Jan. 8, 2014 Edition of The Observer by The Observer Newspaper

January 8, 2014 • www.theobserver.com • Vol CXXVI, No. 33

COVERING: BELLEVILLE • BLOOMFIELD

Adding but also taking

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

Unhappy New Year for carjack suspect By Karen Zautyk Observer Correspondent

By Ron Leir Observer Correspondent NUTLEY – The Township has hammered out a new labor contract with its career firefighters’ unions, just in time for three new hires to enjoy the fruit of the unions’ labors … at the negotiating table, that is. From the union point of view, while some of those fruits will be sweet –pay raises totaling 8% over four years – others will taste sour, especially for new employees but some that will weaken existing contract provisions for old and new. More about that later. In the meantime, the Nutley Fire Department is happy to welcome its three new members – Ryan Lucas, Alan Nardiello and Michael Ferraro, all age 30 and all Nutley residents. Nutley hired the trio, only after having applied for – and getting – a federal SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Firefighter & Emergency Response) grant of $599,152 – sufficient to pay the salaries and fringe benefits for four firefighters for two years, with no local match required, according to Deputy Fire Chief Paul Cafone. Lucas, Nardiello and Ferraro made a state-certified appointment list that the state Dept. of Personnel issued in March see NEW HIRES page

There reportedly were at least six people in the apartment at the time. Responding Officer Jay KEARNY – Ward was advised that the 26-year-old Newark suspect was armed with man was languishing a handgun and had stolen in the Hudson County jewelry, currency and a cell Jail after his arrest last week phone, Dowie said. by Kearny police in connecOne of the women in the tion with a home invasion apartment was taken at and carjacking. gunpoint to her parked car, a The suspect, Anthony 2009 Lexus, and was forced Lewis, was nabbed in Newark to turn over the keys and surby the KPD after a foot chase render the vehicle, in which across the Clay St. Bridge, the bandit then made his police said. He is being held getaway alone, Dowie said. on a dozen charges and Police issued a BOLO on $250,000 cash-only bail. the car, which Officer ThomIt was just a few hours into as Pontrella found abanthe New Year -- at 7 a.m., Jan. doned a short distance away, 1 -- when Kearny police reon Devon St. at Johnston Ave. ceived a report of the home near the Kearny-Harrison invasion on Tappan St. near pedestrian bridge. Devon St., where a man had Believing the suspect was “burst into” an apartment now fleeing on foot, the KPD, in a multi-family building. with the assistance of the Police Chief John Dowie said Harrison and East Newark it appears as if the invader had prior knowledge of the see CARJACK page victims and/or the residence.

Photo courtesy KPD

Anthony Lewis

Town rethinking ‘exempt’ pay package By Ron Leir Observer Correspondent

KEARNY – With Christmas in sight, Mayor Alberto Santos and the Town Council tried to bestow some gifts but to those for whom the presents were intended, the spirit of the occa-

sion felt more like the holiday Grinch. On Dec. 23, the governing body invited public comment on a previously introduced ordinance proposing to grant 2% pay raises – for 2014 only – to 13 “exempt” (managerial) employees unaffiliated with a union, three of whom hold

more than one job title. However, after hearing dissenting opinions from several of the employees who’d be the beneficiaries of the pay adjustment, the mayor and council agreed to table the ordinance pending further review. Just to be clear: the employees weren’t saying they didn’t

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want the increase – they were saying it didn’t go far enough. Their last increase came in 2011 but the governing body opted to give nothing for 2012 or 2013. Chief Financial Officer Shuaib Firozvi, among the see EXEMPT PAY page

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By Ron Leir Observer Correspondent HARRISON – he Town of Harrison has a new tenant occupying its Cleveland Ave. firehouse. Kearny Emergency Management Services (EMS) has vacated the space and, as of New Year’s Day, it’s been replaced by MonmouthOcean Hospital Service Corp. (MONOC) EMS, based in Wall Township. Mayor Ray McDonough and the Harrison Town Council voted Dec. 19 to accept the bid submitted by MONOC to provide emergency medical service coverage – basic life support provided by EMTs – for Harrison and East Newark. MONOC says it will also provide medical 9-1-1 call intake, pre-arrival instructions and dispatching. The town is paying nothing for the service and, in fact, will be collecting $1,500 a month rental fee from the new vendor for stationing of a MONOC ambulance at the Harrison firehouse and for sleeping quarters for MONOC staff, according to Town Attorney Paul Zarbetski. Zarbetski said that the agreement with the new provider is for one year with a provision for possible two one-year extensions. Zarbetski said that under the contract terms, MONOC will handle all billing with patients. The vendor will accept payments through third-party insurance firms, including Medicaid and Medicare, he said. The town won’t be on the hook for any deficits that may be experienced by the

Photo courtesy monoc.org

vendor, he said. On its website, MONOC describes itself as a nonprofit hospital cooperative with affiliated member hospitals around the state, including Clara Maass Medical Center, Belleville, which is part of the Barnabas Health network. If MONOC’s ambulance is on the road responding to an emergency and another call is received by a dispatcher, then Harrison will deploy one or both of its two backup ambulances, as needed, Zarbetski said. Zarbetski said MONOC was the only firm to submit a bid on Dec. 17, the date designated by the town for receiving proposals for emergency services. “Kearny didn’t bid, which was surprising,” he added. It was also puzzling for Harrison Public Safety Director Harold Stahl, who said that during the past two

and a half years that Kearny provided the services – responding to about 1,600 calls a year – “we were working well together.” Kearny EMS, which operates independently of the Town of Kearny, has been an “interim provider” of the services since July 1, 2011, after Harrison – with prodding by the state Dept. of Community Affairs – opted to end a longstanding practice of having its Fire Department, whose members are trained as emergency first-responders, handle ambulance runs. With a depleted fire personnel roster, Harrison officials felt the town – and neighboring East Newark – would be better served by delegating that service to another entity. At the time, DCA encouraged the town to solicit bids but, instead, the town elected to go with the Kearny squad on a trial basis. Kearny EMS operated from

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the Cleveland Ave. firehouse with a Harrison ambulance. In mid-October last year, Kearny EMS President/CEO Harry McNeill wrote to McDonough, serving notice that the squad would “terminate its services as interim EMS provider … effective Dec. 31,” pending Harrison bidding out the service, “… in which Kearny EMS may submit a bid for contract.” But Kearny didn’t follow through, because, according to Kearny Mayor Alberto Santos, “it was not a cost effective service.” Although the mayor couldn’t provide figures to back that up, he said the Kearny squad “did an analysis” of the operation and concluded the revenue from the Harrison enterprise wasn’t sufficient to cover costs. Santos said that the squad did receive monthly compensee AMBULANCE page

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2014 forecast: ‘Trying to contain taxes’ S KEARNY – worn in for his 12th consecutive term as Kearny’s chief executive at the town’s annual reorganization meeting Friday night, Mayor Alberto Santos delivered an Inaugural Address, listing financial stability, public safety protection and development as being among his administration’s priorities for the next four years. The mayor also attacked Gov. Chris Christie’s administration for what he felt were oppressive fiscal policies. And he also lauded new community initiatives such as the newly formed West Hudson Arts and Theatre troupe whose mission is to be “a cultural resource that will enrich and invigorate the West Hudson community as a whole,” along with the successful first season of the Kearny Community Garden and organizers Jenny and David Mach, Ed and Peg Bixler for “beautifying, educating and nourishing the Kearny community.”

Addressing the town’s fiscal pressures, Santos said: “The future must … be one in which Kearny remains affordable to live and work,” Santos said. “With property taxes in Kearny exceeding $9,000 a year for an average-assessed home in a community that is predominantly working class and fixed-income households, the homeowner’s tax burden is heavy.” Fixed costs figure into that tax equation, Santos said. “Since my first year as mayor (2000), employee pension costs have nearly tripled, health insurance costs have more than doubled and garbage and sewage disposal costs have doubled,” he noted. “These costs will add up to $23 million in this year’s budget, which is almost onethird of the total budget.” In hopes of securing an equitable share of state revenue, Santos said he would “remain vigilant against efforts to undo tax sharing in the New Jersey Meadowlands.” This year’s

funding formula, he said, provided Kearny with $3.8 million in revenue that helped balanced the municipal budget. To try and shake loose additional revenues, Santos said he would press state lawmakers to lift the tax exempt status currently afforded CSX and NJ Transit for “two of the largest rail yards in the region,” as well as the county jail; two PSE&G power plants, including a $250 million peaking facility; and shipping container storage facilities, all located in South Kearny. “Highways such as the N.J. Turnpike, the Pulaski Skyway and Rt. 1&9 impose demands on Kearny’s police and fire departments, and take up substantial portions of Kearny real estate, but generate zero revenue for the town,” he said. State aid to Kearny has also taken a hit, Santos said. The town’s share of the state’s

Observer photo

Mayor Alberto Santos

energy tax receipts and property tax relief programs has dropped from $21.4 million in 2000 to $18.4 million. By changing the original Public Utility tax, the state has deprived Kearny of the “full amounts” due from utilities, he said. “If the law had been followed,” Santos said,

“Kearny would have received an additional $46 million from the state over the past 10 years.” Because of these inequities, along with the mandated 2% budget cap, “we are losing our fiscal capacity to govern,” Santos said. If the state continues “encroaching” on home rule, it will open the door wider to “further consolidation of state power and probably mandated regionalism from above by the attachment of strings to whatever reduced revenues are dispensed by the state to municipalities.” “The current state policies that reduce municipal financial burdens under the pretense of fiscal austerity will not reduce the property tax burden,” Santos said. “Rather, they will further centralize the power of the state at the expense of local democracy.” – Ron Leir

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CARJACK from

police, set up a containment perimeter. Kearny Sgt. Paul Bershefski, one of those patrolling the perimeter, “had a hunch” the man was heading for Newark, Dowie said, and spotted an individual fitting the fugitive’s description in the parking lot of Tops Diner in East Newark. Dowie said Bershefski recognized Lewis from previous police encounters and called to him to stop, but Lewis

bolted to the Clay St. Bridge and fled across the river with Bershefski in foot pursuit. During the chase, Lewis reportedly was seen pulling a handgun from his waistband and throwing it into the water. On the Newark side of the Passaic, Lewis scaled a a fence at a construction site and disappeared on the property, police said. Units surrounded the location, and the suspect was found and taken into custody by KPD Officer Cesar Negron.

Police said no shots were fired during the pursuit and hunt, but some ammunition was recovered in the area where Lewis was arrested. Lewis has been charged in two jurisdictions. In East Newark, the charges are resisting arrest, possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful disposition of a firearm, tampering with evidence, and ineligibility to possess a firearm because of a prior criminal record. Kearny has charged him

with burglary, robbery, carjacking, possession of a handgun and aggravated assault (for allegedly hitting one of the victims). Police said he also had an outstanding Kearny warrant. Authorities said that Lewis has a record of nine prior arrests -- in Kearny, Harrison, Newark, Irvington and Hillside -- and three felony convictions. Following Lewis’ apprehension, Kearny launched its police boat in hopes of recover-

ing the gun from the river, but the efforts were unsuccessful. The Bergen County Police Dive Team, which is equipped with an underwater camera and robot, went to the site Thursday, but the current was too strong for them to safely enter the river, Dowie said. The divers were scheduled to return early this week. Lewis’ $250,000 bail, cash only with no 10% option, was set by Hudson County Superior Court Judge Mitzy GalisMendez.

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problem managing. At 2-years-old, this pittie mix needs love, patience and a knowledgeable owner. A lot more walks, training and playtime will not only help release some pent-up energy, but it can also be a great way to bond with her. The more she forms a relationship with her new family, the more ready she will be to explore her world without feeling overwhelmed. Since her stay at the shelter, she has definitely turned into a mush and absolutely loves

attention. However, like most dogs, she will need continued positive socialization. Speaking of training, Missy does take some of her things seriously and doesn’t like to share. Therefore, she will need an adopter(s) who is willing to work with her and help manage this behavior so it doesn’t escalate. Spending quality time with Missy will not only help her blossom, but it will help her feel balanced and wanted. And don’t we all want to be that happy? So why not give her this second chance to

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NEW HIRES from 2013 but it wasn’t until the fall when the Township Board of Commissioners voted to hire the three men, after concluding that the township would be able to afford the payments after the two years, Cafone said. “We hope to hire a fourth firefighter in early 2014,” he added. That’s when the NFD plans to send Ferraro and the fourth firefighter for a 10-week training program at the Essex County Fire Academy. Lucas and Nardiello recently completed their training. At graduation ceremonies on Dec. 10, his 16 fellow recruits presented Lucas with the Merit Award as the one among them most likely to display leadership qualities on the job. Ferraro, who had been working as an officer with the New York Police Department, has yet to take the training course. Lucas has three cousins in the Nutley Fire Department (Capt. Robert Ryan and Firefighters Edward Ryan and Joe Ferraro) and his dad, Ben, having served with the U.S. Navy, was assigned to ordnance and was heavily involved with firefighting duties on his ship. Lucas served with the U.S. Marines Wing Support Squadrons 472 and 473 during a tour of duty in Afghanistan between 2006 and 2007. After completing his military service, Lucas resumed construction work and then enrolled at Lincoln Technical Institute to get certified as a diesel mechanic but had to take a leave of absence. He hopes to go back at some point and apply his technical skills with the Fire Department. Nardiello and Ferraro have almost identical backgrounds: Both came up through the lo-

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cal public school system, both joined the Nutley Junior Fire Volunteers, both enrolled at Union County College for fire science degrees. And they got married a month apart. While his father-in-law, Sal Lubrertazzi, was a member of the NFD before Nardiello applied, the rookie said he’s always been drawn to fire rigs. “I love the thrill of being around fire engines,” he said. “It gives me a sense of pride that I’m able to give a helping hand to people in time of need.” Ferraro echoed that sentiment, saying: “Being a firefighter is something I always wanted to do as a kid. I wanted to get out there and help people who need you in times not so good for them.” Staying true to that goal, Ferraro said he’s been “taking the Civil Service test for firefighter from [age] 18 on.” While waiting to be called, the recruit has worked as a bank teller, as a part-time school custodian, with the family catering business in Belleville, and, most recently, as a two-year member of the NYPD. The temporary tilt to law enforcement could’ve been a family influence, since his great-grandfather, Gerald, was a Nutley Police captain and his dad, also Gerald, was a 25-year Essex County sheriff’s officer. With the hiring of the rookies, the career NFD roster will climb to 35 – still short of the 39 members who were aboard in 2008, according to Cafone. The shrinkage, he said, was due to retirements, with more likely to come. The career members are backed up by about 60 volunteers, he said. Then there’s the matter of the new labor contract between the township and FMBA Locals 44 and 44A, for

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which the terms were outlined in a Dec. 16 memorandum of agreement signed by Public Safety Commissioner/Mayor Alphonse Petracco, Local 44 President Greg Misner and Local 44A Vice President John Hund. The membership of both locals have voted to ratify the proposed agreement which provides for annual 2% pay raises for 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 and for hiking clothing allowance, from the current $625 to $675 by 2016, but also calls

for these givebacks: • Reducing the yearly allotment of 60 hours of compensatory time to only 20 hours, effective Jan. 1, 2014. • Adding three steps to the firefighters’ salary guide, increasing the total number of steps (to reach maximum base pay) to eight. • Creating an additional step, going up to four, to the salary guide for all newly appointed fire lieutenants and captains. • Extending, by two, the

number of steps, for a total of three, on the guide for deputy chiefs. • Eliminating longevity for new employees hired after Jan. 1, 2014, except for those hired with the SAFER grant. • Deleting stipends for senior fire inspector and fire prevention officer. • Creating a two-tier system for vacation days, holidays and personal days for those employees hired after Jan. 1, 2013. Another concession being made by the unions is, effective Dec. 31, 2013, “all employees with $15,000 or less in unused sick leave shall be capped at $15,000 upon retirement for the payment of unused sick leave. The sick leave bank for current employees that have more than $15,000 shall be frozen and given a dollar value [which] shall be determined by multiplying the employee’s daily rate of pay as of Dec. 31, 2013 (based upon an eight-hour work day) by the number of days in their sick bank as of Dec. 31, 2013. This frozen amount shall be the maximum amount at retirement for accumulated sick leave.”

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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.

Keys to my newspaper kingdom O

n New Year’s Eve, a typewriter repairman in Manhattan hung up his ribbons, so to speak, after spending almost four decades working in the business. A New York Times story, published Dec. 28, 2013, told how Bino Gan, a Filipino immigrant, now 60, learned the trade from his brother and, in 1987, opened his own shop, Typewriters ‘N Things, in the West Village section of Manhattan. Among his customers, according to the Times, were filmmakers Woody Allen and Francis Ford Coppola, but also plenty of regular New Yorkers, too, who simply prefer using the instrument. Learning to operate a manual typewriter was key (no pun intended) to getting my first newspaper job at The Jersey Journal, when I was a very raw rookie, still an undergrad at the time, in the late ‘60s. Having been weaned on the TV “Superman” serial, I had high hopes of grabbing a coveted spot on the City Desk as a wanna-be Jimmy Olsen (minus the camera he carried as sometimes sidekick to the Man of Steel…. The camera would come to me, much later). Anyway, you had to know how to type before you could

even be considered for employment. No, you wisenheimers, they weren’t still using feather quills. I hadn’t taken any typing course in high school, so, what to do? At my mom’s suggestion, I “enrolled” at Drake’s Secretarial School, now defunct, but, then, still going strong on the second floor of a commercial building in the Journal Square section of my hometown, Jersey City. I was assigned a hardback seat in front of an enormous black Remington equipped with equally enormous keys. Each one could probably accommodate two of my fingers. But the keys were blank! No lettering. No numbering. No nothing. Yikes! This was going to be a challenge, for sure. I think they had a big wall chart diagramming the layout of the keyboard for us students to master, which, eventually, I managed to do. Boy, those keys were not only big – they were heavy – so you really had to exert your finger muscles with sufficient strength to ensure the typebar impacted your ribbon to make a legible imprint on the paper curled up on the roll. And, of course, you had to make sure your ribbon didn’t get tangled up as you

pounded away. Luckily for me, my mom – using uncanny precognition – had previously arranged for me to take lessons on another type of instrument – a Winter & Co. upright piano. On these keys (I see a pattern developing), I was compelled to play many selections of classical music during six long years of trial and much error. Still, the forced labor got my fingers in fighting trim. And so, when it came to the real test at Drake’s, I had had, as it were, my basic training.

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Now I was ready for the real deal. Which, in this case, turned out to be a musical application of key power to the highest degree, as our Drake D.I. ordered us to bang out a copy of a written form, as fast as we could go in three minutes, as a loud recording of a John Philip Sousa march blared from a phonograph record, after which our papers were checked for mistakes. Now that was one heck of a way to learn how to type, let me tell you. And when I finally got that job, I discov-

ered that several of my more veteran colleagues somehow managed to get by, very nicely thank you, using just two fingers on the keyboard – at lightning speed and with amazing accuracy. They knew their way around telling a story, too. Looking back on my experience, though, I would maybe have added one more test, worthy of anyone wishing to soldier on as a member of what Ted Williams used to call the “Knights of the Keyboard.” In that test, our D.I. could have ordered each of us to change our ribbon – or, if she’d wanted to be true to the cause – disassemble and reassemble our instrument while blindfolded. I bet Ernie Pyle could’ve done it in his foxhole, if he had to. A whole lot of ribbons, tons of copy and carbon paper later, we evolved to electric typewriters (adjusting my keyboard action accordingly, from bashing to a light touch, to avoid bumping the wrong key) and, finally, to an actual computer keyboard. Would I ever go back to the Remington, Royal or Underwood? Only to admire them as noble antiques that helped me along the path I chose so long ago. – Ron Leir

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• Pat Carpenter, who, late is not going to be the hardship last year, was tenured as muit would be for the employee affected employees, said: “The nicipal clerk, is making $68,317. making the lesser amount.” total dollar amount of the • Health Officer John Sarnas, Elaborating, Santos said: proposed increase [which he collects $125,256 base pay plus “The town clerk, deputy clerk calculated as $34,000] is not $12,525 in longevity. and assessor positions are on significant compared to the • Water Superintendent [salary] steps; by state law, the town’s overall budget [about Richard Ferraioli makes town clerk, tax collector and $61.7 million] and the individu- $101,052 base pay plus $11,005 in tax assessor are entitled to pay al positions involved. longevity. parity with ‘similar’ employ“And,” Firozvi added, “the • Public Works Superintenees but there are no clear town’s financial position hasn’t dent Gerry Kerr earns $96,118 guidelines on the meaning of prevented it from settling plus $3,844 in longevity. ‘similar’ employees.” with other employee [union] • John Peneda gets $75,000 So what happens now? The groups for multi-year agreeas tax assessor plus $24,500 as ordinance, as it now stands, ments that didn’t skip two Urban Enterprise Zone direcis dead and would have to be years.” tor. reintroduced in another form, Firozvi currently earns • Personnel Director Kim assuming it is revived, Santos $108,205 a year as CFO and Bennett draws $76,728 plus said. an additional $33,495 as tax $7,672 in longevity. While it’s not the town’s collector. He also receives • Town Treasurer Monica intent “to have 13 sets of separate salaries as financial Charran earns $70,194. negotiations” with each of the officer of the Kearny Munici• Deputy Town Clerk Lyla exempt employees, Santos said pal Utilities Authority and as DeCastro gets $61,289. he and the council are awaitpart-time CFO for Northvale • Mayoral aide Mary Torres ing a “counter-offer” from the in Bergen County. receives $47,411 plus $2,844 in two chiefs and CFO which, Another unhappy employee longevity. he added, would still have to is Fire Chief Steve Dyl, who “Many in this group have comply with the state-mandatsays he and his colleagues are been working 25 to 30 years ed 2% cap and “would have to “always available. We put a so their salaries would reflect be inclusive of longevity and lot of time in” – beyond the cumulative increases received any additional compensation normal working hours and during that time,” Santos said. beyond the base pay.” aren’t entitled to overtime. “We have high respect for Once such a proposal is Dyl’s base pay is $159,207 plus the work they do,” the mayor received, Santos said, “we’ll $15,920 in longevity and $12,859 said. “Most work well beyond invite [all 13 employees] to in holiday pay. their regular hours.” However, come in and discuss” the issue. And Police Chief John Dow- he added, “most of the exempt That doesn’t mean that the ie, whose base pay is $166,800, employees have the highest town’s ultimate offer would but also collects $16,680 in lon- salaries in town, so not grantbe structured the same for gevity and $9,309 in holiday ing them increases for 2012 everyone, he said, suggesting pay, said he was upset because or 2013 isn’t the equivalent of, that some may prefer to have the town’s proposal “didn’t say, denying an increase to an the 2% spread over time or to address 2012 and 2013. I don’t employee with a lesser salary. get a fixed cash amount, for think we’re better than other Going without [that increase] example. employees but we do want similar consideration given to SERVING THE COMMUNITY OVER 25 YEARS other employee groups.” “In 2012,” Dowie said, “a AW FFICE OF lot of us worked a lot of days NGELA EMINO SQ during [Superstorm] Sandy. I went a full month without a Real Estate Closings • Bankruptcy • Divorce & Family Court day off.” During a typical work week, Dowie said, “I put in 55 Wills & Probate • Municipal Court to 60 hours.” Several of the exempt em364 Kearny Ave. • Kearny, NJ 07032 ployees previously worked un(201) 955-0080•afemino@verizon.net der contracts or employment agreements with the town but those have all expired, Dowie said, “so we’re kind of in limbo as to what benefits we’re entitled to. It leaves you wondering.” Maybe it would be better for the town to propose something more “standardized” for this group of employees, Dowie said. Other employees included in this group are: • Michael Martello is on the books as earning $101,052 as Reasonable Rates • Reliable Service construction/zoning officer plus $30,450 as town administrator, and an extra $12,000 as network administrator. EXEMPT PAY from

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Nutley Little Theatre presents ‘Children of a Lesser God’ Feb. 7 Nutley Little Theatre, 47 Erie Pl., has completed casting for its production of “Children of a Lesser God,” opening Friday, Feb. 7, and running for three weekends. The cast includes Estafania Arias and Michelle Benenati of Kearny and Brian Butterfield of Bloomfield. The cast will also stage the production at the Bergen County Community College in the summer. Winner of a Tony Award for Best Play, “Children of a Lesser God,” is the story of a naive speech therapist who joins the faculty of a school for the deaf to teach lip-reading. He meets Sarah, deaf from

birth and estranged from the world. Evening performances will be on Feb. 7, 8, 14, 20, 21 and 22, all at 8 p.m.Matinee performances are on Feb. 9, 15, 16 and 22. Ticket prices are $15. There is a $2 discount (matinees only) for students and senior citizens who show IDs at the box office. Patrons can order by phone by calling 1-877238-5596. To order online, patrons can go to the NLT web site at www.nutleylittletheatre.com and click on the “Click for Tix” icon, or can go directly to www.SmartTix.com.  For directions, see www.nutleylittletheatre. com.

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Take a quick trip to Manhattan, and you’ll love ‘The Gong Show Live Off Broadway’ Leslie Gold ‘The Radiochick’ brings it to New York with all trimmings of old TV show

By Ryan Sloan Observer Correspondent

everal years ago, while Leslie Gold was hosting her wildly popular show on Sirius-XM Satellite Radio — you know Leslie as “The Radiochick” — she landed a guest she’d always wanted on the show: “Gong Show” host Chuck Barris. She always admired his show — “I loved his kooky genius and fatherly way,” Gold says. And she was hardly the only one who loved Barris and the show. During its run, it had a cult-like following, with around 8 million regular viewers. But after the show went off the air, that was it for “The Gong Show,” despite some reruns on GSN and other networks. So Gold had this idea — let’s bring the show back for live performances. Sony owned the show’s trademark, and after some negotiation — and a really good lawyer — Gold had permission to bring the show back. And thus, “The Gong Show Live Off Broadway” was born. Ahead of its time Gold puts it well when she says “The Gong Show” was well ahead of its time as a TV reality show. In truth, it was one of the first shows — much like some of today’s reality programs — that allowed everyday folks with (or without) talent to audition to be on TV to perform. But it’s a lot different now. While there are indeed regular Joes who audition for Gold’s version of the show, it is the professionals

who make up the majority of the cast. In fact, more than 1,000 professional performers have auditioned for the show over the last few years. They’ve already been on shows like “America’s Got Talent,” “30 Rock,” “The Late Show with David Letterman” and “Conan” on TBS. “They’re just really great performers,” Gold says. In the new show, there are 30 total core acts. But they’re rotated so 14 perform each month. If one were to go to see the show three times in three consecutive months, chances are you’d never see the same show twice. There are also celebrity judges, too. Gold is one of them. So is her former radio sidekick Chuck Nice, who you’ll often see guest hosting on “The View” or doing segments on “The Today Show.” Comedians Carey Reilly, Dan Naturman and Danny Cohen judge, as does Q-104.3’s Ken Dashow. Comedian Ray Ellin is the host. Gold says Ellin does a magnificent job of playing Barris’ role. “Ray has the charm of Chuck, and you’ll always find him on the side of the performers — good or gonged,” Gold says. “He’s a real champion for the acts and he’s extremely fast on his feet.” Gamble pays off Initially, Gold had hoped a three-engagement run a few years ago at BB Kings in Manhattan would be enough to turn “The Gong Show Off Broadway” into a monthly affair. And it did.

Each month, at the Cutting Room in Manhattan, you’ll find Gold and the crew putting on the show. Gold says she has a few favorite acts, including the 80-year-old contortionist and Amazing Amy, a woman who can put her head up to her own buttocks. “Amy wears a Star Trek outfit,” Gold says. “And the band plays the Star Trek theme as she performs. It’s perfect.” Great for groups In addition going in small groups, there are also largegroup rates — so if you’re looking to put together a night out for the office or social group you might belong to, here’s one fantastic and hilarious way to do just that. “We went, my husband and I did, and we had such a good time, I can’t even explain it right,” says Jean Walker of Bloomfield. “I think what made it even more enjoyable is that we went, laughed our rear ends off and still didn’t have to part with a lot of cash to do this. If you’re looking for a great night out, not too far from home, and you’re not so willing to part with a lot of cash, you’ve got to go see this show — that’s how good it is.” The bottom line is “The Gong Show Live Off Broadway” is a magnificent night out for the family, and is just a few miles away in Manhattan. And it’s all at a reasonable price. If you don’t leave the theater with pains in your stomach from laughing out of control, chances are something’s seriously wrong with you.

If you go… What: The Gong Show Live Off Broadway Where: The Cutting Room, 44 E. 32nd St., New York City When: 7:30 p.m., Jan. 9, April 3 (check website for other dates/times) Ticket prices: $49 for reserved center-stage seats; $35 for general admission To buy tickets or for more info: Visit www.gongshowlive.net

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

If you were a ‘target,’ here’s what to do TRENTON– As the fallout continues from the massive data breach at Target stores--potentially affecting 40 million customers nationwide--the N.J. Division of Consumer Affairs last week issued a fact sheet on what information may have been compromised and on what (and what not) to do if you are one of the atrisk shoppers. The advisory reads: Consumers who shopped at Target stores between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15, 2013, and paid for their purchases via a credit or debit card may have had their card information stolen. The stolen information included customer names, credit and debit card numbers, card expiration dates, the three-digit security codes located on the backs of cards

and PINs of the debit cards. Those who shopped online were not affected by the breach. Consumers should be alert for possible fraudulent charges on any credit or debit cards that were used

FTC Affidavit to your local police or to the police where the theft occurred. • File a report with the police department. In the event that a creditor charges your account for unauthorized purchases, send a copy of the

at Target. Consumers should also take actions to protect themselves: • File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ftc.gov/complaint by phone at 1-877-4384338; TTY: 1-866-653-4261 and fill in an Affidavit. Take your

police report to the creditor. • Obtain a current copy of your credit report from all credit reporting agencies. • Check your credit/debit card activity: 1) Call the number of on the back of your credit/debit card. 2) Many card-issuers offer con-

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sumers online access to their accounts. Check it daily. • Go to your local bank branch to change the PIN on your debit card or request that your credit card company or bank issue you a new card.

received. Send correspondence by certified mail, return receipt requested. Keep a record of the time spent and any expenses you incurred, in case you can request restitution in a later judgment or conviction against the thief. • Do not respond to unsolicited requests for your information related to the data breach at Target, as there were reports of incidents of phishing or scam communications. Target has established a dedicated resource on its corporate website • Keep a complete set of where it posts copies of all records: Write notes and reofficial communications that cords of all telephone conver- Target sends to its customers. sations with credit-reporting Go to https://corporate.tarbureaus, creditors or debtget.com/about/payment-cardcollection agencies. Confirm issue. aspx?ref=sr_shorturl_ all telephone conversations, paymentcardresponse. in writing. Keep copies of The Target Fraud Hotline all correspondence sent and number is 1-866-852-8680.

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tals they’re affiliated with and those ambulances will get sation from Harrison to cover subsidized by the receiving hospitals. The Kearny squad “labor costs” but nothing for has no hospital affiliation administration overhead or agreements and, as required for gaps in uncompensated by state protocol, takes painsurance coverage. “Only tients to the nearest appropriabout one-third of the paate [medical] facility.” tients the squad transported Without the assurance of a were insured,” he said. hospital subsidy, “it does not “Acute care service is a very add up” for the squad, Santos competitive industry these said, “unless you make [the days,” Santos said. “With deficit] up elsewhere.” medical conglomerates swalSo if an ambulance ends up lowing up smaller hospitals taking an emergency case to and hospitals merging, with an affiliated hospital, Santos hospital stays tending to be added, “the question then shorter and more medical arises, is that the best outprocedures being done in come for the patient?” outpatient clinics, ambulancWhile its base is the Jersey es are being used to direct Shore area, MONOC isn’t patient traffic to those hospiexactly a stranger to this area. AMBULANCE from

In June 2011, the firm was contracted to provide EMS dispatch to Hudson County, meaning that its staff received 911 EMS calls from the county sheriff’s office and, in turn, relayed information to guide first responders – including paramedics, fire or police, if needed – to the correct location. And MONOC currently provides Advanced Life Support paramedic emergency service to the West Hudson region. MONOC, founded in 1978 “to improve health care and reduce [hospital] members’ costs,” comprimises 15 acutecare New Jersey hospitals from Meridian Health System, Robert Wood Johnson Health Network and Barnabas

Health System spread among five counties, the closest being Essex. Its website says MONOC “employs over 700 staff and operates a fleet of over 100 ambulances and works within a $61 million annual budget.” Affiliated Essex hospitals listed by MONOC are: Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, St. Michael’s Medical Center (now owned by the California-based forprofit chain Prime Healthcare Services) and St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston. In 2004, then-Assemblyman James Holzapfel (R-Ocean) questioned MONOC’s billing practices after receiving complaints from Monmouth and

Ocean county patients about allegedly excessive bills for paramedic service. Holzapfel couldn’t be reached during the holiday period to learn what, if anything, resulted from his inquiries. More recently, while Kearny EMS was providing BLS services for Harrison/ East Newark, Santos said that MONOC would periodically send him letters asking that Kearny share insurance fees the squad received for providing BLS service in connection with ambulance calls to which MONOC also responded – a request that, Santos said, Kearny consistently rejected. He said the cooperative threatened to sue but never did.

W.H.A.T.’s 24-Hour Musical Challenge goes ‘Back to the ’80s’ KEARNY – For the second year in a row, the West Hudson Arts & Theater Co. (W.H.A.T.) is hosting a 24 -Hour Musical Challenge, an amazing

project in which a few dozen young actors, actresses, costumers and technical staff will come together to rehearse, choreograph, stage and produce a full production

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of a musical -- all within a 24hour time span. This time, the curtain will rise on “Back to the ’80s: The Totally Awesome Musical.” Participants will enter the W.H.A.T. Theater at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 11. Exactly one day later, on Saturday, Jan. 12 at 7:30 p.m., they will take the stage and present the show. “This is literally a full show, produced entirely in one day,” said W.H.A.T. Artistic Director Joe Ferriero. While those participating are told in advance which show has been selected, everything else -- the script, the cast, costumes, set and even the production staff’s roles -is kept a secret. “We will work throughout the night and into the next day in a creative - and I’m

sure caffeine-fueled - diligent setting to bring this show to the stage,” Ferriero said. “We loved the idea when it was presented to us last year,” he added, referring to the concept of a 24-hour challenge as the new “flash mob.” The 2013 production was of the award-winning show “Rent.” This year’s show, “Back to the ’80s: The Totally Awesome Musical,” will transport the audience to the era that brought the world Rubik’s Cube, Max Headroom and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. It captures the feelings and fun of such movies as “Sixteen Candles” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and brings the ’80s film style to the stage with hit music of the decade: “Total Eclipse of the Heart,”

“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” “Come On, Eileen,” and “Love Shack” (to name just a few). “The Challenge is fun, fresh, and we think a perfect way to expose W.H.A.T. to new audiences,” Ferriero said. Participants are from communities throughout Hudson, Bergen and Essex counties. “We can’t wait for this group of talented, creative young people to come together for such a unique theatrical undertaking,” said Michele Sarnoski, who will once again serve as director. Tickets for the Jan. 11 performance of “Back to the ‘80s” are $7. They can be purchased online at http:// www.whatco.org/, by calling 201-467-8624, or at the W.H.A.T. Theater, 131 Midland Ave., Kearny.

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KPD blotter: Could you be a bit more conspicuous? And the first person to be locked up in Kearny in the New Year was (sound of drumroll): Segundo Yunda, 44, of Plainfield, arrested at 5 a.m., Jan. 1. Yunda was reportedly found drinking a Corona beer while sitting behind the wheel of a 2009 Cadillac that was stopped in the middle of the intersection at Devon St. and Woodland Ave. The car, police said, had heavy frontend damage. Officer Brian Wisely came upon this interesting vignette while on patrol and approached the driver, who reportedly was also “revving the engine excessively,” Police Chief John Dowie noted. Ordered from the vehicle, Yunda was said to be unsteady on his feet and nearly toppled over twice, but Wisely kept him from falling. While this was happening, Dowie said, a concerned citizen came by and told the officer that he had witnessed the Caddy strike a parked vehicle at Kearny and Johnston Aves. Yunda was charged with DWI, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to produce a driver’s license, and refusing to take a breath test. Other recent reports from the Kearny Police Department blotter included the following: Dec. 21 At 2:45 a.m., at Johnston and Passaic Aves., Officer Ben Wuelfing stopped an auto he had seen speeding south on Passaic, police said. The driver, 24-year-old Lizmarie Velez of Newark, reportedly failed field sobriety tests and was charged with DWI, careless driving and failure to exhibit registration and an insurance card. Dec. 22 At 1 a.m., Officer Luis Moran, Det. Michael Gonzalez and Sgt. Richard Poplaski responded to a disorderlyconduct complaint on the 300 block of Maple St. and

found a 27-year-old Kearny man bleeding profusely from a head wound. Police said he had been hit with a bottle. After interviewing witnesses, the officers arrested David Emanuel, also 27 and from Kearny, on charges of aggravated assault and possession of a weapon (the bottle) for unlawful purposes.

suspect and strewn about the area. Charged with robbery and resisting arrest was Reginald Flowers, 29, of East Hanover.

Dec. 27 Officers Dean Gasser, Chris Levchak and Melinda Esposito responded to the 6:15 p.m. report of a dispute in a Liberty St. residence and arrived to find a man Lt. Tim Wagner and Ofand a woman in a heated ficer Barry Green, on offargument. They separated duty, uniformed detail at the parties and advised the Walmart at 9 a.m., placed man to leave, but he reportunder surveillance a custom- edly became hostile and er who appeared to be under profane. Once outside, this the influence. The man was behavior escalated, police reportedly seen ripping open said. Alejandro Guzman, 29, packages in the electronics of Kearny was arrested on department and then forcing charges of disorderly conopen a jewelry display case. duct and criminal mischief As he attempted to leave (for allegedly smashing a the premises, he saw Lt. mirror inside the residence). Anthony Gouveia arriving and, pursued by all three At 11:15 p.m., headquarcops, ran back into the store, ters received a call about a “literally knocking other car traveling westbound on customers out of the way,” Dukes St., which is one-way Dowie reported. Green tack- eastbound. Officers Wuelfled him in the deli section, ing and Gasser responded where, police said, pieces of and located the vehicle at jewelry were found on the Schuyler Ave. and Dukes St.,

where it had ended up after the driver reportedly hit two parked cars, made a k-turn, and headed back downhill. Police said the driver was still behind the wheel and the car was still in gear. After Wuelfing secured the auto and field sobriety tests were conducted, Jose Solano, 32, of Kearny was charged with DWI, DWI in a school zone, careless driving and being an unlicensed driver. He was also charged criminally with possession of a false government document, a Social Security card that police said appeared to have been altered.

and questioned, the 31-yearold Montclair resident said she had just been given the money by an ex-boyfriend for child support. He was no longer in the area, but police said the woman’s story seemed credible and she was released. The currency was confiscated and the Secret Service was advised.

Officer Peter Blair was on mall patrol on Kearny Ave. at 6 p.m. when his mobile data terminal alerted him to a vehicle owned by an individual with a suspended license. Blair stopped the car and was advised by HQ that the driver, Mohamed Dec. 29 Selim, 39, of Jersey City, had Det. Gonzalez was on an outstanding warrant from off-duty, uniformed detail at the Hudson County Sheriff ’s Walmart at 11:20 a.m. when Office, police said. Selim was he was alerted by a cashier arrested on that and the MV that a woman was attemptviolation and the HCSO was ing to pay for purchases with notified. what appeared to be a coun– Karen Zautyk terfeit $100 bill. Detained

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Tickets are $30 with $25 in slot play back from the casino. Proceeds from this trip will help fund scholarships and other charitable donations. Kearny Public Library, 318 Kearny Ave., will host a screening of the family film “Despicable Me 2” (PG/98 minutes) on Friday, Jan. 10, at 4 p.m., on the lower level. This sequel to the 2010 animated film catches up with Gru, the ex-scheming evildoer-turnedparent, as he attempts to work for the good guys. Popcorn and light refreshments will be Kearny served. This program is free Kearny UNICO announces and all are welcome. For more these upcoming events: information on any library • A membership meeting program, call 201-998-2666 or will be held on Thursday, visit www.kearnylibrary.org. Jan. 9, at 7:30 p.m. For more Master Gardner Carolyn information about the group Gretchen will present a proor to attend, contact Chapter President Lou Pandolfi at 201- gram about suitable plants for local gardens for the Evening 368-2409. New members are Membership Department of welcome. Kearny UNICO is the Woman’s Club of Arlinga member chapter of UNICO ton on Wednesday, Jan. 15, National, the largest Italian American service organization at 7:30 p.m. at the Henrietta Benstead Center, 60 Columbia in the United States. Ave. The executive board will • A fundraising bus trip meet at 6:45 p.m. to the Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City is slated for Lyndhurst Sunday, Jan. 26. There is no Bill Bosenberg’s Snakes-nNFL playoff game this weekend. The bus will depart from Scales: “Fish Tales, a hands-on aquatic adaptation program American Legion Post 99 on for all ages, will be offered Belgrove Drive at 8:30 a.m. Oakeside Mansion, 240 Belleville Ave., is hosting an open house on Sunday, Jan. 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. No R.S.V.P. required – just stop by. Enjoy complimentary beverages and sample foods from Frungillo Caterers, Oakeside’s resident caterer. Talk with staff about the possibility of Oakeside Mansion hosting your next event: weddings, social events or meetings etc. For more information, call 973-256-9380.

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., offers these upcoming events: • A 45-minute program for children ages 3 to 4 1/2 featuring stories, music, and crafts, begins Feb. 20 and continues through May 29. Parents are welcome to participate. There will be two sessions on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Required registration runs through Feb. 14. Space is limited. Call in advance to register your child. • 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

to effectively search for and request items, how to share what you are reading on Facebook and how to manage your online library account on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. • The library hosts a discussion of short stories by Nutley authors, Frank Stockton and Henry (H.C.) Bunner on Saturday, Jan. 25, at 2 p.m. Participants will discuss “The Lady or the Tiger?” and “Love Before Breakfast” by Frank Stockton and “The Pointers” and “The Story of a Path” by H.C. Bunner. Copies of the short stories are available at the library. This special event begins a yearlong celebration of the 100th anniversary of the library with monthly events and contests. For more information, call Nutley the library at 973-667-0405. Nutley Public Library, 93 • Utilizing Yahoo, Y Not? Booth Dr., announces the foloffers a guided tour through lowing programs: the many different services • Play video games on Friand tools offered by Yahoo, days, Jan. 10 and 24, at 3 p.m. including My Yahoo, Ymail, the • High School Manga Club blog site Tumblr and the photo meets on Monday, Jan. 13, at 3 sharing site Flickr on Tuesday, p.m. Jan. 28, at 7 p.m. Participants • Middle School Manga will not have access to a commeets on Wednesday, Jan. 15, puter. Call the library at 973at 3:30 p.m. 667-0405, ext. 2604, to register • Library Catalog 101 teaches no later than one week before the latest tips and strategies each presentation. 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. Lyndhurst Health Department, 601 Riverside Ave., reminds pet owners to renew licenses for domesticated cats/dogs by Jan. 31. A $10 late fee is assessed for any animal registered after Jan. 31. Renew licenses in Suite 1 of the Health Department or at the free rabies clinics held on Thursday, Jan. 9 and Thursday, Jan. 16, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., in the recreation room at 601 Riverside Ave. Per state law, the rabies certificate must be valid through Oct. 31, 2014, in order to receive a 2014 animal license.

Then & Now Photo courtesy Kearny Public Library

Photo by Karen Zautyk

Last time, we had a photo of people ice skating on the Passaic River between North Arlington and Belleville in 1905. This week’s picture, from the early 1900s, shows another option for those skaters who did not want to venture downhill to the river: the reservoir at the top of the hill. It was part of the Jersey City Waterworks system and was built, as best we can figure out (dates are sketchy) sometime in the late 1800s. A pumping station near the banks of the Passaic fed river water into the reservoir, and that water then flowed, by gravity, down across the Meadowlands and into another reservoir in Jersey City. Eventually, apparently before 1900, the Passaic water had already become too polluted to be potable, and Jersey City had to look elsewhere for its drinking water. A map of North Arlington from the 1920s shows the reservoir still extant, though disused. We do not know when it was finally filled in, but by the 1950s, it was gone. And where had it been located? Believe it or not, at the intersection of Ridge Road and the Belleville Pike, the current site of the Riverview Gardens apartment complex. – Karen Zautyk

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

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Harrison Free Rabies Clinic Wednesday, January 15, 2014 Cleveland Ave. Firehouse 7:00pm – 8:00pm This will be the only rabies clinic that Harrison will be offering this year. Anyone who’s dog is due for a vaccine in 2014 is advised to attend. Please call the Town Clerks office at 973-268-2425 to register

contest in the Town of Harrison The Harrison Downtown Community Development Partnership and Preservation Program sponsored a Thanksgiving and Christmas Window Art Contest. The Harrison High School Environmental Club is receiving recognition for their window decorations in the Harrison Business District. Students created artwork in over 18 businesses. The committee cast their votes for the art and design, best display for

bringing people into the shopping area and demonstrating the holidayspirit. First prize went to Amanda Santiago and Leslie Castillo for their window display at Elite Realty Group. Leslie Castillo, Amanda Costa and Amanda Santiago won the second place award for their display at Jackson Hewitt Insurance Company, and the third place award was given to Leslie Castillo and Flavio Escalante for their design at La Pizza Restaurant.

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TOP: 1st Prize – Elite Realty Group: Mayor Raymond McDonough and Councilman Anselmo Millan with the artists. CENTER: 2nd Prize-Jackson Hewitt Insurance: Mayor Raymond McDonough and Councilman Anselmo Millan with the winners. BOTTOM: 3rd Prize – La Pizza Restaurant: Mayor Raymond McDonough and Councilman Anselmo Millan with the winners.

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

sports&recreation

Belleville girls’ basketball team has higher hopes

SPORTS VIEW Contact Jim at Ogsmar@aol.com

Kearny wrestling: Trying to instill pride For 14 years now, as the head coach, Tony Carratura has dedicated his entire life to the Kearny High School wrestling program. Take that one step better, Carratura lives for the sport of wrestling in Kearny. It doesn’t stop with just the Kardinals’ varsity program. “I want the kids to love the sport as much as I do,” Carratura said. However, it’s not easy. Participation numbers are way down. Not just in Kearny, but all over New Jersey. “The numbers the last few years have gone down,” Carratura admits. “It’s an uphill battle. We’re starting from scratch again.” That’s why Carratura has enlisted the help of his son, Tony Jr., a counselor at Lincoln School, to help with the seventh and eighth grade programs. “I think we have an excellent area for wrestling,” Carratura said. “This is just a start.” So having an inexperienced varsity team is something Carratura is not accustomed to. “It makes you a better coach,” Carratura said. “I’ve been plucking kids out of the hallways and the weight room and trying to turn them into wrestlers. The major-

ity of our team has only two years of experience. We have only four seniors. We’re up against a lot of obstacles. We’re trying to build up the program again.” It doesn’t mean that Carratura is taking his team this season and hiding in a corner somewhere. Carratura firmly believes that inexperienced wrestlers become better wrestlers when they compete. And Carratura certainly lets the Kardinals compete, taking them on a grappling sojourn all over the state, match after grueling match. For the last several years, Carratura has booked some of the top wrestling teams in the state – and this year is no exception, even with the inexperience and the lack of quality numbers. “We’re still going to go after it,” Carratura said. “We want to stay as competitive as we’ve always been. It’s hard to do with the numbers, but we have about 25 kids who are there every day, busting their tail to get better. It’s a dedication sport and you have to be dedicated in order to do it well. We all have to work together to bring all of our sports programs back at see VIEW page

Photo by Jim Hague

The Belleville girls’ basketball team looks to improve on its 10-win season a year ago. From l. are seniors Shatia Silas, Alisson Samaniego, head coach Liz Ramirez, Amber Bulna and Chloe Mecka.

By Jim Hague Observer Sports Writer

the early going. Playing only four games over the first three weeks of the season isn’t easy. “I would have liked to have he Belleville High School faced more competition at this girls’ basketball team won point,” Ramirez said. “It’s just 10 games a year ago. Liz the way the schedule worked Ramirez, the third-year head out. We’re going to see a lot coach of the Buccaneers, truly more games in January and believes that her team should February.” take a step up this season. One of the top returning “We have a lot of seniors players is junior point guard back from last year,” Ramirez Arianna Douglas, who aversaid. “The core of the team is aged nearly 14 points per game back. The girls know the deal. last year, earning All-Super They’re familiar with what we Essex Conference honors. want. We should hit the ground “She’s improved a lot in running.” the offseason,” Ramirez said The Bucs have started the of the 5-foot-3 Douglas. “I’ve 2013-14 season with a 2-2 redefinitely put a lot more on her cord. “We lost two games (Science shoulders this year.” Another key returnee is Park and Glen Ridge) that we senior center Shatia Silas. The should have won,” Ramirez 6-foot-1 Silas, another All-SEC said. “We’re still growing and honoree last year, averaged 11 trying to get into the swing of rebounds per game last year. things.” Ramirez said that she wished Silas has played in only one game thus far – and had 20 the schedule was kinder in

points and 10 rebounds in that game. “It was good for our guards to step up and learn that they could play without Shatia,” Ramirez said. “We learned that if we don’t have one of our key players, the others have to step up.” The Samaniego sisters are also key contributors, namely senior Alisson and junior Samantha. Alisson is a 5-foot-3 guard, while Samantha stands 5-foot-1. “Alisson is all over the place,” Ramirez said. “She gets points, rebounds. She gets something in almost every statistical category. She gives us an all-around look. Samantha is a good shooter who has developed her shot even more. She’s already made a few from 3-point range.” Senior John’Nae Williams is a 5-foot-10 inside presence. see BELLEVILLE next page

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

line, because she can make those shots. We have to find “She has crazy leaping her if she’s on the floor. She ability for a girl,” Ramirez has a lot more confidence in said. “She’s our shot blocker. that 3-point shot.” She is a natural at blocking Ramirez is ecstatic about shots.” the prospects of two freshSenior guard Amber Bulna men who are seeing action is a 5-foot-5 sharpshooter. right away. “She’s our best techniGianna Benacquista is a cal shooter,” Ramirez said. 6-foot forward. She comes “She has the best technique. from a long family lineage of When she’s on the floor, talented female athletes in then she’s behind the 3-point her family.

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“She really has come a long way,” Ramirez said. “She’s getting a lot more playing time than I first envisioned. I can’t ask for a more dedicated player.” Benacquista is averaging seven points and eight rebounds per game thus far. The second freshman is guard Giselle Luna. The 5-foot-1 Luna has impressed Ramirez with her hustle. “She’s an excellent de-

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Belleville junior point guard Arianna Douglas is one of the top returning players in the Super Essex Conference.

fender,” Ramirez said. “She’s definitely our fastest player. She’s one of the quickest kids I’ve ever seen. I’m a defensive-minded coach, so I like defensive players. She’s proven she can give people problems with her defense.” The Buccaneers continue their season this week against Christ the King of

Newark and then a local rivalry is renewed Friday afternoon, when neighboring rival Nutley comes calling at Belleville at 4 p.m. “It’s a good rivalry that we have with Nutley,” Ramirez said. “It’s good that we’re going to get a chance to play against a top team.” And if Silas is able to play, it should be a fine battle between Silas and Nutley’s fine inside player Blair Watson. Where else can you see two talented players over 6 feet tall going head-to-head against each other? Ramirez knows that her team still has to accomplish a lot. “I would like us to be more patient on the offensive end,” Ramirez said. “I think that comes with time and experience.” Ramirez believes that her team has a chance to capture the Super Essex ConferenceFreedom Division crown. “I really think we have a shot at the division title,” Ramirez said. “Our goals are to make the states, have a better than .500 record and win the division. I believe we can do all three.” The opportunity certainly is there.

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VIEW from

Kearny, not just wrestling.” Carratura believes that the Kardinals are about to turn the corner. “We want to have kids who love the sport,” Carratura said. “No doubt about it, the kids are working hard. They want to be there.” Carratura always has the assistance of dedicated coach Rich Stacey, who has been with Carratura for over a decade. But this year, former Kardinal standout wrestler and cross country runner Brian McDonnell (a recent inductee into the Kearny High School Athletic Hall of Fame) has joined the coaching staff. “Brian is a great addition, because he’s been wrestling with me since he was eight years old,” Carratura said. “Rich has been with me for 12 years. We have a good staff and absolutely, that’s the first step.” Senior Wilker Villacorta is the Kardinals’ 106-pound wrestler. “It’s only his second year of varsity wrestling, but he won 18 matches last year,” Carratura said. “He was a soccer player, so he’s a good athlete. When he first came out, he didn’t know

what to do, but he’s come a long way. I expect big things from him this season.” Villacorta has won five matches already this season and placed fifth in his weight class at the recent Bloomfield Invitational tournament. Junior Diego Poma and senior Angel Rodriguez share the 113 and 120-pound classes. The two are interchangeable, depending upon the opponent and their weight loss before the match. “They flip back and forth,” Carratura said. “It’s a good option to have there. Poma is long and lanky and good with his legs. Rodriguez is more of a brawler. But they’re both doing a good job.” At 126 pounds, the Kardinals welcome a newcomer in junior Josh Guerrero, who transferred to Kearny from New York earlier this year. “He wrestled before, so that’s a help,” Carratura said. “He has good technique. He’s the most technical kid we have. He’s well on his way and I think he’s going to be a big surprise for us.” Guerrero took third in the recent Kearny Holiday Invitational tourney. Senior James Hodnet is the 132-pounder. Hodnet is perhaps

and 182 pounds in sophomores Chase McMillan and Thomas Presblyski. Senior Gio Diaz returns at 195 pounds. Diaz was a newcomer to the sport last year. “He told me that he should have come out earlier and he could have been better,” Carratura said. Junior Piero Ugaza is the team’s 220-pounder. Ugaza is also wrestling for the very first time. Photo by Jim Hague The Kardinals have a busy The Kearny High School wrestling team is experiencing some growing pains. slate, with more than 30 dual Front row, from l., are James Hodnet, Wilker Villacorta and Luis Cornejo. Back meet dates already set. Carrarow, from l., are head coach Tony Carratura, Giovanni Diaz, Johann Holguin, astura always looks to add more sistant coach Brian McDonnell and assistant coach Rich Stacey. as the season moves on. “We’re competing all the the Kardinals’ most experiAt 145 and 152 pounds, Cartime,” Carratura said. “We have enced wrestler, having been ratura is using freshmen Cesar quads (quadrangular meets part of the team for the last Fernandez and Justin Baeza are with four teams participating) three years. Hodnet finished bouncing back and forth, deevery Saturday. It’s a complete fourth at the NJSIAA District 16 pending on who makes weight. schedule. But we’re going to be tournament last February and “They both did well in the well prepared for the (NJSIAA) was fifth in the recent BloomBloomfield tournament and Districts (16, in late February). field tourney. they show a lot of promise,” We’re going to be ready. I just At 138 pounds, junior Juan Carratura said. want to see them keep moving Lamboy returns. Lamboy was Senior Luis Cornejo is the a newcomer last year, but team’s 160-pounder. Cornejo is forward, keep making progress. he’s made strides already this a complete novice to the sport. We have kids who are there season, finishing third in the “He’s just coming out for the every day, dedicated to the sport, doing what they need to Kearny tourney and fifth at team for the first time,” Cardo” Bloomfield. ratura said. “He’s been there And keep the sport of wres“Last year, he was still green every day, as dedicated as the tling alive in a town where and learning the sport,” Carrest. He’s doing well.” wrestling has always been a ratura said. “This year, he’s The Kardinals have two staple of the community. improved and doing well.” youngsters filling the slots at 171

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Harrison girls’ hoops squad doesn’t skip a beat By Jim Hague Observer Sports Writer

t’s not an easy task when your girls’ high school basketball team loses two

of its top scorers from last year’s team, including one player who averaged close to 20 points per game down the stretch last season. Harrison lost Rayven Lucas

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Senior Stephanie Flatley (l.) has been the leading scorer for the Harrison girls’ basketball team, averaging 16 points per game with senior Sarai Rivera (r.) is a two-year captain on the team, averaging 13 points per game this season.

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(now playing at Montclair State) and Ulyissa Pereyra from last year’s Blue Tide squad that went to the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2, Group II playoffs. Those losses might be hard for some teams to overcome. But the Blue Tide is showing no signs of letting up, exploding out to a 4-1 mark in the early going of the new season.

“The girls have done well picking up the slack,” said Harrison head coach Al Ruiz. “Sure, Rayven did most of the scoring last year. There have been times where it has been tough without her. But the girls knew that they had to pick up the slack somehow and they’ve definitely done it continued next page

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defensively. That’s the key. If we play well defensively, we have a chance to win. If our captains shoot the ball well, it could be a decent night.” Ruiz said that he is not surprised by the Blue Tide’s solid start. “With the type of defense we have, I thought we had a chance to get off to a good start,” Ruiz said. Leading the way so far has been senior captain Stephanie Flatley. The 5-foot-6 forward is averaging 16 points per game. “She’s doing a little bit of everything for us,” Ruiz said. “She’s like having another coach on the floor. She’s already had a couple of big games for us. She’s stepped up tremendously. She worked hard over the summer to get ready and she’s been a big plus for us.” Another key contributor is senior forward Sarai Rivera. The 5-foot-6 Rivera is a twoyear captain.

“She also has had some big games for us,” Ruiz said. “She hit three 3-pointers against Lyndhurst to help us get a win. She does a nice job of boxing out and rebounding.” Rivera is averaging 13 points per game thus far. Junior Amber O’Donnell is the starting point guard. The 5-foot-4 O’Donnell, a standout softball player in the spring, is a defensive whirlwind. “She puts so much pressure on the opposing guards,” Ruiz said. “She also does a good job of controlling the tempo of the game.” O’Donnell is averaging five points and five assists per game. Senior Emmalee Lucas is the team’s starting off-guard. The 5-foot-4 Lucas (cousin to graduated standout Rayven) is another defensive stalwart. “She takes good care of the ball,” Ruiz said. “She does a good job shooting and scoring.”

Ruiz said that there is no substitute for experience. “It helps so much,” Ruiz said. “It helps us do a lot of different things. The girls all know what we’re trying to do, so that helps tremendously.” Junior Kayla Montilla is a 5-foot-3 guard who is another standout on the defensive end of the floor. “She is our defensive harasser,” Ruiz said. “She puts so much pressure on the opponent just being out there on the ball. Our defense has been unreal. They make stops all the time.” Freshman Cynthia Ferreira has fit in nicely with the team. Ferreira is a 5-foot-7 forward. “She works hard down low and has a nice post-up game,” Ruiz said. “She can also score pretty well with a nice midrange shot.” Heather Harris is a 6-foot junior center. “She’s a good rebounder who works hard down low,”

Ruiz said. Senior Ximena Lopez is a 5-foot-7 forward who comes off the bench. “She has nice hands and catches the ball well,” Ruiz said. “She makes good decisions with the ball. She’s pretty smart.” Senior guard Stephanie Lopez (no relation to Ximena) is a 5-foot-5 guard. “She outhustles everyone on the floor,” Ruiz said of Stephanie Lopez. “She gets to a lot of loose balls. She does the dirty work.” Ruiz was happy to welcome Ray Lucas back as an assistant coach. While his daughter Rayven is now at Montclair State, the former New York Jets quarterback and famed television and radio football analyst has remained as a volunteer assistant coach. “The girls love him,” Ruiz said. “He’s so much more of a father figure to the girls than he is a basketball coach. They

look to him for advice about anything. They don’t look at him as a football analyst on television. They think he’s just Ray and that’s why I like having him around and the girls like having him around.” Ruiz is pleased by his team’s hot start. “I’m very encouraged,” Ruiz said. “I just hope it keeps rolling, that we can keep riding that wave.” Meaning, the wave of the Blue Tide. “One of the main reasons why we’re doing so well is that they’ve all bought into the fact that we have to play defense to be successful,” Ruiz said. “They’re constantly diving on the floor for loose balls for the betterment of the team. They have the will to win and they’re willing to sacrifice themselves for the team. It gives you a nice feeling when you come to practice and they’re willing to work as hard as they are.”

Check out our e-edition @ www.theobserver.com

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

Franklin School academic honors announced Yvonne Cali, principal of Franklin School in Kearny, has announced that the following students have achieved Academic Honors for the first marking period: Principal’s Honor Roll Grade 8 – Gabriel Arcanjo, Facundo Maidana, Emilee Marshall, Mariana Silva, Sabrina Vasquez, Tao Chen, Naomi Miranda, Elissa Perez and Eduarda Serafim. Honors Grade 8 – Michelle Barbosa, Julia Benedicto, Khalil Crespo, Samantha DaSilva, Amanda DaCosta, Bryam Guzman, Raymond Lopez, Alina Machado, Joseph Maddi, Lucila Rivera, Bruna Fidencio, Elijah Ortiz, Javian Pereira, Joshua Rubio, Gloria Salas, Gabriela Scibilia, Michelle Staszewski and Nalani Velez. Student of the Marking Period Grade 8 – Matthew Bittle (Math), Mirellys Rachumi (Science), Nalani Velez (Science), Tao Chen (Science), Joseph Schulze (Social Studies), Gabriel Arcanjo (Math), Liseth Bermudez-Gonzalez (Math/ ESL), Gloria Salas (Honors Language Arts), Nicole Vargas (Language Arts), Tao Chen (Computers), Gabryella Carvalho (Physical Education), Bryan Noristz (Physical Education) and Isabella Pereira (Language Arts). Principal’s Honor Roll Grade 7 – Jamile DeOliveira, Elili Benti, Montserrat Brenes, Dylan Conrad, Joshua Klinger, Brian Medina, Julio Sarmiento, Marcela Barreto, Arianna Garcia, John LeVan, Enrique Reyes, Roberto Rodas-Herndon, Camila Zarate, Celeste Delgado, Marieme Dia, Steven Diaz, Nathaly Horvaht, Patrycja Parafinska, Juliana Peres and Arianna Serra. Honors Grade 7 – Lilian DaSilva, Justin Jablonsky, Jorge Maza, Katie Vicente, Stephanie Guilherme, Alissa Kohlmann, Stacy Menezes, Steven Tambo, Kevin Burton, Valeria Carpio, Mackenzie Elliott, Bryan Ferreira, Jose Gongora Gonzalez, Edgar Fernandez and Emilie Marinho. Student of the Marking Period Grade 7 – Juliana Peres (Lan-

guage Arts), Brian Medina (Honors Language Arts), Marieme Dia (Social Studies), Julio Sarmiento (Science), Marieme Dia (Honors Math), Katie Vicente (Math), Emilie Marinho (Language Arts), Noel Mejias (Math), Xavier Reyes (Language Arts), Adair Villanueva-Rosas (Math), Edgar Fernandez (Art), Steven Tambo (Computers), Ashley Oliveira (Physical Education), Enrique Reyes (Physical Education), Brandon Rodriguez (Physical Education) and Katie Vicente (Physical Education). High Honors Grade 6 – Crystelle Martins, Maria Gutierrez, Nicole Torre, Freddy Fernandez, Jake Long and Nicole Lucero Huerta. Honors Grade 6 – Brian Espinoza, Alyssa Lopez, Michael Mallea, Maya Perez, Kayleen Salazar, Tiffany Sun, Brandon Loo, Alexa Maddi, Kristen DeMatos, Felix Guerrero, Jason Marshall, Thomas Neves, Thiago Texeira, Victoria Murphy, Diana Ordonez, Natalia Parafinska, Eliza Threm, Jason DaSilva, Giuliana Evangelista, and Stephanny Marin. Student of the Marking Period Grade 6 – Jason DaSilva (Science), Crystelle Martins (Social Studies), Maria Gutierrez (Language Arts), Tiffany Sun (Language Arts), Alyssa Lopez (Math), Natalia Parafinska (ESL), Kristina Yaya (Physical Education), Joseph Neves (Physical Education), Thiago Teixeira (Physical Education) and Nicole Almeida (Physical Education) High Honors Grade 5 – Kalsey Colotl, Natalie Vega, Aleksandra Kryznowek, Daniela Mendieta-Rodriguez and Juliana Sarmiento. Honors Grade 5 – Juan Chumpitaz, Hafsah Saeed, Sergio Garcia, Raphael Moody, Leslie Ortega, Cauan Santos-Silva, Ismael Sela, Nicole Sosa, Jonathan Morocho Ludizaca, Joseph Pazmino, Juliet Rodriguez, Scarlet Velasquez, Nicole Gallegos, Walter Guerrero, Xiomara Oriondo, Nicole DeLaFuente and Madelyn Evanchick. High Honors Grade 4 – Rachael Castro, Julia Milla,

Alyssa Catillo, Mardeo Lamas, Logan DaSilva, Sayuri Kirikihira, Aileen Li and Sebastian Solis Honors Grade 4 – Brianna Bradley, Janelle Hernandez, Jalessa Moreno, Manuel Pinguelo, Emily Quia, Camila Taddeo-Tafernaberry, Jerermy

Klinger, Ethen Lugo, Giovanni Huancaya, Maria Silva, Jacob Solinski, Emanuel Esquijarosa, Samantha Almonte, Haley Kohlman, Ariana Perez, Sharif Wilkinson, Dorismar Freile, Raizel Estrada, Ariana Robaina, Aimi Davila, Nicole Goya, Jakub Paszczk, Victo-

Kearny Family Health Center

ria Basso, Kayleen DeMatos, Stephen English, Aiden Mansilla, Rachel Mayorga, Emily Rodriguez, Adriana Esteves, Anna Burigo, Izabella Heller, Cynthia Solari, Nataly Abrantes, Vaneza HerndonRodas, David Martinez and Raquel Reyes.

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

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

Real Estate

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

DIRECTORY

ROB PEZZOLLA • NMLS# 266181 NORTH ARLINGTON • NJ 07031

To advertise in this directory CALL 201-991-1600

761 Ridge Rd. Lyndhurst, NJ 201-460-8000

Semiao & Associates

The Bixler Group

LLC

213 Kearny Ave, Kearny, NJ 201-991-1300

The Bixler Group

Real Estate & Insurance Since 1891 758 Kearny Ave., Kearny 201.991.0032 BixlerEST1891.com

ROB@KEYPOINTMORTGAGE.COM

201-998-9050 • Fax 201.820.0505

USIVE E EXCL

OFFIC

LYNDHURST 1 Family Renovated $339,000

LYNDHURST 4 Bedroom 2 Full Bath $455,000

LYNDHURST 2 Family 5 Bedroom, 2 Bath

$379,000

Cappiello Real Estate Services, L.L.C 437 Kingsland Ave, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071

Tel: 201-438-9000 • www.CRSsells.com

Rosa Agency Realtors 551-553 Kearny Ave., Kearny 201-997-7860 www.RosaAgency.com

Exit Golden Realty 148 Midland Ave., Kearny 201-997-4425

Keypoint Mortgage

North Arlington, NJ 201-998-9050 Rob@keypointmortgage.com

Elite Realty Group Commercial & Residential 235 Harrison Ave., Harrison T: 973-268-4000 www.eliterealtyharrison.com

Arlington Real Estate Owned & Operated by the Capobianco family since 1924

201.991.0905

SAVINO

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Savino Real Estate

251 Ridge Rd., Lyndhurst 201-438-3120 www.savinorealestate.com

21 DiSabato Inc. AN ICON IN THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1890

105 North 3rd St., Harrison T: 973-483-2081 F: 973-483-0705 www.DiSabatoInc.com

LET US SAVE YOU MONEY ON YOUR HOME & AUTO INSURANCE HOUSE OF THE WEEK

Kearny Exclusive - Our office has just listed this lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bath, Modern Ranch Home. A finished basement, driveway & garage are included. Very reasonable asking price of $289,000. LYNDHURST - 2 bedroom one family colonial - 100 yards from train and bus transportation Ridge Road. C Tonand A R T Living room, dining room and kitchen 1st, fl., The 2 bedN CO ER rooms extra special tile bath above. Gas heat. Yearly N Dand U taxes $5,000. Estate sale. We have the key. Asking $199,000 MANOR SECTION- Traditional 3 bedroom colonial, lovely chestnut trim with 1 1/2 baths and 2 car detached garage. Sunporch, living room, dining room & kitchen on 1st. floor. The 3 bedrooms and full bath above. Gas heat, relatively new roof. Taxes under $10,000. per annum. Better be quick! EXCLUSIVELY LISTED. REDUCED TO $269,000. SIDE BY SIDE - 2 Family with 2-4room (2 bedrooms) apartments. Both having updated kitchens & baths. Each apartment has separate entrances and have both 1st and 2nd floors. Finished basement. 3 garages for offstreet parking. Conveniently located. Sorry Saturday appointments only. Special offering. Call now. Asking $359,000.

8 Year Young Kearny Two Family Home Both apartments feature three bedroom, two baths, central air. Off street parking. Immaculate. Reduced for quick sale $519,000.

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

Welcome to Sun Home Loans

SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.

Semiao & Associates 213 Kearny Avenue, Kearny, NJ 07032

201- 991-1300 Ext. 410

Frank Riposta

Cell: 201-679-3785

CDPE, SFR Sales Associate

Each office is independently owned and operated

NEW LISTING!

Selecting the right mortgage

With more than 50 locations,

professional for your clients can

and mortgage ofﬁces in New

be a complex process. As a proud member of the Sun Home Loans team, I welcome the opportunity to bring the power of Sun to your clients. Together, we will create a

KEARNY - DON'T MISS THIS EXTREMELY WELL MAINTAINED 1 FAMILY HOME! ALL LARGE ROOMS AND HIGH CEILINGS! SECOND FLOOR HAS 3 GOOD SIZED BEDROOMS AND 1 SMALL ROOM USED AS BEDROOM OR OFFICE! FORMAL DINING ROOM! 1 FULL AND 1 HALF BATH! NICE DECK OFF KITCHEN WITH GREAT VIEW OF NY SKYLINE! LARGE 43' X 100' LOT! LARGE PRIVATE MANICURED YARD! LONG DRIVEWAY FOR PLENTY OF PARKING! LARGE WALK-UP FINISHED ATTIC AND SEMI FINISHED BASEMENT! 2 ZONE GAS BASEBOARD HEATING SYSTEM! NEW TIMBERLINE ROOF! NEW VINYL SIDING! NEWER VINYL WINDOWS! TRULY A MUST SEE HOME WHERE PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP SHOWS!! $299,900

KEARNY- BUILT AS TWO FAMILY HOME AND LATER CONVERTED AND USED AS ONE FAMILY HOME. POSSIBILITY TO CONVERT BACK TO TWO FAMILY DWELLING! LONG DRIVEWAY AND ONE CAR DETACHED GARAGE. TWO BRAND NEW GAS FURNACES AND HOT WATER HEATERS JUST INSTALLED. CLOSE TO ALL SHOPPING AND ALL TRANSPORTATION. $179,900

program that achieves their ﬁnancial objectives, and leaves

Jersey and Pennsylvania, Sun Home Loans has the ﬁnancial strength and ﬂexibility, local marketplace understanding, and customer-focused model that has helped thousands of homeowners achieve their dreams.

them satisﬁed.

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THE SUN DIFFERENCE Kearny, 3 Family! Great investment Property! Call for Details! $299,500

• FHA and NJMHFA* programs Kearny- Immaculate Ranch Style Home on very desirable block! 2 or 3 bedrooms! Formal Dining Room! Hardwood Floors! Central A/C! Sliders to a Nice Deck overlooking beautiful yard! A must see home! $255,000

including Smart Start and more ﬁrst- time home buyers • Government lending programs • Competitive rates and fees

CT TRA

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E UND

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KEARNY - LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! DON'T MISS THIS GREAT COLONIAL STYLE ONE FAMILY HOME! LARGE 29' X 190' LOT! HARDWOOD FLOORS! OPEN FLOOR PLAN! UPDATED KITCHEN WITH CUSTOM CABINETS, GRANITE COUNTERS AND ISLAND! LIVING ROOM WITH FIREPLACE! ALARM SYSTEM! CENTRAL A/C! LARGE WALK-UP ATTIC! SLIDERS OFF KITCHEN TO A LARGE 18' X 12' TREX DECK OVERLOOKING A BEAUTIFUL PARK-LIKE YARD! A MUST SEE HOME! $329,900

Kearny- Large 2 Family Home on corner lot! Hardwood Floors and Natural Woodwood Throughout! Large Rooms! Separate Utilities! New Roof! 2 New Furnaces! New Sidewalk! $269,900 * New Jersey Mortgage and Home Finance Agency.

Sun Home Loans Delivers

LD!

SO Harrison- A Builders Dream! 6 connecting lots on Harrison Ave. Measuring approximately 75' wide by 135' deep. Call for more details! $459,900

KEARNY- EXTRA LARGE 2 FAMILY HOME LOCATED IN THE DESIRABLE ARLINGTON SECTION OF KEARNY! $369,900

RAC

ONT ER C

UND

Kearny 1 family attached home in desirable section of Kearny. Open floor plan, 3 bedrooms, new heating system. Great Starter Home! $129,500.

RAC

T CON DER

KEARNY DON'T MISS THIS EXTREMELY WELL MAINTAINED HOME IN DESIRABLE SECTION OF KEARNY! THIS BEAUTIFUL HOME BOASTS 4 BEDROOMS! 3 FULL BATHS! CENTRAL A/C! NICELY UPDATED KITCHEN AND BATHS AS WELL AS OTHER UPGRADES! FORMAL DINING ROOM! CERAMIC TILE FLOORS! FULL SEMI FINISHED BASEMENT WITH FULL BATH! LARGE 50' BY 100' LOT WITH PLENTY OF DRIVEWAY PARKING AND DETACHED GARAGE WITH LOFT! TRULY A MUST SEE HOME! $319,900

James Chu, VP - Northern NJ Regional Sales Manager NMLS# 536286 Mobile: 201-725-2800 • Ofﬁce: 973-805-4141 • Fax: 973-860-2203 E-mail: Jchu@sunnb.com

Maggie Oledzki - Sr. Mortgage Loan Ofﬁcer NMLS# 485724 400 Broadacres Drive Suite 100, Bloomﬁeld NJ 07003 824 Kearny Avenue, Kearny, NJ 07032 973- 919-5803 • Fax: 732-301-8328 E-mail: Moledzki@sunb.com

www.sunnb.com Equal Housing Lender. Sun Home Loans is a division of Sun National Bank, member FDIC. All loans subject to credit approval and programs may change at any time. Pre-approval or pre-qualiﬁcation is not a commitment to lend; additional information may be required for formal loan approval. Consult a tax advisor for feasibility of tax deductions. NMLS # 429900

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

Deadline for obituaries:

Monday by 10 AM

Frank Alonzo

Frank Alonzo, 77, passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 3, at his home in Harrison. The funeral will be conducted from the Mulligan Funeral Home, 331 Cleveland Ave, Harrison, on Tuesday Jan. 7, at 9:30 a.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Church, East Newark, followed by interment in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. Relatives and friends are invited to call from 8:45 a.m. Tuesday. For information, directions or to send condolences to the family please visit www.mulliganfuneralhome.org. Born in Oak Hill, W. Va., Frank moved to New Jersey as a young boy before moving to Harrison 44 years ago. He served in the United States Air Force for four years. He had worked for Raritan Valley Bus Service and N.J. Bell Telephone Company before retiring in 1993. Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Amelia “Sissy”

obituaries

(nee Belmont); his devoted nieces Maria Belmont and Anita Ferreira and her husband, Tony and their children Anthony, Jenna and Jillian; and by his caring sisters, Jeanne Orcutt and husband Harold, Sue Kolcun and husband Chuck and his brother, Donald and wife Nancy. Frank was a fun-loving and dedicated uncle to his six nieces and nephews, Diane, Chuck, Chrissy, Rob, Joe and Mike; 10 great-nieces and nephews and two great-greatnephews. Donations may be made to either St. Anthony’s Church, 409 N. Second St., East Newark, N.J. 07029 or to Hospice Care of Hackensack, 25 E. Salem St. 2nd Floor, Hackensack, N.J. 07601 in loving memory of Frank.

Marie Basile

Marie P. Basile, 69, died on Dec. 21 in St. Joseph Villa in Wissahickon, Pa. Arrangements were by the Thiele-Reid Family Funeral Home, 585 Belgrove Dr., Kearny. A funeral Mass was

MARIO TEIXEIRA, JR., #2542 DIRECTOR-MANAGER

Shaw-Buyus Home for Services

138 DAVIS AVE. • KEARNY, NJ 07032

Tel: (201) 991-2265

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

offered at St. Cecilia’s Church, followed by interement in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.thielereid.com. Miss Basile was born in Brooklyn and lived in North Arlington before moving to Kearny in 1972. She was a clerk for Prudential Insurance in Woodbridge for 35 years, retiring in 1996. Marie is survived by her brother Thomas A. Basile and his wife Denise Wallack; one niece Yvonne Basile; her uncle Anthony Basile, and her cousin Carolyn Basile.

Mary Ann Bielski

Mary Ann Bielski (nee Brennan), of Toms River, passed away Monday, Dec. 30, at St. Claire’s Hospital in Dover. Mary Ann was born on March 25, 1949, to the late Martin and Catherine Brennan of Kearny. Mary Ann is

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

obituaries@theobserver.com

survived by her husband Robert Bielski and her daughter Erin Catherine Coller and her husband Matthew, all of Toms River, and also her brother, Joseph Brennan of Bergenfield. Mary Ann was a devoted wife and loving mother who enjoyed time with her family and spending her summers at Island Beach State Park. Mary Ann was a member of the Fairleigh Dickinson financial aid family for 12 years from 2000-2012. Mary Ann exemplified unselfishness and touched the hearts of those that knew and loved her. Mary Ann was a parishioner at St. Justin the Martyr Church, Toms River. Arrangements were by the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 995 Fischer Blvd., Toms River. A Mass of Christian burial was held on Monday, Jan. 6, at St. Justin the Martyr Church, followed by burial at St. Joseph Cemetery, both in Toms River.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the ALS Association: 321 Norristown Rd. Suite 260 Ambler, Pa. 19002 in honor of Mary Ann Bielski. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www. ryanfuneralhome.com.

Jorge L. Bless

Jorge L. Bless, of Kearny, passed away on Dec. 31. He was 43-years-old. Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Jorge moved to the United States with his family when he was 12-years-old. They lived in Harrison before moving to Kearny in 1995. He worked for AXA Financial, Secaucus, as a annuity analyst for the last 11 years. Jorge is survived by his beloved wife, Maria (Roca), cherished daughters Natalie and Melanie Bless, loving parents, Jorge E. and Ana M. (Santos) Bless and dear siblings, Henry E. Bless and Ana see OBITS page

Legally Speaking By Richard M. Mausner, Esq.

The New Jersey Inheritance Tax Everyone already knows how expensive a state New Jersey is to live in. Not everyone realizes that New Jersey is also an expensive state to die in when compared to other states. Our state imposes an inheritance tax on the amount certain beneficiaries receive from a decedent’s estate. The inheritance tax is imposed beginning on any bequest over $500.00. Spouses, children, grandchildren, and certain other relatives of a decedent are exempt from 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-

ment. That assessment, if ignored, will eventually ripen into a judgment against the executor with possible collection actions taken by the State in the worst cases. All of that damage can be undone by filing the inheritance tax return and paying the taxes due with 9% interest, but what if the executor has already paid out the assets from the estate? Then the executor has a real problem on his hands. Don’t let it get to that point. 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 8, 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 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.

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

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

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 Modern One Bedroom Apt. 1 ½ month security. No pets. $650/month + utilities. 201-997-4629 9am-5:45pm MondayFriday.

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

KEARNY Kearny Ave. 2 bedrooms. $975/month. No pets. Separate utilities. 1-1/2 months security. Available February 1st. (201)893-1955

BELLEVILLE Studio & 1 bedroom apts., $750-$1050/month. HT/HW included. 1-1/2 months security. Available now. Multiple locations. (201)509-8315

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

LYNDHURST 2nd fl. 1 bedroom apt. Private House. hardwood floors, $1000/month + 1 month security. HT/HW included. Small pet ok. 201-575-5270.

KEARNY Residential Area, East Midland Ave. 2nd fl. 2BR Apt. LR, Big Kitchen, Bath, Hook Up Central Air. Separate Utilities. No Smoking. Off Street Parking. $1300/month. 1 ½ months security. Available Now. Call 201-519-3778. Leave Message.

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

keArNy KEARNY Studio Apt. Utilities included. $700/month. 1 month security. Call after 5pm, 201-927-6608. KEARNY Apt. for rent, Davis Ave. Apt. Building, 2 ½ rooms $650/month + utilities + 1 ½ months security. No pets. Call 973-610-4257

Beautiful KEARNY 2nd fl. 2 bR apt. Modern kitchen and bath. Hardwood floors. LV, Move in condition. W/D hook-up. Storage Bin. 296 Beech St. + $1200/month month 1 utilities. security. No pets. No Avl. Feb. smoking. 1st. 973-202-9769.

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 4 rent By Owner 2 & 3 BR Apts. Newly Renovated. All Units Have W/D Hook up & Basement Storage. Most units have A/C. Rents Range from $950$1475 + Utilities. 1 ½ months security + Good Credit required. Close to NY Transportation. No pets. Call 201-9988226. Between the hrs. 6am-4pm. Monday-Friday for Appt.

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 • 6 room Apt. 3 Bedrooms garage included $1400/month. • 2 BR Apt. for rent. $1,100/month + Utilities O’HARA AGENCY (201)997-6300 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 5 room apt. If interested please call (201)314-7813 KEARNY Newly Renovated. 7 rooms, 3 BR’s, LR, DR, bathroom EIK. $1300/mon + utilities. 1 month security. Avl. Jan 1st. 973-280-4100. 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 1 bedroom apartment, LR, kitchen One month security. Utilities separate. NO pets. No smoking. now. Available (551)486-1488 KEARNY Available Now. 2 BR Apt. HW Floors. Close to Transportation. $950/month + Utilities. 1 month security Laundry on premises. (201)362-5028 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. KEARNY Large 2 BR Apt. 1st floor. W/D Hook up $1000/month + utilities. 1 ½ month security. No pets. No smoking. Immediate occupancy. 551-580-6306. KEARNY 1 BR apt. $950/month HT/HW included. No pets. 201-997-0590. KEARNY Arlington section 3R, 1BR, $825/month. 4R, 2BR, $1050/month Conv. Located. Both include H/HW + security. No fee. (908)696-1866

KEARNY Apartment for rent, 1 bedroom, Living Room, Kitchen. Separate Utilities, No pets. For More info. Call: 201-726-4603.

belleville BELLEVILLE 2nd fl. 2 BR’s, Belleville Nutley border. W/D Hook up. HT/HW included $1300/month.Avl. Jan. 1st 862-201-6166.

bloomfield 3BR BLOOMFIELD Apt. Kitchen, LV/DR, 1 Bath. $1300/month + month 1 utilities. security. No pets. 973-634-6350. BLOOMFIELD 2 BR. Apr. LV Kitchen, 1 Bath. $1100/month + month 1 utilities. security. No pets. 973-634-6350.

hArrisoN HARRISON 2 BR Apt. 2nd fl. Good Condtion. 1 mile from PATH. $1300/month. HT/HW included. Avl. Jan. 1st. 973-483-2993. 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. 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 2nd floor, 5 rooms, 3 bedrooms. Available February 1st. $1100/mon + utilities. 1 month security. (973)953-5031

43 HARRISON Cleveland Ave. 1 BR. pays Tenant Apt. utilities. No Smoking. No pets. Excellent neighborhood. Available Dec. 1st. 954-448-3339. 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. 3 bedrooms. No pets. $1200/month. 1 month security. Available February 1st. (973)482-5532

LYNDHURST 2 HARRISON Three Bedroom apt. Close to Avl. bedroom apt. w/DR, transportation. Small pets LR, kitchen, 1BTH. Now. Central AC/HT. 1 car allowed. 1-1/2 month’s space. Available security. February 1st. No pets. 201-359-5489. Com. washer/dryer on premises. Walking distance to train. LYNDHURST 2nd fl. 1 BR apt. Private House. (201)252-7272 H/W floors, $1000/mo + 1 month security. included. HARRISON 3 HT/HW bedrooms. Supply own Small pet ok. utilities. No pets. 201-575-5270. (201)998-3554 (551)580-5019 NewArk HARRISON 5 rooms 3 bedrooms, kitchen, LR, bath. 2nd floor . $1200/month. 1 month security. HT/HW included. No pets. (973)573-9045 HARRISON 2 BR, 1 ½ Baths. C/A and Heating. W/D and Appliances included. 1 car garage. 1 month security. No pets. 973-876-1648 or 973-289-8690. HARRISON Studio. Near PATH. Quiet area. Available February 1st. No pets allowed. Please call (973)902-9986 after 5pm

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

ApArTmENTS fOr rENT

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 N.ARLINGTON 2 BR apt available. HT/HW included. In Garden style apts. Newly Renovated. Laundry. Close to tramsportation. Call lisa 973-330-2874.

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 8, 2014

www.theobserver.com

ApArTmENTS fOr rENT N.ARLINGTON Available Now. 1st floor. Residential area. 1 bedroom apt. All utilities included. No pets. $850/month (201) 988-8978 N.ARLINGTON 1st floor. 5 rooms. Completely renovated. Stainless steel appliances. Central air. Near NY transport. Available now. (732)648-1171

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.

employmeNt

CLASSIFIEDS

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

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

Now Hiring! Property inspectors FT/PT in your area. Full, free training provided. msangelabove@ comcast.net (732)766-4425 ask for Mel

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

HAIRDRESSER WANTED for Harrison, NJ. Please call 973-462-4773. 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

Light assembly & warehouse work. Company located near Mill St., Belleville. Must speak Both English & Spanish. $9.00/hr. to start. Call 973-482-8603 AUTOBODY SHOP NEEDS PERSON WITH EXPERIENCE IN AUTOMOBILES/ ASSEMBLY / AND SOME MECHANIC SHOP MAINTENANCE AND THAT KNOWS HOW TO DRIVE. CALL MON – FRI FROM 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM AND SATURDAYS FROM 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM COLORMYCAR AUTOBODY (973) 589 – 2424

CDL Class A Driver So. Kearny tank cleaning company has an immediate opening for 2nd shift yard switcher. $12-$14/hr. Holiday & vacation pd. Must have SDL Class A, 2 yrs experience, clean background and verifiable work history. Call Mike C. at 973-589-3300.

F/T Director wanted for Lyndhurst preschool. Education & management experience required. Understand all NJ childcare licensing & regulations. Competitive salary. Email resume: lyndhurstdirector@ gmail.com

roofiNg

employmeNt Transportation Supervisor: Day Program for Adult with Disabilities is seeking individual to oversee daily transportation of consumers to/from program. Must have clear NJ Driver’s license. 30 hours per week. (6:30-9:30 am and 2-5pm). E-mail resume to mverdelho@ pathwaysnj.org, or fill out application at Pathways to Independence, Inc., 60 Kingsland Avenue, Kearny. (201) 997-6155.

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.

HANDYMAN Painting • Sheetrock • Plastering • Flooring. Reasonable rates. (862)452-7695 Sami. Leave message

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

roofiNg

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

roofiNg

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

(201)998-5153

rUBBiSH rEmOvAl ANDRIELLO CLEANOUTS

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

HOmE imprOvEmENT 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

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

Fully Insured

201-428-7160

(201)874-1577

www.repairsbyfm.com

lANdsCApiNg

fred@repairsbyfm.com

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

ClEANiNG SErviCES Annie’s Cleaning Service Homes, offices. Move in-out cleaning. Gift Certificates Avail. Excellent references 973-667-6739 862-210-0681

gutters D. FITZGERALD

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

201-962-0032

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

mAsoNry

tutoriNg

Forever Green -Custom Masonry -Snow Removal -Patios & Walks 201-962-0032 www.Forever GreenNJ.org

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

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

plumbiNg JOSEPH V. FERRIERO

Plumbing & Heating Kitchen and bath remodeling. Carpentry. Fully Ins. Free Est. Lic# 165 (201)637-1775 Courageous Plumbing HVAC LLC Lic. # 11103 • 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

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

(973)985-6644

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

Bills Interior Painting & repairs. Free Estimates

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

(973)801-9487

Automobiles wANted

SAL POLIZZOTTO

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

(201)939-8781

GArAGE fOr rENT Belleville 3 car garage for rent. 25x19. $425/month. 1 month security. Available now. Good for parking cars, storage, boats, contractors. Safe location. (973)9516315

eleCtriCAl

J & F TOWING CA$H 4 JUNK

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.

eleCtriCAl

EMERALD ELECTRIC 25 Years Experience • All types of electrical wiring 24 hour emergency service Free Estimate Lic # 11909

10% OFF with ad El. Insp. # 7566

(201)955-2678

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

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

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

Highlights from the Harrison Police blotter

Jan. 3 At 9:59 a.m., police were sent to Hiram Place on a report of someone threatening a second party with a snow shovel. Upon arrival, the man claiming to be threatened told officers that the owner of the vehicle parked directly behind his car had started yelling at him that he was too close to his vehicle and told him to move his car. While continuing to shout, the man was walking toward him while brandishing a snow shovel, the reporting party told police. While waiting for police to show up, the man being threatened tried to defuse the situation, asking the other man to calm down, police said.

At this point, the man with the shovel allegedly told the other man that if he didn’t move his car, he would slash his tires, the reporting party told police. Police charged the shovel man, Aljo Huseinovic, 49, of Harrison, with aggravated assault and released him on his own recognizance pending a court appearance.

Jan. 1 At 2:42 a.m., police were dispatched to the 600 block of Sussex St. on a robbery report. When officers got there, the victim told them he was walking east on Sussex past Washington St. when he was jumped by two males who punched him several times in

the face and head, knocking him to the ground. One of his attackers then took his iPhone 5S, valued at $400, and a debit card and both fled on foot, last seen going west on Sussex toward Fifth St., the victim told police. Police said a witness reported seeing two males jump out from behind a parked vehicle, assault the victim and then run from the scene in the direction of Fifth St. Both attackers were described only as wearing black jackets, police said. A search of the area by patrol units proved futile, according to police. Detectives are continuing to investigate the incident. – Ron Leir

Valentine’s Day 3 Week Special Run dates will be January 29, February 5 and February 12

ry a t n e im l p m o ! C R O L O FULL C

They’ve got school ‘Spirit’

Bloomfield residents James Sause and Christopher Pulmano, both Class of 2014, at St. Peter’s Preparatory School, Jersey City, were among six seniors to receive this year’s Spirit Awards, the school’s highest non-academic honor. Sause was cited for his work ethic and dedication to academics and athletics; Pulmano, for his intellectual acuity and care for his classmates. From l., are Prep Principal Jim DeAngelo, Christopher Pulmano, James Sause, the Rev. Ken Boller, S.J., Prep president; and Anthony Locricchio, dean of student life.

Valentine’s Day Greetings Send your message to anyone who holds a place in your heart, with a published greeting in

Happy Valentine’s Day! I love you! Kevin

Double Box (1 col by 4”)

29.99

(25 words or less & photo) Single Box (1 col by 2”)

19.99

(20 words or less & photo)

Have a special day Grandma!

Minimum 10.5 column inches. Must run two weeks and be pre-paid to receive promotional pricing Deadlines: January 23

For more information, please call us at

201.991.1600

Size:

3 Weeks

1/4 Page $292.50/wk 1/8 Page $157.50/wk

2 Week $331.50/wk $178.50/wk

PUBLICATION DATE: FEBRUARY 12, 2014 Bring or Send your message along with a photo (optional) with your name, address and phone number with a check or money order to:

The Observer 39 Seeley Ave., Kearny, NJ 07032 Message can also be sent to classified@theobserver.com All messages must be received by February 6 by 2:00 PM

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

of Sparta, and Kathleen Fitzpatrick of Los AngeE. Martinez. les, by her brothers and Arrangements were sisters-in-law Thomas under the direction of and Ann McDonough and Mulligan Funeral Home, Mayor Raymond McDonHarrison. His funeral ough and his wife Conservices and interment stance, all of Harrison, will take place in Peru. nieces Kimberly and husFor information or to band Alfredo Huaranga, send condolences to the Breena and husband Taku family please visit mulliTaira of Glendale, Calif., ganfuneralhome.org. Kara and husband David Bajot of Palo Alto, Calif., Mary Victoria nephews Thomas and McDonough wife Tara McDonough Mary Victoria McDon- and Michael and wife ough, 67, died peacefully Suzi of Mission Viejo, Caat home on Jan. 1 after a lif. and great-nieces and lengthy illness. nephews, Anthony and Funeral services were Giuliana Huaranga, Lev under the direction of and Sei Taira, and Katie Mulligan Funeral Home, and Sarah Fitzpatrick and Harrison. A funeral Mass Alex Bajot. was offered at Holy Cross Mary Victoria will be Church, Harrison. Her greatly missed by her interment took place in family and by her many Holy Cross Cemetery, friends and associates North Arlington. For both at Holy Cross and information or to send Lincoln School. Memocondolences to the famrial donations may be ily, please visit mulligan- made to the Holy Cross funeralhome.org. Restoration Fund, 16 Known to her family as Church Square, Harrison, Torry, and to her friends N.J. 07029 or to a charity as Vicki, Mary Victoria of your choice in her lovwas born on August 14, ing memory. 1946, in Newark and Anna Mae Pearn lived most of her life in Anna M. (Joll) Pearn, her beloved Harrison. She attended Holy Cross 94, died on Dec. 27, 2013, in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. School, Marylawn of the Arrangements were by Oranges Academy, and the Thiele-Reid Famgraduated from the College of St. Elizabeth, Con- ily Funeral Home, 585 vent Station, in 1968. Her Belgrove Dr., Kearny. teaching career included The funeral service was held at the funeral home, 19 years with the Harrison School District where followed by interment in Rosedale Cemetery, she taught first grade. Linden. Condolences and She had also taught memories may be shared English at the El Centro at www.thiele-reid.com. Bilingual, Cuernavaca, Mrs. Pearn was born in Mexico. A parishioner Kearny and lived there of Holy Cross Church for most of her life, Mary most of her life. She was employed for Victoria served as a lecthe U.S. Postal Service tor and as a Eucharistic and served as a personminister. She was acnel supervisor at the bulk tive in the church choir, mail in Kearny for many the Rosary Society and years. taught C.C.D. for many Anna is survived by her years. Her community children Maryann Withservice included memerspoon, Fred, Frank and bership on the Board of Tom; one sister Mildred Trustees of the Harrison Mella; 11 grandchildren Public Library and teachand 11 great-grandchiling English as a second dren. language. She was predeceased Predeceased by her parents, Marie T. (Young) by her husband Frederick Pearn, her sons Robert and Raymond J. McDonand John and her grandough Sr., Mary Victoria son Freddie. is survived by her sisters, Maureen Miller

OBITS from

BUSINESS

Pauline Plaugic

Mrs. Pauline Plaugic, of Kearny, died on Dec. 31. She was 77. The funeral Mass was held at St. Stephen’s Church, Kearny, followed by interment in Holy Cross Cemetery. Arrangements were by the Condon Funeral Home 684 Kearny Ave., Kearny. Mrs. Plaugic had been an administrative assistant for Bambergers in Newark for many years until retiring. Pauline is survived by her husband, Donald and her children, Deborah Diglio (Paul), Paula Bardzilowski (Ronald), Donna Pedati (Philip) and Donald Plaugic Jr. (Angelina). Also surviving are her brother, Harry Gerstenmaier as well as her 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donations to barnabashealthhospice. org.

Mary Wharrie

Mary Wharrie (nee McNally) died Dec. 9 at her home in North Arlington. Born in Paisley, Scotland, she lived in North Arlington for the past 48 years. She was a food service worker at the West Hudson Hospital in Kearny before her retirement. She was a member of the North Arlington, Happy Senior Citizens and the North Arlington Senior Activity Center. She was the beloved wife of the late William James, the cherished mother of Raymond and his wife Alice and William and his wife Robin, the loving grandmother of William Craig and Steven James, and the dear sister of James McNally of England and Nan Bennett of Australia. The funeral service was held at the Parow Funeral Home, 185 Ridge Rd., North Arlington, on Thursday, Dec. 12. A private cremation followed . Donations in her memory may be made to the North Arlington Senior Activity Center, 11 York Rd., North Arlington, N.J. 07031.

DIRECT

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Restaurant & Bar Specializing in Seafood & BBQ Catering for All Occasions & Takeout

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NJ Lic# 11103

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EMERGENCY SERVICE

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

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2014

BradY, BradY & reillY

Experience. Expertise. Success. no Fees unless You recover damages. For 45 Years, BradY, BradY & reillY

has provided outstanding legal representation to citizens of North Jersey. Firm attorneys are committed to their clients, their profession and their community. They have demonstrated expertise in handling complex legal issues and high-value claims. Practice areas The firm has a strong focus on personal injury cases including motor vehicle and construction accidents, medical malpractice and criminal defense. The attorneys are expert litigators and are known for their success in the courtroom. LegaL Leaders The firm is pleased that partners Lawrence P. Brady and Kathleen M. Reilly have been selected for inclusion on the 2011 Super Lawyers list.*

Brady has 45 years of experience in representing clients who have suffered injury as a result of others’ negligence. Since 1982 he has been certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a civil trial attorney. The National Board of Trial Advocacy has also certified him in a civil trial advocacy. His practice is concentrated on plaintiffs’ personal injury, products liability and toxic torts. Reilly has 30 years experience in handling personal injury claims. She has numerous successfull verdicts including a recent $6 million verdict in a construction case and a $1.2 million verdict on behalf of a bicyclist. She is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and is certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a civil trial attorney. *No aspect of of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of NJ.

377 Kearny ave., Kearny, nJ 07032 T: 201-997-0030 • F: 201-997-7150 • www.bbr-law.com