly acquired property was in an R-2 zone, and that it could accommodate a 2-family home, which was their intent. Then, after they closed on the property and they apArtillery piece used in training looks lethal, plied for permits to build, the but it isn’t town informed them, oops, By Karen Zautyk forget about that 2-family; American soldiers crossed ters Special Troops carried Observer Correspondent that property is zoned for a the Channel from England to out their mission through medical office/1-family use so France. Their task: “To creFrance, Belgium and LuxKEARNY – you’ll need to apply for a use ate a traveling road show of embourg and into Germany, n June 1944, not long after variance. deception.” misleading the Nazis about the Allied forces’ D-Day Now the die was cast: From ‘44 until the end of the size, strength and wherelandings on the beaches Belgrove Drive residents, led the war in Europe in 1945, the abouts of various American of Normandy, another 1,100 by two politically-connected men of the 23rd Headquarunits. neighbors, lined up in earnest against the owner’s proposed split-level duplex with high steps and a garage in front and persuaded the seven members By Ron Leir his Jersey City immigration atof the Zoning Board of Adjustoffice in Newark, said FrageriObserver Correspondent torney Rudy Rodas as Leandro ment to shoot it down, unaniCarlos “entered the U.S. “Leo” Jose Frageri Carlos. mously. illegally in 2004 and was subKEARNY – According to Rodas, Frageri- sequently All the zoning commisA Kearny man accused of ordered removed in Carlos, 30, came here from sioners said they felt for the March 2005 by an immigration entering the U.S. illegally Brazil, and, until his recent plight of the owners but still judge with the Executive Ofnow faces deportation but his apprehension by federal imconcluded that the proposed fice for Immigration Review.” supporters have circulated an migration agents, was living duplex with garage out front Ort added: “ICE has adoptonline petition calling on the in Kearny with his fiancee, would clash with the existing ed common sense policies federal government to stop the daughter and stepdaughter. neighborhood. nationwide that ensure our proceedings. Harold A. Ort, spokesman Kearny attorney Gary Benimmigration laws are enforced The alleged undocumented for the U.S. Immigration and in a way that best enhances resident has been identified by see BELGROVE page Customs Enforcement (ICE) public safety, border security

Bergen buys ba 1,345 guck ns

‘All aboard’ for new PATH station

Dark day in Kearny history

KEARNY – You could

COVERING : BELLEV ILLE • BLOOM FIELD

By Ron Leir Observer Correspondent

KEARNY – ling VOICE Kearny’s fledg each Informa(Veterans Outr Education) ity tion Commun aims to conh project – whic e and retired activ Photo courtesy John Jarvie nect local ed – services need military to its wings. is stretching in tweaking The 1,100 were capable “We’re still lyn of “impersonating” up to organizer Mara rimode,” says Ame 30,000 troops. And they did dent of the Fisher, presi Post it with sound effects, false Frobisher is can Legion radio transmissions, phony “Our website e 99 Auxiliary. We’v command posts, deliberately Zautyk in progress. Photo by Karen still a work remisleading chatter in civilian up available been putting as we go.” line see GHOST ARMY page ng the West sources on took 27, VOICE delight at visiti the very the But on Dec. us for of trees, and ard when it Point camp at the trunks gazing out a big step forw unity leaders, the down from up here, at first time and wind sweeping mountains and playing January, but met with commakers, emerng Hudson High a vista of hills c architecyk the surroundi deep-blue edge of the including lawm nders and By Karen Zaut the in the air. fields and gothi respo spondent and across , frost was V, No.t,39 your Corre on lands gency first them But it, rver . t of and the integrity of the immiObse CXXge poin r Hudson was frigid th, to enlis ture. Most Volvanta .com •my Board of Heal cipagration system. was surEisenhowe observerFrom efforts: parti T, N.Y.– • www.therding a terrace outside the patches correspondent T page er POIN in one of its 2013 th. “As part of this approach, WEST6, WEST POIN uary acco hour “gatekeep see ded in warm tion in a two- course to deal Febr rat- roun ast Thursday, folk, was Hall, I could ICE has adopted clear priorihad to do with e ice still deco her Part of this of snow and training” onlin crisis. to the weat ng ties that call for the agency’s in be inornd and coati ing the grou with veterans inquiries from supposed to enforcement resources to be for early field erate to And, s, focused on the identification dinately temp medical issue veterans on and removal of those that have ational opbebroken criminal laws, recently benefits, educ ces, them from family servi to prevent inal crossed our border, repeatedly d portunities, LEY issues and victim of crim NUT the • ng has establishe to deal with INGT ON comi oviolated immigration law or ans Affairs etc., VOICE ARL n and from] corp uled “office serviceme more isNORTH • local elements, [and ting [indifferne RST nt affec e and many regularly sched isher Post, Mari rs DHU Thes rnme ned LYN Frob assig • senio g local rate and gove RNY ontin women and hours” at the een son • KEA rs sues see IMMIGRATION page N confr Drive, betw By Ron Leir RISO Public Affai Courtney John ence].” 314 Belgrove spond October 16, 2013 • www.theobserver.com • Vol CXXVI, No. 21 reportedly ARKent • HAR have prompted Steven Rogers veteran veteran Dan Jacoby NEW and Afton St. Observer Corre The resident and Army Bergen Ave. id s com- • EAST post’IELD Commissioner er new unit of by a contractor theOMF ney,BLO it, also as unpa victimized r, Bill Swee to oversee rver she hired LE • ach to create anoth in his decoordinato EVIL NUTLEY – BELL told The Obse with h to do nestownship volunteers. munity outre COVERING: government any last Marc One elderly rs says he’s called the Mondays, Wed comp on one Roge the paid able this work avail Now she’s s a.m. is ion partment, ys, from 10 providing vital and Assisral construct resident claim dollars in e and focusing “on senior citizens gene days and Frida of Advocacy s of ant, warehous to Office Fisher and out thousand our r Citizens. a restauran services to to 2 p.m., and t will staff the bills with little after learning tance for Senio are designed C21Semiaokearny@Century21.com construction agen an apartment hed Jan. 15 and – services that from unscruother post done a lot of It was launc d d day evenings, show for it. the firm has named retire r complaine to protect them people, fraud that office on Tues C21Semiao@Century21.com township. Rogers has Another senio any reess Sgt. Robert p.m. work in the pulous busin from 6 to 8 a hefty y Police Det. provide n we iding alarm comp Nutle tor will an Legio prov direc that the that ty After a depu r “Through act without project and services tance in dealGet CENTURY 21 DeBello as capacity,” Fishe payment, the newed his contr g insult to assis NUTLEY new bureau. ARLINGTONReal•Estate down with the of of e Mobile App. them want to build to enhance our • EAST NEWARK • HARRISON • KEARNY • LYNDHURST • NORTH in charg spectrum g and, addin a volunCOVERING: BELLEVILLE • BLOOMFIELD Visit http://87778.mobi/c21 will serve as ans askiny, raised the price. ing with a broadneed a local said. “We want llo veter page ny DeBe ORS said. rs injur their see SENI y to find Kear RISON • vissues. … They the job, Roge residents in for them By Ron Leir espoabilit C21Semiao@Century21.com ndent they’re recei y teer in Two other ARK • HAR rs created a to speak up red bankruptc and make sure they need. Observer Corr Last year, Roge and Veter- advocate • EAST NEW ntury21.com ces 80s have decla ere to turn for IELD C21Semiaokearny@Ce ary Milit Get CENTURY 21 of ing the servi up au nowh • BLOOMF Bure be to hook and have Real Estate Mobile App. BELLEVILLE Our job will KEARNY – COVERING: Kearny will TURN TO PAGE 24 help. Visit http://87778.mobi/c21 its It looks like E page TO SEE OUR AD THIS WEEK, PLEASE r peace with seee VOIC labo eve thre achi next e for the By Karen Zautyk at of police forc out the thre ns, the Observer Correspondent years with By Karen Zautyk /or demotio g. layoffs and ainin Observer Correspondent prior barg KEARNY – ncil residue of Town Cou olice are hunting a gunman who atWith the g Feb. of the various poReaders alon go to tempted to rob Tullo’s Truck Stop in expected a new lice blotters that appear in The nty residents will have Harrison of rny both South Kearny last week and reportedly Town Kea sy 5, Hudson Cou of 589 fireObserver have likely noticed a Photo courte contract with ent a total shot at a customer in the gas station. among three-year evol denominator turned in -sponcommon Ben an’s ng the state Shortly after the incident, which occurred July the Patrolm Local 21 and arms duri many of the arrestees: They’re with the ay buyback held on’s nesd at 3:41 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, a man fitting Officers last Wed Associati sored gun already wanted by at least one Attorney ction DeSuperior bi-partisan of the suspect, along with ’s Constru Harrison N.J. Acting s , description the anplay town 12-13 Policemen’s jurisdiction. other he J. Hoffman cause and the n me he’s on. backers. Leir his getaway driver, apparently were incted General John week. hboring partment Associati He’s show Next month, such warranthis Harrison PBA and expe neig ics. Photos by Ron is l with in the d r tie polit of loca last Boar Chris volved in two robberies in Newark, police of an Tops Dine last Thursday e Members nounced work with Gov. Chris Planning e agreeignorers will have the chance sored by town ing on thos ark willing to ram was part orioved thos hear New prog t. a at rally spon appr on said. A men East The hold and, Leir auth clean icati slate s.” PSO to wipe the cipal Building By Ron announce t by N.J. gov- to politician dent this month. separate ratif 17. Nutley Muni They are also linked to two similar heists to make the gh said the ongoing effor violence by d Counto the authorities ofis plans later ments in according rver Correspon Jan. tors outside onou on War on Obse nd n stati com McD gun is head H Demonstra take Only Seco rated his in Jersey City. who acco, who ties to stem ents to turn “That PAT fering the opportunity, transvotes, both by “around a local. r demonst because ison or Villalta, phonse Petr Safety Departerno resid ship’s PBA only Vict in Harr occurred ied ing incidents an five all ing said done Police carr per – g cilm allow ic help form their lives. Both rding to Mce engaged, HARRISON e weapons ority bein . Christie,” McDonof the Publ mitment to rity,” acco By Ron Leir spondent Mayor Ray orapid succession, the last at 3:46 a.m. Port Auth asked,” in up to thre d. was otherwise it but Villalta Nov. 6 s Gov ths Wednesday, the ison From Ree of 90% majo tion ng n t. mon Harr y ques inside, men Dem Jerse by getti rted. “Six ident Glen Observer Corre dn’t mak Kearny Police Chief John Dowie said the wed that, person, “no sites. Those and New , a lifelong through Saturday, Nov. 9, Hudutive ough asse PBA Pres r he, too, last coul They follo p Commission Donough ed New York cops have of Deputy Exec e The Observe unthinkable men entered the station on the Lincoln stie. of at designat over guns were nshi an upgrade Not that the y from the son County will host Fugitive ago, (P.A. cam durat the Tow crat, did the endorsed Gov. told ed the love for Chri ed awa to move on PATH station. Bill Baroni NUTLEY – speeches pon. Highway in a silver or gray Dodge Charger who hand n he , armed Safe Surrender- North Jersey, Director) much to take I got a an, shar meeting, with portion of the $250 per wea week whe onough: “[En utley cops the Harrison e than $250 I told him a Republic t(similar to the one in the photo). The driver paid up to County colSaid McD mor when individuals hiding from to see me. giant infla table. the public is someto nt, s Christie, for a s ing eme Chri stie] acco to son with Plan ts by agre Petr ing Chri nt remained in the car while his passenger, The Hud on. joined EMENT page New Jersey law can, in the While the improvemen ting, urging 1, 2013, molo were Mou thinking bers dors for re-electi able rat and see ENDORS filed million in from Jan. muni- mee ote Capt. Tom Stru armed with what appeared to be a silver lection sites gh and mem n- thing I’ve been e. I believe words of the state Attorney station were other com which runs rch in Bay- k ides for prom McDonou molo, 39, Cou a whil the aging 2015, prov than officers from outdoor rally Carmel Chu automatic handgun, exited and approached Gree ison Town ty chief. Stru ed No. 1 Office, “surrender about for beGeneral’s mos Harr depu to Dec. 31, an gelis state to d the less of the , it’s for ties, stage l Buildonne, Evan rch in Jersey a female cashier in one of the booths. cop, is rank best for the ther with safely at a Jersey City church, a pay raise to be precise – an 18-year Chu the Municipa est at the he’s cil got toge of ide odox image the captured utive cameras outs Orth Security 21% of prot f exec take responsibility for their three day to O page Anthony 1% -- 0.95 state’s chie each of the ing last Tues d “political n City. City and St. see PETRACC offenses, and seek favorable calle rch in Unio per year for Photos courtesy KPD see GUNMAN page Orange; what they Padua Chu buyback, The Alconsideration from the court.” rch in East years. ” by Mayor be taking tist w- Chu Prior to the cronyism ly, they’ll to why Love Bap The program, announced n featured unla And, real Christian inquired as point a money gton; Unio Observer because they unition capacibit of extr rch in Irvin Montclair;last week at a Newark press 8 p.m. no collection that little for their high amm f barrels or Chu in email, there was 8 a.m. and r pockets nty fully tist Church in conference, will be the fourth son. In an d-of Between to intercept Cou Bap out of thei Hud ld x sawe hany t tion ns wou rney Esse had Wes Epip in “Gu of Atto ties, ified. contribu dates, as Nunez (FSS) an for the -sponsored on those up to The Church Calvary GospelFugitive Safe Surrender first-time – 1.5% of rwise mod , scan them for his for kids and adults alike. a spokesm d: “In ram The state for boys in grades 5-8, junior coverage were othe can turn in At ship will now have to seek a the packages 37 months conever By Ron Leir know is that Office, state type, residents Orange; and buyback prog 25-26 health care Baptistsponsored in the state. tenced to as man-- despite Wieners, 27, started a new General’s we›ve “What we wrestling for boys ages 6-14, Paradise for Cash” y guns rms of any to l salary – -- in Camibuting the delivered new monitor. one Observer Correspondent buybacks ton on Jan. three firea s asked,” and Church and in Newark. the previous ones their tota just too man y role in distr er Salas to the packages and thanks to each of the the state -- in“kindergym” for boys and girls job this week as director held in Tren rd number of there are packages. (2009), man -Judge Esth piracy to posstate law, delivering As listed on the township “no question payment of up to a Church, both ers will be sta-den (2008), Newark dated by addresses around caine-laden to documents -relations for his . e, including al and an, a reco cons alumni . of ery . play, . , of done ed pre-school ther istie 2, t wom K-grade in deliv t one activities nett ibute Chr out play t g coun the web site, those them to Somerset/New Brunswick lates BELLEVILLE – – Police offic of the churches Accordin A Lyndhurs al Service receive cash pon, Chiesa said. 2,604. Gov. Chris that are illeg for transport intent to distr grams secondary school alma mater, cluding this soccer for boys and girls in tions are contribution in Deweapons: Post case and state weapons and varied. They sess with City (2012) ultimately in Camden. loca many each wea are Atlantic Township to and 500 nty (2010) sayonara U.S. at this Say d gned is per of, host er in ed Cou al desi on ence And that form tion filed be ors by state ty and the actu court: been sent guns $250 ey for the buybacks isecure the -- a total of 13,276 people with Recreation & Cultural Affairs are: fall bowling, baseball and grades 1-8, touch football, ten- St. Peter’s Preparatory School In Camden Postal appear to and distributi ine and one conspirat provided loyee, has nded by coun ts made in r 2010, ose – to do 2011, U.S. collect and Mon e than 1,100 for her forfe a was emp coca men he n to mme again, as where purp the next City, uary mor of Jersey . of inal e girls es reco and priso boys one for Febr ber, over lessons days nis in crim d oriti mbe In or mor cem only ths rise two softball, cheerleading clinic outstanding warrants turned Director Michael Wieners. ials.” theft, auth cept Since Dece age and take ectors seize to 46 mon buycoming fromobtained by the ract, weapons. iving law – will ed in over member of the Class of 2004. local offic ages 8-16, art workshop for me to inter the Essex been rece count of mail program in Service insp 1,300 grams of were turn effort to as much dam as possible,” of the cont for grades 1-8, junior basies themselves in. Based on the Last Friday, Oct. 11, ended Details on role in a sche cocaine mailed Nunez had statewide inal ture mon which ately two years Alberto The July 12-13 simultaAfter attending the Prep, at www. n Mail grades 1-4 and Camp Belleville Now the said. of cocaine, to Rico approxim as many lives to Mayor ketball for grades 3-8, Junior circusion of Crim held be found stats, an estimated 3,000 to Wieners’ four-year tenure as sed the priso an Express and distributeRico to New , packages . AG’s Divi back can according rms out of Wieners headed west to study includes Hudson was one in Union Salas impo for grades K-6. ark cocaine from ed from Puer g take firea Chiesa said 2014, he said 4,000 wanted persons are ns, which the overseer of the township’s Bucs football cheerleading Puerto J. to Essex that have 17 in New were mail Justice. nj.gov/gu Santos. In er of these two AINE page communications at Loyola neously with 1,010 guns were from orities rerney Paul esses alon summer ence July is moving churches mention for to COC Not n Atto auth Junior addr sent 3-8, set The Jersey see ack grades in in up play girls latio show for to re page ery U.S. child-focused ton, expected K numerous rt. Jersey, buybacks to deliv In Tren of the comd. “it’s the high of your total serve as buyb County, whe see BUYBAC concerts and holiday events Federal Cou ez’ husband, announce e than 700 route. see REC BOSS page County, with at churches in agreed to 1.5% bringing the for which the town- Bucs travel tackle football activities, s: -mor man mail AME all ed, ario stina Fish cted her Nun th of , Paul 16 port scen colle St. heal t, Chri In June see SURRENDER page sen1,599. ly a quarter Feb. 15 and ities, N.J. Atsites are: 8% of the The defendaniously pleaded d total to July 16 Vega, 37, was illegal guns – near bine salary or ce A. mun re on,” sa were eren prev com you’ Luis – Chie 30, conf five n in plan rict At a press eral Jeffrey Plaza in Nunez, those take insurance ribure U.S. Dist torney Gen son County , the cont k. guilty befo at the Hud and in 2015 d last wee announce page see GUNS CTS page see CONTRA

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EASE tu By1S rsey emLeir Ron iao@C entury2 then Strumolo can fire his Observer Correspondent rn tO 1.c omround with a formal next p gE pA lawsuit that would 22 24– NUTLEY expose

By Ron Leir Observer Correspo ndent

EAST NEWARK – For much of its entire 118year history, since it broke away from Kearny ’s First Ward, the borough of East Newark (population 2,400) has tained a single public mainschool for kindergarten to grade 8 and has consistently sent its graduates to high school in neighboring Harrison. Now, however, the borough is going shopping for a high school and might new even look to the place it separated from so many years ago – Kearny.

the mayor and the disgruntled Nuttownship to further embarr ley Police supeassment and, potenti rior officer has ally, big liabilities. fired the opening round The 12-page claim in a battle with Mayor alleges that Petracc Alphonse Petracc o “has o, the steadfastly refused township Public to proSafety mote Captain Strumo director, accusin lo g the to Deputy Chief mayor of politica despite l inthe fact that he is terference in the the Police highest ranked and Department. only eligible [candidate] Capt. Thomas Struon the current Deputy molo, 39, an 18-year Chief promot veteran whose dad, ional list … which expires on Feb. 17, Tom Sr., served with 2014.” the This is so, the claim department, has retained asserts, despite Police the Chatham law firm of Chief John Holland Gina Mendola Longar ’s enzo dorsement of Strumo LLC to file a notice lo’s of tort promot claim against the ion. Holland is townexpected to vacate ship, the Police Deptart his job in November when ment and the mayor, he reaches the mandat seeking $2.5 million ory in retirem damages. ent age of 65 and, according to the The claim was filed claim, the mayor fears that with the township Strumolo would be the April 11, and if nothheir ing changes by Oct. 11, see STRUMOLO page

Why?

“It simply comes down to money,” said Mayor Joseph Smith, who chairs the borough’s Board of School Estimate, which fixes the local school tax rate. Top photo courtesy of Gina Mendola Longarzo Smith said that the LLC; bottom photo courtesy borough Police Capt. Thomas of Nutley municipal is looking elsewhe Strumolo (above) at website re, not his 2009 swearing He’s threatening to in ceremony. because it’s unhapp sue the township and y with the Mayor Alphonse Petracco education its kids (below). are getting in Harrison, but rather, because of rising tuition costs, “and that’s between 40% and 50% of our school budget.” By Ron Leir For the 2012-2013 Ave. entrance, turning Observer Correspondent school left and records year, the East Newark coming up against for the desired docuBoard an ominous ment renovated interior of Education paid for a detective. barrier wall with HARRISON – . Harrison’s a glass winIt’s almost like going school district $14,674 But now, the dispatc dow where a police It’s not your father’s to for every her’s dispatcher room the movies. Mounte police borough student could peer down is empty – that imposstation anymore. d on the attendin on you and facing wall are three Harrison High School, g ing wall will be coming ask what you wanted Lot of visitors to rows of Smith down . Harrison 42-inch computer said. For the 2009-20 soon in favor of If you Police monitors needed a more public10 school Headquarters are an accident – four in each row doing report or year, the rate was friendly setting. double-takes these – project$11,067 per the like, you did And when days. an ing real-time images you turn to the old about-face and saw For years, folks were of record another see SHOPPING page happening at differen what’s used to wall and walking through small window where room, there’s a big (secured) t places the Cleveland you’d around town. glass window giving ask the keeper of you an the eye-level view of the recently see SECURITY page

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No. 50

Like oth backs in er recent gun New Jers buyheld the weekend ey, the one 13-14 in of April Bergen County a huge succes By Karen s, bringi was total of ng 1,345 we Observer Zautyk KEARNY – ties rep apons, in a Corresp ment, ret author orted. ondent “At 5:50 p.m., this date, AuiBergen as detect iring in 2011 NUTLEY gust 19 . . .” the police report Michael County Sheriff – and com ive lieutenant Saudin begun. mande reads, “a terrific explosion was ollowin results o the De r of g “overw called the tec That was music to the ears of Harheard in Kearny and about horrifi the In the buy helming.” But dur tive Bureau. c bombing his rison Mayor Ray McDonough, local back, ind the same time an alarm of fire ings at cou police car ld the Bos all of ivid ano Marath developers and organized labor, ton a eer, he was also was sent in over Fire Box 121, firearm nymously sur uals on last lieuten anwe s render one Nu ant com whom attended the gubernatorial located at Belgrove Dr. and ing to thefor cash. Acc tley offi ek, mande of ordcial could be r in the nouncement, held on the east side Passaic Ave.” total of Sheriff ’s Off fou Na Res nd all val ice, a erv $101,923 the airw If you didn’t hear anyFrank E. Rodgers Blvd. South where the fun wa aves. Bei over Iraqi e, and when the ding com s paid out, intervi war ng the new station will rise. thing on Aug. 19, don’t be ew Bergen ing fro mobilized began, he wa County m the network ed on this s McDonough called the commuter concerned; the sound of the and too Office Prosec militar ka wit uto Comm or that was y leave rail project “the cornerstone” of “terrific explosion” echoes issione from crim h money seiz r’s from the police r Steven ed Rogers force. ina the town’s $1 billion makeover of now only through history. The , direct Surprisin l activities. From 200 or townsh its waterfront redevelopment area date was Aug. 19, 1943. This 1 Park Rid gly, tiny, ups ip’s De of the to 200 served par the cale of Pub ge (Presid in militar 3, he and insisted that the overhaul of Monday marked the 70th annilic Affairs tment lige Nixon ent y inte live nce Ric . lYou mig d there hard in existing 77-year-old station “wouldn’t versary of a local tragedy that office) after lea ht wo with the Colorado, led why, if ving have happened without Gov. Chrisclaimed the lives of 13 people you’re nder collected the pack in Comm U.S. Northern not fro gun Nutley and in m Va. tie.” . It’s bec and injured many more. And tha at a single site s Norfolk, , and aus t was jus Rogers : 259 Earlier this year, McDonough, a A few older folk remember take. also hap e t one day . quarters at FBI headto be an pens ’s in Washi longtime Democrat, said he was the day, some of their children intellig As in the ton. ngexpert ence buybac Port Authority of N.Y. & N.J. supporting the GOP governor’s bid wit recall hearing stories about it, County, Photo by Ron Leir; inset image courtesy h ks Then, fro in Essex sight into unique inCamden Nutley Comm work on new PATH m 2003 houses however, most people in this issioner terrorists 200 Gov. Chris Christie for helping expedite see PATH page Steve Roge of worsh and Trenton, the ma Harrison Mayor Ray McDonough (l.) thanks and mil 5, he was a sen to rs in his yhe the col town and the surrounding ip served office. below. ior itary inte lec to perpet m they wish station, reﬂected in conceptual rendering enforcem tion points, wit as lligenc communities apparently have rate. officer e Photo by Rogers assigned Karen Zauty of the col ent officers in h law no knowledge of the event. k to the as a me spent 38 years National Join cha the oth lection. But unl rge mber of This included your corret Ter ism Tas er events Nutley the ike k Force, rorBy Ron we Pol , spondent. wh re ope ice Depar Lei Office ere site contract executed and the Observer r s tand Sun n on both Sat I was enlightened last week The existing KMUA facility the see BOMB temporary Cor we into so move urd can secured, day resp they ays insurance bond s, the ING pag ondent By Ron Leir ing chu A five-ala by Officer Tom Wilgus of the is a cramped space comproe rches and 11 participat- HA quarters. signing until we on rm off held Correspondent fire Department Fra seepage Observer RRI and Police Ber Kearny nk E. Rod SON – temple March mised by leaks gen we In late April, the KMUA s in 10 at re open gers got all the documents.” The Tow and Dav day eac as the firs who works in the Records from the elements – a condionly one is St., tha Blvd. North n of Ha h. hired Daskal General ConNow, O’Sullivan said, “we’re signed backdr KEARNY – t trigger a fire in t units respon Bureau and who came across Park Rid tion exacerbated by supera new lab rrison has aft inju ed a ding to town. tractors of Wallington to tear ge set its with the working on our temporary ring five or contrac bers of The office trailers are on Saturd the 70-year-old police file on At the truck. storm Sandy – that has outrecord the memay t Ma down its existing offices, sitting Mutua local Fireman’ on utility connections for the Dept. wh Jersey City ed tally the 13th. The displaced rch 10 fire the case --- which, as far as we site but so far, they’re l Benevo lived its usefulness, officials s But uni Fir reportat – replace a water main and len tion but mutual o were part of e empty. Church Our Lady of wrecke 17 residents which say tha on and tow know, could still be an open of 9 said. perhap t Associacost aid2013 No. at aVI, the Me and for offices inc d n leader June new hookups res t the new build the 19, at rcy week, lud imp s Last CXX situation pon even mo serious • www.t ed: 107 Such is the Vol ortant worship two eateries s se, ignheobserver.co case on the federal level. signed Initially, KMUA Executive shotgu concer and a rver.com • m hal • Vol Auby both agreement, obse$668,900. plumbing and electrical outl – CXXVI ns that will is a side agreemre ns among ited chiefs in .the , No. and Kearny Municipal• Utilities O’Sullivan loc Kevin Early this year, Sgt. Pat sides Ma www should Director al at fire ano 4 2013 fire Daskal was the lowest of hel 24, Fire De improve the Ha ent wheth Hudson Co rch 29, lets were due to be completed. end of Central see GUNS the Julyat thority prior, the about one we ther Sweeney, who heads the buries bec p defuse the unty ove partme said, there was a delay mover the HF rrison rangprices pag with ek bidders, se worHF five ause it nt e res r nei (HF D had resources D had ponse see KMUA page propos reau, was going through some Ave. where its five employees promo ghbori ing the job ahead in “getting to rely enough efficiency D)’s firstto delive es the tion of ng Eas ing up to a high of $1.3 million. on equate . await utility hookups before vol fou t r Ne to an adunteer r firefigh lieuten lev wark fire s to sup ters vice, wit el of firefigh see BLAST page ply a lad will ens ant, which, in ting ser der truck, rep h proper ure the turn, - the ortedly superv covera HFD depart becaus ision, e and ge to ride an enough enough ment didn’t ladder engine hav person truck on nel to sta e a firstff its • NUTLEY ARLINGTON COVERING: BELLEV see CONTR • NORTH ILLE • BLOOMFIELD ACT pag C21Sem LYNDHURST • EAST NEWAR e iao KEARNY • HARRISON – Gov. Chris Christie made it official. Last Friday, welcomed by cheers from a partisan crowd, the governor the came to Harrison to declare that long-awaited $256 million upgrade of the Harrison PATH station has

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Compiled by Karen Zautyk & Ron Leir Observer Correspondents JANUARY

he most dramatic local news story of the year was also the most hor-

rific: The murder of 16-year-old Alishia Colon of Kearny in her Belgrove Drive bedroom Jan. 17. The Kearny High School student, killed by a bullet to the head, was an innocent victim whose slaying, according to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, appeared to be “retaliation over an ongoing dispute between alleged street gang members and members of the victim’s family.” Alishia, the HCPO said, “was not believed to be part of that dispute at all,” and her death was but “the tragic consequence” of the feud.” Within two days, a Pennsylvania man was arrested in that state in connection with the killing. In early February, three more suspects -- from East Orange, Orange and Willingboro -- were nabbed and charged with firstdegree felony murder. As of Jan. 1, 2014, all four defendants were still in jail, and no trial date had been set. In another murder case, this one dating to August 2011, Harrison resident Carlos P. Campos, 23, was judged mentally incompetent to stand trial in the fatal stabbings of his parents and 3-year-old niece in their Hamilton St. home. Three Kearny firefighters are injured when a ceiling collapses during a fierce blaze in a six-family Devon St. home. It takes three hours to bring the fire under con-

Candles and ﬂowers placed by friends and strangers at the home of murder victim Alishia Colon (inset).

trol, but police and firefighters safely evacuate all 24 occupants of the building. North Arlington firefighters battle both flames and frigid temperatures when fire engulfs a Ewing Ave. commercial building. Frozen hydrants and water lines lead to low water pressure. The crews were on site for 17 hours and were aided by firefighters from 11 other towns. After six months, traffic finally resumes over the rehabbed Clay St. Bridge in Harrison. Speaking of traffic, the state Department of Transportation announces plans to shut down the northbound Pulaski Skyway for two years, starting early in 2014, for a $1 billion repair project on the 80-year-old elevated roadway. Harrison Mayor Ray McDonough, a lifelong Democrat, makes headlines with

his endorsement of Republican Gov. Chris Christie for reelection. The mayor, the gov and members of the Harrison Town Council gather at Tops Diner in East Newark for the announcement. Speaking of East Newark, that borough takes aim at pigeon-lovers, introducing an ordinance to prohibit feeding of the birds, which it deems a health threat. The law is subsequently approved. FEBRUARY On Feb. 3, St. Stephen’s Church in Kearny observes the 70th anniversary of the sinking of the U.S. Army transport ship Dorchester, dedicating a monument to the Four Chaplains. The chaplains gave up their life jackets to save others after the ship was torpedoed by a German submarine. The four-- Father John P. Washington, a priest from St

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Stephen’s; Rabbi Alexander D. Goode; a Dutch Reformed minister, Clark V. Poling; and a Methodist minister, George L. Fox—were last seen praying together on deck as the Dorchester sank. Kearny achieves labor peace with its police force for three years without the threat of layoffs and/or demotions, but the agreement provides for a pay increase of less than 1% per year. The Harrison Board of Health votes to ask the Town Council to consider establishing smoke-free zones throughout the community. Harrison American Legion Post 282 launches ayear of celebration in anticipation of its 75th anniversary in January 2014. The North Arlington Board of Education is seeking residents’ okay to borrow $3.4 million for a make-over of continued next page

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Rip Collins Athletic Field. In March, voters go to the polls and give their approval to the referendum. During a two-day, statesponsored gun buyback in Essex County, 1,770 weapons are turned in to authorities. The United Irish Associations of West Hudson announce the honorees for its 40th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Grand Marshal James J. Miller Sr. of Kearny, Deputy Grand Marshal Daniel J. Choffo of Harrison, and Honorary Irishwoman of the Aftermaths: (Above) Demolition begins on Harrison buildings destroyed in Year, Kearny Councilwoman March fire. (Right) A January blaze turned a commercial building into a pile of Carol Jean Doyle. rubble in North Arlington. The Passaic Valley SewerDay Parade. It also sparks a several buildings, displaced age Commission, continuing political firestorm about the families and injured five fireits River Restoration Program, level of fire protection in the fighters, the Hudson County fishes an abandoned, capsized town. Fire Chiefs Assoc. voices 31-foot boat from the waters A fire in a mulch pile in the concern over Harrison’s abilunder the Belleville bridge. Kearny meadows ignites a ity to deal with emergencies Good news for Patricia debate about continued use and its “over-dependence” on (“Tanning Mom”) Krentcil of a landfill that has been the mutual aid from other comof Nutley: An Essex County scene of three blazes since munities and presses the town grand jury refuses to indict late 2012. Later in the month, it to increase its FD staffing. her on a charge of child enbursts into flame again. Later in the month, the dangerment. Kearny honors John Fabula Town of Harrison signs a new The New Jersey Meadowas 2012 Police Officer of the labor contract with the FMBA lands Commission approves a Year and Thomas Atwell as and approves a side agreeproposal to redevelop the 367Firefighter of the Year. acre Koppers Coke Peninsula Kearny holds an informasee 2013 page in South Kearny. tional meeting to help propKearny police link a local erty owners understand and deli holdup to at least three deal with FEMA’s post-Sandy other robberies -- at a Newrevised flood-elevation maps. ark gas station and delis in Kearny expands its noBelleville and Bloomfield. In smoking prohibition to cover November and December, two all town-owned parkland. Newark men plead guilty in The Town of Kearny’s Uniconnection with the crimes. form Crime Report Index for Belleville police are hunting 2012 shows an 18% decrease in a man who robbed a Valley crime, a 10-year low. National Bank and is thought After more than two-years to be linked to four more of stop-and-start work, the heists, including one other Kearny High School Noise in Belleville, in the last six Abatement and Exterior months. Renovation project comes to a Thanks to a new Table of grinding halt when the Board Organization previously apof Ed votes to fire the general proved by the Town Council, contractor. the Belleville PD adds seven John Leadbeater, vice presinew sergeants to its supervident of the Kearny Board of sory rolls. Ed and a former councilman, Several multi-family is indicted by a Camden Counresidences on Warren St. in ty grand jury in connection Harrison are damaged by fire, with an alleged multimillionand occupants of three of the dollar mortgage fraud scheme. buildings are left homeless. As of January 2014, he had yet Luckily, no injuries are reto stand trial. ported. Former Lyndhurst High School football coach Scott MARCH Rubinetti, 40, of Nutley pleads Five firefighters are hurt, six guilty to two counts of a fiveany Retail Purchase families are left homeless, and count indictment charging with copy of a church and two businesses him with having inappropriate are left in ruins in a blaze on this advertisement relationships with a 17-yearFrank E. Rodgers Blvd. North old female student. in Harrison, near the East Newark border. (The buildings APRIL are subsequently demolished.) In the wake of the Harrison The fire forces rerouting of fire in March that destroyed the West Hudson St. Patrick’s

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Christmas Eve bank heist By Ron Leir Observer Correspondent KEARNY – olice are looking for the man who robbed a local bank of $3,000 the day before Christmas and made good his escape before officers could get to the scene. Police Chief John Dowie said the crime occurred “just after [the bank] opened,” at about 9:10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 24, when a man entered the Chase Bank, Kearny and Johnston Aves., and handed a female teller a note reading: “I have a gun. Don’t be stupid. Count 3,000 and put it in an envelope.” “He said he had a weapon but didn’t display it,” Dowie

said. Dowie said the man told the teller he wanted the money in $50 bills, so he was directed to a second teller’s window where those bills were accessible. That teller then placed the bills in an envelope and gave it to the man who then ran out of the bank and was last seen heading west on Johnston Ave., Dowie said. It is possible there may have been a getaway car waiting for him at some point, Dowie said, but no one reported seeing the man actually enter a vehicle. At the time of the incident, there were a few customers in the bank, Dowie said. Kearny robbery suspect on security video Dowie said that Det. John

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Plaugic has been placed in charge of the local police investigation and will be working with FBI agents to try to find the robber. Investigators will be reviewing video from the bank’s surveillance cameras in hopes of gleaning clues to the man’s identity, Dowie said. The robber was described by police as in his 50s, with a pockmarked face and a scar below his right ear, wearing a full-length, gray zipper hoddie and black skull-type cap, black dress shoes, gloves, and white safety glasses. People with information on the case are asked to contact the Kearny PD Detective Bureau at 201-998-1313.

Local residents attain academic honors The following local residents recently attained academic honors: Kearny residents MaryGrace Testa and Devin Mulligan attained second honors for the first marking period at Mount St. Dominic Academy, Caldwell. Testa and Mulligan are both members of the Class of 2014. Students qualify for second honors by attaining a total weighted average for major courses of 87 or higher, a grade of 80 or higher for ma-

jor courses and at least a passing grade in all other courses. Mount St. Dominic Academy is a college preparatory school for young women in grades 9 to 12. Christian Molina of Belleville has been named to the Honor Roll for the fall term at the Loomis Chaffee School, Windsor, Conn. Molina is currently a sophomore. The Loomis Chaffee School is an internationally recognized college preparatory school for grades 9-12.

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2013 from ment to improve the Harrison Fire Department’s firstresponse efficiency. After a seven-month investigation, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office announces the arrest of more than 30 suspects in a multi-state, multimillion-dollar identity-theft ring based in New Jersey. On April 10, the 50th anniversary of the loss of the nuclear submarine USS Thresher off the coast of Massachusetts, Nutley sponsors a memorial service honoring the 129 crewmen and civilian technicians who died, among them Nutley resident Seaman Pervis Robison Jr. By month’s end, the Lower Passaic Cleanup Project reports, the EPA is expected to complete a plan to deal with toxin-laden tidal mudflats bordering Riverside County Park in Lyndhurst. A stubborn brush fire, fanned by strong winds, destroys a mile-long, 500-yardwide swath of Kearny meadowlands. Two KFD members are felled by heat exhaustion, and lack of water -- there was only one hydrant in the area --complicates firefighters’ work. Flags fly at half-staff across N.J. in honor of the victims of the April 15 terrorist bombing at the Boston Marathon. Belleville is looking to market its long-vacant Elementary School 1 property for housing development. In December, the building is demolished in advance of planned construction. Following the successful Essex County program earlier in the year, the state sponsors a gun buyback in Bergen County, bringing in 1,345 weapons. The New Jersey Fireman’s Mutual Benevolent Associa-

Belleville Municipal Court Judge Frank J. Zinna announces he will be leaving that post at the end of next month, after 27 years on the bench. Controversial plans to replace a medical office/1-family Belgrove Drive structure with a split-level duplex and garage are shot down by the Kearny Board of Zoning Adjustment. Lifelong Kearny resident John Jarvie, 91, is among the World War II veterans featured in a PBS television special about “The Ghost Army.” In fact, it was Jarvie’s memorabilia that inspired the filmmaker to create the documentary about specialized units of the U.S. Army that created a “travelling road What remains of long-abandoned boat that was blocking Passaic River is show of deception” (inflatable removed from waterway. tanks and artillery, false radio broadcasts, phony command dedicated. tion awards gold medals of posts, etc.) to mislead the Navalor to six Harrison firefightzis about the size, strength and MAY ers -- Willie McMahon, Robert whereabouts of Allied forces. For added security, Kearny Underhill, Joseph Zicchinella, Shop and office windows has installed 11 more surveilDavid Prina, Lt. Joseph Lang lance cameras on utility poles all over town are transformed and Capt. John Dwyer -- for around town. Included are five into works of art by Kearny their roles in a November High School students in the license plate readers, located 2012 life-saving rescue of a Kearny Urban Enterprise at entry points to the comHarrison man trapped in his Zone’s second annual Winmunity, that can spot stolen Central Ave. apartment. dows of Spring project. At Opening Day ceremonies vehicles, those with expired Hudson County’s smallest registrations, and those whose for the Kearny Little League, police force -- nine cops plus owners have expired or susthe long-awaited new field one special – is diminished pended licenses. house at Veterans’ Field is

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by one with the retirement of Chief Kenneth Sheehan. Nutley launches “Operation Welcome Home,” designed to provide uplifting and joyous homecomings for local troops returning from deployment and for their families. In continuing fallout from the March “backdraft” fire in Harrison, the Kearny Town Council votes to cut back its mutual aid response to that town, providing only two fire companies instead of three. It will reassess its position next month. In Lyndhurst, the slate headed by incumbent Mayor Robert Giangeruso takes all five seats in the nonpartisan Township Commission election. The other victors are Tom DiMaggio, Theodore Dudek, John Montillo Jr. and Matthew Ruzzo. Lady Liberty Academy Charter School of Newark, which has rented space in the former Holy Cross School in Harrison for the last two school years, announces it will return for a third. Dedicating a plaque at his alma mater, Harrison High School, Harrison honors its

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The contents of letters do not reflect the opinion of The Observer staff. Letters must be kept to a maximum of 250 words. Any letters that exceed the maximum will be edited, at the discretion of the publisher, who reserves the right at any time to reject or edit the letters for space. Letters must include the writer’s name, address, and telephone number for verification purposes. The deadline for letters is Thursday at 5 p.m. Any letters that arrive after deadline will not be considered for the upcoming publication. Letters can be sent by e-mail to publisher@theobserver.com or mailed to 39 Seeley Ave., Kearny, N.J. 07032. Anonymous letters will not be published under any circumstances.

Have yourself a merry Little Christmas O

n Monday, the N.Y.C. Sanitation Department began its annual curbside pickups of discarded Christmas trees. Monday! Less than a week after Christmas Day. Who gets rid of their tree that fast? Obviously, a lot of people. But then, in recent years, some folks appear to be putting up their trees around Halloween, so by Dec. 31, the things are nothing but dead stalks holding brown needles. For shame. This is what has happened because the holiday has become so commercialized that some stores start selling Christmas cards in August. (I will not name the stores; they deserve no free advertising.) The first time I saw this, I complained to the store manager, who explained he had no control over the premature promotion; it had been ordered by “corporate.” Whatever happened to the 12 Days of Christmas? And I am not talking about partridges in pear trees. In olden days, happy golden days of yore, the Christmas season did not start until after Thanksgiving. But it lasted through Jan. 6. If you count them, the 12 Days of Christmas actually ex-

tend from Dec. 25 through only Jan. 5. But the 6th, Epiphany/ Feast of the Magi, has long been the traditional final day of Christmastide. This was the day that the Three Wise Men finally arrived in Bethlehem, bearing their gifts for the Christ Child. The importance wasn’t the gifts; it was the manifestation to man that this infant was the Son of God. (If I’ve got that wrong, theologians correct me please!) In any case, the 6th is what we marked as Little Christmas in my home, a tradition linked to the Ukrainian side of my family. (And, I have just discovered, apparently to the Celtic side, too. Who knew?) Because my father had long since “converted” to Roman Catholic from Ukrainian Catholic (not to be confused with Ukrainian Orthodox or Russian Orthodox; it all gets very confusing), we had no special Little Christmas celebrations, other than going to church for the Feast of the Epiphany. But the day did mark the official end of the Yuletide season. And it was on Jan. 6 that our Christmas tree and other decorations came down. Never a day before. From the scattershot research I have done on (pass

the salt grains please) Wikipedia, Little Christmas appears to date to the Julian Calendar, which was succeeded by the current Gregorian Calendar, which marked Christmas as Dec. 25. However, also according

Scottish Highlands (Jan. 1). I had never heard of that before. I’d be happy to have that confirmed by any of you Irish or Scottish readers out there. In the west, Jan. 6 is also known as Three Kings Day, cause for particular celebration in Hispanic communities. And just as children put out milk and cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve, some Spanish youngsters reportedly put out boxes of grass for the camels of the Magi on the eve of Jan. 6. I had never heard of that before, either, but it is very sweet. Whatever its origin, Little Christmas is still a tradition in many families, mine included. (The reindeer antlers and red Rudolph nose decorating my car will remain until the 6th, by the way.) If you have never marked the date before, may I suggest you start, if for no other reason than because it extends the season of peace and joy. For more practical purposes, it gives you an excuse to delay to Wikipedia, even before the ornery task of removing the Gregorian Calendar was adopted, western churches had the lights on your roof and deflating the giant snowman begun celebrating Christmas on your lawn. But, please, try on Dec. 25. to get them down sometime Wikipedia also reports that before Easter. Little Christmas is traditional – Karen Zautyk in Ireland (Jan. 6) and the

CORRECTION!

In The Observer’s issue of Dec. 11, 2013, a press release for Roosevelt School academic honors misspelled a student’s name. Here’s the corrected entry: Honors: 4th Grade, Ava Lynch.

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2013 from

courageous son Lance Cpl. Donald Blue Scott, killed in Vietnam in August 1968 at age 19. The general contractor hired, and then let go, by the Kearny Board of Ed, says it is not his fault the Kearny High School reconstruction project is mired in delays and blames the board for “handcuffing” his firm. A body fished out of the Passaic River off South Kearny turns out to be that of a man who had been hunted for two months as a suspect in an attack on his ex-wife in Irvington. The victim had been doused in hot oil and suffered severe burns. North Arlington makes history with its Memorial Day Parade, led for the first time by two female Army veterans as co-Grand Marshals: Jennifer O’Brian, who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, and Mary Biro, who served in Kuwait. Groundbreaking is held in Belleville for the town’s first new senior citizen residential complex in 35 years, to be built near the intersection of Franklin and Mill Sts.

police chief, replacing the retired Kenneth Sheehan. Speaking of police, there’s a bit of a dust-up at the Nutley Police Department, where Capt. Thomas Strumolo is accusing Mayor Alphonse Petracco of political interference in the PD. East Newark is shopping for a new high school for its students, who traditionally have gone to Harrison High. It’s a

tank – 104 feet deep – caused the pump to pump continually, “which kept blowing the fuses.” A new pump and tank were being installed. JULY Belleville shutters its Silver Lake firehouse and relocates its pumper company to headquarters after the township construction office declares the building at 275 Franklin

Memorial Bridge in tribute to a 20-year-old North Arlington Marine who was killed in February 2012 by an explosive device during a combat mission in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He was awarded a Purple Heart. The soldier’s two brothers – a twin Osmany, and Sandro – are both in the Marine Corps. After getting battered by Superstorm Sandy, like many

This scene was repeated at state-sponsored gun buy-backs in Essex, Hudson and Bergen Counties.

JUNE The Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Newark, is the setting for a Mass of Thanksgiving, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the ordination of the Rev. Msgr. Francis Seymour, Archdiocesan Archivist, who has been in residence at St. Cecilia’s, Kearny, since 1988. The Nutley Historical Society, the Township and its Public Library celebrate the 80th anniversary of the opening of the Nutley Velodrome, a legendary cycling track that was part of the “golden age” of bicycle racing in the U.S. A former industrial tract in the Kearny meadows, abandoned since the ‘90s and deemed by some environmentalists as one of the most polluted in the state, may be destined for a clean-up following an agreement between the EPA and four companies to study the project. Two hundred straw bales laid out in 11 rows mark Kearny’s first Community Garden, taking root in Riverside Park. Township residents had promoted the idea and brought it to fruition. Anthony Monteiro, 37, takes over as acting East Newark

matter of money. North Arlington announces that, come September, its public school students will be wearing uniforms. Harrison unveils its new state-of-the-art police communications center. An ambitious upgrade of playing fields at Riverside County Park in North Arlington and Lyndhurst is proceeding on schedule, Bergen County reports. Nutley residents are left high and dry when the township temporarily shuts down its Vincent Place well, from which folks have been drinking cold, clean water for the past three decades. DPW Commissioner Joseph Scarpelli explains that leaks from the well’s underground holding

Ave. unsafe. Mold conditions, developing from a leaky roof, unstable steps leading up to second-floor sleeping quarters and other factors contributed to the closing. Later in the year, the township agreed to bond funding for repairs. In Belleville’s Second Ward, residents of Carpenter St., in the shadow of the old SoHo Hospital, catch a break when the township cuts a deal with Essex County to widen the narrow street to allow for parking on both sides of the block. For years, neighbors have been frustrated by the parking crunch. Independence Day sees the dedication of the Rutgers St. span linking North Arlington with Belleville as the Cpl. Osbrany Montes De Oca

other communities, Harrison get some new rolling stock for its Police Department which, Chief Derek Kearns says, should help in coping

with any future flooding. The HPD acquires three new Ford Explorer Interceptors, SUVs, that should be able to reach people trapped or threatened by high water conditions. The town ordered the cars under a cooperative pricing deal through Cranford PD. A Belleville man is killed by police in his home after officers respond to a report of an assault. Police said Dante Cespedes, 40, a New York hotel chef, was shot after he allegedly lunged at cops with two knives. According to published reports, three cops fired 30 rounds, of which 24 struck Cespedes. His wife has filed a notice of intent to file a wrongfu-death suit. The incident is still being investigated by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. Internal strife continues within the Kearny Board of Education. Trustee Bernadette McDonald files a legal complaint with the state Department of Education to try to regain the presidency of the BOE, from which she had been displaced by a majority vote of the board. In late August, a state Administrative Law Judge nixes her challenge and the decision is affirmed by the state education commissioner. Meanwhile, the BOE fills its vacant No. 2 administrative post, hiring Debra Sheard as assistant superintendent of see 2013 next page

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2013 from

schools at $150,000 a year. Sheard was a Hunterdon County school administrator. The BOE also hires D’Archangelo & Co., a Poughkeepsie, N.Y., accounting firm, for $75,000 to do a Kearny High School “construction risk assessment.” Law enforcement agents collect 589 weapons from Hudson County residents in a state-sponsored gun buyback held July 12-13. For every gun turned in, the state gave $250 back. Among the guns received were an Uzi, a 12-gauge shotgun and a 30-caliber military style rifle. Previous buybacks were conducted in Camden, Mercer, Essex, Bergen, Passaic, Monmouth, Atlantic and Cumberland counties. Nutley cops demonstrate outside the Municipal Building, decrying what they characterize as “political cronyism” by Mayor/Public Safety Director Alphonse Petracco. Lyndhurst resident Chris-

tina Nunez, 30, an ex-postal worker, is sentenced to 46 months in prison after being found guilty of intercepting and distributing packages of cocaine mailed from Puerto Rico to New Jersey. As part of a price gouging investigation of businesses that exploited the post-Sandy situation, the state fines owners of the Exxon station, just east of the DeJessa (Park Ave.) Bridge, $25,000 for hiking the price of regular gas by 21% and premium by 14%. The Kearny Salvation Army gets new leadership as Sherry and Maurice Moukonangala take over as officers/pastors at the Chestnut St. facility. The Lower Passaic Cooperating Parties Group, which is paying for a cleanup of the Passaic River, donates six “dry suits” to members of the Lyndhurst Fire Department dive team for search and rescue efforts on the long-polluted river. AUGUST Belleville shifts to “single

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stream” recycling, retaining the same vendor for pickups of regular household trash and recyclables. The township predicts it will save close to $500,000 over the next two years. Kearny Fire Department scores two new pieces of equipment. It now has a “Quick Attack” truck with dual capability of shooting water from two nozzles at a rate of 1,200 gallons per minute and of delivering 125 gallons of foam to douse gas, oil or diesel fuel fires, both in tight, tricky terrain; and it comes with attachments for a snow plow and hydraulic lift. It also gets a surplus 5-ton Army truck which can be adapted for rescues in high waters. The Lower Passaic CPG begins dredging a five-acre stretch containing an estimated 20,000 cubic yards of toxic mudflats in Lyndhurst at River Mile 10.9. The operation, which barges the contaminated sediment to a South Kearny

waste treatment plant, bogs down for several weeks when the Bridge St. Bridge motors conk out but then resumes, pretty much concluding with the placement of a protective cap by year’s end. A Kearny couple gets lucky when the MegaMillions Lotto ticket purchased at Dollar Subs turns out to be the $19 million Jackpot winner. Kearny Public Library begins work on its Children’s Garden project with a $150,000 county Open Space Trust Fund grant, hoping for a fall opening, but as of year’s end, it remains unfinished. Nutley resident David Licata Jr., 34, is among 20 defendants caught up in “Operation White Silk,” a multi-law enforcement agency takedown of a Paterson-based oxycodone distribution scheme in northern N.J. Alma Realty, owner of the former First Republic complex in East Newark, agrees to pay the borough $100,000 in fines as settlement of longstanding fire code violations at the 35-building, 13-acre Passaic Ave. complex. Kearny hires three new

cops, including Mayor Alberto Santos’s nephew/BOE member Dan Esteves, but its application for SAFER funds to hire additional firefighters is denied so the town opts to reapply. North Arlington gets an A+ financial rating from Standard & Poors. Rep. Bill Pascrell publicly feuds with state DEP Commissioner Bob Martin over Gov. Chris Christie’s announced intention to take $40 million from a $130 million partial settlement with Passaic River polluters for the state. Aug. 19 is marked as the 70th anniversary of the explosion at the old Congoleum Nairn plant on Passaic Ave. that killed 16 workers. Gov. Chris Christie visits Harrison to mark the start of a $256 million upgrade of the town’s PATH station by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Christie says the project will account for 470 construction jobs with a $42 million payroll and will pump more than $300 million into the local economy. continued next page

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After closing two Little League diamonds and a small soccer field at Gunnell Oval due to environmental concerns, Kearny ponders possible artificial turfing for the entire recreation complex but only if sufficient outside funding can be acquired. Roche Co. performs environmental testing on and around its Nutley property as it continues to negotiate with representatives of Nutley and Clifton on terms for its departure from the area. The U.S. Postal Service shuts its Kearny Ave. postal station due to environmental issues, apparently stemming from a compromised apartment directly above the station. The USPS says the facility is being “studied for permanent closure.” Customers are referred to the Midland Ave. Post Office. SEPTEMBER Federal, state and county law enforcement agents launch an anti-carjacking task force focused on the Rt. 21 corridor in Essex County where the number of such incidents has doubled since 2009, to about 400 a year. An environmental consulting firm hired by Kearny is remediating conditions stemming from prior removals of underground fuel storage tanks at the First Aid Squad and at the Kearny Ave. firehouse. Kearny High students must now “log in” with swipe cards when they report for morning classes. Officials say it’s a more efficient way to track students’ use of ID and uniforms and daily attendance. Harrison’s application for $2.1 million in SAFER funds to hire more firefighters is denied but the town is awarded $35,000 to replace 20-year-old rescue equipment; it will reapply for $5.7 million in hopes of hiring 36 more firefighters to beef up the current 29-member department. Federal and county law enforcement agencies arrest Peter Mancuso, 43, of Nutley, and two Passaic men in busting up a $160,000 cell phone insurance scam. The KPD launch an outreach program to find autistic children and adults with Alzheimers who may go missing by registering key information in computer data base. East Newark’s public school pre-K program returns to the

At l., Lyndhurst’s St. Michael the Archangel Church displays the “Field of Flags” tribute to fallen heroes. At r., Gov. Chris Christie with Mayor Ray McDonough at ceremonial groundbreaking for upgrade of Harrison PATH station.

borough. The borough had been sending 4-year-olds to Harrison’s school district but is hoping to save money by keeping kids local.

St. Michael the Archangel Church, Lyndhurst, participates in the “Field of Flags” traveling memorial to the fallen U.S. heroes of Afghani-

stan and Iraq by displaying 18 and 218 volunteer time to 6,700 American flags on the build a children’s playground parish lawn. in Normandy Beach, one of Kearny Fireman’s Mutual Benevolent Association Locals see 2013 next page

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Kearny High holds its firstever 5K Run to benefit the school’s extra-curricular clubs the Jersey Shore towns and raises $6,000. wrecked by Superstorm A very public split in the Sandy, in memory of Chase Kowalski, 7, one of the 26 chil- once-solid ranks of the Lyndhurst Democratic team occurs dren who perished at Sandy at a Township Commission Hook School in Newtown, Conn. FMBA locals pledged to meeting as Mayor Robert build 26 playgrounds dedicat- Giangeruso and Parks/Rec Commissioner Tom DiMed to the children who died. aggio upbraid former ally/ Dr. Angelo Calabrese, who Mayor Richard DiLascio, now has a North Arlington pracattorney for the township and tice, and Lyndhurst resident BOE. The Giangeruso faction David McCann, employed announces plans to hire a new by Biodiagnostic Laboratory Services, of Parsippany, plead attorney but later reassesses. Kearny Scots-American guilty to federal charges of Club holds a fundraiser for participating in a bribery Army Spec. Brendan Marrocscheme to steer $600,000 co, nephew of Kearny resiworth of test referrals to the dents Pat and (club president) lab over the past three years. Joseph Collins. Marrocco lost Both await trial. St. Cecilia’s parish in Kearny both legs and arms on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009, in an loses two key spiritual leadexplosion while returning ers – the Rev. Michael Ward, to his base, 130 miles from pastor; and the Rev. Yuvan Baghdad, Iraq. He’s said to Alvarez, parochial vicar – to be the only surviving doublereassignments, causing conamputee from the Middle sternation among many of its East war. After undergoing a parishioners. double arm transplant in Dec. Kearny welcomes the first 2012, Marrocco lost his Prince visit by mobile dental clinic, Bay, S.I., home to Sandy. furnished by North Hudson Kearny BOE prepares to reCommunity Action Corp., to sume construction on Kearny service lower-income resiHigh with the award of a dents. 2013 from

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a single car crash on Rt. 21 in Newark. The cause of the accident was under investigation. Mazur’s Bakery, a longtime fixture in Lyndhurst, is closed for health-related issues after inspection. Another project for Harrison’s waterfront redevelopment district gets approval from the town Planning Board. Advance at Harrison LLC plans to build 345 rental apartments, spread among five buildings, with 5,400 square feet of ground-floor retail, on land just west of Red Bull Arena. The sign tells the story: Harrison High gets “Blue Ribbon” designation.

contract for nearly $3 million to Paul Otto Building Co., of Cranford, to finish work on South Building. Knox Presbyterian Church in Kearny announces its closing after functioning more than 130 years in town. Dwindling numbers of congregants and income contributed to the shutdown. Nutley attorney Paul Bergrin, 57, is sentenced to six life terms after a jury convicts him on 23 criminal counts, including racketeering, drug and

prostitution offenses and conspiracy to murder a witness. Former Jefferson School PTA President Jeneen Gino, of Lyndhurst, is charged with forgery and stealing $10,000 from the PTA. She’s awaiting trial in Bergen County Superior Court. Kearny High seniors Marco Matos and Tiffany Gonzalez are appointed non-voting student liaisons to Kearny BOE. Navy veteran Andrew Negrin, 21, and Amanda Velez, 23, of Belleville, are killed in

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OCTOBER An arborist hired by Kearny recommends the removal of many of the older oaks and maple trees concentrated in the town’s Manor section as being decayed and/or unsafe to residents and properties. Later in the year, the town hires a tree removal firm to begin the process. Harrison High is one of only 26 schools from among 15 states to be named a “Blue Ribbon” school by U.S. Educa-

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tion Secretary Arne Duncan. It is categorized as an “exemplary improving” school for progress shown in Language Arts mastery (moving from 63% to 88% passing on the HSPA) and in math achievement (going from 57% to 78%) from July 2008 to Nov. 2012. A new Sacred Heart of Jesus American National Catholic Church parish is in residence at Harrison’s Christ Episcopal Church. The South Kearny Industrial Association sounds an alarm over how a partial closure of the Pulaski Skyway, targeted for March 2014, will adversely impact traffic in South Kearny. Two unusual Kearny shoplifting incidents happen within two days of each other: one, originating at Street Smart on Passaic Ave., ends with the suspect, a Newark woman, jumping out a moving SUV with an infant in tow; the second, starting at Walmart, ends with the suspect being rescued from a water-filled meadows ditch. A lone gunman who tries – but fails – to rob Tullo’s TruckStop is arrested a few weeks later at his Irvington residence. Police are looking to tie him to prior robberies in Newark and Jersey City. Belleville Recreation Director Michael Wieners leaves his $62,464 job to take over as director of alumni relations for his alma mater, St. Peter’s Prepatory School, Jersey City. Kearny BOE undertakes conversion of the old tire factory at 174 Midland Ave. into new BOE headquarters, with some classrooms planned for the lower level. John Zacherle (AKA Zacherley), onetime host of “Shock Theater,” a late-night horror movie TV show in late ‘50s) makes a guest appearance at the Lyndhurst American Legion Post 139. Kearny Recreation Commission cites Little League Coach John Leadbeater for violating Town of Kearny’s Recreation Volunteer Code of Conduct for allegedly engaging in unsportsmanlike conduct with player (by placing player in garbage can to teach proper hitting), using profanity and verbal abuse of players. Leadbeater is also Kearny BOE veep. Kearny shuts Bell Playground for about a month in wake of damage to play equipment rendering it unsafe for

Knox Presbyterian Church closed in September after 130 years in Kearny.

use. Hollywood comes to Kearny as director Clint Eastwood spends several days in town lensing his next picture, “Jersey Boys: The Story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons,” featuring Christopher Walken as Gyp DeCarlo. Shooting will continue into 2014. Harrison’s Goodwill Industries opens a Career Counseling & Learning Center to help people prepare or update resumes and search for jobs. Belleville’s Grace Baptist Church celebrates 102 years in the township. Russian émigré Mikhail Kor-

ban, 61, is killed in a fall from the roof of a Kearny building where he was doing construction work. Nutley Police Sgt. Christopher Lamond sues the township and Mayor/Public Safety Director Alphonse Petracco, claiming that politics has interfered with his promotion to a higher rank. NOVEMBER Nutley Police Chief John Holland retires after more than 40 years with the department; Capt. Tom Strumolo is appointed as his successor, but only as “provisional” chief.

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Welcomed by several hundred supporters, including Mayor Ray McDonough, Gov. Chris Christie and former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani visit Harrison as part of a Christie re-election campaign stop. In a split vote, Lyndhurst BOE adopts a policy prohibiting kids in K to grade 8 from bringing nuts and/or nut products to school to protect kids with severe allergies to peanuts. Ex-NY Mets/Yankees pitcher Dwight “Doc” Gooden visits Nutley High School to talk about drug and alcohol abuse prevention. His talk is sponsored by the Municipal Alliance and Mayor Alphonse Petracco’s HOPE project. Nutley chiropractor Joseph Salomone, with practices in Jersey City and Paterson, is sentenced to four years in prison for submitting more than $89,000 in false billings to five insurance companies as part of a plea agreement. General election results: Kearny Mayor Alberto Santos, running unopposed, is re-elected with Democratic Town Council running mates, including newcomer Richard

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Pasquale and Filomena Spatola of Belleville announce the engagement of their daughter Concetta to Robert Monaco, son of Arthur and Florence Monaco of Newark. The bride-to-be is an alumna of Belleville High School and Fairleigh Dickinson University, where she received her bachelor’s degree. She is currently employed as a Legal Assistant at a law firm in Florham Park. The groom to be is a graduate of Queen of Peace High School and Montclair State University where he received his bachelor’s degree. He is currently employed with the County of Essex as a Legal Assistant.

Konopka, replacing Madeline Peyko, who is moving to the Jersey Shore. In North Arlington, Dems hold on to a 4-3 majority (with Mayor Pete Massa as the tie-breaker) after Republican incumbents Rich Hughes and Joe Bianchi beat off Dems incumbent Peter Norcia and challenger Jean Williams and newcomer Dan Pronti wins a third seat from Dems Dan Castro. Later in the year, Norcia is appointed DPW superintendent at $79,000 a year by a 4-3 vote. “Fugitive Safe Surrender,” by which the state permits non-violent criminal and civil offenders sought on warrants to give themselves up and pay what they owe, thereby avoiding worse consequences, nets 4,587 “surrenders” in Hudson County, thereby settling some 10,000 outstanding warrants and the collecting of $4,000 in fines, mostly for traffic violations but also for misdemeanors, child support and a few felonies. Hudson County dedicates the USS Juneau Center in South Kearny on the 71st anniversary of the ship’s sinking,

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Belleville

a meeting, call Joe D’Arco at 201-955- 7400 or Jose FernanBelleville Public Library dez at 201-991-1040. and Information Center, 221 The West Hudson DetachWashington Ave., will host a ment of the Marine Corps special program “Three Kings League invites all former and Day,” co-sponsored by the active duty Marines and FMF Carl A. Paserchia Foundation Corpsmen to an open house, and Cheer Me Up Foundation, every Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 6, at 3:30 p.m. at 286 Belgrove Drive. Guests in the children’s room. For are welcome. more information, call 973Kearny UNICO meets 450-3434. on Thursday, Jan. 9, at 7:30 p.m. For more information Kearny about the group or to attend, The Ancient Order of Hicontact Chapter President bernians, Division 7, Hudson Lou Pandolfi at 201-368-2409. County, meets on the second Wednesday of every month at New members are welcome. Kearny UNICO is a 7:30 p.m. at the Irish Amerimember chapter of UNICO can Association, 95 Kearny National, the largest Italian Ave. American service organizaJoin the Senior Citizens of tion in the United States. Kearny to meet new friends. Kearny Public Library, Due are $5 per year. This enti318 Kearny Ave., will host a tles members to five free parscreening of the family film ties, including a fish and chips “Despicable Me 2” (PG/98 dinner. Meetings are held minutes) on Friday, Jan. Thursdays at the Henrietta 10, at 4 p.m., on the lower Benstead Senior Center, 60 level. This sequel to the 2010 Columbia Ave., starting with animated film catches up a continental breakfast and with Gru, the ex-scheming socializing at 9 a.m., following by the business meeting at evildoer-turned-parent, as he attempts to work for the 11:30 a.m., and bingo at noon. good guys. Popcorn and light Several speakers are brought refreshments will be served. in during the year. For club This program is free and information, call Carol 201all are welcome. For more 991-9369. information on any library The Kearny Rotary Club program, call 201-998-2666 or meets Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m. at La Fiamma Restaurant, visit www.kearnylibrary.org. 440 Harrison Ave., in HarLyndhurst rison. Business leaders from The Lyndhurst Food Pantry, Harrison are invited to attend 253 Stuyvesant Ave., will be to learn about the work that closed through Jan. 6. Regular Rotary International accomhours – Monday to Thursday, plishes around the world 1 to 3 p.m. – will resume on and in local communities. Tuesday, Jan. 7. Food Pantry For more information about patrons must show proof of the club or to join them for

hardship and proof of Lyndhurst residency to qualify. The New Jersey Meadowlands Commission announces the following programs: • New Year’s Day Nature Walk, offered Wednesday, Jan. 1, at 10 a.m., is a free two-hour guided walk of Mill Creek Marsh in Secaucus. Check meadowblog.net for last-minute weather updates. Participants are asked to sign a standard liability release that is good for NJMC/BCAS events throughout the year. To R.S.V.P., contact Don Torino at greatauk4@aol.com or call 201-230-4983. • Bill Bosenberg’s Snakesn-Scales: “Fish Tales” is a hands-on aquatic adaptation program for all ages, available on Sunday, Jan. 12, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., at the Meadowlands Environment Center, 2 DeKorte Park Plaza, Lyndhurst. Bosenberg uses his brand of jokes, stories and “animals’ eye views” to tell what it’s like to live in the water. Bosenberg will use a digital camera to display the smallest details of these denizens of deep and shallow waters. Admission is $5; $4/MEC members. Registration is recommended and appreciated. To register, visit www.njmeadowlands.gov/ec. For more information, call 201-460-8300. Lyndhurst Public Library, 355 Valley Brook Ave., will offer these events this month: • A 45-minute program for children ages 3 to 4 1/2 featuring stories, music, and crafts is available, beginning Feb. 20. Parents are welcome to participate. There are two

Help a senior dog find a home

Baby (ID#5522) is a senior male miniature Pinscher who waits for a forever home at the Bergen County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, 100 United Lane, Teterboro. This itty-bitty cutie will need a patient home whose occupants will guarantee him the necessary time to adjust. At age 9, his owners handed him over to us because they were moving and couldn’t take him along. The shelter recommends an

experienced household who can show him the ropes with confidence and enthusiasm and help Baby open up his heart. This breed can be a tad tricky and stubborn, the shelter advises; therefore, Baby needs a firm owner who can offer him a stable routine and a balanced lifestyle. According to the shelter, Baby does take his food and treats too seriously and does not want to share. His new owners will need to address

this issue or keep it a bay so it does not escalate. Baby does warn you when he does not want you near, so for this reason, he should go to an adultonly home. The shelter feels this behavior can be managed in the proper and committed household. All Baby needs is an understanding and caring family who can guarantee this oldie but goodie, can continue to live a long and happy life. For more information, call 201-229-4600. Hours for

Nutley Public Library, 93 Booth Dr., announces the following programs: • Play Bridge every Tuesday at 1 p.m. No registration is required. • Enjoy Conversational ESL

on Wednesdays, starting Jan. 8, at 10 a.m. No registration is required. • Pop Up Teen Craft session is offered for grades 7 to 12 on Wednesdays, Jan. 8 and 22, at 3 p.m. • Play Dungeons and Dragons on Thursdays, Jan. 9 and 23, at 7 p.m • Play video games on Fridays, Jan. 10 and 24, at 3 p.m. • High School Manga Club meets on Monday, Jan. 13, at 3 p.m. The Nutley Parks and Recreation Department offers these events: * Sign up for a Pilates fitness program, starting Jan. 4, for Nutley residents, on Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to noon, at the Recreation Annex, 65 Bloomfield Ave., for six consecutive weeks. There is a $30 fee. Participants are asked to bring a mat and a water bottle. Register online at https://nutleynj.my.gov-i.com/recreation or pick up forms at the Parks & Recreation office, 44 Park Ave. For more information, call 973-284-4966 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. * Join a ski/snowboarding trip to Shawnee, Pa., on Feb. 18. A bus will leave from 44 Park Ave., at 8 a.m., and is expected to return to Nutley at about 8 p.m. Information on ski rental and pricing for lift tickets is available through the department upon registration. Participation is limited and applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. To register or for more information, call 973-2844966, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., by Jan. 6.

adoption are 1 to 5 p.m. every day except Monday, including weekends. The shelter is open 1 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Many other adoptable animals can be seen at the shelter’s website http://www. petfinder.com/shelters/NJ29. html. Many communities have a Patch website where the shelter’s animals are featured. The shelter also has a page on Facebook. Please visit and “like” the Bergen County Animal Shelter.

Baby

sessions on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Required registration is from Jan. 2 to Feb. 14. Space is limited. Call in advance to register your child. • Would your child like to make their very own winter accessories, such as scarves, hats and mittens? Children in grades 1 to 4 are welcome to attend on Thursday, Jan. 9, from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. for this craft. Call in advance to register. • Children in pre-K to grade 3 are invited to a snowman craft session on Monday, Jan. 27, from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. Call in advance to register. For more information or to register, call the library at 201804-2478. Sacred Heart School, 620 Valley Brook Ave., sponsors a Tricky Tray on Friday, Jan. 17, at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 and non-refundable. No alcohol will be served. For tickets, call the school at 201-939-4277 or Patty at 201-803-9580 by Jan. 6. No tickets will be available at the door.

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American Legion Alexander Stover Post 37 will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 7, at 8 p.m. at NAFD Engine Co. 2, 550 Schuyler Ave. All veterans are invited. For more information, call 201-214-8253.

Nutley

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2014

Report from the Harrison Police blotter Dec. 26 For a third time, a local woman appears to be have been targetted by a person or persons looking to commit fraud, police said. Police received a report of identify theft from a woman who told police she’d received a letter from a Cherry Hill law firm attempting to collect a debt on behalf of Ford Motor Credit Co.

The woman told police that the letter instructed her to fill out an attached form requesting personal and financial information, along with a copy of her most recent pay stub. She told police that when she contacted the law firm, she was told the person she needed to speak to wasn’t available. Police said that in 2011, the woman had filed a fraud report

Samples of ‘Old Nutley’ coming soon to library An exhibition of “Old Nutley: Historical Photographs from the Collection of the Nutley Historical Society” will open at the Nutley Public Library, 93 Booth Dr., on Jan. 8 and run through March. The exhibition, featuring 22 historical photographs of Nutley from the collection of the Nutley Museum and Historical Society, is curated by Barry Lenson, art director of the Nutley Museum and will mark the first time that many of the photographs will be TOP: Nutley’s First Chemical Firetruck 1925. displayed outside of BOTTOM: Nutley Colonels Semi-Pro Baseball the museum. “This exciting exhibi- Team 1895 tion offers a vivid encounter with the places, the treasures of the Nutfaces, and open spaces of our ley Museum and Historical town as it was in years past,” Society at 65 Church St., a said Lenson. “Visitors will one-room brick schoolhouse discover photos of the Nutley that was once Nutley’s only Colonels baseball team from school. The museum houses about 1895, of a boy’s cooking a collection of local artifacts class in the Park School in as well as artworks by for1916, of the modern chemical- mer Nutley artists Reginald equipped fire engine that the Marsh, Charles Hawthorne, town bought in the 1920s, and Edward Loyal Field, Michael much more. I think this exhi- Lenson, and others. The bition will help all Nutleyites museum is open for special feel a richer connection to events and by appointment. our town’s rich history.” Admission is free. For inforThis is the first of four mation or to arrange a visit, shows planned at the library call 973-667-1528. in collaboration with the Call the library at 973-667Nutley Historical Society, a 0405 for more information yearlong, rotating exhibition on this and other programs of Nutley artists and artifacts at the Nutley Public Library. that is part of the library’s The schedule of programs is Centennial Celebration. available at the library and It is also an opportunity for on the library’s web site at the community to discover http://nutley.bccls.org.

after a person with a similar name but different spelling using her social security number had an outstanding debt in the amount of $1,210. And, in 2007, the woman also filed a report of fraud in connection with an unpaid medical bill in the name of another party but with the woman’s social security number, police said.

Dec. 23 At 9:09 p.m., a patrol officer was sent to a residence in the 300 block of John St. on a call of a residential burglary. The caller told the officer someone had forced open a rear screen door and apparently entered his home. Officers entered the house through the rear door and searched the entire building but found nothing amiss,

police said. The occupant told police someone had broken the window on the wooden entrance door leading to the kitchen a few days prior to this incident. Police said they noticed damage to the screen door. Police said the house has been vacant and its contents removed since early December. – Ron Leir

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sports&recreation Sports Year in Review: 2013 Harrison soccer, Lyndhurst baseball top the list By Jim Hague Observer Sports Writer

he calendar year 2013 provided plenty of thrilling moments for local sports fans. It’s very hard to organize all those events, then slice them to down to a precise 10 and then finally rank them. So we will do our best once again to provide The Observer Top 10 Sports Stories for 2013. Here goes: Harrison wins state sectional soccer title; Sowe earns All-America honors The Harrison boys’ soccer team enjoyed a sensational season, tying a school record with 22 wins, losing just once and capturing both the Hudson County Tournament and the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2, Group II championship. The only blemish on the great season was the loss to Newton, 2-1, in the overall NJSIAA Group II semifinals. Other than that, it was a year to remember, capped by defender Modou Sowe being selected as an All-American, the first ever Blue Tide player to receive the honor. Sowe had an astounding 19 goals as a defender, a total almost unheard of, except that Sowe tallied 20 goals a year ago. He leaves a legacy as one of the greatest all-around talents at a school with an impressive ledger of great players.

Lyndhurst baseball team wins state sectional; Servideo earns 500th win It was a great year for the Lyndhurst baseball team, perhaps one of the most surprising seasons any local school has enjoyed in any sport for many years. Before the season, veteran head coach Butch Servideo thought he had to rebuild his entire team, losing six starters and three top

Photo courtesy Ronald Shields

The Harrison boys’ soccer team won both the Hudson County Tournament and the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2, Group II championships last fall, earning the top spot on The Observer’s Top 10 Sports Stories for 2013.

pitchers from the 21-win team the year before. But the Golden Bears surprised everyone by winning 23 games, including the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2, Group II title by defeating Garfield, 8-7, scoring three times in the bottom of the seventh to win it, after surrendering six runs in the top of the seventh. It was Lyndhurst’s first state sectional title since 2008. During the season, Servideo reached an impressive milestone, collecting the 500th win of his storied career. Nutley wrestling wins Essex County and NJSIAA District 14 titles for second straight year After the Nutley wrestling team won the Essex County Tournament and the NJSIAA in 2012, one might think it would be tough to duplicate

the feat, especially since many of the Maroon Raiders’ top wrestlers had graduated. Guess again. The Maroon Raiders won four individual titles at the county tournament at the Codey Arena last January, including senior Bobby Trombetta, who won the fourth ECT title of his career, becoming the first Maroon Raider grappler to win four county crowns. Trombetta overcame a shoulder injury to wrestle at the county tourney. Sophomore Anthony DeLorenzo, senior Brandon Keena and sophomore Vin Mainiero also won county crowns for the Maroon Raiders. At the District 14 tourney in February, the Maroon Raiders crowned six champions, with Trombetta winning his third District 14 gold medal, DeLorenzo and Keena winning

their second straight District crown, Mainiero winning District gold as well, along with Stephen Scuttaro and Peter Burbank. Trombetta ended his season with an eighth place medal at 120 pounds, wrestling most of the season with a torn muscle in his shoulder. He ended his career with 141 career wins, tops in Nutley history, and earned three medals at the state tournament. Nutley’s Papaccio drafted by Chicago Cubs, signs and plays minor league baseball It was a year to remember for Nutley native and former Seton Hall shortstop Guiseppe Papaccio. It started with a stellar senior year at Seton Hall, where Papaccio batted .365, broke school records for doubles in a season and in a

career, and drove in 53 runs, one of the top totals in the Big East. He was named the New Jersey College Baseball Coaches Association Player of the Year. Papaccio was then drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 18th round of the MLB Free Agent Amateur Draft and spent most of the summer playing for Kane County in the Midwest League (Class A). Papaccio batted .279 with two homers and 13 RBI in 37 games for Kane County, but he will head to the Cubs’ spring training complex in Arizona in February to continue his professional career. QP’s Momnohin goes for 2,000 yards, setting school record Queen of Peace football see REVIEW next page

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2014

REVIEW from

standout Kevin Momnohin had a season to remember, rushing for 2,069 yards and scoring 33 touchdowns, setting new school records in the process. The totals were among the best ever in northern New Jersey history and enabled Momnohin to earn All-Bergen County and AllState honors. Momnohin led the Golden Griffins to a berth in the NJSIAA Non-Public Group 1 state playoffs and a first-round victory over St. Anthony. Momnohin was also a standout in track and field last spring, earning four medals at the NJSIAA Non-Public B state sectional championships.

history of the franchise. It was an impressive first year for head coach Mike Petke, a former standout player for both the MetroStars and Red Bulls franchises. The only downside to the Red Bulls’ season was the first-round exit in the MLS playoffs.

Red Bulls win MLS Supporters’ Shield as top regular season squad It was a great year – at least in the regular season – for the New York Red Bulls, who electrified fans at Red Bull Arena in Harrison to the tune of 17 regular season wins and the MLS Supporters’ Shield as the team with the best regular season record. It was the first title of any kind in the 18-year

QP’s Rozalski sisters both earn medals in pole vault at NJSIAA indoor Meet of Champions It was the last time that the Rozalski sisters, namely senior Michele and sophomore Kas, got the chance to compete together as track and field teammates and the Queen of Peace pole vault queens didn’t disappoint, as both earned medals at the NJSIAA indoor Meet of Champions at the Bennett Center in Toms River last February. Michele finished fifth and sister Kas was sixth at the overall state indoor track championships, quite an accomplishment considering QP does not field a full team for indoor track. Kearny girls win both indoor and cross country Hudson County titles The calendar year of 2013

55-meter hurdles and the high jump and finishing second in the long jump, compiling 28 of the team’s 73 team points. In the fall, the Kardinals captured the HCTCA title, the school’s first since 2009, thanks to the leadership of seniors Aislinn Sroczynski and Erika Alzamora. It made it definitely a year to remember for Kearny coaches Al Perez (track and field) and Jim Cifelli (cross country).

Photo by Jim Hague

Senior right-hander Max Hart won eight games as Lyndhurst was one of the biggest surprise stories of 2013, winning the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2, Group II state sectional championship, earning the No. 2 spot among The Observer’s Top 10 Sports Stories of 2013.

was a great one for the Kearny girls’ track and field program. In the winter months, the Kardinals managed to capture the Hudson County Track Coach-

es Association championship, the school’s first indoor county championship since 1992. Senior Haley Durning was the main cog, winning the

Lyndhurst wins NJSIAA North 2, Group I cross country title After former Observer Male Athlete of the Year Patrick Rono ran off to the University of Arkansas upon graduation in 2011, it was believed that Lyndhurst would never again reach the standards that were set while Rono was a Golden Bear. However, that has not been the case and the 2013 version of the Golden Bears’ cross country team managed to win the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2, Group I state sectional championship, the first state title since the Ronoled Golden Bears captured continued next page

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2014

the title in 2010. Andre Francisco (second overall) and William Hooper (fourth) were the leaders of the state sectional championship parade for the Golden Bears. Nutley East Little League goes to Little League state championships It was a summer to remember for the 12-year-old Little League All-Stars from the Nutley East Little League, which won both the District 8 and Section 2 championships en route to the overall New Jersey Little League state championships in Wallington. It was the first time that Nutley East went to the state championships since 2009 and only the third time since 1982. Josh O’Neill was one of the stars of the team, striking out an astonishing 15 during the Section 2 clincher over Teaneck Southern. Danny Caraballo was another standout pitcher on the team. Natalia Buscanan, the lone girl to compete in the state tournament, overcame several heart surgeries as an infant to play on the Nutley East squad. Just missed list Here are some other newsworthy sports stories that just missed making the top 10: Riverside County Park got a major overhaul, including three new state-of-the-art athletic fields. The main football

Camila Alonso of Lyndhurst scored a school-record 46 points in a single game, reached 1,000 points in her career in basketball and earned medals in the state sectionals in the javelin and discus, becoming The Observer Female Athlete of the Year in the process. Kearny’s Tomasz Adamek returned to the ring and defeated Dominick Guinn in August, the first fight for the heavyweight contender in seven months. All in all, it was a great year for local sports, highlighted by the top 10 stories of the year.

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The Kearny girls indoor track and field and cross country teams had county championship seasons in 2013, good enough for the No. 8 spot among the Top 10 Sports Stories of the Year.

field became the home for both North Arlington and Queen of Peace last fall. Queen of Peace renamed its field after the late legendary coach Ralph Borgess. Lyndhurst had two bowlers throw perfect 300 games in Jordan Lopez and Ryan Donohue. Kearny basketball standout Dylan Hoch scored a schoolrecord 49 points in a game against McNair Academic and ended his career with more than 1,000 points. The Nutley hockey team won 17 games, best in school history, thanks to the exploits

of Dave Fierro (28 goals) and goaltender Alec Astorga. The Belleville baseball team enjoyed its best season in recent memory, reaching the NJSIAA North 1, Group IV championship game before falling to Randolph.

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Hospice volunteer training offered Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care Center, West Orange, will host two training programs for individuals interested in becoming a hospice volunteer in Essex or Hudson counties. The volunteer training program is designed to give participants an understanding of the needs of patients and families who are coping with advanced illness. Program

topics include hospice history and philosophy, hospice nursing, spirituality in hospice, personal death awareness, listening, and the nuts and bolts of volunteering. After successful completion of the training, volunteers will be connected with patients in close proximity to where they reside. For more information or to register, contact Spiro Ballas,

of Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care Center, at 973-322-4866 or sballas�barnabashealth.org. The programs will be offered as follows: *Beginning Jan. 27, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care Center, West Orange. Training will be conducted on: Jan. 27, Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24 and March 3, 10, 17 and 24 (March

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31 will be held as an alternate date in the event of inclement weather.) * Beginning Feb. 17, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., at Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care Center, West Orange. Training will be held on Feb. 17 and 24; March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31; and April 7 and 14 (April 21 will be held as an alternate date in the event of inclement weather.) “In as few as three hours a week, volunteers can make a tremendous difference in the life of a patient coping with

advanced illness,” Ballas said. “Volunteers can read to patients, hold their hand, or just spend time with them while their loved ones take a breather. They are also a resource to families, typically helping by listening to their thoughts and concerns or assisting them with small tasks. When you volunteer for hospice, you get back as much as you give.” For more information about Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care Center, visit www.barnabashealthhospice. org.

Learn to be healthy with Bernie NUTLEY – The township Health Department is starting a new initiative aimed at providing the children of Nutley with a fun, interactive opportunity to learn how to be healthy. “We are starting ‘Nutley Bernie’s Club’ on Jan. 11 at the Department of Public Affairs from 10 a.m. to noon, when children from grades 1 to 5 can meet Bernie, take a picture with him, and join his Saturday morning club,” said Commissioner Steven Rogers. A member of the Department of Health will oversee the program, Rogers said. Bernie will make an appearance at club meetings, and for special events, as appropriate. To further enhance the quality of the learning experience provided to club members, speakers will be brought in periodically to discuss their expertise in accordance with the related Bernie’s Club Unit objectives. “This club is going to be fun and very educational for children, and it’s free,” Rogers said. “I urge parents to take advantage of this opportunity and bring their cameras and join us with their children on

Jan. 11 at which time they will be given detailed information on our program as well as the opportunity to meet Bernie. “Motivating and empowering the children of Nutley with practical skills to build a healthy start in life is a priority for the Nutley Health Department.” Parents are invited to call Patty Cruz, RN, BSN, at 973-284-4900, ext. 2410, or email her at pcruz�nutleynj. org for more information.

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Aquatic playroom for kids at CMMC Clara Maass Medical Center, Belleville, now offers pediatric patients an “underwater escape” during their hospital stay. On Thursday, Dec. 12, CMMC Foundation held a ribbon cutting in the newly renovated pediatric playroom, which offers kids a unique and welcoming “aquatic” experience. Designed as an aquarium, the new space brings the best of underwater life indoors. Kids marvel at the fish and coral, bubbles on the ceiling, and large wall unit designed as a submarine. “Our new pediatric playroom is a bright and cheery place,” says Jane Newman Kessler, CFRE, vice president of the CMMC Foundation. “It is a place where kids go for safe and therapeutic playtime, and it helps them adjust to their hospitalization. This new environment makes kids smile which aids in the overall healing process.” CMMC’s certified child

life specialist Laura Pantusco will use the space to provide educational interventions and psychosocial support for the hospital’s young patients. “Play is the language of a child and through it, children can communicate across language barriers of complex feelings and gain mastery of their environment,” Pantusco says. The ribbon cutting welcomed a mix of Clara Maass employees and donors as well as the playroom’s creators – interior designer Rhona Hershkowitz of RHD and Robert Lekich from Hudson Construction. The playroom renovation project was funded by individual donors, by grants to CMMC’s Child Life Program, from the George Link Foundation and Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation and funds raised at the Foundation’s “A Tasteful Experience” fundraiser held on Nov. 18.

LEFT: From l.: Dr. John V. Kelly, president of the hospital medical staff; Robert Lekich of Hudson Construction; Laura Pantusco, hospital child life specialist; Irene Hernandez, medical assistant at the Cancer Center at CMMC; Rhona Hershkowitz of RHD; and Mary Ellen Clyne, president/CEO of the hospital. BOTTOM. Shots of the new room.

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Local thespians to perform in ‘Black Coffee’ Several area residents will appear in “Black Coffee,” a mystery by Agatha Christie, at Studio Playhouse, 14 Alvin Pl., off Valley Road, in Upper Montclair. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. on Jan. 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24 and 25. The play will feature performances by: Ginny Loggins, of Bloomfield as Caroline Amory; Nutley residents Theresa Lyons, Nick DiDomenico and John Fraissinet, as Edwin Raynor, Dr. Carellia and Sir Claude Amory, respectively. Tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for students and seniors age 65 and up, with discounts available for groups of 20 or more that prepay. Tickets are buy one get one free on opening night, Friday, Jan. 10. Tickets may be purchased online at www. studioplayhouse.org/tickets or by calling 973-744-9752. This little known mystery will surprise and delight Christie fans. When a physicist named Sir Claude Amory, who has come up with a formula for an atom bomb, is poisoned (in his coffee, naturally) and Hercule Poirot is called in to solve the case – but not before many wonderful twists and turns in true Christie tradition.

Photos, courtesy Laura Byrne Cristiano

Clockwise from top l.: Sir Claude (John Fraissinet, l.) doubts Barbara’s (Julie Ann Nolan, c.) version of events as Aunt Caroline (Ginny Loggins, r.) looks on. Inspector Japp (Brian Wood, r.) interrogates Lucia (Ali Archetti, seated) as Hercule Poirot (Brian Carroll, l.) and Ms. Raynor (Theresa Lyons, c.) look on. Dr. Carelli (Nick Di Domenico) calls for help after the murder.

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Family Eye Care Come in today for:

• Eye Exams • Contact Lenses • Pediatric Care Dr. Maria Domingues Dr. Carla Domingues Optometric Physician Optometric Physician Lic # 270A0063100 Lic # 270A00646200

348 Ridge Road • Lyndhurst La doctora habla Español

201.438.8668

A doutora fala Português

Behind the retina resides a layer of tiny blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients. Retinal detachment results from a separation of the retina from this layer of blood vessels. In most cases, retinal detachment is associated with a tear in the retina caused by trauma or age-related changes in the vitreous fluid. In the latter case, the vitreous may shrink enough as we age to exert sufficient tugging force on the retina to create a tear. At that point, vitreous fluid seeps through the tear, collects under the retina, and lifts it away from underlying tissues. Patients should be alerted by symptoms such as blurred vision, floaters, and flashing lights to seek immediate treatment for detachment. We’ll be happy to answer any eye health questions you may have, regardless of your age and/or other health condition. We are specially

trained to provide the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to complex and delicate eye surgery. Preventive eye care is important to everyone because eye conditions and diseases that can destroy you and your family's healthy vision can strike at any time in life. We’re located at 20 Park Avenue, Lyndhurst, where we are currently accepting new patients. Value your eyesight and give us a call at 201 896-0096 (our optical shop 201 896-0007) today. We're taking eye care into the new millennium. Come in and visit our optical shop. Our staff is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish. Dr. DeLuca has been selected as one of the best Doctors in America and also to The America’s Top Ophthalmologists. P.S. Retinal detachment can occur as a result of advanced diabetes.

www.delucavison.com

Dr. Maria Domingues

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2014

Fuel your New Year’s weight loss resolutions with fast results

(Statepoint) If your scale is your worst enemy, it may be time to adopt a workable weight management strategy. A New Year is the perfect time to recommit yourself to health, wellness and shedding those extra pounds. Experts say that fast results can help you stay motivated and see through your bigger weight loss goals. “Early weight loss is a strong predictor of longterm weight loss,” says Dr. Anthony Fabricatore, vice president of research and development at Nutrisystem. “Seeing immediate results can do wonders for self-efficacy.” Here are some tips for losing those crucial first five pounds quickly, so you’ll be

motivated to keep it up: • Commit rourself. Be mentally ready. Make a commitment to meet goals and eliminate temptations right from the start by getting rid of junk food in your pantry. • Convenience counts. Life can get in the way of dieting if convenient options aren’t readily available. Have healthful ready-to-go meals and snacks on hand, particularly during dangerous times of day when cravings kick in. • Stop guessing: Individuals make more than 200 food and beverage decisions daily, according to researchers at a leading university. Eliminate guesswork by opting for portioned, prepared meals. For example, the new Nutrisystem My Way pro-

gram, features meals free of trans fat, partially hydrogenated oils, MSG, high fructose corn syrup, aspartame and saccharine which can be combined with fresh grocery choices like salad, fruit, smart proteins, low-fat yogurt and unlimited nonstarchy vegetables. After providing answers to some questions, My Way also helps determine grocery items and exercise plans built for your metabolism. For a quick start, consider the new one-week Fast 5 kit, promising a five-pound weight loss in your first week backed by a moneyback guarantee. It includes seven days of breakfasts, lunches and dinners, plus shakes with formulations for men and women to meet their unique nutritional

needs. • Keep moving: Find a regular exercise routine with which you’ll stick. Stay motivated by teaming with friends. While one of the best, low-impact and lowcost forms of exercise is walking, short and intense workouts are beneficial too. “Some evidence indicates a single, strenuous fourminute workout is as effective to improving health and fitness as a longer workout,” says Meghan Nichols, Registered Dietician and Project Manager of Research and Development at Nutrisystem. • Drink more water: Sometimes when you feel hungry, you’re actually thirsty. Before eating, drink water to feel fuller. Replace sugary beverages with the

good stuff -- eight glasses daily is a good target. • Get support. Friends and family can be great cheerleaders. And an expert dieting coach can answer your questions. Visit www. Nutrisystem.com for support, where trained counselors are available seven days a week via phone and email. • Track progress. Tracking your journey can help you keep focused on end goals. Make it convenient by downloading a free app you can use from your phone that features tools to plan meals and track weight, workouts and measurements. Give your New Year’s diet resolutions more chance for long-term success by achieving quick, modest results right out of the gate.

Make time for life. Schedule a mammogram today.

You lead a busy life. But you owe it to yourself to make an appointment that could save your life. Schedule a mammogram today at The Connie Dwyer Breast Center at Saint Michael’s Medical Center. Breast cancer – the number-two killer of women in the United States – is highly curable if detected and treated early. Make time for a checkup. Offering fully digital mammography services using the latest diagnostic equipment available, The Connie Dwyer Breast Center is the only facility in the region featuring an innovative Rapid Diagnosis program to ease the anxiety of waiting. A patient who undergoes a breast biopsy will receive their results within 24 hours. Make time to schedule an appointment for yourself – or for your mother, sister, daughter, aunt or friend. To schedule an appointment, call (973) 877-5189.

The Connie Dwyer Breast Center at Saint Michael’s Medical Center 111 Central Avenue • Newark, N.J. 07102 www.smmcnj.org/conniedwyer

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2014

2013 from

killing all but 10 of its crew of nearly 700. Part of the building will be a museum for Juneau-related artifacts; part will be used by the county’s OEM personnel and part by the county prosecutor for records storage. Three armed men accost a couple who own a Union City jewelry shop as they’re about to enter their Lake St. home in Lyndhurst, tie up the wife and kidnap the husband, dropping him off elsewhere after beating him, according to Lyndhurst PD. The case is still under investigation. North Arlington Borough Administrator Terence Wall quits to take a comparable job in Cranford at a slightly higher rate of pay. Red Bulls GM Jerome de Boutin says the team needs more parking, adding that it hopes to acquire land adjacent to the team’s Harrison arena that could accommodate between 3,000 and 4,500 cars. Negotiations involving a developer and the town are continuing. Newark resident Bobby Dawson, 30, pleads guilty to a Feb. 2 armed robbery of Shoppers Express in Belleville and to 16 other holdups, including the April 17 robbery of Belleville News & Food; the Feb. 10 robbery of Krauszer’s Deli in Kearny; and to robberies on Feb. 13 and March 29 of Krauszer’s in Bloomfield. He

parked on local streets.

Nutley Police Chief John Holland retired Nov. 1 after four decades with the department.

faces sentencing next year. U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez picks Nutley resident Steven Sanberg, formerly a radio reporter with WINS/AM, as press secretary. The Lower Passaic CPG proposes a plan to swap a safe fish for every carp hauled out of the Passaic River by people fishing at the polluted river. State and federal environmentalists say they’re not taking the proposal seriously if it’s meant to detract from a full-fledged effort to clean the river of contaminants. Rookie North Arlington Police Officer Dave Balanta is badly hurt when his police cruiser crashes into a utility pole on Schuyler Ave. enroute to a medical emergency call. He continues to recuperate from his injuries. East Newark amends its parking ordinance to charge a $50 annual fee to non-resident owners or lessees of vehicles

NLT Readers’ Theater offers “Night, Mother” Nutley Little Theatre, 47 Erie Pl., will perform a reading of Marsha Norman’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, “Night, Mother” on Sunday, Jan. 12, at 2 p.m. Admission is free. In one harrowing night, Jessie Cates’ life comes tragically to an end despite her mother’s desperate attempts to thwart her daughter’s plan. The intense, introspective play will be performed without intermission.

The play is a part of NLT’s Readers’ Theater series, which features actors reading scripts of new and established plays, supplementing NLT’s regular, fully staged performances. Readers’ Theater productions are open to the public and free. For directions, visit www. nutleylittletheatre.com. For information about this or other productions, call 973667-0374.

twitter.com/theobservernj

DECEMBER Harrison holds a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Harrison Senior Residence, the town’s first senior affordable housing project. The 15-unit building, being developed by the Domus Corp., an arm of Catholic Charities, is expected to open by fall 2014. Lyndhurst resident Nicole Faccenda, 44, is sentenced to 10 years in prison for attempting to hire a hitman to kill her ex-lover’s new girlfriend. Kearny’s governing body approves an amended site plan that will pave the way for a Passaic Ave. developer, DVL Holdings LLC, to bring in BJ’s Club as anchor tenant for a proposed shopping mall. And the mayor and Town Council also approved the town’s firstever PILOT for a conventional residential project, a 150-unit apartment cluster pitched by Carlstadt developer Ed Russo for Schuyler and Bergen Aves. The Schuyler Crossing project figures to generate an annual in lieu of tax payment of $375,000 and a one-time, $150,000 contribution to the town’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

The East Newark BOE hires a Morristown law firm for $44,000 to prepare a feasibility study aimed at showing why the BOE should be permitted to stop sending its students to Harrison High, in favor of sending them elsewhere, probably to Kearny High, in an

for an environmental cleanup of the site. Negotiations are continuing with Roche over transfer of title to the township, presumably for sale to the developer. Three Newark women are held up and robbed in the parking lot of an East New-

Hudson County dedicated the USS Juneau Memorial Center in South Kearny in November on the 70th anniversary of the Juneau’s sinking.

effort to save money. Belleville designates David A. Mack Properties of Connecticut as the redeveloper for the Roche Diagnostic property with the condition that Mack accepts responsibility

ark restaurant on Grant Ave. by two men believed to have been armed. Nutley Police Department puts out a call for volunteers for its Neighborhood Watch program.

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2014

THINK YOU CAN’T REFINANCE BECAUSE VALUES ARE DOWN? THINK AGAIN!!!

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STARTING MARCH 2012, HARP 2.0, a new program presented by the Federal Government, allows homeowners to refinance regardless of the equity they currently have in their house (even if you are upside down!) Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have adopted changes to Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) and you may be eligible to take advantage of these changes. If your mortgage is either owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, you may be eligible to refinance your mortgage under the enhanced and expanded provisions of HARP. You can determine if your mortgage is owned by either Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac by checking the following websites: For Fannie Mae: www.fanniemae.com/loanlookup For Freddie Mac: www.freddiemac.com/mymortgage

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Kearny-$269,900 1 Fam.-4 Bdrms-2 Baths-LR/DR-Sun Room-Full Fin Basement w/ Bath-Storage

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Kearny-$225,000 West Milford $299,000 1 Fam.-3 Bdrms-1.5 Baths1Fam. - 3Bdrms - 1.5 LR/DR-Sun Porch-EIK-Full Base- BathsEIK- LR w/ Firement-Detached 2 Car placeDR- Deck- Attached Garage-Driveway for 3-4 Cars 1Car Garage

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Kearny $349,500 1 Fam.-4 Bdrms-3 Full Baths-LR/DR-New Kit-Full Fin Basement-Large Deck2 Car Garage-Driveway

Lopatcong $278,000-1 Fam-4 Bdrms-2 Full BathsLR/DR-Fam Room w Fireplace-Full Basement-Deck/ Patio in Large Yard!

Kearny-$135,000 Condo-1 Bdrm-1 Full BathLR-EIK-Balcony-Parking Space-Washer/Dryer-Pets Allowed

Belleville- $649,000 2 Fam. + LOT- INVESTORS & BUYERS!! All Brick- Adjacent Lot included- Builds 1 Fam.’s or Condos

Kearny- $269,000 2Fam. - 4Bdrms- LR- LRG. Kitchens– 2 Full BathsLaundry hook ups- Full Basement.

Wishing you a healthy,

No. Arlington-$449,000 1 Fam.-4 Bdrms-2 Full BathsLR/DR-Fam Room-Full Fin Basement-Att. 2 Car GaragePatio

Kearny-$226,000 Kearny-$279,000-1 Fam.-3 Kearny-$272,000 1st Floor Condo-Newly Commerical/ Lease-2 Bdrm- Bedrooms-1.5 Baths-MEIKRenovated! 2 BedroomsDen-Fam Room-Full Bas1 Full Bath-1st floor Office ment-Attached 1 Car Garage Modern EIK-Full Bathroom Space w/ half bath-4 Washer/Dryer-Large Closets w. parking for 4 cars. Garages

Kearny $380,000 Large 3 Fam.- 8 Bdrms-3 Fbaths-Corner Lot- Sep. laundry hook-ups- Great Investment!!

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Belleville-$290,000 Bloomfield $285,000 Kearny- $319,000 1 Fam-3 Bdrms-2 Full 2 Fam- 6 Bdrms- 3 Fbaths1 Fam.- 3 Bdrms- 2 Full Full Fin. Bsmnt- Lots of clos- Baths-Kit-LR/DR-Full Attic- baths- MEIK- Laundry- Lg. Finished Basment-Deets! Lot- Deck&Jacuzzi- Garage tached 1 Car Garage

No. Arlington$1,050- 2nd FL 1 BedroomEIK- 1 BathIncludes Heat, Hot Water, & Parking.

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2014

Making a difference Real Estate DIRECTORY To advertise in this directory CALL 201-991-1600

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Elizabeth Puglio, outreach volunteer of Bethany Lutheran Church (far l.) accpets donations from Clara Maass senior managers (from l.) Mary Ellen Clyne, hospital president/CEO; Dr. Frank Mazzarella, chief medical ofﬁcer; Diane Coluzzi, vice president of outcomes management; Yasmir Bisal, vice president of ﬁnance; and CFO Chris Winters.

Each year, the senior management team of Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville seeks to make a difference in the lives of some local families. To that end, team members pool money

together for ShopRite gift cards for less privileged local families who can then enjoy holiday meals with their loved ones. Those grocery cards, along with toys donated by the Clara Maass

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2014

Deadline for obituaries:

Monday by 10 AM

Joan Elizabeth Fearns Joan E. (nee Lake) Fearns, 71, beloved mother, sister and grandmother, of Harrison, passed away on Friday, Dec. 27, at Arbor Glen Center in Cedar Grove. Funeral services were under the direction of Mulligan Funeral Home, 331 Cleveland Avenue, Harrison. A funeral Mass was held at Holy Cross Church, Harrison. For information or to send condolences to the family please visit mulliganfuneralhome.org. Mrs. Fearns was born in her home on Kingsland Ave. in Harrison. She graduated from Holy Cross Commercial in 1959, worked for the Newark Evening News, became a stay at home mom and worked for IT&T in the 1980’s as a solder worker. Her family described her as the most treasured mother in this universe. “She has battled most of her life with her health and showed us no weakness. Her courage and strength was remarkable. Our mother is the most beautiful woman we ever saw...all we are we owe to her. We will love and miss her until the end of our time,” the family said. She is predeceased by her brothers, William, Fred, Phil, George and Henry, her sisters, Evelyn, Clair, Marilyn and Audrey. She is survived by her loving sister, Shirley Durand, her beloved daughters, Margaret Fearns and Michael Suttle of

obituaries

Las Vegas, Nev., Joan Asbaty and her husband Thomas of Randolph, Michele Lopez and her husband Paul of Lititz, Pa., and her loving son, Michael and his wife Kathy of Little Falls. She was cherished grandmother to Thomas, Rebecca, Eric and Katherine and grand-dogs Murphy and Buddy. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, her very dear friend Maureen Macarthur and her friends in the Harrison Gardens. The family asks in lieu of flowers, a donation in Joan’s memory may be made to the Harrison Cancer League, P.O. Box 741, Harrison, N.J. 07029.

Monday by 10AM Prayer to St. Jude

To submit an obituary: fax: 201-991-8941

obituaries@theobserver.com

armitagewiggins.com. Lillian was an accounts payable clerk at Hartz Mountain and she had been a CCD teacher at St. Anthony’s. Husband of John L. Ober, she is survived by her daughters and their husbands Joann and Gabe Salas and Patricia and Teddy Burbella. Sister of Michael Arnone, Joanne Mullins, Lucy Bruno, Marie Mongon, Christine Arnone and Salvatore Arnone, she is also survived by her grandchildren Michael and Alex.

Mr. O’Donnell was a plasterer for Local 3 in Newark. He was a member of the Irish and Scots Clubs, both in Kearny. Husband of the late Agnes and the late Patricia, he is survived by his children Neil O’Donnell, Gina Wiltrout, Pat O’Donnell and Andrew O’Donnell. Brother of Christina, Richard and Andrew O’Donnell he is also survived by 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Lillian M. Ober Lillian M. Ober (nee Arnone) died Dec. 27. She was 68. Julio Veliz Born in Jersey City, she lived Julio Veliz, of Newark, died in Kearny and Nutley before Patrick O’Donnell Dec. 22. He was 65. moving to Stewartsville four Patrick O’Donnell died on Arrangements were by years ago. Dec. 25 at home. He was 81. the Armitage and Wiggins Arrangements are by the Born in Glasgow, he lived Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Elizabeth A. Lydecker Armitage and Wiggins Fumost of his life in Scotland and Dr., Kearny. A funeral service Elizabeth A. (Spring) Lydneral Home, 596 Belgrove Dr., Kearny. was held at the funeral home. ecker, 75, passed away on Dec. Kearny. A funeral Mass will Arrangements were by Burial was in Holy Cross 25 at the St. Barnabas Medical be held on Tuesday, Dec. 31, at the Armitage and Wiggins Cemetery. Center, Livingston. 10 a.m. at St. Anthony Church, Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Julio is survived by his wife Arrangements were by the East Newark. Entombment Dr., Kearny. Cremation was Maria and his children Nestor, Thiele-Reid Family Funeral will follow in Holy Cross private. To leave an online Rossana, Ambar, and StephHome, 585 Belgrove Dr., Cemetery. To leave an online condolence please visit www. anie, seven siblings and six Kearny. A funeral Mass was of- condolence, please visit www. armitagewiggins.com. grandchildren. fered at St. Stephen’s Church, Kearny. Entombment followed advertisement in Garden of Memories, Paramus. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.thieleBy Richard M. Mausner, Esq. reid.com. Ms. Lydecker was born in The New Jersey Inheritance Tax Worcester, Mass., and lived in Kearny for the last 20 years. Everyone already knows how expensive a state New Jersey is to ment. That assessment, if ignored, will eventually ripen into a She was a baker at Alexanlive in. Not everyone realizes that New Jersey is also an expensive judgment against the executor with possible collection actions der’s/Ridge Bakery in North state to die in when compared to other states. Our state imposes taken by the State in the worst cases. All of that damage can Arlington for many years. The an inheritance tax on the amount certain beneficiaries receive be undone by filing the inheritance tax return and paying the bakery was owned by her son from a decedent’s estate. The inheritance tax is imposed begintaxes due with 9% interest, but what if the executor has alJohn. ning on any bequest over $500.00. Spouses, children, grandchilready paid out the assets from the estate? Then the executor dren, and certain other relatives of a decedent are exempt from has a real problem on his hands. Don’t let it get to that point. Elizabeth is survived by her

Deadline for obituaries is

Most holy apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally as the patron of difficulty and of desperate cases, of things almost despaired of Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Make use, I implore you, of that particular privilege given to you to bring visible and speedy help where help was almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations and sufferings, particularly(make your request here)-and that I may bless God with you and all the elect throughout all eternity. I promise you, O blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, and I will never cease to honor you as my special and powerful patron and do all in my power to encourage devotion to you. Amen. H.A.B.

children Kathleen Lydecker and her companion Frank, Luanne Cook and her husband Frank, Gene Lydecker and his wife Victoria and John Sparling and his wife Susan; her sisters Sally Topoleski and Linda Dammeyer. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Legally Speaking

owing any inheritance tax. Brothers, sisters of the decedent, son/ daughter-in-laws married to the decedent’s children, and certain other relatives of the decedent are subject to the NJ inheritance tax. They each receive an initial $25,000.00 exemption from taxation; any inheritance over that first $25,000.00 is then taxed at 11%. Other more distant relatives and non-relatives are each taxed at 15% of what they would stand to receive as inheritances. Charities named in the will are exempt from owing any taxes. It is the duty of the executor, or administrator if there is no will, to calculate, collect, and pay the required inheritance tax within 8 months from the decedent’s date of death. Some executors right after the death make immediate distributions of all of the estate’s assets to the eager beneficiaries named in the will without realizing this obligation. And the State clearly makes it the executor’s obligation to do that. How does the State even know to follow up on a non-filed inheritance tax return? The county surrogate sends a report of the probate of the will to the Division of Taxation. If an executor does not file the inheritance tax return by the deadline, the executor will receive a notice from the NJ Division of Taxation inquiring about it. If the executor ignores the notice either willfully or neglectfully, eventually the State will impose an arbitrary assessment against the estate and the executor. These arbitrary assessments are usually far in excess of the amount of taxes actually due. The State uses the decedent’s most recent state income tax return or other available information to arrive at the arbitrary assess-

Sometimes an executor finds out that he cannot simply close out the decedent’s bank accounts after death because all banks require that he present a “tax waiver” for each account which is issued by the State after the inheritance taxes have been paid. Other assets such as real estate and certain corporation stock cannot be sold without obtaining the correspondence tax waivers and filing them or delivering them to the proper persons. Sometimes the State’s auditors select certain inheritance tax returns for closer review. The auditors compare assets declared on the inheritance tax return to those previously declared on the decedent’s income tax records. Any discrepancies will trigger a request for further information from the executor. No tax waivers will be issued by the State until the auditor’s inquiries are addressed. The executor’s tardy response will only delay settlement of the estate. This is merely an overview-there’s a lot more to it. But when it comes to dealing with the NJ inheritance tax return process, there’s definitely a right way and many wrong ways to go about it. The foregoing comments are for general information purposes only and are not a substitute for legal advice. You should consult an attorney about the facts affecting your specific situation. Richard M. Mausner is an attorney with over 30 years experience in probate and elder law, with offices at 110B Meadowlands Parkway, Secaucus, and in Holmdel, New Jersey. He is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc. He can be reached at 201-617-9100. © 2013 Richard M. Mausner, Esq.

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2014

www.theobserver.com

The Observer is not responsible for typographical errors. Credit for errors will not be granted after the next week’s publication. No changes or refunds. Deadline for classifieds is Monday by 4:00 PM.

house foR sAle North Arlington 2 mother daughter houses to be built.12 Arlington Ave. Call for Details. O’HARA AGENCY (201)997-6300

HoUse for rent KEARNY 1 family house, 5 BR’s, 3 Bathrooms, Driveway for 3 cars, and use of backyard. 1 month rent & 2 months security. Utilities Separate. Avl. Now. Call Helen 201-744-8322.

BUsiness for sAle Hair Salon for sale, operators will stay. Owner looking to retire. Caldwell area. Call for information (201)207-7263

Cleaning business for sale with current clients. For more information call Sebastian at (908)4223027

ApArtments for rent

CLASSIFIEDS

BUsiness for rent

ApArtments for rent

HARRISON: Harrison Avenue. Pizzeria Restaurant for rent or lease, full equipment. Ideal for BBQ. Available now. (973)714-2368

KEARNY 3 bedrooms, LR, kitchen, bath. Storage available. Washer/dryer hook-up. $1600/month. Heat included. Available January 1st. (201)376-3184

KEARNY 2 bedrooms, 1st floor. No pets. No smoking. $1100/month + utilities. 1-1/2 months security. Available February 1st. (551)655-0473

ApArtments for rent

KEARNY Newly renovated, hardwood floors. Laundry onsite.HT/HW included. 2 BR start at $985. 1 BR start at $825. Jr.1 BR start at $750. (201)289-7096

KEARNY 3 ROOmS (ONE BEDROOm) ON THIRD FLOOR: 12 GRANT AVENUE. $815 PLUS UTILITIES. LAUNDRY ROOm. NO PETS. 973-493-7868

keARny KEARNY Studio Apt. Utilities included. $700/month. 1 month security. Call after 5pm, 201-927-6608. KEARNY 5 room apt. If interested please call (201)314-7813 KEARNY 2nd floor 5 rooms. Plus Sunroom. No Pets. HT/HW included. $1400 + 11/2/month security. Available 11/1 (201)998-1120. KEARNY Arlington Area. 5 rooms, 1 bath. 1-1/2 months security. $1200 + utilities. No pets. (201)213-1871

ApArtments for rent

POLICY

There are NO REFUNDS or CHANGES with CLASSIFIED ADS Please note there will be a $10.00 PROCESSING FEE if changes need to be made for running specials

KEARNY Arlington section, 1 bedroom, all new appliances flooring, $1,000/month plus utilities, No pets or smoking, Security Deposit (973)309-0903 KEARNY 3 LARGE ROOmS. (1BR). BELGROVE APTS. 111-117 BELGROVE DRIVE. $915 INCLUDING HT/HW. NO PETS. SECURITY. LEASE. LAUNDRY ROOm. 973-493-7868 KEARNY Belgrove Drive, 1 bedroom, LR, DR. 1 month security. Utilities separate. No pets. No smoking. $1000/mo. Available now. (201)991-3608 KEARNY Elm St., 2 bedrooms, 2nd floor of 6 family. $950/month, heat included. 1-1/2 months security. No pets. Available February 1st. (201)916-9460 KEARNY 1 BR apt. 4 rooms, 2nd fl. Reasonable rent plus utilities. 1 1/2 months security. 201-428-1299 KEARNY 2nd floor, 2 level Apt. $1,100/month + Utilities. 1-1/2 month Security. No Laundry. No Pets. Quiet Location. Credit Check Required. Available January 1st. (201)997-2113 KEARNY Arlington section 4 rooms, 2nd floor, HT/HW supplied. No Pets. Referencesneeded. $1200/month + 1/month security. Call (201)991-5968. KEARNY 4 big rooms, W/W carpet. Large closets. A/C. 2nd floor. With/out couches. No pets. 1 month security. Available 2/1/14. 201-955-2841.

KEARNY 2nd floor. 5 rooms, nice apt.. Hardwood floors, new kitchen w/microwave, dishwasher. 3 bedrooms. Storage and washer/dryer hook-up in basement. Separate utilities. $1300/month. 1-1/2 months security. Available February 1st. (201)991-0504 KEARNY Renovated Apartment building. 1 bedroom. Wood kitchen cabinets, refrigerator, stove, ceramic tile floor, hardwood floors throughout. Laundry on-site. No Pets. Near NYC transportation. 11/2 months security. Arlington Section. $880 + utilities. (908)244-5847 KEARNY • 2 BRs,.1 Full Bath New Kitchen, recently painted. Separate utilities. $1000. • 2 BRs, 1 Full Bath, New Kitchen, recently painted & separate utilities $950. Call Fernando 201-460-8000 -KEARNY Beautiful Modern Apartment. 2 BRs, 1 bath, LV/DR, New kitchen HW floors. $1350/month. Avalable February 1st. 201-240-7404. KEARNY 1 FAMILY HOUSE, 7 ROOMS + LAUNDRY ROOM, CLOSE TO SCHOOLS & TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE NOW 551-482-0999. Kearny 3 bedroom, LV/DR, EIK, Close to Transportation. HT included. 1 month Security. $1475/mo, Available January 1st. 201-320-9507. KEARNY ELm COURT Kearny’s Best Kept secret 732 Elm St. 1 BR for $850 NYC Commuter Bldg Call Alan (201)955-4334 or PJ (973)922-1555 ext 1 Affiliated Mgmt.

KEARNY New 3 bedroom apt, 2 full baths, L/R, kitchen, central AC/HT, hardwood floors. Basement storage with washer/dryer hook-up. Off street parking. Yard. No Pets. $1575.00 month + utilities, 1-1/2 Security + good credit. Close to NYC transportation. Call (201)998-8226, 6am-3pm, M-F for appt. KEARNY Studio Ground Fl. CA/Heat. 1 month Security. No pets. For single person. No Smoking. Call until 8pm. 201-991-2031.

ApArtments for rent

BELLEVILLE 1 Family house for rent. 2 bedrooms, I bath LR, DR. 2 car garage. Close to public transportation. $1675/month + utilities. 1 month security call 201-998-5082.

HARRISON 1BR, 1 Bath, 1 PARKING, EIK, GROUND FLOOR W/PATIO. LAUNDRY IN BUILDING. AVAIL JANUARY 2014. INCLUDES HEAT, HOT WATER AND COOKING GAS. 1.5 MONTHS SECURITY DEPOSIT REQUIRED. TEXT or call (972)746-6827

newARk

hARRison HARRISON 5 rooms, Near Path. A/C. no pets. $1250/month + utilities. 1.5 months security. Avl. Jan. 1st. 201-572-9286.

43 HARRISON Cleveland Ave. 1 BR. pays Tenant Apt. utilities. No Smoking. No pets. Excellent neighborhood. Available Dec. 1st. 954-448-3339.

KEARNY Newly Renovated. 7 rooms, 3 BR’s, LR, DR, bathroom EIK. $1300/mon + utilities. 1 month security. Avl. Jan 1st. 973-280-4100.

HARRISON 2nd floor. 3 bedrooms. No pets. $1200/month. 1 month security. Available February 1st. (973)482-5532

KEARNY 6 room Apt. 3 Bedrooms garage included $1400/month. O’HARA AGENCY (201)997-6300

HARRISON 2 BR Apt. 2nd fl. Good Condtion. 1 mile from PATH. $1300/month. HT/HW included. Avl. Jan. 1st. 973-483-2993.

KEARNY 24 Devon Terrace. 3rd fl. 2 bedrooms. $1050/mo + utilities. 1 month security. Avl. Jan. 1st. No pets. Call after 6pm 973-743-1551 or 973-417-5239.

HARRISON Modern 1 BR, AC. Like new appliances/TV. HT/HW included. No Pets. Close to PATH. $1,100/month. Avl. Jan. 1st or 15th. 201-738-4167.

Belleville BELLEVILLE 2nd fl. 2 BR’s, Belleville Nutley border. W/D Hook up. HT/HW included $1300/month.Avl. Jan. 1st 862-201-616. BELLEVILLE 1 BR Apt. Available now. 1 ½ month’s security required. Utilities separate. No smoking. No pets. Please Leave Message. 973-202-1919. BELLEVILLE Studio & 1 bedroom apts., $750-$1050/month. HT/HW included. 1-1/2 months security. Available now. Multiple locations. (201)509-8315

To place an ad call: 201-991-1600 classified@theobserver.com

HARRISON Apt. for rent on Cleveland Ave. 2 bedrooms, kitchen and LV. $1000/month + 1 month security and Separate utilities. Avl. Feb. 1st. 201-618-6984. HARRISON 6th st. 2 family house, 2nd fl. 2 bedrooms, Hardwood floors, Avl. Feb 1st. I month security. No pets. 973-412-9909 or 201-667-6857 HARRISON 2nd floor, 5 rooms, 3 bedrooms. Available February 1st. $1100/mon + utilities. 1 month security. (973)953-5031

HARRISON Three bedroom apt. w/DR, LR, kitchen, 1BTH. Central AC/HT. 1 car space. Available February 1st. No pets. Com. washer/dryer on premises. Walking distance to train. (201)252-7272 HARRISON One room studio, 1st floor.HT/HW included, refrigerator, stove, parking for 1 car. Available Immediately. $810/month. 1-1/2 months scurity. (973)808-1556

lyndhuRst LYNDHURST 2 bedrooms. Includes AC, kitchen w/granite & all appliances, laundry facility, parking. $1195/month plus utilities. No pets. Smoke Free Building. Close to NYC transportation. (201)970-3210 LYNDHURST 2nd fl. 1 bedroom apt. Private House. hardwood floors, $1000/month + 1 month security. HT/HW included. Small pet ok. 201-575-5270. LYNDHURST: 2nd Floor Apt. large 2 Bedroom, Kitchen, LR/DR, & Bathroom. H/ HW Included. $1450/mo plus 1-1/2 Security Deposit. Call (201)954-1304

ApArtments for rent

NEWARK 4 rooms close to path & bus. Avl. Jan 1st. No smoking. 1 month security. $650/month + utilities. (862)754-8160 after 3pm. NEWARK 1 BR $865 & 2 BR $1,100 Vailsburg, Near Seton Hall. HT/HW included. Safe/Secure. Brick Historic Bldg. Extra Large BR’s. Newly Renovated. Kitchen, Bath, H/W Floors, Refrigerator, Ceiling Fans. 1 month security. Section 8 ok. No fees. No pets. 973-216-9470

n. ARlington N.ARLINGTON 3 rooms, 1 bedroom 1st fl. Garden Apt. $950/month. O’HARA AGENCY (201)997-6300 N.ARLINGTON 1 bedroom apartment for rent. $1050/month. Call (201)376-7200 or (201)893-7913

Room foR Rent

BELLEVILLE Nice area. Room for rent. $400. 1 month security. Call after 4:00pm (973)336-5335 (862)215-9440 KEARNY Room for rent share kitchen and bath. $450/month + 1 month security. No pets. Cable included. 201-615-9990 or 201-694-8910. KEARNY Room for rent. Share bathroom. Everything included. Se habla español. (201)279-9251

ApArtments for rent

There will be a $10.00 processing fee when Cancelling an ad before it is published for the first time. • $10 processing fee if changes need to be made for running specials

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2014

www.theobserver.com

PeRsonAls 53 Year old man looking for a women 40-55, that would like to go on a date. If interested call Donald 201-606-5622.

emPloyment Real Estate Agents Call for a confidential interview or if interested in taking a local real estate course to obtain your license CALL Mid-Realty, Inc. (201)991-5719 Now Hiring! Property inspectors FT/PT in your area. Full, free training provided. msangelabove@ comcast.net (732)766-4425 ask for Mel

Full time medical receptionist wanted for a busy medical practice in Nutley. Bilingual and medical experience preferred. Competitive Salary and excellent benefits. Apply via email. Send Resume to: Ana.entofnj @gmail.com

Bartenders and Waitresses Wanted. Bilingual a must English & Spanish. Call after 10am 973-344-0419 ask for Angel.

emPloyment

F/T Director wanted for Lyndhurst preschool. Education & management experience required. Understand all NJ childcare licensing & regulations. Competitive salary. Email resume: lyndhurstdirector@ gmail.com Part time Veterinary Assistant wanted at the Arlington Dog and Cat Hospital. must be at least 18 years of age. Experience preferred, but are willing to train the correct individual. Weekends a must. Please apply in person at the Arlington Dog and Cat Hospital, 857 Passaic Avenue, Kearny, NJ.

CLASSIFIEDS hAndymAn DO IT ALL

Interior/Exterior new & repairs. All types of Carpentry.Reasonable rates,quality work, reliable, experienced. 13VH06620900

(201)991-3223

“Fair Deal Dan” Painting, Sheetrock, plastering, Odd Jobs, Flooring, Windows and doors, Plumbing, replace water heater, Leaky Faucets, Tile work for floors, Bathrooms, Kitchen, Counter Tops and Granite. Lic#V203575. 201-448-1563.

Roofing

G & R Builders All Roofing & Siding. Patchwork. Senior Citizen Discounts

(201)893-0656

N&J REmODELERS

Roofing + Siding Specialist. Windows,

Doors, Decks, Kitchen/ Baths. Complete Home Renovation. Quality workmanship. All work guaranteed. Free Estimate. Fully Insured Nick (201)997-7657

emPloyment

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

We have an opening for an aggressive energetic self-starter to sell newspaper advertising. Duties include servicing existing account, calling inactive accounts, and generating new business while making friends. Family owned and operated 126 years, team oriented environment. You have the ambition and we will train. High Commission Must have transportation. Fax resume to: 201-991-8941 or E-mail: jobs@theobserver.com NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

• New + Re-roofing • Slate Repairs • Gutters Cleaned • Flat Roofing • Also Do Painting Free Estimates Fully Insured

(201)998-5153

rUBBisH removAl A1 Affordable Rubbish Removal Attics, Basements, Yard Cleaning. We Haul or you Can Rent 10-15 Cubic Yard Containers. We Accept Visa/Mastercard (201)998-1262

Roofing

rUBBisH removAl

Home improvement

ANDRIELLO CLEANOUTS

Ranne Tile & Home Improvement Ceramic Tile Repairs • Walls & Floors • Big & Small • Regrouting • Caulking • Repair soap dishes • Tile Floors. Free Est. Fully Ins. (201)355-8489

Yards, Garages, Basements, Attics, Real Estate, Rubbish Removal/Demolition Lic.13VH04443200

(201)874-1577

lAndsCAPing LADYBUG Landscapes Inc.

• Design • Construct • Maintain • Paving • Snow Removal Demolition-Commercial (201)804-0587 (201)655-1938

mARIO ESPOSITO

LANDSCAPING LLC SNOW REMOVAL Lawn maintenance Top Soil • Mulch Free Estimates (201)438-3991

CArpet CleAninG Carpet Cleaning Jay Shampoo, 2 rooms $80. Call for free estimate. Contact

201-312-7972. CleAninG serviCes Annie’s Cleaning Service Homes, offices. Move in-out cleaning. Gift Certificates Avail. Excellent references Holiday Special With $100 Gift Certificate Purchase you’ll receive free house cleaning. 3 hr. limit. Exp. 1/31/14 973-667-6739 862-210-0681

gutteRs D. FITZGERALD

Fm Property Home Repairs & Improvements • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Doors • Floors • Windows • Painting • Decks All types of repairs Lic. # 13VH05674000

Fully Insured

201-428-7160

www.repairsbyfm.com fred@repairsbyfm.com

G & R Builders Roofing, Siding, Windows/Doors, Decks, Painting, Tiles & Masonry, Sheet Rock. All types of Carpentry. Lic. #13VH02536200 Free Estimates 20% Senior Citizen Discounts

(201) 893-0656 JMW CONSTRUCTION

Complete Home Improvements •Kitchens •Bathrooms •Decks •Replacement windows •Siding •Additions Lic.#13VH03156600 FREE Estimates Fully Insured!

(201)935-1975

FGLC Contracting Interior Stone Tile & Paint Hardwood Flooring

Seamless Gutters Installed. Gutters Cleaned We-R- Also Dennie’s Painting & Roofing Slate Roofs repaired. 1(800)479-3262

Handyman Star All inside or outside repairs. Windows, painting, sheetrock, carpentry, masonry, and decks. No job too big or small. Free estimates. Tom (201)4245042

Roofing

tutoRing

mIKE’S ALL SEASONS ROOFING & SIDING • Roofing • Siding • Windows • Doors • Gutter & Leaders • Roof Repairs 13VH008B0300 Free Est 201-438-0355 Fully Ins’d

201-962-0032

**MATH TUTOR** Retired Math Teacher available for tutoring. Call for appointment (201)935-3645

To place an ad call: 201-991-1600 classified@theobserver.com

wAnted to Buy

PlumBing

Estates Bought & Sold Fine Furniture Antiques, Accessories, Gold & Silver.

AutomoBiles wAnted

Courageous Plumbing HVAC LLC Lic. # 11103

J & F TOWING CA$H 4 JUNK

Cash Paid (201)920-8875 ConstRuCtion

Martinez Chimney • Chimney Liner • Leaks • Cleanings • Building & Repairing • Down Draft Correction • Total Chimney Restoration Fully Ins. and License #13VH06939900

(201)889-1363

pAintinG & DeCorAtinG ALEXANDER PAINTING, DECORATING Sheet rock/drywall. Skim coat, tape & spackle Water damage. Wallpaper remove. 15+years of experience. Free Estimates.

(973)985-6644

Bills Interior Painting & repairs. Free Estimates (973)801-9487 SAL POLIZZOTTO

Painting, Decorating interior, exterior, Paper Hanging, ceiling. Full Installation, General Repairs. Over 14 years experience. FREE ESTIMATE

(201)939-8781

PlumBing JOSEPH V. FERRIERO

Plumbing & Heating Kitchen and bath remodeling. Carpentry. Fully Ins. Free Est. Lic# 165 (201)637-1775

serviCes offereD

• Plumbing • Heating • Cooling • Sewer • Complete basement pump out & Sump pumps MC/VISA and Finace Available $50 off when mention this ad.

(201)206-4845

CompUter serviCes

J. M. Electronics Computer Repair *Free Computer Check-up *We Buy & Sell Computers *TV Repair LCD & Plasma

CAR$ $200-$500 PAID ON THE SPOT. FREE TOWING 201-428-0441 ANY CAR, VAN OR TRUCK. NO TITLE, NO KEYS, NO PROBLEM. item for sAle Weslo Pursuit Exercise Bike and D.P.Transport Treadmill #LP-6100 $350.00 Call (201)991-5770.

merCHAnDise for sAle

502 Kearny Ave. Kearny, NJ 07032 Call Jeff for more information at (201)486-2057

22 cubic inch GE fridge/freezer still plugged in $160 and a spotless plush white love seat 84” long, $90, both in excellent condition. 201-889-4380.

eleCtRiCAl

EmERALD ELECTRIC 25 Years Experience • All types of electrical wiring 24 hour emergency service Free Estimate 10% OFF with ad Lic # 11909 El. Insp. # 7566

(201)955-2678 PAving

PAving

JAG PAVING CORP. Commercial & Residential Driveways Parking Lots • Belgian Blocks • Sidwalks • Steps • Pavers • Retaining Walls • All asphalt work Lic by NJ, Member of BBB • Fully Insured • Free Estimates

www.jagpaving.com LORENA (201)991-4165

Cut Your Mortgage In Half Maintain Your Current Life Style

Cell: (201)401-4525 Kearny Fax:(201)997-5783

(201)805-4999

HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE HOLIDAY!

Free Call

AnnounCement

THE OBSERVER NEWSPAPER WILL BE CLOSED ON NEW YEAR’S DAY, JANUARY 1, 2014

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2014

News from the Nutley Police blotter Dec. 27 A Wilmington St. resident reported a fraud to police, saying that someone changed the address on his N.J. driver’s license and sent it to another person in California who then reportedly used that information to make withdrawals from the resident’s bank account. Police are investigating. A Haggert St. business owner complained to police that his place of business has been repeatedly targeted by graffiti markers and littered with drug paraphernalia. Police said they’ve increased patrols in the area. At 1:44 a.m., police responded to a motor vehicle accident on Franklin Ave. where the driver of a Toyota wagon crashed into a parked car near Washington and McKinley Aves. Police said the driver told them he momentarily took his eyes off the road to check his cellular phone when the mishap occurred. Police issued him a summons. Dec. 26 Employees at a Franklin Ave. business told police that

after being asked to fill out an employment application, a man became irate and told the employee he planned to rob them, adding that he was under the influence and, therefore, couldn’t complete the application but planned to return to do so. Police said the man was described as black with dreadlocks dyed orange, with facial tattoos, about six feet tall, wearing all purple. A William St. resident was injured trying to catch up to three juveniles repeatedly ringing his doorbell, police said. While chasing them, the resident hurt his knee and needed medical attention, police said. At 2:56 a.m., police said they were called to a Centre St. establishment on a report of a fight in the parking lot. Police said they resolved the dispute which they described as verbal only. Dec. 25 An Oak St. resident called police at 10:23 a.m. to report that their car had been burglarized during the early morning hours and that sev-

eral items were stolen. Detectives are investigating. Dec. 24 At 11:45 p.m., a Humbert St. tenant called police to report she’d been burglarized and that a number of items were missing. The incident is being investigated. At 3:59 p.m., police said they responded to a disturbance at an E. Centre St. residence where a tenant’s Christmas tree had fallen, causing him to be upset. Police calmed the tenant and cleared the scene. Police said they were called to a Bloomfield Ave. business location after the employees discovered people were checking out their property via video surveillance but apparently never took anything. Dec. 23 Police spent part of the day searching for a 16-year-old girl whose parents had reported her missing on Dec. 20. Police said the girl returned the following day on her own free will after having spent the last couple of days with friends. A Hoboken resident re-

ported to police that a pair of diamond earrings valued at nearly $6,000 was stolen from the front seat of his vehicle while it was parked on Franklin Ave. in Nutley. The victim told police he’d purchased the jewelry and visited two locations in Nutley and one in Hoboken before realizing that the earrings were missing. Police are investigating. At 10:12 a.m., an Evergreen Ave. resident reported that their 1999 Honda had been burglarized and that the steering column had been broken by an apparent would-be car thief. Police are investigating. At 8:57 a.m., a Stanley Ave. resident reported finding the door to a shed in their rear yard wide open that morning. The shed had been secured with an unlocked padlock, the resident told police. The resident told police they also found their front yard gates, normally shut, open. Nothing was apparently taken, police said. Dec. 22 At 9:45 a.m., police went to a Meacham Ave. location on a

report of an auto burglary. The victim told police that when they arrived at their vehicle, they noticed a piece of the ignition on the driver’s side floor of the vehicle and the passenger side door compromised. They said they had an alarm on the vehicle but it didn’t sound. A motor vehicle accident, at around 2 a.m., on Washington Ave. resulted in the arrest of Ernesto Valle, 27, of Kearny, on a DWI charge, police said. Valle was also ticketed on charges of use of handheld wireless phone and careless driving and was released after getting a mandatory court date. At 1:25 a.m., police responded to a motor vehicle accident on Centre St. resulting in the arrest of Tina Kampolis, 46, of Nutley, on charges of DWI and aggravated assault on a police officer. Kampolis also was issued summonses charging her with refusal to submit to an Alcotest and careless driving. She was released with a mandatory court date after posting bail. – Ron Leir

Technology can help parents stay connected to their kids (StatePoint) In today’s digital world, connecting with your children goes beyond face-to-face communication. While nothing beats in-person quality time, on-the-go lifestyles don’t always allow for it. But physical distance when you or your kids are out of the house shouldn’t present too much of a communication barrier between parents and kids, say the experts. “These days, most children are fairly comfortable using communication technologies. Capitalizing on your children’s tech prowess can help you stay connected,” says Eric Klopfer, Learning Expert for VTech, a maker of age-appropriate and developmental stage-based electronic learning products for children. Whether you’re at the office, a frequent business traveler or simply want to keep in touch with your kids while they’re away from home, Klopfer says there are a few things to keep in mind when communicating with your children electroni-

cally: Age-Appropriate Technology It’s crucial to find technologies that are age-appropriate, safe and easy-to-use. Many messaging services are restricted to those over the age of 13. And messaging services with fewer restrictions can present a hassle for parents who want to ensure that kids are only corresponding with approved contacts. Luckily, emerging technologies designed for a younger audience are addressing these concerns. For example, VTech Kid Connect, a new communication app for the company’s children’s learning tablet, InnoTab 3S, features tablet-tomobile capabilities, making staying in touch both safe and easy. It eliminates the need for setting up a complicated restriction system, which can be a big relief for parents questioning the safety of their kids online. More information and a demonstration can be found at www.vtechkids.com/

kidconnect.

have worried about the impact that emerging technologies Writing Skills would have on human intelFor parents skeptical about ligence,” says Klopfer. “While the impact that texting and these advances -- from the electronic messaging will have printing press to the Internet on children’s written commu- -- have certainly changed the nication skills, Klopfer assures way we communicate, when that with care, you can use the used appropriately, their imtechnology to actually impact is immensely positive.” prove literacy. Encourage kids to develop “Through time, great minds their writing skills while com-

municating with you electronically by paying attention to their spelling and grammar. And you can set a good example by avoiding excessive acronyms and emoticons, and including great vocabulary words into messages. It may seem paradoxical, but in this fast-paced, tech-driven age, keeping kids and parents connected is getting easier.

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2014

Some new year resolutions for keeping your home up to snuff (StatePoint) Running a home can be a full-time job. Unfortunately, many of us don’t have that kind of time. This new year, resolve to check off all the items on your to-do list without working harder. You can accomplish this by finding smarter solutions to maintain your home efficiently. Pest Control When it comes to pest control, a false sense of security during the cooler months can get you in trouble, as all homes are susceptible to pest invasion year-round. The experts at Terminix say the best way to prevent rodents from entering your home is by sealing holes and cracks outside your home. Install a good, thick weatherstrip on the bottom of all doors. Be sure the door from the garage is sealed extra tight. If you’re using firewood indoors, never bring more inside than you need at one time. Firewood can harbor insects like beetles, spiders, ladybugs, ants, cockroaches and centipedes. It’s important to have a professional periodically inspect for signs of pests and take preventative control measures.

term. For a thorough, deep clean and to ensure small details aren’t overlooked, consider using a professional cleaning service. Tough Jobs No other item in your home can affect the appearance of your home like carpeting. Schedule a carpet cleaning for a fresh start to the year, and have the carpets cleaned every six to twelve months. Likewise, a trained technician can ensure proper care of surfaces like hardwood floors, tile and grout and also upholstered furniture. Without adding too much work to your already busy schedule, you can resolve to give your home the care it deserves. For more information on professional brands that can help, visit www.servicemaster.com.

grime, and change the filters To avoid extra mopping, Such measures may save you for your air conditioner and consider asking guests to from spot cleaning, but nothheating system to improve air remove their shoes before ing can save you from the task quality. of home cleaning in the long walking through your home. Annual maintenance should include checking your Beginning January 1, 2014, MONOC EMS will proudly assume washer’s hoses for leaks, cleaning the lint from your responsibility for providing Emergency Medical Service coverage ‘for the dryer ductwork, caulking leaks around windows and doors, Town of Harrison and Borough of East Newark, in Hudson County, New Jersey. and having your heating and cooling systems professionally serviced. Look into home warranty plans with a broad network of professional service contractors and the ability to place System Maintenance service requests 24/7. A home Creating monthly and anwarranty provides covernual maintenance schedules age for breakdowns of home MONOC Emergency Medical Services is a non-profit hospital for your home’s major systems system components, such as cooperative consisting of 15 acute care hospitals located throughout and appliances can save you HVAC and plumbing, and also time and money later, accord- major appliances. New Jersey. With these shared services, MONOC is the largest provider ing to the experts at American of ambulance services in New Jersey and serves over 2.8 million Home Shield. Deep Clean Start by adding these tasks Keeping your rooms clean residents living in more than 1,800 square miles of the Garden State. to your monthly calendar: can make a house a livable, clean the dishwasher drains comfortable home. Prevent to prevent clogs and breakclutter with organizational downs, flush the garbage tools like baskets, shoe racks disposal with water and bakand coat hangers. ing soda to prevent odor and

Don’t forget to follow The Observer on

In the event of a medical emergency

Dial 9-1-1

in order to receive an ambulance.

Happy Holidays From Your Friends at MONOC EMS www.monoc.org

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2014

How to protect your nest egg from financial downturns (StatePoint) From increased unemployment to commonplace home foreclosures, it’s hard to forget the devastating effects of the 2008 financial crisis and the worst recession since the Great Depression. While the hope is that regulatory bodies and bureaus created in the crisis’ wake will help prevent a recurrence, some experts say these reforms were shaped by the same entities responsible for the crisis -- but that citizens have the power to chart a different course for their own economic futures. “Whether policies were formed with selfless or selfish intentions, you don’t need to quietly agree to them, especially if they are misguided. We have a system that can respond to the efforts of individual citizens,” says Jay W. Richards, Distinguished Fellow at the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics and author of the

new book, “Infiltrated: How to Stop the Insiders and Activists Who Are Exploiting the Financial Crisis to Control Our Lives and Our Fortunes.” In his book, Richards suggests that complacency on the part of ordinary citizens will lead to more serious financial disasters. He encourages readers to take steps to prevent future crises and protect their own nest eggs: • Get Informed: “Many culpable entities used the crisis fallout to lay blame elsewhere and increase their own power,” says Richards. “But with knowledge, prudence and intelligent action, history won’t have to repeat itself.” “The only way to prevent deception and cynicism during future crises is for ordinary citizens to get informed and outraged enough to change our fiscal and regulatory trajectory,” says Richards. • Take Control: Online

Mulligan Funeral Home 331 Cleveland Avenue, Harrison

Licensed Funeral Directors serving your needs include:

Frank X. Mulligan III, Manager, NJ Lic. 4221 Frank X. Mulligan, Jr., NJ Lic. 2953 Private Parking at 10 Frank Rodgers Blvd. North

973-481-4333

visit us at: www.mulliganfuneralhome.org

educational resources can help you get informed. To brush up on basic financial skills, visit MyMoney.gov, a site created by the Financial Literacy and Education Commission with information on how to save, what to consider when borrowing, and how to make a budget. • Diversify: Experts recommend balancing different types of assets, such as cash, stocks, bonds and commodities. Having different types of investments means you might be better shielded from economic crises, because some assets might fall while others might rise. • Don’t Rely on Your Home: If the recession taught people anything, it’s not to rely too

much on home equity for retirement. Many think their homes are more valuable than they really are or will be when it’s time to retire. • Be Philanthropic: “Those concerned about the future should be the first to grow effective local organizations

MARIO TEIXEIRA, JR., #2542 DIRECTOR-MANAGER

Shaw-Buyus Home for Services

138 DAVIS AVE. • KEARNY, NJ 07032

Tel: (201) 991-2265 The Family of

WILFRED ARMITAGE & WIGGINS FUNERAL HOME Mark G. Wiggins, Manager N.J. Lic. #3916 John W. Armitage, Director N.J. Lic#2642

You will feel as if friends of family have taken over when you entrust funeral arrangements to the Wilfred Armitage Funeral Home. The family-owned firm has been in business for 75 years, serving generations in West Hudson and South Bergen. Its beautiful facilities, in a setting reminiscent of a colonial mansion, reflect the graciousness and tact of its understanding personnel.

Wilfred Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home

596 Belgrove Dr. • Kearny, NJ 07032 (201) 991-0657

Paul Trucillo

wishes to thank everyone for their kindness and sympathy at a time when it was deeply appreciated. Perhaps you sent a lovely card, or sat quieltly in a chair; Perhaps you sent a floral piece, If so, we saw it there. Perhaps you spoke the kindest words, as any friend could say. Perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day. Whatever you did, we thank you and wish you and your family a

Happy & Healthy New Year!

providing real safety nets for the destitute,” says Richards, who believes philanthropy is a moral responsibility best left to communities. • Think of the Future: When a consumer borrows, she or he alone bears the debt. However, when the government over-spends for short term goals, future generations are expected to foot some, or all, of the bill. “This is immoral and no fancy economic theory can change that,” asserts Richards. • Be Civic: Your vote matters to politicians. Call, write and visit them to express concerns over economic regulations you don’t support. More information about “Infiltrated” can be found at www.InfiltratedTheBook.com. Remember, you don’t need a PhD in economics to stay informed.

Deadline for obituary sumbissions is

Monday by 10AM

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2014

Is your home ready for a power outage?

BUSINESS

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Mario Esposito Landscaping LLc (StatePoint) Being prepared for winter means more than just stocking up on Vitamin C. It also means making sure your home is ready for the onslaught of cooler weather and potential power outages. Whether it’s just windy and blustery, or there’s an ice storm or blizzard, wicked weather can cause all sorts of damage or power outages. One of the most important things you can do to ensure a safe, happy and healthy winter is equip your home with a portable generator, which can serve as a useful back up during an emergency or when a power source isn’t available. Don’t forget, with great power comes great responsibility. When using a generator, keep these tips in mind: • Always read and follow the manufacturer’s operating manual and instructions before running a generator. • Engines emit carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless and odorless poisonous gas. Don’t run a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, basements, sheds, or similar areas, even when using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation.

Locate the unit outside and direct its exhaust away from doors, windows, vents and other openings to reduce the risk of CO from accumulating and potentially being drawn towards occupied spaces. Install a CO detector in your home. • Connect electrically powered items to the generator using heavyduty extension cords specifically designed for outdoor use. Ensure the wattage rating for each cord exceeds the total wattage of all appliances connected to it. Check that the entire length of each cord is free of cuts or tears and that the plug has all three prongs. Coiled cords can get hot, so always uncoil cords and lay them in flat open locations. Connections for standby power to a home’s electrical system must use a listed transfer switch and be installed by an electrician. The connection must isolate the generator power from the utility power. • Get the right generator size for your needs. For example, a 5500 Watt Portable Generator is ideal for powering a small appliance and a few household items, whereas the Briggs & Stratton 6250 Watt

Storm Responder, a quick response generator that comes with maintenance reminders and a 25 foot generator adapter cord, can handle even more. Use free online resources, such as a generator size and wattage calculators to determine how much power you need. • Don’t wait for an emergency to operate your generator. Perform a dry run to make sure you’re familiar with its operation. Run the machine occasionally to keep the engine lubricated. • Keep a flashlight handy to find your way to your generator. Store it conveniently, covered, to keep it free of dirt and debris. • Proper generator maintenance includes several steps. For every eight hours of operation, check the oil. Change the air cleaner every 25 hours and the oil every 50 hours. Replace the spark plug every 100 hours. More portable generator safety tips can be found at www. BriggsAndStratton.com. This winter, be prepared. Be sure you have a working portable generator, and the knowhow to run it properly.

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EMERGENCY SERVICE

To advertise in our Business Directory Call 201-991-1600

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2014

Happy New Year! May Your New Year Be Healthy and Prosperous From Our Family to Yours

Finch Fuel Oil Co. 648 Schuyler Ave. • Kearny, NJ 07032

201.991.2370