Jan. 7, 2015 Edition of The Observer by The Observer Newspaper

January 7, 2015 • www.theobserver.com • Vol CXXVII, No. 33

COVERING: BELLEVILLE • BLOOMFIELD

4-year contract for cops

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

Break-ins disrupt holiday week

By Ron Leir Observer Correspondent NORTH ARLINGTON – The borough has nailed down a new labor pact with the police union and narrowly approved a two-year extension of its contract with Police Chief Louis Ghione. At a special meeting Dec. 29, the mayor and Borough Council unanimously voted to enter into a new agreement with Patrolman’s Benevolent Association Local 95 that will provide annual pay increases of 1.25% for four years, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2014, through Dec. 31, 2017. The prior three-year contract had expired Dec. 31, 2013. The new agreement, which covers all 28 members of the North Arlington Police Department, except the chief, calls for annual pay raises of 1.25%, with no other changes to the existing steps in the salary guide or benefits. As of last week, no new salary guide spelling out how pay levels for each police rank will change over the life of the contract had yet been prepared, according to Borough Administrator Steve LoIacono. It took a state arbitrator, Frank Mason, to settle the prior contract: Mason awarded no pay increase for 2011, a 2.5% pay hike effective April 1, 2012; and an additional 2.5% raise see CONTRACTS page

By Ron Leir Observer Correspondent

a black male with a hoodie emerged from a pickup truck parked outside and smashed the glass front door with a HARRISON – brick. n the 24 years that his famOnce inside, the burglar ily has operated Fulger’s removed two cash registers Golden Beer & Liquor, with an undisclosed amount there’s never been any trouble of cash and cigarettes and fled, from the outside. “It’s a nice, probably in the pickup truck, friendly neighborhood,” said Green said. owner Hitesh Patel. Last week, Fulger owner Now, however, Patel is applyPatel told The Observer he was ing for a permit to carry a gun. asleep in an apartment above Christmas week was marred the store when he was awakfor Patel and several other Harened by a call from one of his rison merchants when their longtime customers informing shops – all within a few blocks him that, “my main door is of each other on Harrison Ave. shredding – they broke in.” – were burglarized – possibly Patel said he immediately by the same individual. went downstairs to investigate. Harrison Police Capt. He found a brick – the one beMichael Green said the first lieved to have been used by the incident was reported at 4:18 burglar – at the store entrance. a.m. on Christmas Day, from And, he said, “I saw everything Fulger’s, at Harrison and Davis Aves., where – as the store’s see BREAK-INS page surveillance tape revealed –

HPD

Images of suspected burglar and his getaway vehicle were captured on store surveillance tape.

Winter haven for Hudson homeless By Ron Leir Observer Correspondent

KEARNY – If you open it, they will come. That’s what Hudson County has done for the adult homeless population and they’ve been coming.

They are directed to the third floor of the former U.S. Naval Reserve Readiness Center at 53 Hackensack Ave. in South Kearny to accept the hospitality of a “warming center.” It’s a place where folks with nowhere else to go can come in from the cold and spend the

night in a safe environment. It’s safe because it’s monitored/staffed by the county Department of Corrections. And while they have no beds or cots, DOC is continuing to collect bunches of recliners that serve just as well for the exhausted men and women who are guests of

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the facility. “We feed them, give them toiletries, shower facilities, clean clothing if they need any, and there’s a big common area where they can interrelate or watch TV,” said DOC Director Oscar Aviles. see WARMING page

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Cops in Essex getting Narcan West Hudson Publishing Company’s Fastest Growing Free Weekly Newspaper Established 1887 Family Owned & Operated

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antidote could be used. “Now, the first-responders will have it,” Souss said. n April 2014, Gov. Christie Souss said members of the announced a pilot program Belleville PD patrol division to equip some New Jersey will begin training in Narcan police departments with Naruse sometime this month, can, an antidote administered after training materials are to persons suffering from a received from the county. heroin overdose. Narcan has not been The initiative was launched without controversy. Critics in Monmouth and Ocean have argued that the antidote counties and reportedly has does not address the underlysince saved the lives of more ing causes of addiction and than 220 individuals. might even encourage heroin Now, the program is being use because an overdose expanded to Essex County. would no longer amount to a Last week, County Prosdeath sentence. When Chrisecutor Carolyn A. Murray tie launched the program, announced that all 27 police however, he emphasized that agencies in Essex are receivit would be just one “vital, ing Narcan kits. In total, 250 life-saving element” in New kits will be distributed. Jersey’s “broader approach to “The goal of this program is the drug problem, which also to equip every police departincludes vigorous awareness, ment in Essex County, includenforcement and anti-addicing campus police and others, tion efforts.” to be able to immediately Another objection, though, render life-saving assistance has been the cost. to someone who is overdosThe Prosecutor’s Office is ing on heroin or other opifooting the bill for the initial ates,’’ Murray said in a press 250 kits distributed in Essex release. County. They cost a reported “Because police officers of$50 each, for a total of $12,500. ten arrive on the scene prior However, the individual ECPO to emergency medical person- Law enforcement ofﬁcers at Narcan training program sponsored by N.J. PDs will be responsible for nel, they will now be able to replenishing the supply or, as State Attorney General. intervene and provide relief in Belleville, buying any adthe Essex County Hospital or three, they’re actually up until back-up help arrives,’’ ditional kits. Center in Cedar Grove. Those and talking to you.” Murray said. A spokesperson for Murray officers will, in turn, instruct The Belleville Police DeAccording to Murray’s told The Observer, “It is my members of their departpartment has received five office, Narcan, a trade name understanding refills will run ments in administration of the Narcan kits from the prosfor Naloxone, “is a drug with about $30.” But according to antidote. ecutor’s office and plans to no euphoric properties and Souss, the five extras that his How well does it work? The purchase five more, Detective minimal side effects. If addepartment is buying will cost following is from a National Gary Souss told The Observministrated to a person who is Public Radio report quoting $60 each. er. There will be one in every not experiencing an overdose, a Revere, Mass., deputy fire That appears to reflect patrol car, he said. it cannot harm the patient. November news reports that chief: “It’s just incredible, it’s Paramedics currently are It comes in nasal form and the price of Narcan was soon like magic. equipped with Narcan, but can easily be administered expected to double. “There’s somebody who’s since the police are often the by someone with little or no There has also been specuon the ground who’s literally first to arrive at a medical call, medical background.” lation that, as the demand for dead. They have no pulse. they have been at a disadvanIn October, representatives Narcan increases nationwide, “Sometimes they’re blue, tage. They could offer some from the various law enforce- sometimes they’re black. And first aid, but in an overdose and since there is only one ment agencies attended a you administer this stuff and case, they had to wait for EMS current supplier, the cost will Train the Trainer seminar at sometimes, in a minute or two to arrive before the life-saving continue to rise.

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Town awards PILOT, issues bonds By Ron Leir Observer Correspondent

with the state Department of Community Affairs for the proposed commercial condo units “right after” KEARNY – he tax break for Kearny New Year’s and approval is Point Industrial Park – anticipated “in a matter of weeks.” or, at least, the first in Sometime during January, what’s likely to be a series of such financial concessions – Banker added, Kearny Point should be getting word on is a done deal. applications filed with the Kearny’s governing body voted in special session Dec. N.J. Economic Development Authority for a “Grow New 29 to approve an ordinance Jersey” grant to support the granting a 30-year PILOT (payment in lieu of taxation) Neu Recycling condo project and with the N.J. Environfor an existing warehouse mental Infrastructure Trust known as Building 78 on fund to help finance water John Miller Way. and sewer main improvePlans by the Kearny Point ments for the entire indusprincipals call for the retrial park site. habilitation of the 207,000 So far, no other tenants square foot warehouse into have been secured for the eight condominium “flex spaces,” each of which would site but Banker said that the owner is very close to signaccommodate separate tening leases with at least two ants. prospective occupants. When the building is Meanwhile, in other busifully developed, the town ness conducted at the Dec. – which currently collects 29 meeting, the mayor and about $60,000 in taxes for the property – figures to net council approved a $2 million general improvement at least $311,636 for the first bond ordinance proposing to year of the PILOT, of which it will pocket $296,064, with borrow: • $600,000 for an unspecithe rest going to the county. But the town won’t be see- fied number of patrol sport utility vehicles with equiping all of that at once. ment for the Police DepartAs explained by Thomas ment. Banker, financial adviser to • $400,000 for the acquisiKearny Point, “The expection/installation of fiber optation is that construction tic and computer infrastrucwill begin by mid-January ture town-wide to tie into with the earliest occupancy police surveillance cameras. [of the initial flex space] by • $350,000 for a dump Hugo Neu Recycling [retruck, pickup truck and utillocating from Mt. Vernon, ity van for Public Works. N.Y.] by April 2015.” • $350,000 for equipment Banker said the “first and turnout gear for the Fire PILOT” will “kick in” after Department. the town issues a certificate • $300,000 for computer of occupancy (CO) for the recycling tenant who will be infrastructure and equipment for the Police Departtaking over 65,000 square ment. feet of interior space (or Dep. Police Chief George 72,000 square feet, counting King said the department is some overlap of “common looking to purchase up to 12 elements” of the building). Ford Explorer Police Inter“The other condominium ceptors, plus light bars, cagunits will still be subject es, radio consoles, e-ticket to conventional taxation,” units and computer mounts. Banker told the mayor and And, he said, the departcouncil, based on a “distriment desperately needs to bution of [tax] assessments update its computer servers across the entire property. and software. The governing … We hope that you’ll be body also: getting PILOTs as the other • Awarded a $1,444,980 commercial units get their contract to Reivax ConCOs.” tracting Corp. of Newark Banker said that Kearny to resurface Midland Ave., Point owner Wendy Neu between Kearny and Schuywill be filing an application

ing that sets conditions for the town’s receipt of transitional aid from the state. • Set a developer’s contribution to the town for flood/ drainage improvements as $33,333 in connection with an approved townhouses project on Tappan St. and $63,333 related to a proposed factory rehab project that was rejected by the Planning Board. • Agreed to pay an additional $20,626, mostly for new fencing, for the Kearny Public Library Reading Garden project. The original $245,000 contract, partly subsidized by a $150,000 Hudson County Open Space Trust Fund grant, was awarded to Photo by Ron Leir Lou’s Landscaping of Wayne. Kearny Point owner Wendy Neu and Mayor Alberto Santos review conceptual Library Director Josh Humdesign for proposed flex-space warehouse. phrey said he’s planning to hold several children’s events improvements for Midland. ler Aves., and approved a $1 and adult music programs in • Belatedly accepted a million bond ordinance for memorandum of understand- the space in the spring. water utility infrastructure Family Owned & Operated

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Cops ID counterfeit suspect: NPD blotter A

Newark woman is being sought in connection with the alleged use of counterfeit bills to defraud a local merchant, Nutley PD said. Police said the episode unfolded on Nov. 15 when a woman entered a Franklin Ave. business and used fake $100 bills to purchase $900 worth of gift cards. The discovery that the bills were not legitimate currency wasn’t made until after the woman had left the store and could not be traced, police said. However, police said that her image was captured on the store’s surveillance camera system and was circulated to surrounding police departments. At the same time, police said that detectives working with patrol officers developed a

couple of other leads to establish her identity as Wineoka Jordan, 51, of Newark. Det. Sgt. Anthony Montanari noted that Chief Tom Strumolo – in consultation with Mayor/Public Safety Director Alphonse Petracco – has assigned patrol officers to assist detectives with an investigation of multiple burglaries and other cases. Among those assisting, Montanari said, are Officers Anderson Antonio and John Mecka, who partnered in working with detectives on the counterfeit cash case and came up with an image from the state Division of Motor Vehicles that matched “dead on” the one from the surveillance tape and arranged for a photo array of similar looking females, including the suspect, to be shown the store manager who picked out the suspect’s image from the array.

NPD

Store video caught image of counterfeiting suspect.

Additionally, Montanari said, on a piece of scratch paper on which the suspect had written that was recovered from the Franklin Ave. store, they found a notation of an appointment at a doctors’ clinic in Newark which Mecka visited and came up with the

suspect’s name. Using the video from the tape, the DMV image and the writing sample, police recently established Wineoka as the suspect in the case. She was charged with theft by deception and a warrant was issued for her arrest, Montanari said. As of last week, she remained at large but police are optimistic she will be traced, he added. In the week between Dec. 27 and Jan. 2, the Nutley PD also logged these incidents: Dec. 27 Police pulled over a motor vehicle traveling on Hillside Ave. after observing that the vehicle had an inoperable front passenger headline. But the driver, Anthony Casale III, 18, of Clifton, ran into more trouble after police said they found two round metal objects on the front passenger floor believed to be marijuana grinders. Police said each grinder had suspected marijuana residue on them. Casale was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and issued two summonses for maintenance of lamps and failure to provide valid insurance card. Dec. 28 Police conducted a traffic

stop on Washington Ave. of a green Jeep after noticing that its driver’s side brake light was out. In the passenger seat, police said, was the registered owner of the vehicle: Deborah Cedeno-Olmo, 35, of Nutley, who had an outstanding warrant from Bordentown. After Bordentown PD was advised she could not make bail, Cedeno-Olmo was released with a new court date. The driver of the Jeep was given a summons for maintenance of lamps. Dec. 29 A fraud victim told police that accounts for two mobile phone numbers had been opened in their name and that they’d been charged $1,499 for two iPhone 6 models picked up at a store in Westchester, N.Y. Police said T-Mobile, the vendor, has closed the accounts and registered the transaction as fraudulent. Dec. 30 Another fraud victim reported that two unauthorized charges totaling more than $900 were made on their bank debit card – one for $200.67 at Game Stop in Manhattan and another at Quick Chek in Totowa for $756.16. Police said the bank has closed the card account. – Ron Leir

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015

Harrison Ave. fatality By Karen Zautyk Observer Correspondent KEARNY – hat began as a Harrison Ave. fenderbender ended in tragedy Friday morning with the death of one of the motorists, who was struck by yet another vehicle after he had exited his own, Kearny police reported. Police said the victim, 62-year-old Oscar Carpio of Jersey City, was westbound in the pre-dawn darkness at 6:15 a.m. when his Hyundai Santa Fe sideswiped a box truck

that had become disabled in the right lane of the avenue (County Rt. 508). He pulled in front of the truck and got out of his SUV to exchange information with the other driver. While Carpio was standing in the roadway, police said, he was hit by a westbound Toyota RAV4 operated by a 55-year-old man from Budd Lake. Kearny EMS responded, but Carpio was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:47 a.m. Police said the truck driver, a 27-year-old East Newark resident, was “brushed” by the RAV4 but his injuries were

Free rabies clinic Kearny Health Department announces pet owners need to renew their dog and cat licenses. License fees are as follows: Non-neutered/nonspayed animal license fees are $21 and $18 for animals that are neutered/spayed (with proof). An additional $25 late fee will be assessed for licenses renewed after March 31. Licenses can be obtained at the Health Department, 645 Kearny Ave., Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by mail. Proof of a rabies shot, valid for the entire licensing year, is required. Protect your pet, yourself and your community by having your pet vaccinated at the free rabies clinic on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 10 a.m.

to 1 p.m., at the Kearny Water Department garage, 570 Elm St. (corner of Laurel Ave. and Elm St.). Previously licensed pet owners will receive a rabies vaccination certificate by mail, that must filled out and brought to the clinic with their pets that need this vaccination. Also, the Health Department is reminding dog owners that when their dogs are

not life-threatening. He was transported to St. Michael’s Medical Center in Newark, treated and released. Police said the driver who hit them was not hurt and had immediately pulled to the side of the road. The accident investigation was continuing, but reportedly there were no charges pending. The fatality occurred near the Dominick Daniels USPS Distribution Center. Heavily traveled Harrison Ave. was closed to traffic in both directions until nearly 9 a.m.

out on the streets they must be walked by a responsible person and the dog’s litter must be removed immediately. Questions should be directed to the Health Department at 201-997-0600, ext. 3506 or 3505.

New townhomes taking shape

Photo by Ron Leir

Arlington Village Development Partners LLC is moving forward with construction of 12 townhome condominium units on a former nursery site at 65 Schuyler Ave. in North Arlington. The pre-fab building project will be a combination of one- and two-bedroom units.

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thoughts&views THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015

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.

A lion among leaders I

n its editorial euology last Friday, my alma mater, the N.Y. Daily News, referred to Gov. Mario Cuomo as “the last lion of New York liberalism.” An excellent description. Those of you who know me, or think you do, might wonder then why his death left me feeling bereft. It’s because, once in a great while, there appears a politician who transcends politics. And I have always been one to place more store in the character of the man, or woman, holding, or seeking, office than in the political platform the person espouses. In other words, what I value most is honesty. Because in the political arena, that can be a rare commodity. Mario Cuomo, whom I had the privilege of meeting more than once on a professional basis, was someone who inspired trust. He was genuine. Unlike the case with some others in government, who shall be nameless, you could sit in a conference room with him for a couple of hours, listen to him field myriad questions from journalists, and not once doubt the sincerity of what he said. Or suspect that

his responses had been fed to him and memorized. I may not have agreed with his stance on some issues, but I respected the person taking the stance. Of course, there was also his eloquence. Mario Cuomo, who had the ability to hold his audience spellbound, was also the last (I fear) of the great orators. I can remember exactly where I was when I heard his keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention in 1984. I was on the M101 Lexington Ave. bus heading south from 42nd St., listening to the coverage on my Walkman. And I was transfixed. The memory is that vivid. Cuomo had the ability not only to use words, but to deliver them. There’s an echo of his voice and cadence in his son, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, but it doesn’t have quite the same resonance. Another side of the man I had the luck to witness was his quick-wittedness. Every spring, the reporters covering the N.Y. state capitol, host the Legislative Correspondents Dinner. Unlike the White House Correspondents Dinner that is telecast on C-Span, the Albany event

he delivered a monologue that would have put George Carlin to shame. Point-by-point (which explains those notes), he rebutted the slings and arrows that had been directed at him, and he had the audience laughing ‘til we cried. Literally. The man was a master of comedy. Who knew? So, even though he had been out of the spotlight for some time, and even though he was a lion of liberalism, I shall miss him.

Mario Cuomo (1932-2015).

is more than a basic political roast. It is a show. With skits and musical numbers. All the pols are fair game for the journalists’ jibes, but none more so than the state’s chief executive. The first time I attended, Mario Cuomo was governor,

Don’t forget to check www.theobserver.com for news that didn’t make it into this week’s paper

and I was at a table near his. Thoughout the show, I could see him scribbling notes. As is customary, the person who gets the last word at this event is the one who was prime target. When it was Cuomo’s turn to answer his comedic critics,

In that 1984 speech, challenging Ronald Reagan’s image of America, Cuomo said: “Mr. President, you ought to know that this nation is more a ‘Tale of Two Cities’ than it is just a ‘Shining City on a Hill’ . . . . There is despair, Mr. President, in the faces that you don’t see, in the places that you don’t visit, in your shining city.” I may not agree with everything in that speech, but I can appreciate the passion of his arguments. The elegance of his rebuttal. Mario Cuomo had character. And he had class. These days, what passes for a rebuttal? “Sit down and shut up!” –Karen Zautyk

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015

A look at probiotics and health

Unlike the bacteria that cause diarrhea, fever, and many other symptoms, probiotics are live microorganisms that may improve your health and boost your resistance to some illnesses. They may also improve intestinal health for some people. Your gut is home to trillions of microorganisms. Although few cause illnesses, probiotics may keep the harmful bacteria in check so that you avoid or shorten a bout of stomach upset. Foods rich in probiotics may enhance your immune system, reducing your risk for some diseases, according to ongoing research. But preventing diarrhea and other digestive problems is an important reason to add probiotics to your diet. To get probiotics’ benefits, eat foods that contain adequate amounts of the live organisms that have been shown to have an effect. Here are some guidelines: Head for the market’s refrigerated section. Probiotics are living organisms that must be refrigerated. Fermented dairy products are proven sources you’ll find in the dairy case. The list includes most yogurt, buttermilk, and kefir (a beverage similar to yogurt). Try soy yogurt if you don’t like or can’t tolerate dairy foods. Start slowly. Eat small amounts, such as a 2- to 4-ounce serving. Work up to 6 to 8 ounces a day. Use yogurt or other probiotic products as ingredients in

Asian styling

Belleville High School

food. Top a baked potato with plain yogurt, use buttermilk in a salad dressing, or add kefir to a fruit smoothie. Don’t cook fermented dairy products. You’ll kill the friendly microorganisms. Make probiotics a habit. Probiotics don’t become a permanent part of your body flora. That’s why you have to take probiotics every day or every other day. Talk with your doctor before you take probiotics if you have an illness. Probiotics are generally thought to be safe. But not much is known about the safety of probiotics for people with weakened immune systems or for very young children. To learn more, stop in and see in-store Registered Dietitian Julie Harrington, R.D., at the ShopRite of Lyndhurst, 540 New York Ave., Lyndhurst,

N.J. 07071. For information on health and wellness events contact Julie at 201-419-9154 or Julie.harrington@wakefern. com.

Belleville High School students Kiara Bhiro (l.) and Susan Asali model Hanboks (traditional Korean outfits) during a Korean Spirit and Culture Promotion Project hosted by the school on Dec. 11. The project included screening of documentaries on Korea and sampling of typical Korean desserts.

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A new year can bring a new you, new smile

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Hackensack Riverkeeper is now accepting applications for the 2015 Ron Vellekamp The doctors and staff Poirier, Dr. Sharon Jacobson base proving the associations Environmental Scholarship. linking oral health and peri- Now in its 15th anniversary at the Smile and Implant and a Board Certified periodontal disease to systemic Center, 837 Kearny Ave., odontist and oral surgeon, year, the program, in memohealth issues such as cardio- ry of the late science teacher Kearny, would like to wish pedodontist and a dental everyone a happy New Year. anesthesiologist can provide vascular disease, diabetes, and founding Riverkeeper They would like to thank you and your family with all preterm births, pulmonary trustee, was created to supdisease, pancreatic cancer their many patients for their of their dental needs under port college-bound high and even kidney disease. So, school seniors who excel continued trust and faith in one roof. when thinking of your New them and would also like You are encouraged to academically and who mainYear’s resolutions, you might tain a strong commitment to to extend an invitation to start the New Year with one of the most important want to consider adding a all those who are dental environmental protection. exams you can have in 2015. dental check up to the top homeless and would like to Teachers and guidance of the list. It just might be become part of their premier You might have heard the counselors are invited to term that “the mouth is the the most important check-up submit applications on behalf dental family. The Smile window to the body.” Ongo- you can have in 2015. Center’s multi-specialty of deserving students and ing scientific study is forever For additional informapractice which includes Dr. each school may nominate Blair Schachtel, Dr. Jeffrey adding to this knowledge tion on The Smile and one senior. A panel of HackImplant Center and the ensack Riverkeeper trustees variety of dental services and staffers led by Captain Vanilla & Chocolate Cupcakes... offered including Botox®, Bill Sheehan and Program Peach & Apple Pie... call Alexis at 201-991-1055 or Director Hugh Carola will Crumb Cakes... you can email her at alexis@ review each application. All GLUTEN FREE! thesmileandimplantcenter. The panel will consider (But you couldn’t tell.) com. Early, late and Saturthe applicant’s academic day appointments are avail736 Kearny Ave., Kearny, NJ achievements, environmental able for your convenience. 201-955-2331 extra-curricular activities For more information, visit and future plans. The $1,000 FREE COOKIE www.TheSmileandImplantGluten Free Cafe scholarship is unrestricted. with this ad! Center.com or www.Seda(one per customer) www.vamooseglutenfree.com To be eligible for the tionNJ.com. scholarship, applicants must either live within the 210-square mile Hackensack River Watershed; and/or attend a high school located 200 Stuyvesant Ave., Lyndhurst, NJ 07071 within that region. All told, seniors at 66 high schools in Office: 201-939-1076 • Fax: 201-507-5394 Bergen, Hudson and Rockwww.bogleagency.com • Email: prbogle@bogleagency.com land counties are eligible Representing over 35 Insurance Companies • Providing Insurance For: to apply. Full scholarship application criteria are availHomeowners Insurance Automobile Insurance able online at www.hackenBoat Insurance Recreational & Motorcycle Insurance sackriverkeeper.org or by Life Insurance Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans calling 201-968-0808. A list of Individual Health Insurance Group Health Insurance watershed municipalities is Business Insurance Non-Profit Organizations available on the Links page of the website. All applications must be postmarked no later than Earth Day, April 22, 2015. The winner will be chosen and announced by June 1. The Vellekamp Scholarship was created by an endowment from a former Riverkeeper trustee in 2001 as the Hackensack Riverkeeper Environmental Scholarship

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Fund. In 2003 it was renamed in honor of Vellekamp after his untimely death. Despite additional support from members of his family as well as current Riverkeeper trustees over the years, the scholarship fund is in danger of going broke. Thanks to the generosity of a current Riverkeeper trustee, the scholarship is funded for 2015 but beyond that there is real uncertainty. “Without additional donations, this anniversary year will sadly be the scholarship’s last,” said Carola. “We simply don’t want that to happen so we’re appealing to our friends and supporters - especially those in the education community - to help keep the scholarship going.” Anyone wishing to donate to Hackensack Riverkeeper’s Ron Vellekamp Environmental Scholarship can do so by mail or online. All donations received will go directly to the fund. Those seeking additional information are asked to contact Hugh Carola at 201-968-0808 or Hugh@ hackensackriverkeeper.org.

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015

Warming stations readied in Essex Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. and the Board of Chosen Freeholders last week unveiled a “Code Blue” procedure that outlines how the county will respond to the homeless and other “citizens in need” during extreme cold weather. The initiative is a collaboration by the county, its Department of Citizens Services, the Sheriff’s Office, the Office of Emergency Management and a consortium of communitybased organizations. “Providing appropriate accommodations during dangerously cold weather can be the difference between life and death for our vulnerable residents,” DiVincenzo said.

“Having this formal plan in place will enable us to respond in an efficient, coordinated manner and provide our homeless with a warm place to stay.” When the temperature drops below 15 degrees for a 48-hour period or when the wind chill is below 0 degrees, or when the weather forecast predicts these conditions, the county executive can proclaim a Code Blue. When a Code Blue is declared, a network of warming stations operated by the county and its municipalities and shelters operated by the communitybased organizations will be opened.

The warming stations include a number of public libraries, senior centers, civic and community centers, school buildings, houses of worship, firehouses and first aid squad buildings, as well as the county’s Codey Arena. Warming stations are generally opened only during the day and may not provide overnight accommodations. Shelters do provide overnight accommodations, and the 27 sites identified in the Code Blue plan can lodge more than 1,400 people. In addition, shelters that regularly require occupants to leave during the day will suspend that practice so people can stay indoors, the

county stated. When a Code Blue is declared, it will be publicized via the county’s website and social media, and notifications to the media, and a notice will be posted on www.NJ211.org and available by dialing 2-1-1. A list of the warming stations and shelters will be available on www.NJ211.org and by dialing 2-1-1. Preparing for a Code Blue, the Department of Citizen Services and the community organizations will identify a “Citizen Priority List” of potential clients and locations where they congregate. Individuals automatically will be placed on the list if

they are receiving or applying for homeless services, are known to have a chronic medical condition, have severe mental illness, are age 65 or older, are young children, or have been previously identified as high risk, the county said. This list will be maintained by Citizen Services and will assist staff and volunteers who are checking on clients or citizens in need. Local law enforcement and emergency preparedness agencies also will assist with the identification and reporting of homeless and at-risk citizens who are exposed to extreme weather conditions.

Why it’s important to keep your tax form clean When you file your own individual income tax return, one of your goals should be to demonstrate that your reporting is “clean” and accurate. The IRS may be a bit less likely to suspect reporting errors and come back with an audit. Here’s how to keep things clean: 1. It’s true that keeping your forms clean — both literally and figuratively — is an important beginning. Coffee-cup rings on your paperwork won’t impress the analyst who’s reviewing your file. Sloppy work might be taken as a sign that you’re sloppy in your

reporting. Remember that the IRS requires you keep your receipts and all other relevant financial documents for at least seven years. 2. But in the figurative sense, too, you need to keep your reporting clean. Omitting some income may seem tempting if it only in volves a small amount, but doing so is considered tax evasion and could lead to big trouble down the line. The same goes for neglecting to report wages paid to nonU.S. citizens who work for you in the home. You may want to help out your child’s nanny by under-declaring,

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As the focal point in a traditional living room or family room, the fireplace has always stirred a considerable amount of interest on the part of prospective buyers. Many imagine themselves nestled with their families and friends in front of the warming flames, happy and secure. These visions should spur sellers to make their fireplaces as attractive as possible by replacing dark brick fire surrounds with stone veneer or textured tile. Aside from using stone and tile in lighter colors and tones, it may also help to replace a plain mantel shelf with stone. Otherwise, a wood mantel can be augmented with further woodwork rising above it to

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015

WARMING from “We’ve been averaging 50 to 75 every night,” Aviles said. In the morning, the visitors are taken to the Garden State Episcopal Community nonprofit in Jersey City which is contracted by the county to interview them and refer them to a variety of social services – housing, substance abuse treatment job counseling, etc. The Hackensack Ave. space has been used sporadically in past years, to take the overflow from shelters on especially frigid nights but this is the first time that it’s being deployed daily through the winter season, to March 15. The South Kearny connection is part of a new approach by the county to its homelessness issue. Last winter, homeless folks found in the streets by outreach workers would be directed to any of three shelters operating in Hudson – St. Lucy’s Emergency Shelter, 619 Grove St., Jersey City; the Palisades Emergency Residence Corp. (PERC), 108 36th St., Union City; and the Hoboken Shelter, 300 Bloomfield St., Hoboken – but only if the

Photos courtesy Hudson County DOC

Interior of warming center in South Kearny.

temperature fell to 26 degrees or below. Since that rule could be pretty cumbersome to enforce, a new policy was put in place to allow shelters to accept as many walk-ins as they could reasonably accommodate regardless of what the thermometer reads, according to Randi Moore, chief of the county

Division of Housing and Community Development. At the same time, Moore said, the county has contracted with Garden State Episcopal Community, a Jersey City-based nonprofit, for $75,000 to send out outreach teams seven days a week on a year-round basis, to work with homeless people ages 18

and older, concentrated in and around the PATH stations at Journal Square and Hoboken, to help get the resources they need to stabilize them and, to work toward becoming selfsupporting, if possible. Members of homeless families, with young children, are directed to a county hotline for referrals to a hotel stay for

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the night, Moore said. On his end, Aviles arranges for bus transports, with two corrections supervisors aboard, to make stops at Journal Square at 9 p.m. and at the Hoboken Terminal at 10 p.m. to pick up any homeless adults looking for a place to sleep and bring them to South Kearny where a third corrections officer awaits. DOC has budgeted $270,000 for the warming center program, Aviles said. No rental fee is being assessed by the building’s landlord for the use of the third-floor space, he said. The pace of Hudson homelessness has quickened, Hudson County Freeholder William O’Dea asserted. Counts have reached “close to 400 a night physically living in the streets – more than double than a year ago,” he said. As the problem intensifies, O’Dea said the answer lies in “creating more units” of transitional housing with social service resources to offer those adrift a “bridge to help them back to stability.” And, Moore said, the county is hoping to set the stage to do exactly that by coordinating continuous care projects for the chronically homeless by applying to the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development for $1 million to fund 27 housing units with fund services for two years. Attention must be paid, Aviles said, “because it appears this is a problem that is not going to go away.”

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014

PBA, Red Bulls share holiday spirit By Kevin Canessa Jr. Observer correspondent HARRISON – Unfortunately, 2014 won’t go down as a banner year for law enforcement. Far too often, the women and men who put their lives on the line on a daily basis were negatively portrayed because of the bad actions of a select few. But as this year comes to an end, we’re delighted to bring you a police-related story that is a reminder that here in West Hudson, we’re very lucky to have the police we have. Enter Harrison Police Department Patrolman Allan Ford. He’s been on the job for 13 years — the last eight with the Harrison Police Department and before that, he spent five years as a Hudson County Sheriff’s officer. He and Lt. Mike Daggett, Sgt. Dave Strumolo, Detective Charlie Schimpf, Patrolman Daniel McChesney and the department’s two PBA unions have, in one form or another, taken part in the Christmas Angels program, one designed to ensure less fortunate children of all ages are able to experience a holiday that might have otherwise been not so memorable. The two PBAs first offered the Christmas Angels program back in 1996. And in the 18 years since it kicked off, it’s evolved significantly, according to Ford. And the evolution has all been for the better. In the early years, the program was open to any of the town’s children, regardless of whether there was a need. And while it was certainly successful right from the get-go, Ford says he envisioned something more — something quite significant. “Initially, when the program was open to any of the town’s children, it certainly served its purpose,” Ford said. “But the truth is, a program like this is better suited when the toys and presents are given to the people who are most in need, who might otherwise not have a Christmas. And so changes have been made over the years to get to where we are now.” The first year he was on the job in Harrison, Ford immediately got involved. But he wasn’t satisfied with a support-

Photo courtesy Allan Ford

Members of the Harrison Police Department’s two unions and the booster club of the Red Bulls at a Breakfast With Santa that saw many children receiving gifts for the holidays they might not otherwise have seen. Playing Santa is Patrolman Allan Ford.

ing role — he wanted to do much more. So he asked if he could play Santa the following year, and seven years later, he’s still doing just that. “I wound up spending around $700 for the Santa costume,” Ford said. “I always enjoy seeing the reaction of the kids when they’re given presents. Sometimes, they’re afraid of me — but most of the time, they understand it.” A few years after Ford began playing Santa, the core guys involved in the program revamped it entirely. The presents had been given out at the Harrison Community Center — but that space just wasn’t big enough. “So everything moved to the LCC (Lithuanian Catholic Community Club) in Kearny,” he said. “And they’ve been just wonderful to us.” And the method of deciding who gets presents also changed. Instead of the program being open to everyone, the guys decided to get the local schools and child-care centers involved. At the schools, guidance counselors were asked to come up with a list of the families that would most benefit from the Christmas Angels. “And now, this year, we had 30 or so families involved,” Ford said. “It was wonderful.” Each of the families were invited to the LCC for a Breakfast With Santa just before Christmas. Youngsters received toys and gifts and families were given Walmart gift cards to

satisfy needs such as clothing or food. The gift cards were made possible by a generous cash donation from the Red Bulls’ supporters, the Viking Army. They’ve donated over the last three years — and this year handed over a check for $1,000 for the cards. But the generosity goes even beyond this. One person donated $500 to cover the entire cost of the food for the Breakfast With Santa. Pechter’s Bakery donated all of the bread needed for the breakfast. The 50/50 winner, a member of the department, donated $200 of his $1,200 winnings toward the breakfast. We could go on forever here. But are you seeing the bigger

picture here? Here’s a group of dedicated people. They each put their lives on the line every time they put on their uniform. But they also take pains to ensure that kids have memorable holidays instead of holidays that cause anything but joy. It’s one of the many reasons why Carol Manley and her husband, Danny, are involved in the program. And for those who know Manley, no, it’s not just because Ford is her son-inlaw either. “Allan is such a special guy,” Manley said. “And with there being so much negativity out there about cops of late, I really think it’s important that these guys’ stories are told. They all have their own families. They

all have their own lives. And what they do is just inspiring.” It all reminded Manley of an incident that happened with her son-in-law a few Christmases ago. The family was all gathered at Manley’s brother’s place in Freehold. Ford got a call from a fellow cop. It was a domestic-violence case — and in the course of the investigation, the officer noted there was no Christmas tree. There were no toys for the kids. Instead, they were playing “hockey” with pencils, erasers and paper. The officer asked Ford if he’d put on the costume and head over to that location with some gifts for the kids. And despite being away — and smack in the middle of his own holiday celebration with his family — that’s exactly what Ford did. Drove north from Freehold to get the costume, picked up a bunch of unused gifts (mind you this was after Breakfast With Santa) and those kids, who otherwise wouldn’t have had a Christmas, instead had one they’d never, ever forget. “At first they were scared of me as Santa,” Ford said. “Once they realized what was going on, though, it was much better. To see the joy and happiness this brought to them — unbelievable. This is what it’s all about. This is why we do what we do. This makes it all worth the hard work that goes into the preparation process. “This is the true meaning of Christmas.”

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015

Tips to heat your home affordably this winter Climate control accounts for almost half the energy use in a typical U.S. home and is also the largest energy expense for most people -- but it doesn’t have to be. With a few simple solutions, you can be friendlier toward your wallet and the environment this winter. Weather-proof your home Cracks, gaps and joints can cause drafts that will undermine your heating efforts and send your utility bill through the roof. Caulking, insulating and weatherstripping can help curtail the waste so you can enjoy a warmer, more comfortable winter. Older homes may lack sufficient insulation. Based on where you live and how you currently heat your home, a contractor can help you determine whether your attic, floors and walls need more insulation. Check heating options More than one million U.S. homes are currently heated with pellets, and it’s no

wonder why -- pellet stoves eliminate 75% of the carbon emissions associated with fossil fuel heating. That’s roughly three times the impact of driving a hybrid car and saves consumers $400 to $1,500 or more each year, according to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association. Plus, some state and local municipalities even offer a tax credit for heating all or part of a home with biomass fuels. Additionally, because pellets are made from renewable resources like residual forest waste and agricultural byproducts, they absorb nearly as much carbon growing as they give off when burned, making them carbon neutral, according to the Pellet Fuels Institute. To maximize cost savings, look for a high efficiency, free-standing pellet stove, like the XXV from Harman Stoves. This stylish pellet stove delivers controlled heat thanks to its distinct cast iron details and advanced room-sensing

While wearing gloves indoors is impractical, you should definitely cover up your feet. Invest in a good pair of slippers and some warm socks to keep your feet and the rest of you warm. By dressing warmer indoors, you will be able to keep the overall central heat temperature down, resulting in real cost-savings.

technology, which automatically adjusts heat output to maintain a consistent room temperature. You can also cut costs by replacing a drafty, masonrybuilt fireplace with an insert, like the Harman Accentra 52i which offers powerful and consistent heat with low

maintenance and fuel-saving technology. To learn more about energy efficient, cost-saving alternatives for home heating, visit www.HarmanStoves.com. Dress for the weather Your extremities are where heat is lost from your body.

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Upgrade windows Heat loss through windows can account for a whopping 10 to 25% of your heating bill, according to the Department of Energy. If you have older, single pane windows, it may be time for an upgrade. Look for double-pane windows that are ENERGY STAR qualified. It’s a one-time expense with a true return on investment. You don’t need to feel chilly or uncomfortable in order to lower your energy bills. Take steps to improve your home’s energy efficiency. – StatePoint

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Matinees on Saturday, Jan. 10, at 11 a.m., with a screening of the newly released “Dolphin Tale 2” (PG/107 minutes), the sequel to the popular 2011 film. Donuts and light refreshments will be served. Admission is free. For more information on any library program, call the library at 201- 998-2666 or visit www.kearnylibrary.org. Trinity Episcopal Church, 575 Kearny Ave., hosts its monthly flea market, in conjunction with Christ Episcopal Church, Harrison, on Saturday, Jan. 10, from 9 a.m. Kearny to 3 p.m. Refreshments are New Jersey Blood Services available. Vendors are welannounces that Abundant come. Tables are one for $15 Life Evangelical Commuor two for $25. Call the church nity Church (Comunidade at 201-991-5894 to schedule Evangelica Vida Abundate), your table. Or, call Annamarie 151 Midland Ave., will host a at 201-998-2368 after 5:30 pm. blood drive on Jan. 12, from Walk-ins and new vendors are 4:30 to 9 p.m. welcome. Kearny Public Library, 318 Kearny UNICO is sponsorKearny Ave., continues its new series of Saturday Family Film ing a bus trip to the Tropicana Bloomfield Public Library, 90 Broad St., presents its version of the traditional Italian legend of La Befana with interactive storytelling, live musicians, singers and dancers, and more on Sunday, Jan. 11, at 2 p.m. Children receive gifts from both Befana and Santa Claus. Reservations are required. To register or for more information, call the library at 973-566-6200.

Casino on Sunday, Jan. 25. The cost is $30 with $25 in slot play back from the casino. The bus leaves from American Legion Post 99, 314 Belgrove Drive, at 8:30 a.m. Refreshments will be served inside the hall beginning at 7:30 a.m. To purchase tickets or for more information, contact Chapter President Lou Pandolfi at either 201-368-2409 or lpandolfi@verizon.net.

Lyndhurst

Lyndhurst Library Children’s Room, 355 Valley Brook Ave., hosts the following events: • Walk-in story, open to grades pre-k to 2, is held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 6:30p.m. No registration is required. • Winter/Spring Storytime, open to ages 3 to 4 1/2, is available for two sessions at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and will run every

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015

Thursday from Feb. 19 to May 14. Registration is open until Feb. 13. • An igloo craft, open to grades 1 to 4, is set for Thursday, Jan. 15, from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. Pre-registration is required. • A snowman craft, open to grades pre-k to 3, will be held on Thursday, Jan. 29, from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. Pre-registration is required. To register for programs, call the library at 201-804-2478. Lyndhurst Health Department announces the following: • Flu vaccine is available for township residents. Call 201-804-2500 for an appointment. The CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older receive a yearly flu vaccine. • Rabies Clinics are set for Thursdays, Jan. 8 and 15, at the Community Center on

Riverside Ave. (behind the Little League fields), 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Township residents can also license their dogs and cats at these clinics. Licensing deadline is Jan. 31. Call the Health Department for more information. Knights of Columbus Council 2396 sponsors a Tricky Tray Friday, Jan. 16, at the Senior Center, 250 Cleveland Ave. The $15 admission includes coffee plus one prize sheet of tickets. No alcohol is permitted. No tickets will be sold at the door. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, call Steve Cortese at 201-657-0800 or Sal Russo at 201-446-7244. VFW Post 3549, 586 Valley Brook Ave., hosts karaoke on Friday, Jan. 16, starting at 7:30 p.m. The post’s hall is available for rental for all occasions. For more information, call the post at 201-939-3080.

Job seekers: Resolve to make a better impression in 2015 First impressions matter, particularly when you’re in the market for a new job. While a top-notch resume and cover letter can help get your foot in the door, only you can seal the deal. The New Year is the perfect time to revamp your look for a smooth job search. Make a strong first impression at your next interview or networking event with these easy tips: • Be a good listener. What you say is just as important as being engaged when others are talking. Make good eye contact and ask questions to show you are interested in what is being said. • Anticipate the questions you will be asked so you are prepared with intelligent, confident and articulate responses. Define your strengths and weaknesses ahead of time to answer every hard question with ease.

• Get a good night’s sleep the night before an important interview or convention. Not only will you look fresher and more alert in the morning, you’ll be thinking more clearly as well. • Know how to explain any gaps in your resume. If you have taken time off from your field to pursue a passion for travel, be ready to discuss this time off and explain how it has helped you professionally. • Prepare your 30-second elevator pitch to communicate your strengths and goals. You never know where a conversation with a hiring manager may lead, so be sure to tailor it to each person you speak with so it does not sound over-rehearsed or unnatural. • The maxim often holds true that, “it’s not what you know; it’s who you know.” Be sure that your LinkedIn profile is up to date, showcasing all of your recent work. Connect with head-

hunters, friends, family, or even old classmates and coworkers to learn about opportunities you may not have heard about otherwise. • Dress to impress to be taken seriously. Denis Daly Wood, founder of Dalys1895. com, a century-old men’s luxury designer and online retailer, recommends standing out with a unique accessory for

your suit, such as a stylish tie clip, tie, pocket square, or pair of cufflinks that can break the ice and start a conversation. “A unique pocket square can finish off the look of a suit or blazer, while also helping convey that you are stylish and put together. What you wear communicates a lot about your personality and who you are,” says Wood.

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Seek quality accessories, such as the limited edition Caravaggio Italian silk pocket squares, which are handmade or the Dalys 1895 Alligator Belts, which are measured to each inch for a perfect fit. Wood also reminds job seekers that outerwear and a bag may often make or break the first impression. A sophisticated briefcase, coat and winter scarf, such as the exclusive Caravaggio wool and silk men’s scarf, can give you a polished look when you’re making your entrance. More style inspiration for briefcases, cufflinks, and more can be found at www. Dalys1895.com. In the professional realm, presentation matters from your social media profile to your suit and tie. For a successful job search, resolve to showcase the best version of you in the New Year. –StatePoint

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015

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BREAK-INS from was on the floor and my two registers were missing.” Surprisingly, Patel said, the shop’s alcohol stock was not disturbed. Patel said an examination of his store’s surveillance footage shows that the same pickup truck the burglar was reportedly driving is seen circling the block – apparently casing the location – after the owner got his last delivery for the night. “I work hard – 13 hours a day, seven days a week,” Patel said. “In the 24 years we have been at this location, we have known honest, loyal customers.” Four years ago, Patel recalled, he secured security gates for the front entrance to his store, but given the level of comfort formed with his neighbors and patrons, he said he’s never given them a second thought. Since the break-in, however, “I use them,” he said. Then, on the night of Dec. 30 and continuing into Dec. 31, a series of shops were victimized by an intruder who, Green said, could be the same individual who got into the liquor store earlier in the week. At 12:15 a.m. on Dec. 31, police got a report of an attempted burglary at Hinze’s Deli, Harrison

Photo by Ron Leir

Hitesh Patel holds brick that a burglar used to shatter his glass door.

and Sixth St. Deli owner Ted Toth told The Observer he was getting ready to lock up, at about 11 p.m., when he and an employee heard the sound of glass breaking in his front door. “It sounded like a BB gun shot,” he said. “We turned the lights on real quick, hoping we’d scare off whoever was there.” It cost him $300 to replace the broken glass, Toth said. The only consolation was that the culprit was denied entry. Not so fortunate, however, was Pepita’s Beauty Salon, Harrison and Fifth St. At 1 a.m., police got a report that someone had shattered the glass in the salon’s front door window, got inside, removed $25 from the register and fled. And, at 1:35 a.m., a po-

lice officer discovered a partly broken glass door at Harrison Grocery, Harrison and Third St. Here, though, no entry resulted, according to Green. “We’re assuming,” he said, “that all these incidents are all connected, possibly the same individual,” looking to exploit the fact that with the holiday season, there figured to be more inventory and cash available. Merchants said two other stores – a pizzeria and a Mexican eatery – were the targets of attempted burglaries but this couldn’t be readily confirmed with police. In the meantime, police released an image of the suspected burglar captured on surveillance tape and asked anyone with information on any the incidents to call police at 973-483-4100.

Home sought for Zelda Zelda (ID#13808), a medium-size, 2-year-old female Shar-Pei, came to the Bergen County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center as a stray and according to shelter volunteers is quite the social butterfly. She is not one for smooches and hugging, but Zelda will be happy to lie by your side. Since she is smart as a whip, the shelter advises that her new owners should keep up with the training sessions. This will not only put her mind to the test, but will help form a stronger

Zelda

bond. Because she may very particular about affection and training, the shelter is looking for an experienced house-

hold that can show her the ropes and keep her in check. All she needs is a knowledgeable and caring owner. The shelter is located at 100 United Lane, Teterboro; phone 201-2294600. Many other adoptable animals can be seen at its website http://www. petfinder.com/shelters/ NJ29.html. Also see the website for updated hours of operation. The shelter also has a page on Facebook. Please visit and “like” the Bergen County Animal Shelter.

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015

sports&recreation

For Weaver, it’s better second time around at QP

SPORTS VIEW Contact Jim at Ogsmar@aol.com

Belleville girls’ hoops: Record misleading The Belleville High School girls’ basketball team has posted a 1-4 record to start the new season. However, don’t let the Buccaneers’ early record fool you. “It’s not a reflection of what’s really going on,” said Belleville fourthyear head coach Liz Ramirez. “Even though we’re 1-4, I’m not discouraged at all. In fact, I’m extremely pleased. Sure, we would have liked to win more, but we have already played some of the tougher teams on our schedule. We have a very young team that is learning. I don’t think anyone is discouraged at all. I’m extremely happy with them. Sometimes, the record doesn’t tell the whole story.” Ramirez was quick to point out that two of the Bucs’ four losses thus far have come in overtime to Cedar Grove and Verona. “Knowing how to win is essential,” Ramirez said. “If you’re blowing teams out by a lot of points, it doesn’t teach you how to play in pressure situations and understanding pressure situations. We’ve

already had that and we’ve really improved in understanding the game.” Ramirez knew that there would be some growing pains for the Buccaneers, who finished 13-7 last season. “We graduated six seniors from that team and have only two returning starters,” Ramirez said. “Most of the bench players now are freshmen and sophomores. So they’re still learning. We were so senior dominated last year that they all knew what they were supposed to do. Now, we need our returning players who were bench players last year to step up. Their roles changed in a hurry, so we needed to build their confidence up. I can see that they’re getting more confident and that’s important.” One of the key returnees is 5-foot-6 senior point guard Arianna Douglas, who has been a three-year starter for the Buccaneers. “We made her the point guard and she’s done a nice job,” Ramirez said of Douglas, see VIEW page

Photo by Jim Hague

Queen of Peace has reinstituted wrestling after the return of veteran coach Scot Weaver. Front row, from l., are Shaquan Chavis and Anthony DeLorenzo. Back row, from l., are Jeff Velez, Coach Weaver and Joe Rocca.

By Jim Hague Observer Sports Writer

cot Weaver thought he had built something special when he first was the wrestling coach at Queen of Peace. After all, the former Lyndhurst coach and current resident of the township did build the fledgling Golden Griffins wrestling program into a state power in just three years. Weaver coached a threetime state champion in Frank Cagnina, who won state titles twice wearing the QP singlet. Weaver also mentored state

medalists like Jamie Westwood, Matt Fusco and Glenn Cannici while leading the Golden Griffins to prominence both on the Bergen County and NJSIAA levels. But four years ago, Weaver left, much like most coaches who work at QP, for a host of reasons. One reason was a lack of a place to practice. The team was forced to use an old storage room in the old Boystown facility, run by the CYO, on Belgrove Drive in Kearny. “The bottom line was that there were problems between me and the administration there at the time,” Weaver said.

“When I left, I thought I was done there forever. I put it all in the rearview mirror.” Queen of Peace wrestling struggled without Weaver and the sport eventually died with no proper leadership. Last year, soon-to-be former principal John Bellocchio and former athletic director Ed Abromaitis contacted Weaver and asked if he would be willing to come back to revive the wrestling program at the school. “I told them that what I was promised in the past didn’t see WRESTLInG next page

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015

WRESTLING from

come through,” said Weaver, who was once promised a private workout facility for his wrestlers that never came to fruition. “They really had to entice me to come back. I was always in contact with them. I still live here (in Lyndhurst).” Weaver had been coaching at Brearley Regional in Kenilworth, but he felt that he had run his course there. “It was a dead-end game there for me after four years,” Weaver said. “Nothing developed there. So the timing was right.” Sure enough, Weaver agreed to come back to Queen of Peace and bring the wrestling program out from the ashes. “I had about 100 people or so ask me if I was nuts,” Weaver said. “But I never said I wouldn’t come back. Until they fulfilled their part of the bargain by getting me a wrestling room and giving me full support, I wasn’t going to consider it.” Weaver, Bellocchio and Abromaitis met several times and went over classroom space in the school that could be converted into a wrestling room.

Eventually, three classrooms in the school’s basement were changed over and replaced with mats and proper padding to have a full-fledged wrestling room for the first time. There was no more need to roll out mats in the gym and cafeteria. “It was definitely doable,” Weaver said after the plans for the wrestling room were presented. Weaver also wanted to make sure that the school agreed to allowing him the ability to bring kids into the school to start the program again. “They accepted my recommendations (for transfers),” Weaver said. “They also agreed to let us travel and attend high school tournaments. The bottom line was that I didn’t reach out to any kids. There are always disgruntled kids who perhaps don’t feel they are worthy in another program, who feel they’re not wrestling in the proper venue. I think that putting kids in the proper venue, with the right practice facilities, giving them an opportunity to move on into college, would attract kids.” Weaver was asked if the approach could be construed

Photo by Jim Hague

Queen of Peace now has a state-of-the-art wrestling room for practice and training.

as recruiting. A few years ago, QP had to answer to the NJSIAA about possible illegal recruiting for wrestling. “Those allegations were dismissed by the state,” Weaver said. “There’s a small wrestling community, parents who get the word out. This time around, I did talk to parents and told them that here we are, giving kids a chance to be coached by me and my staff in a brand new facility. It’s a great opportunity.” Whether it will be perceived as recruiting throughout the

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state remains to be seen. For now, Weaver is back with a full roster of wrestlers who he thinks can contend with a state power like DePaul Catholic for the NJSIAA NonPublic B state crown this year. “We’re extremely competitive and have some of the top competitors in northern New Jersey,” Weaver said. “We have some guys who are not on the mat for the first time and others we are teaching. The product you see now will not be the same you will see at the end of February. We’re going to be much improved by then. We are going to compete at the state level. Is it possible to beat DePaul? Anything is possible, once you’re able to compete.” The Golden Griffins have two wrestlers at 106 pounds in talented freshman Enrique Sanchez and freshman Matt Armamento. Sanchez was a finalist at a recent Maryland tournament and won two matches at the prestigious Beast of the East tourney in Delaware. The 113-pound class is being shared by junior Jeremy Pu-

ente, a transfer from Kearny, and sophomore Ray Wetzel, a transfer from Brearley, where he won the District 11 title and finished third at Region 3. Junior Anthony DeLorenzo is a transfer from Nutley who holds down the 126-pound class. DeLorenzo won the Mountain Madness tourney in Maryland, defeating three other reigning state champions in the process. “He’s doing very well,” Weaver said of DeLorenzo. “He’s a stud. He’s a mature, tough kid.” Junior Mike Scaravelli is the team’s 132-pounder. Scaravelli is a transfer from Paramus Catholic, where he was a District finalist. The 138-pound class is being shared by junior Diego Lopez and sophomore Jahki Smith, both of whom have been students at Queen of Peace all along and decided to join wrestling. The same can be said for 145-pound senior Shaquan Chavis, who joined the QP wrestling team after football season was completed. Joe Rocca, a 152-pound senior, is a transfer from Elmwood Park, where he finished second in the District and fourth at Region 2. Mim Salaam is a 160-pound sophomore who is wrestling for the first time. The same can be said for 171-pound freshman Ariel Molina and 182-pound freshman Yasim Peppers, both of whom were football standouts in the fall. Senior Jeff Velez is a transfer from Brearley Regional where Weaver formerly coached. The 195-pound Velez already owns a scholarship to Old Dominion. Velez won a high school national title last year, as well as winning District 11 and see WRESTLInG page

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015

“She has a lot of promise,” Ramirez said. “The first time who is averaging 16 points she ever touched a basketball, per game in the early going, Emani was in sixth grade, so including a 20-point perforshe’s still learning. She’s come mance against the Montclair a long way. Her technique is Kimberley Academy and 19 pretty solid.” against Glen Ridge. “She’s reNajalis Gual is a 5-foot-6 ally come a long way in leaps sophomore guard who is the and bounds.” team’s backup point guard. The other returning starter is “She’s very strong with the 5-foot-5 senior guard Samantha dribble and has worked hard Samaniego, who is averaging over the summer on her left eight points per game, includhand,” Ramirez said. “She’s deing a 17-point outing against veloped a left hand now. She’s MKA. also a good 3-point shooter. “I expect a lot from both She’s always looking to imof them,” Ramirez said. “The prove.” two of them have been playFrancesca Russo and Helena Photos by Jim Hague ing together since sixth grade, Dropic are two others who are The Belleville girls’ basketball team’s hopes ride on the play of senior guards Arianna Douglas (l.) and Samantha Samso they know each other very coming off the Belleville bench aniego, both of whom have been playing together since they were in sixth grade. well. I’ve been watching them these days. the perimeter when necessary. “I told her that we needed defense,” Ramirez said. together since eighth grade So the record may read 1-4, Benacquista is averaging seven her to score more and she did Junior Janae Bryant is a and working with them over but you will not find an ounce points and 10 rebounds per that (Saturday against Ve5-foot-10 forward with a lot of the summers. Samantha is a of disappointment in the voice game, including 15 rebounds rona),” Ramirez said. “She had promise. good 3-point shooter and her of Ramirez. She’s totally upher best game. She’s going to “She’s a good rebounder,” dribble-drive is excellent. She’s in the overtime loss to Cedar beat. So are the Bucs. Grove. be one to watch. She’s grown Ramirez said. “Right now, she’s also our best defensive player “We’re looking to improve as “She played AAU basketa lot, but now has control over trying to find her way. She by far, so she gets to guard the a team and we are going to get ball over the summer and has her body. She knows what to can jump really high, so that’s other team’s top player.” better,” Ramirez said. “We are worked on her 3-point shot,” do.” a plus. We’re working on her Ramirez said that she has not demoralized at all. We’re Ramirez said. “Believe it or Giselle Luna is a 5-foot-5 shooting technique and her been impressed with the perworking hard and staying mobility when rebounding. formances of her new starters. not, we rotate her in as a guard sophomore guard who gives focused.” because she can handle the the Buccaneers a lot on the She’s going to get better.” Sophomore Gianna BenIt seems like better days are ball.” defensive end of the floor. Emani Hill is a 6-foot-1 fresh- ahead for the Buccaneers of acquista, who comes from a Priscilla Olivarria is a 5-foot“She has a lot of tenacity on man who also has huge up side. Belleville. family of talented athletes, is 10 junior forward who has a 6-foot-1 center, but she has taken a step up the ladder. the ability to take the ball to VIEW from

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015

NA’s Gainza enjoys scoring explosion in holiday tourney By Jim Hague Observer Sports Writer

hen Rob Lado took over the North Arlington girls’ basketball program at the beginning of June, he knew he had to make some changes. But first and foremost, Lado needed to find a point guard, as last year’s starter, Bri Cunanan, had graduated. Lado did see some possibility in junior Denaijah Gainza, who was the team’s starter at the off-guard slot a year ago, averaging close to seven points per game. “I did see some promise,” Lado said. “I knew that she could score and I knew she had the chance to do a lot more, so we were moving her from shooting guard to point guard.” It was a move that Gainza

welcomed. “When Coach Rob came in and picked me out to be the point guard, it made me feel more confident,” Gainza said. “He made a big difference in me. I put my heart into basketball. I worked on my game all summer. I worked on my ball handling, my shot, my defense, pretty much everything. It was a huge change for me.” When the season began with practices in late November, Lado saw that Gainza was definitely ready for her new role. “She was comfortable with the transition,” Lado said. “She had the ball in her own hands now and could score on her own. I needed her to distribPhoto by Jim Hague ute the ball, but she underNorth Arlington junior point guard Denaijah Gainza. stood that. She handled the transition very well.” would handle becoming an guard, I thought that I was goBut no one could have ever instant point guard. ing to have to grow into being dreamed just how well Gainza “Since I was a shooting a point guard,” Gainza said.

“But as I grew with it, I grew to like it. I’m getting used to controlling the tempo and the pace of the game. The ball is in my hands.” And as was proven in the recent William Ferguson Holiday Tournament at North Arlington High School, the ball was in the basket, courtesy of Gainza’s new-found confidence at her new position. “I just saw the lane open up for me and I kept going,” Gainza said. Gainza scored 24 points in the Vikings’ 49-45 win over next-door neighbor Queen of Peace in the opening round of the Ferguson tourney, then added 30 points a day later in a 58-49 win over Lyndhurst a day later in the championship game, giving the Vikings the tourney title, earning the continued next page

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015

tournament’s Most Valuable Player award in the process. Incredibly, Gainza scored 54 points in consecutive days, after scoring just 46 points for the entire season last year. For her efforts, Gainza has been selected as The Observer Athlete of the Week for the past week. Gainza is the first honoree in the weekly feature for the scholastic winter season as well as the new year of 2015. “Honestly, I didn’t expect all of this,” Gainza said. “I didn’t think I could improve this much. I think I am doing my best to get the whole team involved, but I am getting more chances to score. I just felt like I had to put my whole heart into basketball. I wanted to win the tournament and wanted to win the trophy for our team.” Not to mention the indi-

vidual MVP award. “But it’s more about the team for me,” Gainza said. “It was our house and we needed to beat those two teams. It was honestly an overwhelming experience for me. I never expected to get that many points. It’s really hard to explain.” Gainza was rewarded for her aggressive playing style and taking the ball to the basket. In the two games, she made a remarkable 18 free throws, including 10 against Queen of Peace with a close game on the line. “She knows her importance now,” Lado said. “She understands that she has the ball in her hands and the offense has to go through her. She has to get the offense going. Those are very big numbers that she produced, but we can’t expect that every night. But I’ll take

Belleville residents take 3rd in Gingerbread contest

it.” Marissa Piscal has also played a big role for the Vikings, who hold an impressive 4-2 record in the early going. Piscal had 19 points and 11 rebounds in the win over Lyndhurst and is averaging 12 points and nearly nine rebounds per game. But Gainza is the one who has made the biggest gains. “She’s playing well all around,” Lado said. “I really wasn’t expecting this much of her this soon. But I felt if

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we could help her understand her role, she could be much improved. She is definitely running with it right now. With her and Piscal, we have a good 1-2 combination. They feed off each other. Denaijah has definitely gotten everyone else involved. She’s running and everyone seems to be following her. She’s been like our engine.” Gainza likes the way the season has unfolded for her. “This is definitely building my confidence up big time,”

Gainza said. “It has been a great experience thus far, but we have to keep it going. I’m going to continue to work hard with Coach Rob and the whole team. That’s what comes with being the point guard and being a leader. It’s a huge change for me.” And it’s a huge change for the NA girls’ basketball team, which has half as many wins now as the Vikings had all of last season, courtesy of the confidence of the new point guard.

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Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. congratulates Belleville residents Gilbert Antero and Angela Blazejewski on their third-place award in the Professional Adult Category of the Essex County Environmental Center’s 10th annual Gingerbread Homes and Habitats Contest. Entries were judged on distinctiveness, creative use of nature themes, use of sustainable-building design techniques and skill in decoration. The awards were presented Dec. 20 at the Essex County Environmental Center in Roseland.

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015

CONTRACts from

effective April 1, 2013. Mason called for an 11-step process for a police officer to reach maximum pay, starting at $42,079 and topping off at $106,107 per year. According to LoIacono, the old PBA contract set $121,510 as the base pay for police sergeant, $132,446 as base pay for lieutenant and $144,356 as base pay for captain. The chief’s contract entitles him to a salary at least 9% above captain’s pay and that provision is retained under his extended contract. In a phone interview with The Observer last week, outgoing Mayor Peter Massa, a Democrat, hailed the new

four-year agreement as “one of the lowest settlements in the (South Bergen) area. I commend the PBA for accepting my counter-proposal.” And, Massa added, “I’m doing the new administration (led by incoming Mayor Joseph Bianchi, a Republican) a favor by wrapping up an important labor contract before I go out the door.” PBA Local 95 President Robert Evans said the union negotiating team recommended approval of the pact to the membership, which, he said, voted overwhelmingly Dec. 30 for ratification. Given the financial pressures felt by the borough, Evans said the union did what it could to “hammer out a deal

to serve the interests of the officers and the taxpayers” – and without having to resort to a third party intervening. Still, while the borough government may have achieved some measure of labor peace with the new contract, the Bianchi administration may soon find itself having to deal with the issue of maintaining sufficient personnel in the police ranks, given that, according to Evans, six members of the department – one officer and five superiors – representing about 20% of the force -- are currently eligible for retirement. “They can walk out the door tomorrow,” he said. At this point, it‘s unclear whether any or all of them will do

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that. One key figure who will be presiding over this situation is Chief Ghione, whose term of employment, under his old contract, had run from Dec. 31, 2009, to Dec. 31, 2015, and which now continues through Dec. 31, 2017. The Borough Council had deadlocked 3-3 along party lines on the Democrats’ proposal to lengthen the chief’s contract and it fell to Massa to cast the tie-breaking vote in the chief’s favor. Bianchi told The Observer last week that he and his fellow Republicans opposed the contract extension because the chief’s old contract specifies that a new contract “can’t be talked about until

September 2015. There are to be no negotiations until 2015.” By voting now to give the chief another two years, “we broke the contract and it was wrong,” Bianchi said. Asked for his reaction, Massa said he interpreted the language in the old agreement to mean that, “it encourages the parties to negotiate prior to the expiration date of the contract. To keep stability, the chief agreed to an extension with no additional benefits. He’s done an exemplary job during his 10 years as chief. He’s kept the crime rate low, he’s managed the department well with minimum manpower and he’s helped secure hundreds of thousands of dollars in (police) grants.”

Eagle Scout project: holiday coat drive

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Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. (back row, c.) welcomed Sean Quinlan, a member of Handicapped Boy Scout Troop 364 in Belleville, to the Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo. A Boy Scout for more than 20 years, Quinlan collected more than 100 winter coats as part of his Eagle Scout project and donated them to the county coat drive. He worked with the ShopRite supermarkets in Nutley, Belleville and his hometown of Lincoln Park, which were collection locations. Also pictured are (from l.): Sean’s sister, Barbara Tudda; Troop Leader/Committee Member Mary Ann Bergamini; Scouts Sergio Ciccolella and John Bergamini; Scout Master Richard Gagnon; Scout Michael Dowd and Gino Pesci.

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015

Christian Reyna, a newcomer, is the team’s Region 2. Velez should 220-pounder, while be one of the top wresfootball standout Chima tlers locally this season. Dunga is the Griffins’ Velez finished eighth at heavyweight. the Beast of the East and “He never wrestled bewas second at the Moun- fore, but he’s just tough tain Madness tourney. and big and strong,” “If he continues to Weaver said of Dunga, wrestle well, he could be who was sixth at Mounup for a state champion- tain Madness. “He might ship this year,” Weaver be inexperienced now, said of Velez. but he’s going to get WRESTLING from

quicker and better. In February, he’s going to be a much better wrestler.” So Weaver has returned. So has QP wrestling. “I feel we have a competitive team right away,” Weaver said. “We have the makings of a good team. We will be ready by February.”

Music for the holidays

THINK YOU CAN’T REFINANCE BECAUSE VALUES ARE DOWN? THINK AGAIN!!! 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 ROB PEZZOLLA • NMLS# 266181

ROB@KEYPOINTMORTGAGE.COM

NORTH ARLINGTON • NJ 07031

201-998-9050 • Fax 201.820.0505

Real Estate

DIRECTORY

On Dec. 18, the Kearny High School choir and brass band, under the direction of Kathleen Astrella (third from r.), supervisor of the English Visual and Performing Arts Department, and David Caravella (far r.), band director, performed for the Senior Citizens Inc. group at the Henrietta Benstead Center in Kearny.

To advertise in this directory CALL 201-991-1600

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

Semiao & Associates

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

HOUSE OF THE WEEK ONE OF A KIND - This huge 100% renovated two family is better than new. This Arlington section of Kearny home contains 4 finished floors and 4 full baths, 3 bedrooms in each apartment, Huge kitchen, central air and lovely finishes throughout. All located on a rare 62.5 X 100 lot, with a detached two car garage. Listed this week for $629,000. See it now. NORTH ARLINGTON - PERFECT CHRISTMAS PRESENT This three bedroom two bath colonial sits on a 50 foot wide lot. The home features a cozy wood burning stove, modern kitchen, sliding door off the formal dining room to a large deck, large driveway and garage. Do not buy until you see this home. UNBELIEVABLE HOLIDAY PRICE OF ONLY $265,000.

PERFECT MIX OF OLD AND NEW - High ceilings, hardwood floors and lovely woodwork adorn this four bedroom Kearny colonial. It also contains a modern eat in kitchen, 2 full baths and central air. All on a spacious 30X150 lot. $269,000. MUST SEE- We just listed this extremely well cared for Colonial. It has a fireplace,natural chestnut trim, beautiful leaded glass. Three bedroom, one and a half baths and of course a driveway and garage. Be the first to see this special home $329,900.

NUTLEY - Lovely 3 bedroom split level on a beautiful block. Hardwood floors, fireplace, central air. Drive and garage. Fantastic offering at just $339,900.

Weichert Realtors Clifton, NJ

Sirlene Oliveira Realtor

Ofﬁce: 973-779-1900 Cell: 201-600-3587

www.sirlenesellshomes. com Language spoken: English, Portuguese & Spanish

Want to sell your home FAST? Contact your local real estate specialist!

The Bixler Group

LLC

The Bixler Group

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

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

Keypoint Mortgage

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

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

201.991.0905

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015

How to save by smart shopping The start of the New Year is often a time for resolutions and improvements to your daily lifestyle. While many people vow to lose weight or take a big trip, others might focus on trying to save money in the year to come. There are some easy ways to start saving now and develop smart shopping habits for the remainder of 2015.

month. By only buying what you need, you can save money at the grocery store and limit the opportunity for food to go to waste.

Private brands Another simple way to save money this year is to make the switch to private or store brands. Many items can be purchased at a fraction of the name brand price, and there is often little or no difference in Plan out meals product quality. For instance, Instead of impulsively buyDollar General offers many ing produce and other perprivate brand items at affordishable items while grocery able prices with a satisfaction shopping, try to make a plan for all your meals that week or guarantee, which can help you

to cut back on expenses without sacrificing quality.

Digital coupons You can score truly great deals by clipping coupons, but

doing so can be a time consuming process. New digital alternatives can make the process less painstaking. One example is Dollar General’s digital coupon program, which lets users create a profile where they can pin the coupons most relevant to them. You can have instant savings on your cell phone or computer for items you use the most, without ever touching a newspaper or pair of scissors. This new year, resolve to make a few small changes to your shopping habits that can create big savings in the long run! – StatePoint

THEME: FAMOUS TRIOS

CHECK FOR SOLUTIONS NEXT WEEK!

ACROSS 1. “_____ End,” retailer 6. Down Under bird 9. Obscenity 13. Hang around for 14. Bamboozle 15. Worn by some British soldiers on ceremonial occasions 16. Gang 17. Skirt’s edge 18. Gung-ho 19. *_______, JosÈ and Luciano 21. *Athos, Porthos and ______ 23. Bit of binary code 24. Again 25. Public health approver 28. To give approval in writing 30. African tree 35. Hurts 37. Kind of bean 39. *Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin meeting spot 40. Genealogist’s work 41. Sign of cancer? 43. Unit of pressure named after Torricelli 44. Wife of Abraham 46. Muscle quality 47. ____-fry 48. Type of tax 50. *They officiated LeBron, Wade and Bosh’s games 52. “I ___ with my naked eye” 53. Test choice 55. Denouement 57. *The Good, ___ ___ and the Ugly 60. *Chico, Harpo and _______ 64. Skyward 65. Female forest ruminant 67. Continental divide 68. Recorded 69. “... ___ he drove out of sight” 70. Piquant 71. “Joannie Loves Chachi” actress 72. *___, blue and yellow 73. Earl of _____ DOWN 1. Nordic native 2. Military no-show 3. *Employer of Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins 4. *The Bee Gees’ most popular genre 5. Beer garden mugs 6. Reverberated sound 7. *___, Curly and Larry 8. Unnerve 9. One who makes deceitful pre-

tenses 10. *Gaspar, Balthasar and Melchior 11. Luau strings, pl. 12. Craggy peak 15. Marine trade route 20. Of or relating to deism 22. Johnny ___, nickname for a Confederate 24. Twisted Sister: “We’re not gonna take it _______” 25. *_____, Stinky and Stretch 26. English physicist who studied quantum mechanics 27. Make aware 29. Caused by defects in uric acid metabolism 31. Cereals or grains 32. Ink stains 33. A vacation or _ ____

34. *Robin, Maurice and _____ Gibb 36. Scorch 38. Steak condiment 42. Send to a specialist, e.g. 45. Situation that is ideal for rapid development 49. ___ Gershwin 51. Alarm button 54. Bovine milk dispenser 56. Italian title, pl. 57. Ski lift 58. Arizona Indian 59. Level 60. Turned to the right, like a horse 61. British tax 62. Passionate dislike 63. December stone 64. Downed a sub, e.g. 66. Miner’s bounty

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015

Deadline for obituaries:

Monday by 10 AM

Charles E. Bennett Charles E. Bennett, a longtime resident of Argyle, N.Y., passed away on Aug. 22 at Glens Falls Hospital. Charles was born on March 9, 1947, in Yonkers, N.Y. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles E. Bennett and Jean L. (Kar) Juenelot; his stepfather, Eugene A. Juenelot; and his son, Shawn C. Bennett. On July 17, 1976, Charles married the love of his life, Susan J. Paton, in Harrison. Together, they shared 38 years of love and friendship while making their home and raising their family. He worked at Covidien Healthcare in Argyle for 13 years before retiring in November 2013. Charles loved to party with family and friends, and spend time at home with his fourlegged friends. He greatly enjoyed working around his home and could often be seen working for hours, mowing the lawn and caring for his many plants. He will be greatly missed and always loved by his family and friends. Charles is survived by his wife of 38 years, Susan J. (Paton) Bennett; his children, Dawn Maisano (Frank), Debby Vilardo (Jimmy), Jason Bennett (Stacey), Justin Bennett (Ashley), and Jennifer Bennett; his special niece, Karen Paton; his grandchildren, James Vilardo, Melissa Vilardo, Frank Maisano, Anthony Maisano, Taylyn Bennett, Adalyn Bennett, Dayton Bennett, Hope Philips and Logan Rosko; his siblings, Larry Bennett (Rose), Laurie Gentile, Liz Markowski (Russell), Robin Murray (Pat), Eugene (Nancy), James (Rose), George Juenelot and Susan Kasper; his goddaughter, Melissa Gomes (Victor); as well as several nieces, nephews and in-laws. Edward Carnevale Edward Carnevale passed away suddenly on Thursday, Jan. 1, at Clara Maass Medical Center, Belleville. He was 56. The funeral will be conducted from the Mulligan Funeral Home, 331 Cleveland Ave., Harrison, on Thursday, Jan. 8, at 9:45 a.m. A funeral Mass will follow at the ProCathedral of St. Patrick,

obituaries

Newark, at 10:30 a.m. Friends may call on Wednesday, Jan. 7, from 3 to 8 p.m., and Thursday, Jan. 8, starting at 8:45 a.m. His cremation will be private. For information, directions or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.mulliganfh.com. Born in Providence, R.I., Edward was raised in Johnston, R.I. He moved to Provincetown, Mass. and then to Harrison, where he has lived for the last 12 years. He was employed by the Hudson County Schools of Technology as well as Harrison Board of Education where he worked as a school law enforcement officer for both the day and night school programs. Eddy was genuinely loved by all of the students, faculty, and staff. Edward loved the beach, namely the beaches of Provincetown and Fort Lauderdale. He also enjoyed fishing and automobiles. Edward is survived by his loving partner Jim Doran, his beloved mother Josephine Carnevale, dear sisters Donna Nardone and Lynn Carnevale and all of his many nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as his golden retrievers Jenny and Winston. Edward was predeceased by his father Edward. In lieu of flowers, an expression of sympathy may be made to the Harrison Education Foundation in care of Mulligan Funeral Home in loving memory of Eddy. John Holevinski

Holevinski and the son-in-law of the late Patrick and Elizabeth Cassidy, Kearny. Born in Scranton, Pa., he lived in Kearny, before moving to Toms River. He graduated from Kearny High School in 1954 and Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1958 with a degree in engineering. He first worked at Fluid Chemical Company then had a successful career at Speidel-A Division of Textron as director of operations of its Lakewood facility before he retired. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 55 years, Kathleen Cassidy, a son John Holevinski of Toms River, a daughter Stephanie Hagel and her husband Kenneth of Point Pleasant and three precious and adoring grandchildren, Samantha, Kenneth and Cassidy. Also surviving are his brother, Richard Holevinski and his wife Mary, sister-inlaw Joan Cassidy, sister-in-law Marilyn Cassidy, brother-inlaw Philip Cassidy and his wife Cathy, dear Aunt Verna Gorski and many much-loved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He will be also missed by his good buddies, Earl Feeney, Bernie D’Andrea and Ed Verna. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Ted Giresi, sister-in-law Margaret Giresi, brother-in-law Vincent Pentimone, sister-in-law Helen Pentimone, brother-in-law Patrick Cassidy and brotherin-law Michael Cassidy and nephew John Giresi. He was an extraordinary man who worked hard all his life. A person of honesty, integrity, faith and moral conviction. He was totally devoted to his family and they loved Prayer to St. Jude

John Holevinski passed away after an accidental fall at home. In spite of surgery and 45 days in the intensive care unit of Jersey Shore University Hospital, he went peacefully to the Lord on Christmas Day surrounded by loving family members. John (aka Jack) was the son of the late John and Sophie

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

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

obituaries@theobserver.com

him completely as well. He always said he was a lucky guy who led a wonderful life. But for those who knew him, we know we were the lucky ones to have known and loved him. He will live in our hearts always and pray we are worthy of the rich heritage he left us. Per his wishes, there was no wake. A memorial Mass was held at St. Joseph’s Church, Toms River. Celebrate his life with doing an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for someone. Or for those who wish, send a donation to your favorite charity in his name. Arrangements were by the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, Toms River. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.ryanfuneralhome.com. Concetta Longo Concetta Longo, of Harrison, passed away on Jan. 1. She was 87. Arrangements were by the Armitage Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. A funeral service

was held at the funeral home followed by entombment at Holy Cross Cemetery. For more information, visit www. armitagewiggins.com. Connie was a retired sales person for the St. Anthony’s Messenger. She is survived by her son Michael and his wife Nicole, her grandchildren Michael and Alexa. Also surviving are her sisters Anna and Grace Colello and brother Frank Campana. Her beloved husband John died only two weeks ago. Bernice C. Markowski Bernice C. Markowski (nee Doran), entered into eternal rest peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 3, at Alaris Healthcare of Kearny. She was 77. The funeral will be conducted from the Mulligan Funeral Home, 331 Cleveland Ave., Harrison, on Saturday, Jan. 10, at 9:45 a.m. A funeral Mass will follow at the Pro-Cathedral of St. Patrick, Newark at 10:30 a.m. Her interment will see OBITS page

Shaw-Buyus

Home for Services

Mario Teixeira, IV, Manager, NJ Lic. #3757

Mario Teixeira, Jr. Director, NJ Lic. #2542 • Monique Teixeira, Director, NJ Lic. #4048 Newly renovated family owned and operated funeral home with multiple locations. Fluent in Portuguese and Spanish. Handicapped Accessible.

138 DAVIS AVE. • KEARNY, NJ 07032

(201) 991-2265 www.buyusfuneralhome.com

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

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015

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.

APArTmENTS FOr rENT

BellevIlle BELLEVILLE Nutley Border. 2nd fl. 2 bedrooms, 2 family corner house. Call for appointment (862) 201-6166 after 5pm.

BLOOMFIELD 2nd . fl. 2 bedroom. Apt. w/ driveway available. 1 month security. Available February 1st. (646) 529-4292. or (862) 215-7039.

APArTmENTS FOr rENT

GArAGE FOr rENT

HARRISON 3rd floor. Efficiency plus kitchen. Available immediately. 1-1/2 months security. Pay own utilities. $800/month. NO PETS. (201)955-5325 for appointment.

KEARNY 3rd fl. 1 bedroom $950. 1 ½ months security. HT/HW included. Call super between 11am8pm. (201) 998-9006

KEARNY 2 bedrooms, Kitchen, LR, Bath, No W/D. No pets. $1,150/month + Utilities. 1 month security. Month to Month Lease. Available February 1st. (201) 320-9507.

KEARNY 3BR, LR, DR, EIK. $1300/mo. 1.5 mo security. Available Feb 1. No pets or smoking. 201-362-9485

N.ARLINGTON 3rd fl. 3 rooms, 1 BR, HT/HW supplied. $800/month. 1 ½ months security. Available March 1st. (201) 998-9300 (201) 889-1143.

BELLEVILLE 3 car garage for rent. 25x19. $450/month. 1 month security. Available now. Good for parking cars, storage, boats, contractors. Safe location. (973)951-6315

HARRISON Brand New, Upgraded 2 bedroom apt. $1450/month. 1 ½ months security. 15 min walking distance to PATH. Available now. 973-268-7808.

BlOOMFIelD BLOOMFIELD 4 room apartment. All utilities included, except electric. Move in ready. $1100/month. No smoking. No pets. Contact Pat (973) 489-7002

CLASSIFIEDS

HarrIsOn HARRISON 4 bedrooms. Nice Kitchen & Bathroom. All ceramic floors. Dinning area. Living Room, Totally remodeled. 3rd fl. Waking distance to path. $2400/month + utilities. 1-1/2 months security. (973)769-4897.

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

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

HARRISON 1st fl. 1 bedroom, LR, Kitchen. 1 ½ months security. $850/month. Available now. (201) 388-0463. HARRISON 1 bedroom, remodeled kitchen, laundry, near PATH, park, tennis courts, parking included. No pets. $1250/month. 1 year lease. 1 month security. Credit check, reference required. (908) 420-8899 HARRISON BTCA Condominium. 2 bedrooms and two bathrooms. W/D, dishwasher, oven, refrigerator and microwave. 1 private parking inside building. Utilities separate. No pets allowed. $1500/month 1-1/2 months deposit required. Roommate allowed. Please text (973) 517-4538 if interested. HARRISON 1 bedroom, LR, Kitchen, Bathroom. 1 month security deposit. $1,000/month. Includes Central A/C & Heat. Available February 1st. Please Contact (201)407-3433 or (973)494-2689 Jose. HARRISON Modern Studio apt. 2nd Fl. Private Entrance. Refrigerator. No pets. $750/month + utilities. Security & lease. 862-223-9974.

kearny KEARNY Modern 2 bedrooms, 2nd floor. Across from Library, new clean rooms, newly renovated. Washer & Dryer. Dishwasher. $1200/month + electricity. 1 ½ months security (973) 769-4897.

KEARNY 2nd fl. 2 bedrooms. Arlington section. Available now. $1,200/month. Close to transportation. No pets. (201) 341-2383 KEARNY 4 rooms Apt. Dukes St. Front Hudson Park. 1st floor. Good Condition. No pets. Newly Renovated. Hardwood Floors. $940/month + utilities. 973-391-3868. KEARNY 2 bedrooms, $1250/month. Separate utilities. 1 month security. No pets. No smoking. Available now. (201) 314-3814 KEARNY Studio $750/month, 1 month security. private entrance, all utilities included. Available January 1st or 15th. No pets. (973) 698-5152. KEARNY 2 bedrooms, spacious 5 room apt. 2nd floor. New bathroom, close to school & transportation. $1200/month. 1 ½ months security negotiable. Supply own Heat & Electric. Apt. can be seen between 4:30-7:30pm. Available February 1st. Call Maryon (201)998-7161 or Al (201) 889-7611. KEARNY 4 room Apt. Dukes St. Front Hudson Park. 1st floor. Good Condition. No pets. Newly Renovated. Hardwood Floors. $940/month + utilities. 973-391-3868. KEARNY 4 rent By Owner 3 bedroom apt. 2nd floor of 2 family home. W/D Hook up & Basement Storage. Central Air. $1075/month + Utilities. 1 1/2 months security. Close to NY Transportation. No pets. Call (201)998-8226. Between the hours 7am-4pm. Mon.-Fri. for Appt.

newark KEARNY 6 rooms, 2nd floor. Hardwood floors, Laundry facility. Parking. No pets. Separate Utilities. 2 month security. Available Now. 201-998-8655.

KEARNY 2nd floor, 3 bedrooms, kitchen & den. $1100/month + heat. 1 month security. (201) 998-8429 (201) 283-4051

KEARNY 3rd floor, 4 rooms, 1 1/2 months security. Utilities Separate. No pets. Available now. 201-997-5032.

KEARNY 3 bedrooms. Supply own utilities. No pets. (551) 580-5019 (201) 998-3554

KEARNY 2nd floor, 5 room. 1 ½ months security. Pay own utilities. Available February 1st. (201) 933-1767 or (201) 275-3694.

KEARNY 132 Midland Ave. 1 bedroom, LR, Kitchen HT/HW included. $950/month. 201-889-4436 or 973-465-0166.

NEWARK Newly renovated, 1 BR $865/mo. Vailsburg/ Near Seton Hall. HT/HW included. Safe/Secure. Brick Historic Bldg. H/W Floors. Refrigerator, Ceiling Fans. 1 month security. Section 8 ok. No fees. No pets. 973-216-9470

n. arlIngtOn N.ARLINGTON Brand new 3 room apt. 2nd fl. Coin operated W/D in basement. 1 ½ months security. $1,000/month + utilities. Avl. Jan 1st. (201) 696-0496. N.ARLINGTON 2nd fl. 5 rooms. No pets. No smoking, separate utilities. $1,200/month. (201) 774-0548.

N.ARLINGTON 4 BR w/carpeting, 2 Baths, LR, DR, EIK, Ceramic tile & new appliances. Laundry room, enclosed porch and deck. Close to schools and transportation. $2,400 + Utilities. 1 ½ months security. (201) 893-4686. N.ARLINGTON 4 rooms, only 1 BR. Supply own Heat. $950/month + 1 month security. Available February 1st. Credit Checks required. No pets, Cats only. (201) 997-1788 N.ARLINGTON 2 bedrooms, 2nd floor, near NY transportation, parking, no pets, smoke-free. $1225/month + utilities, 1-1/2 months security. (201) 246-9226

n. newark

N.ARLINGTON 2 bedrooms, parking. $1500/month. 1 month security. Separate utilities. Available January 1st. (201) 218-0756

N.NEWARK One bedroom. $780/month + utilities. Available now. 1-1/2 months security. No smoking. No pets. (973) 440-7272

N.ARLINGTON 3 family house 3rd fl. $1,200/month, 1 month security. Utilities separate. Close to NY Transportation. Available February 1st. (201) 456-8657.

N.NEWARK 2 bedroom apt. Utilities not included. 1-1/2 months security. $925/month. No pets. No smoking. Available February 1st. 973-986-8085.

KEARNY 4 rooms 2 bedrooms, Good Location. 6 Family, 3rd fl. $1,100/month + 1.5 months Security deposit + Utilities. Refrigerator & Stove included. w/w Carpets. No pets. Available February 1st. (201) 998-2615.

N.ARLINGTON 2nd floor. 5 rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 loft, brand new kitchen w/dishwasher, microwave & oven, new carpeting, newly painted, washer/dryer hook-up. No pets. No smoking. 1-1/2 months security, $1250/month. Separate utilities. Immediate occupancy. (201) 998-0173

KEARNY Arlington Area. 5 rooms, 1 bath. 1-1/2 months security. $1300 + utilities. No pets. (201)213-1871

N.ARLINGTON Beautiful 1st floor, studio apt. 1 parking spot. $800/month + utilities + security. (201)966-8095

nutley NUTLEY 4 room apt., 2 bedrooms, 3rd floor, $1200/month. Freshly painted. Newly Renovated. Close to NY transportation. Move in condition. No pets. No smoking. 973-517-7517.

APArTmENT WANTED N.ARLINGTON 4 room apt. wanted by elderly women on 1st fl. Please call (201) 428-1856.

hAll FOr rENT Party Hall For Rent • Affordable • A/C • Nice Setting 201-889-6677 201-572-1839 hOUSE FOr rENT KEARNY 1 FAMILY HOUSE, 7 ROOMS + LAUNDRY ROOM, CLOSE TO SCHOOLS & TRANSPORTATION. 551-482-0999. N.ARLINGTON 1 family house, 3 BR & computer room. W/D hook-up, LR, EIK, 1 car garage. $1800/mo. 1 ½ months security, Available now. (201) 726-4776.

hOUSE FOr SAlE N.ARLINGTON Two 4 family house, 1 BR, LR, Kitchen, 1st floor apartment has basement. 30 min. from Manhattan. $950,000. Call (201)998-8429 or (201)283-4051 N.ARLINGTON 1 family 3 bedrooms, modern kitchen and bath, LR, DR, finished basement. In ground pool. $279,000 (973) 380-9007.

OFFICE SPACE FOr rENT KEARNY Professional/ Commercial (2 locations available). Office space on Kearny Avenue. Immediate occupancy. Close to NYC, public transportation, PATH, DeCamp, NJ Transit bus lines.1,100 sq.ft.(corner) 1-1/2 months security. (2nd) 1,000 sq.ft. 1-1/2 months security. Immediate Occupancy. Call Silvina (201)997-4257 & (201)889-3115

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015

www.theobserver.com

OFFICE SPACE FOr rENT

rOOm FOr rENT

N.ARLINGTON 205 Ridge Road. Large office, Bathrooms, & 2 Heated Bays, with remotely controlled doors. Avl. Immediately. (201) 206-1193 (201) 893-4686.

KEARNY 23 Duke st., room for rent. everything included. Avail. now. 973-699-4960 Maura.

PArkING FOr rENT NUTLEY Rear Yard Parking spaces for rent. Small Commercial vehicles ok. (201) 390-1729.

rOOm FOr rENT HARRISON Private entrance. Available now. Near transportation. No smoking. No pets. 1 month security. Male preferred. Se habla espanol. (650) 787-0833 (650) 645-0307 KEARNY Separate entrance. Own bathroom. No kitchen. $650/month. 1 month security. Utilities included. Female preferred. No smoking. Contact (201) 519-3778. Se Habla Espanol. N.NEWARK Room for rent, Forest hill section. $350/month. Shared Bath, No Kitchen. Utilities included. 1 month security. No smoking. No pets. Call after 4:30pm (973) 752-6877. KEARNY Female preferred, private entrance, utilities included w/cable & internet. 1 block to transportation. $550/month + security. Available January 1st. Se habla español. 201-772-7417 KEARNY Room for rent. Male preferred. $520/month. 1 month security. Available now. Utilities & cable included. (862) 823-3331 HARRISON 1 attic room for rent. $450/month, everything included cable & internet. (973) 525-3860.

rOOmmATE WANTED Roommate wanted for exchange of help or companionship after 6pm for Elderly woman, willing to pay $150/week (973) 951-3435, Must speak Spanish.

STOrE FOr rENT Retail space available for rent in Kearny. Great location. 3,000 sq. ft. Available now. (973) 986-6456.

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

Full time Landscaper w/experience. Must have clean drivers license. Call 201-998-1262 Help Wanted to install seamless gutter, experience needed. Must have valid Drivers License. 1(800) 479-3262 or (201) 954-4287 EXPERIENCED ONLY! Waitress Mon-Fri 6AM-2PM Short Order Cook Mon-Sat 7AM-4PM. (973) 624.1532

EmPlOYmENT/ hElP WANTED

CLASSIFIEDS EmPlOYmENT/ hElP WANTED

Part Time School Bus Aide Approx. 20 hours per week. Must speak fluent English. Please call Lorraine: (201) 998-4800.

Teacher needed for local preschool. Min Reg. BA/Master in Early Chilhood Ed. Call (201) 246-7733.

Currently hiring Compounding Pharmacy Sales or prior Pharmaceutical Sales Experience with a Network of doctors. Highly competitive commission. Please email your resume to PharmaceuticalReps@ lmfmarketing.com to set up an interview.

Hairdresser want a chance to be your own Boss Come work in my modern salon In North Arlington. Heat, Electric Water & A/C Supplied. Call Marcia 201-998-7305. Please Leave message.

Part Time School Bus Driver Approx. 20 hours per week. Must have a CDL with P & S endorsements. Must Speak Fluent English. Please Call: Lorraine (201) 998-4800.

EmPlOYmENT/ hElP WANTED

Developer and Builder Company located in the Newark Ironbound is looking for an Office Manager. Must have a proven track record, with a minimum of five years experience, in secretarial/business administration with ability to organize, prioritize and handle multiple tasks. Must have computer knowledge at advanced level including Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, Power Point and Outlook and be knowledgeable in the use of Quick Books, Accounts Receivable and Payable. E-mail or fax your resume: info@mmdevelopmentllc.com Fax Number (973) 491-2662

AUTOmOBIlES WANTED

J & F TOWING CA$H 4 JUNK

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015

Five winter activities for the whole family The snow seems as though it’s going to stick around for a while, and you’re running out of ideas to entertain the kids. They’ve already made a few snowmen, so what can they do next? Here are some other ideas about how to enjoy winter with your family. Snow castles Try a new way to do snow sculpting. Get out the buckets, shovels, and all the sandbox tools you usually keep for summer. Build a miniature village or gargantuan castle. You can add a touch of colour to the buildings by spraying them with a mixture of water and food colouring. The kids will have the time of their lives. A-hunting we will go Footprints in the snow are perfect for hunting and tracking. Will you be able to cover your tracks during a game of hide-and-seek with your children?

test everyone’s eyesight by placing some white objects on the snow. Who will find the most? Snow Olympics Prepare some challenging activities for young and old alike. Compete in a snow angel competition, obstacle course, foot races, and long jump. Even the best runners in the group will be challenged by deep snow! Go sliding You don’t need a mountain; find even a small hill and your kids will be thrilled. Get out the sleds and try to go further every time. Who will have the best technique? All it takes is a bit of imagination to turn snow and cold weather into a fun ally.

Find the treasure Organize a treasure hunt with steaming hot chocolate as the ultimate reward. Here’s how: make some different coloured ice cubes and bury them in the snow; tell each child which colour they should look for, and give them some clues for finding them. You could also

Do you dream of pristine mountains and frozen water falls every winter? Are you enraptured by stories of al pine feats, the conquering of Everest, and glacier explo ration? If you’re a fan of climbing and adrenalin rushes, you too can arm yourself with your ice axe and head out to attack the climb of your dreams.

pons, ice screws, and warm clothes too, of course. As with all winter activities, you should avoid cotton clothing and dress in layers. Don’t tighten your boots too much, as your feet may swell with the effort; they’ll freeze quickly if they’re constricted. Sun glas ses and sunscreen are also essential to protect you from the sun.

Ice climbing Whether you want to climb rock walls or frozen water falls, the basic techniques are pretty much the same. That means you can train on indoor climbing walls before you venture out on to snow and ice. If you’ve never done any climbing, it’s not a problem; introductory courses in ice climbing are available just about everywhere. A few lessons will help you and climbing break the ice, so to speak.

Planning a trip to the mountains Before you go, check the weather forecast and avalanche danger in the area where you’ll be climbing, and read the guidebook describing the ascent you’re planning to climb. It’s also important for the members of the expedition to have taken a wilderness first aid course.

The right gear Ice climbing requires a few extra essential items, such as ice ax, cram-

Do gleaming expanses of virgin snow leave you cold? Does just the thought of winter give you the shivers? Here are five benefits of cold weather that will make you rethink your position. 1. A great ally for losing weight That’s right. Below zero temperatures can help you lose weight. During cold weather, you burn more calories in order to maintain your core body temperature. The body does that by drawing on its fat reserves. So why wait to turn down your thermostat? 2. Say goodbye to germs People don’t catch colds because it’s cold. In fact, when temperatures drop, some germs are much less active, including the ones that cause the common cold. Colds are more prevalent in winter because we spend more time indoors, crowded together, which facilitates the spread of viruses. 3. It’s good for morale Scientific studies have shown that cold reduces stress and negative thoughts. Cold temperatures cause the release of endorphins — the so-called happy hormones — that give your mood a boost. For some people the reduced hours of sunlight can cause depression, but a full-spectrum light can help with that. 4. The sleep of the just Do you miss sleeping like a log? It may be that you’re too hot at night, under all those covers. The ideal temperature for sleeping is around 18°C, so if you turn down the temperature in your bedroom, you’ll sleep better.

Grab your crampons!

This winter, answer the call of the frozen waterfalls and take some ice climbing lessons.

Rejoice, it’s cold outside!

Lastly, check the level of difficulty of the trails and make sure you have the requisite skills to tackle the climb; the difficulties should not become dangers.

5. Better blood circulation Lower temperatures are excellent for the circulatory system. They promote microcirculation, which improves cell and organ nourishment. Better blood flow also prevents the appearance of varicose veins and hair loss. The next time you feel like cursing winter, think about all these good reasons to love it!

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015

and Mary Doran (nee Biekshia), her brother Robert C. Doran and her twin sons John and Joseph. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in care of the funeral home in loving memory of Bernice or at www.alz. org/nj/.

7, at 9:45 a.m. A funeral Mass will follow at Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, Harrison at 10:30 a.m. His interment will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. Friends may call on Tuesday, Jan. 6, from 4 to 9 p.m., and Wednesday, Jan. 7, from 8:45 a.m. For informaBorn and raised in tion, directions, or to Newark, she relocated send condolences to the to Harrison in 1967. Armando Medina family, please visit www. She worked as a claims Armando Medina mulliganfh.com. manager for the Operatpassed away suddenly Born and raised in ing Engineers Local 825, at home on Dec. 28. He Newark, Mike lived in retiring in 2002. Bernice was 71. Harrison most of his served as an election Born in Puerto Rico, life before moving to board judge for the Town he was raised in Camden Phillipsburg in 1994. of Harrison for many and lived many years in He was employed by years. She was a paNewark. N.J. Transit as a mainrishioner of Holy Cross Arrangements were tenance electrician for Church in Harrison by the Armitage Wig24 years. Serving as a where she belonged to gins Funeral Home, 596 volunteer and mentor the Rosary Altar Society, Belgrove Drive, Kearny. in his community, Mike as well as the Pro-Cathe- A funeral service was was a coach and trainer dral of St. Patrick. held at the funeral home, with the Harrison/East Bernice was instrufollowed by a private Newark Recreation Pop mental in the coordinacremation. For more Warner Football and the tion of the Harrison/ information, visit www. Harrison Little League East Newark Elks Lodge armitagewiggins.com. for many years. Since his 2326 and Knights of Armando held two retirement, he greatly Columbus Council 402, master’s degrees and was enjoyed spending time Harrison, Thanksgiving an administrator for the with his four grandchilDay Meals on Wheels N.J. State Board of Educa- dren. Program. She loved tion. He is survived by Michael served his spending time with her his wife Emma (Ocasio), country as a sergeant in grandchildren and was his daughters Massiel the U.S. Army during the very compassionate in Medina Ferrara and Vietnam War. He was a supporting her many Alarys Laura Medina. parishioner of Our Lady friends in the neighborBrother of Gualberto of Czestochowa Church, hood. Medina, he is also surHarrison. He was also Predeceased by her vived his grandchildren a member of the VFW husband Stanley J. Alex, Emma and Ava. Post 712 HennesseyMarkowski (1992), she is In lieu of flowers, Baione Post, Newark. survived by her loving kindly consider a donaMichael is survived by children, Kevin (Patrition to the A.S.P.C.A. his beloved wife Irene T. cia), Kimberly Woods (nee Jankiewicz) (mar(James), Russell (ElizaMichael John Oeckel Jr. ried 44 years), loving beth), and her cherished Michael John Oeckel sons, Michael and his grandchildren, Devon Jr., entered into eternal wife Donna, and Paul and Erin Markowski, rest on Saturday, Jan. and his wife Michelle, Ryan and Conor Woods, 3, at St. Luke’s Warren cherished grandchildren and Austin, Olivia and Hospital, Phillipsburg. Michael, Ethan, Ava, and Emily Markowski. She He was 71. Luke, and a dear godis also survived by many The funeral will be daughter, Michele. He nieces, nephews, cousins, conducted from the Mul- was predeceased by his and many close friends. ligan Funeral Home, 331 parents Michael and HelShe was also predeceased Cleveland Ave., Harrien Oeckel as well as his by her parents Charles son, on Wednesday, Jan. brother Robert Oeckel. OBITS from take place in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. Friends may call on Friday, Jan. 9, from 3 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Jan. 10, from 8:45 a.m. For information, directions, or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.mulliganfh.com.

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