2016 02 03 obs1 by The Observer Newspaper

February 3, 2016 • www.theobserver.com • Vol CXXVIII, No. 36 Visit our

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COVERING: BELLEVILLE • BLOOMFIELD

Raises, but longer hours, too By Ron Leir Observer Correspondent KEARNY – Members of Kearny’s police unions scored 11 promotions through the ranks and got new 4-year contracts with pay raises. But as part of the new labor agreements approved by the town governing body last Tuesday, they also agreed to accept a new work schedule, starting Feb. 1, compelling them to put in more time through longer shifts. Other concessions won by the town include no longevity for new hires, a downward revised Table of Organization (T.O.) from 120 to 100 and limiting subbing for a superior officer to “one rank above his current rank.” Under the revised “Pitman” work schedule – which, according to town and PBA officials, was pushed by the state monitor – cops will work 12hour shifts under a two-week work cycle that goes like this: two days on-duty, two days off, three days on, two days off, two days on and three days off with every other weekend off. Asked how the union membership is taking the change, PBA Local 21 President Tom Pontrella said that when it was first proposed, “most guys see POLICE page

Page 26

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

NA man charged with killing wife By Kevin Canessa Jr. Observer Correspondent

North Arlington man has been charged with the first-degree murder of his wife, in the first homicide in the small Bergen County borough since 1993, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal said. Eric Pleger, 45, who lives at 28-K Garden Terrace, in the Riverview Gardens apartment complex, was additionally charged with third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, Grewal and North Arlington Police Chief John Hearn said in a joint statement last week. The acting prosecutor said at approximately 12:15 p.m., Friday, a concerned resident at the complex called the NAPD and asked them to check on the welfare of Luisa Pleger, Eric Pleger’s wife. When officers responded to the apartment, they found Pleger — and Mrs. Pleger’s lifeless body, the BCPO said. Pleger was immediately taken into custody for further investigation, the prosecutor said, and the residence was secured as a crime scene for the BCPO’s Major Crimes Unit to investigate. The ensuing investigation led to the charges being filed against Pleger, the

BCPO

Eric Pleger

BCPO said. “The medical examiner has determined that the cause of Luisa Pleger’s death was multiple blunt force trauma to the head. ... A blunt object was used a weapon during the killing and was recovered during a search of the scene,” the prosecutor said. The weapon was not identified. “Obviously, you never want this type

of thing to happen in your community, but obviously, we’re doing what we need to do with the assistance of the prosecutor’s office and the sheriff’s department,” Hearn said at an impromptu news conference on the scene of the murder. Hearn also said there was no documented history of domestic violence between the Plegers. Kevin Foley, 45, of North Arlington, formerly of Kearny, said he was Pleger’s classmate in the Kearny High School Class of 1988. He said that while he didn’t recall too much about the man, he did remember him as being someone who often kept to himself. “Being that I grew up in this area my whole life and then seeing it was so close to home around the corner from where I live, my first reaction was shock,” Foley said. “Then to find out later it was someone I graduated high school with, I was sad to hear that. I didn’t know Eric well in high school, but I do remember him and the one thing I do remember was that he was a very quiet loner — and from what I vaguely remember, he wasn’t treated so well in high school and believe he was picked on and bullied a lot. see HOMICIDE page

Everybody got stuck in blizzard By Karen Zautyk Observer Correspondent

KEARNY – Along with its usual myriad protect-and-serve duties, the Kearny Police Department last week had to deal with an avalanche of blizzard-related calls.

From Friday night, Jan. 22, when the first flakes began falling, until 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 25, almost a full 24 hours after they stopped, the KPD racked up a total of 406 calls from the public, “most of them snow- and vehiclerelated,” Chief John Dowie told The Observer. Included

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were 30 reportable motor vehicle accidents and “numerous reports of disabled and abandoned vehicles.” Snowfall totals vary depending on which website you check, but we’ll go with the 26.5 inches the paper reported last week. If it wasn’t exactly 26.5, it sure looked like it. And

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016

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39 Seeley Ave. Kearny, N.J. 07032 Phone: 201-991-1600 Fax: 201-991-8941 www.theobserver.com

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By Ron Leir Observer Correspondent

“that the district’s [security and communications] systems were at risk” because “certain BELLEVILLE – disk drives, essential to keeping the district’s server runstate arbitrator has ning, were failing and needed awarded an IT contracreplacement to avoid the tor $310,689 in damages risk of a catastrophic system to be paid by the Belleville failure.” Board of Education, socking In response, Wecker noted, the already fiscally burdened a district employee entrusted board with another debt. with IT responsibilities orBut even more alarming dered replacement parts from is the finding by arbitrator an outside source “instead Barbara Byrd Wecker that the of purchasing the drives that board essentially brought its Clarity had in stock for that catastrophic IT trouble – a purpose” and despite the fact 2014 Labor Day weekend comthat those drives “were not puter system crash – on itself by ignoring the advice of the Observer file photo compatible with the ‘array’ contractor, Clarity Technolo- An arbitrator concluded that Belleville schools monitor Thomas Egan went that kept the server in operation and could not be installed gies of Mine Hill. too far when he canceled a Clarity contract. to replace the failing drives.” And, further, Wecker Technology (IT) management including interest. “This [arNor, Wecker wrote, would concluded, the board’s stateservices contract “to supply bitration] settles everything the district approve purchase appointed monitor Thomas and install new equipment with Clarity. We’re done,” he orders sought by Kreeger, Egan “exceeded his authorprovide hardware support and said. or remedy “failing air-condiity” in abruptly canceling the repair throughout the district, However, Tomko quickly tioning in the serving room contractor’s contract and then including system administraadded, there may be another required to keep the server “apparently entered into a tion, on site and remote supnon-fiscal issue involving safe” or bother to update its multimillion dollar contract port and regular reporting,” Clarity upcoming as a result “license for certain Symantec with another firm … apparfor five years at $20,000 per of the school board voting software … thereby making ently financing that undertakmonth. 5-1 last Monday to direct its certain stored information ing with a very substantial Based on testimony heard general counsel “to have our difficult or even impossible loan from the state – a loan during the hearings, Wecker lawyers (Schwartz Simon to restore in the event of a that was to allow payment on Edelstein & Celso) investigate wrote in her opinion that after system failure.” Clarity’s invoices ….” for possible malfeasance with Egan was appointed moniOn Aug. 11, 2014, Egan adNews of the arbitrator’s detor in May 2014, “the district Clarity.” vised Kreeger he was going cision, dated Dec. 9, 2015, was stopped paying Clarity’s Still, “because the monitor to terminate Clarity’s services made available at last Moninvoices, which included the was unaware of this proposal in 90 days as “too expenday’s school board meeting monthly EUSA and IT pay[pitched by board member sive,” although it is unclear and The Observer obtained a ments due, as well as overdue Ralph Vellon],” and since whether the school board copy last Friday. The arbitrainvoices for hardware and there was no provision for a actually did follow through tor held hearings into disputparts supplied under the IT retainer in the board resoluto do so, Wecker wrote, but ed billings between the BOE agreement over the previous tion, the board may be asked in any case, she said, “neither and Clarity on May 27, June 3, months.” to re-examine the issue, [the board nor Egan] had that Aug. 10 and Sept. 24, 2015. Egan told Clarity principal Tomko said. right” because they lacked Clarity previously received Bruce Kreeger “that when At issue in the arbitration, “cause” to justify it, never a single-bid contract from the funds became available from filed by Clarity Sept. 30, 2014, having established a record board for nearly $1.2 million to an anticipated loan from the and amended April 2, 2015, of complaints about Clarity’s provide security-related upwere two additional contracts state, Clarity would receive service. grades throughout the school some payments,” Wecker given Clarity: an Enterprise Then, after the Labor Day campus. That contract was wrote; yet, after Kreeger cut User Service Agreement weekend systems crash, not the subject of the arbitraoff some services, the district (EUSA) “to provide ongoWecker noted that Egan “estion. managed to pay some of those ing network telephony and sentially dismissed Clarity Schools Superintendent broadband services” for three outstanding bills, she noted. from the recovery effort” and Richard Tomko told The ObDuring spring and early years at $123,828 a year ($10,319 server that Clarity had sought summer of 2014, Wecker obper month) awarded March a total of $641,699 in damages, see CLARITY page served, Clarity agents warned 13, 2013; and an Information

five day weather forecast Wednesday, Feb. 3

Thursday, Feb. 4

Friday, Feb. 5

Saturday, Feb. 6

Sunday, Feb. 7

Inside Opinion ..............................06 Around Town ....................10 Real Estate ........................20

Rain

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Sunny

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60˚ 49˚ 43˚ 46˚ 48˚

Obituaries .........................23 Classiﬁeds .........................24 Business Directory .............26

Valentine’s Day Greetings! See Page 9

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016

KPD: Well, at least he wasn’t driving O

n Jan. 25, the Monday after the blizzard, when excess snow still made driving problematic, Kearny vice officers apprehended a drug suspect who had opted to let someone else tackle the streets. At 5:15 p.m., the detectives spotted Ulises Rebozo, 42, of Kearny, enter a taxi on the 500 block of Kearny Ave. Believing him to be in possession of narcotics, they followed the cab, pulled it over at Midland and S. Midland Aves., confronted the passenger and reportedly recovered 31 wax folds of heroin (20 stamped “Transporter”; 11 stamped “Pepsi”), along with five vials of cocaine, a/k/a “snow.” Rebozo was arrested for possession of CDS and drug paraphernalia and was taken to headquarters, where it was cozy and warm. ••• Other recent reports from the Kearny police blotter included the following: Jan. 21 Shortly after noon, vice detectives at the Belleville Pike and Passaic Ave. saw a 2004 Infiniti occupied by William McCurley, 31, of Kearny, who

they believed had engaged in an earlier drug transaction. When they attempted to stop the car at the intersection, it took off south on Passaic but then pulled into a parking lot, where McCurley was seen stuffing objects down his pants, police said. In a search incident to arrest on a charge of eluding, the officers reportedly recovered six was folds of heroin (stamped “Dinosaur”) and a hypodermic needle. McCurley was also charged with possession of the drugs and drug paraphernalia and was issued a summons for reckless driving. Jan. 24 (the day after the blizzard) At 1:30 p.m., Officers Peter Jahera and Kyle Plaugic were called to a Woodland Ave. residence on a report of “an out-of-control youth.” Police said the parents of the 15-year-old male had asked him to help with the snow shoveling. The request resulted in “a heated exchange,” during which the teenager allegedly smashed a glass jar and “punched holes in a few walls.” Police said that when he was taken into custody, they

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observed that his knuckles were bleeding. They also reportedly observed, on his person, a small plastic bag of marijuana. He was charged with criminal mischief, possession of pot and paraphernalia, and being under the influence of a CDS. He was booked at HQ and released to his parents’ custody. ••• Officers Sean Wilson and Jordenson Jean responded to a 2:30 p.m. report of a motor vehicle accident on the 200 block of Windsor St. There, police said, they found that a 2002 Dodge Ram, operated by Joel Hartman, 48, of Kearny, had hit a parked Toyota. While interviewing Hartman, they reportedly detected the odor of alcohol and observed an open container of vodka in the truck. Police said they also observed a 2-year-old passenger without any safety restraints. There reportedly was also another adult passenger.

Hartman was given FSTs, and an Alcotest at HQ , and was charged with DWI, possession of an open container of alcohol in a MV, driving under the influence with a child in the vehicle, and failure to have safety restraints for the child.

with possession of the drugs and paraphernalia and theft of property lost or mislaid.

Jan. 28 At 7 p.m., Officers Daniel Esteves and Andre Fernandes observed a 2004 Ford speeding on the Belleville Pike and stopped on Argyle Place, police said. Driver Jan. 27 Shortly before 9 p.m., Vice Damian Martir, 36, of North detectives observed Mark Ea- Arlington, produced a New ger, 24, of Kearny -- said to be York State I.D. card and the subject of an ongoing in- N.Y. registration, but police vestigation -- in a 2003 Chevy said they determined that pickup in the Park Ave. area. his N.J. driver’s license had While interviewing Eager, been suspended. The officpolice said, they saw a glass ers also detected the odor of vial containing suspected marijuana and, in plain view, cocaine protruding from his saw a plastic bottle found to clothing. A search incident contain the drug and a cigar to arrest reportedly prowrapper, police said. duced eight additional vials Martir was charged with driving while suspended, of coke, seven wax folds of heroin (four stamped “Trans- being an unlicensed driver, careless driving, possesporter” and three stamped sion of pot and parapherna-- talk about the obvious -“Dope”), along with a Kearny lia, and possession of a CDS in a MV. High School I.D. card not in his name. Eager was charged – Karen Zautyk

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016

New supt., referendum on horizon By Ron Leir Observer Correspondent NUTLEY – he Nutley public school district will be losing its chief school administrator when the school year ends in June. Schools Superintendent Russell Lazovick has accepted

an offer from the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District to become its superintendent, effective July 1. He’s getting a five-year contract, with a salary of $177,500, based on the state cap guidelines, according to a posting by the Somerset County-based school district on its website. Lazovick will be heading up

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a district nearly twice as big as Nutley’s, with an enrollment listed at 7,927 spread among seven primary schools, one middle school, two intermediate schools and one high school. “We are honored to have Russ join Bridgewater-Raritan,” said Board of Education President Ann Marie Mead.

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“Mr. Lazovick is perfectly suited to refine our goals and make Bridgewater-Raritan a ‘Best in Class’ district.” Lazovick is studying for his doctorate in educational leadership at Rowan University. He has a B.A. degree in international relations with a concentration in international business and economics and an M.A. in teaching with a concentration in English. Both degrees are from Boston University. Charles Kucinski, president of the Nutley Board of Education, told The Observer that Lazovick’s contract “was not up until June 30 and we were ready and willing to renew it. Russ has been with us five productive years.” But the superintendent recently informed the board, Kucinski said, that pressing family needs dictated that he accept the new job offer since it is so close to his residence in Bridgewater. “You can literally see the place where he’ll be working from where he lives,” Kucinski said. “It’s only seven minutes from his house.” Kucinski said the Nutley board members are “very upset he’s leaving, especially since nowadays if you can get [a superintendent] to stay five years – like Russ did with us – you’re lucky.” Kucinski credited Lazovick with bringing all-day kindergarten to the Nutley district. “Also, he got us through PARCC (the state Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College & Careers) assessment and training and he did a lot with technology for us.” In a posting on the district website, members of the Nutley school board issued a joint statement saying, in part, that when it hired Lazovick in 2011, “the district was at a crossroad, and needed an infusion of new ideas and direction, and with the support of the Board of Education, Mr. Lazovick redirected the district academically, financially and set the foundation for our future success.” The board was scheduled to meet in special session Feb. 1 to discuss the process for finding a replacement for Lazovick and Kocinski said

he anticipated that process would involve and the appointment of a search committee and hiring a search consultant. Meanwhile, Kocinski said, the board will also be attending to the business of relieving overcrowding at its elementary schools. He said the township, acting on behalf of the district, has acquired commercial property, about 65-by-350 square feet, encompassing a bicycle shop and upholstery store with apartments above, along Franklin Ave. where the district hopes to build an addition to its Middle School. The plan is “to pick up sixth grade and combine that with our seventh and eighth grades now at our Middle School,” Kucinski said. Additionally, the Board of Education offices – currently on the lower level of the Middle School – would be converted to classroom space, he added. “We’d be taking at least three [sixth-grade] classrooms out of every grammar school – and, I believe, one school has four sections of sixth grade,” said Kucinski, thereby freeing up space for other students in those schools. For the addition, he said, “we’d be looking at three, maybe four, stories, with an elevator.” An arrangement for how the property would be transferred to the district has yet to be worked out, he said. “We’re hoping the town will give it to us for nothing.” How much the new building will cost is another unknown at this point, Kucinski said. “We’ll be going out for a referendum [to seek public backing for the project], probably by the end of 2016 or beginning of 2017.” Kucinski said he expected to have more specifics on the project “within a couple of weeks.” This is desperately needed by the district to accommodate consistently expanding enrollment, he said. “Our population has been growing quite a bit with new people coming into our town and they’re coming with children so our grammar schools have just exploded.”

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016

Blizzard 101: ‘How we lost ‘The Flats” By Ron Leir Observer Correspondent

KEARNY – We had all the plows, and the public works crews, not to mention, salt and fuel, But they were no match For a blizzard so cruel …

hat, essentially, is how Mayor Alberto Santos explained the failure on “The Flats” that, he acknowledged, happened in last weekend’s devastating storm which, he said, deposited 28 inches on Kearny streets. The mayor devoted a lot of time at last Tuesday night’s meeting of the governing body to an analysis of how the town prepped and the results. First, he said, the town’s Office of Emergency Management had strategized last Friday morning – many hours before the storm hit – on how to prepare. During that critical period, Santos said, the latest forecast “had actually reduced the projected snowfall to eight to 12 inches.” Based on those numbers, OEM concluded there was no need to secure

Photos by Ron Leir

LEFT: A view of Maple St. northbound last Tuesday. RIGHT: Someone used two chairs to “reserve” a parking space on Schuyler Ave, just north of Arlington Ave.

extra plows, he said. “Later, of course, that changed,” he said, “but by then the die was cast.” But, before that happened, the town implemented its plan of attack for its 40 miles of local roads: The “first shift” of plows were assigned to the “milk runs” (emergency routes like Kearny, Midland, Bergen and Davis Aves., Belgrove Drive, etc.) while other crews concentrated on “the slopes” and the “smaller streets,” primarily in business/industrial areas but also residential. A second shift was assigned

“The Flats,” north/south arteries like Chestnut, Devon, Maple, Highland, Windsor, etc., that, Santos said, “present less of a traffic hazard,” along

with The Manor section and dead-ends town-wide. Santos said all 12 plow units were working, absenteeism among workers called in for

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While home buyers and sellers are likely to focus primarily on the finances and logistics of a real estate transaction, their children may be filled with mixed emotions. The younger children are, the more likely they are to consider their immediate neighborhoods as “home.” Leaving this world behind can be highly disruptive. To make the transition easier, it is important for parents to make their children part of the planning process so they can better understand and accept the move. If children are made to feel that they have a hand in the house-hunting process or selection of a new school, they are more likely to embrace the change. Parents should try to make

O.T. was “minor,” salt was “fully supplied,” there was “no shortage of diesel fuel” for the plow vehicles. And, “in the first 12 hours” of the storm, the plan worked, Santos said. “Most streets were getting were getting regular plowing.” But “by early [Saturday] afternoon,” he said, “all our plows were getting stuck at regular points of time due to the steady accumulation of snow at the rate of two to three inches every hour.” (No equipment breakdowns occurred, said DPW Superintendent Gerry Kerr, but due to the storm’s severity, plows had

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thoughts&views THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016

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.

Remembering one of Kearny’s greats, Thomas ‘Paul’ Durkin By Kevin Canessa Jr. was fortunate to be an intern for The Jersey Journal during the college summer and winter breaks of 1994, 1995 and 1996. In 1994, most of the time I spent at the newspaper’s Bayonne bureau office, but on occasion, I’d have to go to the then-Journal Square office for one-week intervals to fill in for vacationers. The first time it happened, I was working from 3 to 11 p.m. As I walked into the newsroom, scared out of my mind because I was in a roomful of people I idolized as a kid, one man whom I knew — didn’t think he had a clue who I was — called me over to his desk. “Kevin Canessa Jr., come over here,” the man said. “I understand you’re from Kearny, aren’t you?” “Yes, I am,” I told him. “Happily from Kearny. Love it there.” “Well, so am I,” he responded. But of course, I already knew that, because it was a man who I knew of, but didn’t get to meet yet, until then. The man who called me over to his desk was Thomas “Paul” Durkin, a legend in his own way who died Jan. 16. Durkin was a copy editor at the time, but his career was

hardly just as a copy editor. He’d worked at the New York Daily News and The New York Times among many other stops along the way. Being called over to his desk was quite an honor, because unlike most others in the newsroom, he loved interns. He loved younger reporters. It was his unstated goal, at that point in his career, to inspire and to teach newbies how to be better writers, better reporters, better editors. He didn’t mentor every single intern, because if he did, he wouldn’t have had any time for anything else. There are more than a dozen of us back then. But if he did call you over, if he did take interest in you, he saw something — he saw potential. He saw a future for you in the business. He saw what others couldn’t see. That one day was one of the highlights of my early career. Because it led to a friendship that I treasure to this day. He had a way about him that’s hard to describe. If I ever made a mistake in a report, he’d call me on the phone and simply say something like “Didn’t you really mean to say this?” Other copy editors might say what the hell is this crap you sent me? Not

Durkin. He wanted us to learn from our mistakes — and did I ever. He really cared. As the years went on, and my association with The Jersey Journal ended, I’d always bump into him in Kearny. He’d always stop for a chat — and one time, he invited me and my buddy up to a local watering hole for a drink. “Get my stepson and his friend whatever they want,” he said to the bartender. “Whatever they want.” And the thing is, when he said “stepson,” he really meant it. He felt that way about the countless young reporters he mentored over his incredible career. While I can’t be 100% certain, I’d bet there are thousands of reporters across the country he mentored. There are countless reporters who, because of Paul Durkin, are today better reporters. Paul Durkin was a rare breed, especially in today’s world of journalism. I’m not sure how much he’d like the way things have progressed with news being a 24-hour cycle and with countless people on social media thinking they’re journalists, when in fact, they’re not. But the truth is, he loved the news — he

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

loved letting people know what was going on in the world — and he loved taking his own experiences and imparting them to others. He helped shape me into the journalist I am today. But more importantly, he helped shape me into the man I am today. I’ve always missed the time I got to spend with him in the newsroom. I’ve missed that printer’s apron he wore, even though he was nowhere near a printing press. I’ll always miss him period. There were no others like Thomas Paul Durkin. And I doubt there ever will be again. When he died a short while ago, the world got a little less special because he’s gone. And I will forever give thanks that one day in 1994, he decided to call me over to his desk. That small moment in time forever changed my life. Rest in peace, dear friend. Rest in peace.

Odds & ends • It’s pretty heard to believe it’s been 30 years since the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. I recall that day so vividly. I’d been in the sixthgrade in Ms. Delores Raimon-

do’s class at Schuyler School. I went home for lunch that day, and saw it all unfold on TV. I didn’t go back to school that afternoon because by the time I looked up, it was well past 2 p.m. For my generation, it was our first real “Kennedy Moment.” • Speaking of Schuyler School — fellow classmates out there [and there are plenty of us left in the Kearny area], it will have been 30 years since we finished our schooling there this June. Yes, 30 years. • As great as social media can be, it can also be a curse. Last week, we reported an armed robbery that allegedly took place on Davis Ave. a week prior, leading to a lockdown at Franklin School and Kearny High School. The day it happened, there were so many rumors flowing on social media, especially on Facebook. One erroneous report had a bank being robbed at gunpoint. It led to parents being worried and even some considering leaving work to get their kids. Do you see how easily a panic could result from bad information? • Enjoy what remains of this week, one and all. See you again in this space in three weeks!

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016

8 join KFD under grant; 4 more coming By Ron Leir Observer Correspondent KEARNY – earny has hired eight new firefighters. All positions are being financed for a two-year period through the federal SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response) grant program. Fire Chief Steven Dyl said the new appointees will begin training at the Morris County Fire Academy on Feb. 8 and, upon completion of that program along with EMT certification, should be ready to hit the streets by the first week of June.

Their Academy pay is $33,000. The hirings, which were approved by the mayor and Town Council last Tuesday, will bring the Fire Department’s strength up to 92 – still short of the 102 called for by the Table of Organization for the department, Dyl said. And that number will drop by one when a fire captain was expected to retire Feb. 1, he said. “We’re still owed another four firefighters under SAFER,” Dyl said, “but we ran out of people on the [state Civil Service certified hiring] list. We hope to have a new list by March so we’ll begin working toward additional hires by

then.” The new recruits are: Jonathan Gonzalez, Paul DeCaldas, John Albizu, Pablo Astorga, William Lyman, Jessica Zelaya, Manny Pagan and Stephen Levchak. Gonzalez, 25, a graduate of St. Mary’s High School, Rutherford, worked previously for the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Service. Originally from Newark, he has relocated to Kearny. DeCaldas, 30, previously worked for Big Nick’s as a cook and driver. A Newark resident, he is an alumnus of Science High School, Newark. Albizu, 29, is a Kearny resident who has been working for the Kearny DPW. A

Kearny High School graduate, he studied at Universal Technical Institute. Astorga, 39, is a Newark resident who graduated from Passaic Valley High School. He has worked as a field coordinator for ESP (Engineering Solutions & Products), a Department of Defense contractor, based in Virginia. Lyman, 25, is a Kearny resident and Kearny High School alumnus and the grandson of a Kearny firefighter. He worked as a shipping manager for Apex Saw & Tool Co. Zelaya, 26, a Kearny resident and Kearny High School alumna, has undergraduate degrees in criminal justice and nursing from Rutgers

University, Newark, and has worked as a nurse at Beth Israel Hospital, Newark. She becomes only the second woman firefighter with the KFD. Pagan, 24, is a Newark resident who graduated from Bloomfield Technical High School. He worked as a security officer for Allied Barton Security Services. Levchak, 26, is the son of a retired Kearny Police Department lieutenant and is the brother of a current KPD officer. A Kearny High School graduate, he has a liberal arts degree from Bergen County College and has worked as a parking supervisor for Impark (Imperial Parking Corp.).

Crossing kids safely for a quarter-century Mammography

By Kevin Canessa Jr. Observer Correspondent

over the years was very emotional, especially the kids I used to cross. What a day it KEARNY – was.” For 25 years, if you passed And it was a day a long time by the intersection of Kearny in the making. Ave. and Halstead St. on a Regan began crossing kids school day, there you would at Kearny and Halstead on Jan. find Betty Regan, making 2, 1991. But before becoming a sure kids got across the street crossing guard, she’d worked safely and in one piece. in a law firm, and wanted a You’d also find her chatjob that would allow her to be ting with those same kids she with her kids — at the time, crossed, or their parents, their they were in the eighth- and teachers — and sometimes, ninth-grades — during the just ordinary Kearny residents summer months. out for a walk. But no longer Few other jobs would afford will you find Regan on that her that kind of opportunity same corner, because after 26 as a crossing guard position 1/2 years as a crossing guard would. — she had other posts the first So she took the position a 1 1/2 years in her career — last year and a half before she got Friday, she hung up her red big to her permanent location and stop sign for the last time as over those years, she says she she heads into a well-deserved met some of the most wonderretirement at age 70. ful people one could imagine. Last Friday — Regan’s last “I’ve met some wonderful day on the job — her friend kids over the years,” she said. and fellow crossing guard “And the parents, too. And Carol Manley put together a they’ve gotten even nicer as proper sendoff. She decorated the years went on. In fact, the poles on the four corners this graduating class at KHS there and even had a bagpiper probably the nicest class I’ve come to play. Countless peoever known. So many of them ple, from the Kearny Police say ‘hello’ when I see them, and Fire departments, kids and they’re always so gracious from the high school, parby saying ‘thank you’ after I’d ents, teachers and friends, all cross them.” stopped by to wish her well. And while one might think “And it was overwhelmit would be a difficult task to ing,” Regan said. “I was totally cross children at such a busy shocked and had no idea this intersection, Regan says it rewas happening. Getting to see ally wasn’t so hard — except so many people I’ve known for just a few things.

“I’m a red head and I have fair skin,” Regan said. “So the hot days were never the best days. I’d have to put on a 50 sun screen to make sure

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016

Man missing found here at shelter By Karen Zautyk Observer Correspondent KEARNY –

72-year-old man, missing from his Pennsylvania home for nearly two weeks, was found safe last week by Kearny police at the Hudson County warming center in South Kearny. According to authorities, Luis Hernandez, of New Hanover Township, Pa., had last been seen Jan. 13 in

Lower Pottsgrove, Pa., and was declared missing the following day. On the night of Tuesday, Jan. 26, the KPD received a call from the Pottsgrove police that they had information that Hernandez had been checking into the Kearny facility on a nightly basis. Armed with a description of the missing man, KPD Officers Darwin Paulino and Daniel Esteves went to the center on Hackensack Ave. at 11 p.m. and found him there.

Hernandez, who reportedly is in the early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s, was taken by Kearny EMS to St. Michael’s Hospital in Newark for evaluation. The KPD contacted the Pottsgrove police, who notified Hernandez’ family that he was safe. His relatives “were in the process of reuniting with him,” the Reading (Pa.) Eagle newspaper reported. Hernandez apparently had some connection to Union City, which could

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be why he made his way to Hudson County, although how and when he arrived are not known. A story in the Eagle noted: “Lower Pottsgrove Police Chief Michael Foltz credited officers in his department, as well as officers in the Union City and Kearny police forces for their cooperation - and persistence - in searching shelters for Hernandez.” Foltz was quoted as stating that his department “is relieved that Mr. Hernandez was found safe and that this ended in a positive manner, especially considering the considerable cold and inclement weather conditions he could have been subjected to over

the past couple weeks since he went missing.” Hudson County opened the South Kearny warming center last winter. When temperatures plunge and homeless shelters are filled to capacity, the warming center offers a place of comfort where people can sleep, get a meal, shower, relax and even avail themselves of donated clothing. On frigid nights, center representatives seek out the homeless at various transportation hubs, such as Journal Square in Jersey City and the railroad station in Hoboken, and take them to the Kearny site via shuttle bus. It is not known where Hernandez had been boarding the bus.

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From l., Adam Bousada, Gordy Hu and Renata Bystrowski display their awards for placing in the top three at the 25th annual Junior Woman’s Club of Arlington’s Spelling Bee.

Fourth- and fifth-graders gathered at Franklin School on Wednesday, Jan. 20, to participate in the 25th annual Spelling Bee sponsored by the Junior Woman’s Club of Arlington (JWCA). The winners were: Gordy Hu (fifth-grade, Garfield), first place; Renata Bystrowski (fifth-grade, Roosevelt), second place; and Adam Bousada (fourth-grade, Schulyer), third place. The winning word was “vacation,” but these spellers were able to tackle many more challenging words throughout the rounds of competition. The top three winners

received prizes donated by the JWCA and all participants also received JWCA award certificates and bookmarks. The top-three finishers are now eligible to compete in the District Spelling Bee, sponsored by the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs, on Saturday, Feb. 20, in Summit. For information about the JWCA or any club projects, contact Brandi-Leigh Miller at info@jwcarlington.com; to learn about the NJSFWC, visit the federation website at www.njsfwc.org or call 732249-5474.

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016

Coccia’s Amoroso gains SRS rating Jan R. Kwapniewski, president of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Coccia Realty, recently announced that Michael Amoroso, Branch Manager of the Lyndhurst Sales Division has been awarded the Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) designation, the premier seller agency designation in the country. The SRS is conferred by the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers (CRB) and is an official credential of the National Association of REALTORS®. Amoroso joins an elite group of real estate professionals in North America who have earned the SRS designation. All were required to successfully complete a comprehensive course in seller representation, pass a comprehensive exam and subscribe to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. As manager of Better Homes and Gardens Coccia Realty’s Lyndhurst office, Michael Amoroso has over 30 real estate agents that work under his leadership. All his agents benefit from his more than 20 years of experience in the industry. Amoroso is a performance-driven manager, with an extensive background in residential sales and leasing. This enthusiastic team leader implements a proven business model that focuses

tract negotiations, home sale marketing plans, property evaluations, home pricing reports, transaction management and representing the best interests of seller clients. He has a proven track record for being an outstanding leader and is extremely supportive in sharing his educational accomplishments with his team of top producing sales agents. If you are looking for seller representation or would like to know the value of your home, contact or visit our Lyndhurst office today and work with some of the besttrained agents in the business. Call 201-939-8900 or email lyndhurst@mycoccia.com to schedule a free market study on your home.

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UNICO scholarship Joseph Sgalia, president of the Kearny Chapter of UNICO, announces the different scholarships that are available to high school seniors going on to college. The Kearny Chapter offers $500 scholarships to seniors at any public, private or parochial high school who is a U.S. citizen, of Italian ancestry and who has resided in Kearny for at least three years. Candidates must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 or B. Financial need, participation in extra-curricular activities and community service are considered in the awarding of the scholarships. The deadline for applying for these scholarships is April 29.

UNICO National offers four scholarships to seniors going on to college. These scholarships, in the amount of $1,500 per year, require the student to be of Italian ancestry, possess a 3.0 or B average or higher and submit SAT or ACT scores with their application. Applications for the UNICO National scholarships are due to Joseph Sgalia by April 15. Kearny High School students interested in applying for one or both scholarships should get their application form from the Guidance Department office. All other students interested in applying should contact Joseph Sgalia at either 201-998-6879 (home) or 201-341-1665 (cell) or joeys1218@aol.com.

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aroundtown THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016

Belleville

cat licenses Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by Belleville Elks Lodge 1123, mail. Proof of a rabies shot, 254 Washington Ave., in valid for the entire licensing conjunction with Lyndhurst year, is required. Elks Lodge 1505, hosts a pasta License fees are as follows: dinner Friday, Feb. 5, 6 to 9 Non-neutered/non-spayed p.m. Admission is $12. The Belleville and Lyndhurst Elks join animal license fees are $21 and together to raise funds to help $18 for animals that are neutered/spayed (with proof). An send special needs children additional $25 late free will be to New Jersey Elks Camp for assessed for licenses renewed Special Needs Children. after March 31. The Woman’s Club of BelThe free rabies clinic, origileville holds its annual tricky nally set for Jan. 23, is reschedtray at The Chandelier, 340 uled for Saturday, Feb. 20, 10 Franklin Ave., on April 7. a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Kearny Doors open at 5:15 p.m. DinWater Department garage, 570 ner is at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are Elm St. Previously-licensed $40. For more information and tickets, call Judy Nucci at pet owners will receive a rabies vaccination certificate by 973-751-2960. mail that owners must fill out The club meets the secand bring to the clinic with ond Monday of each month their pets. at 7 p.m. at the clubhouse, 51 For more information, call Rossmore Place. Prospective the Health Department at 201members are welcome. For 997-0600, ext. 3500 or 3505. more information, contact Literacy New Jersey West Terry Landon at 973-751-6529. Hudson Programs, 759 Kearny AARP Chapter 2051 anAve., seeks volunteers to be nounces the Clara Maass trained as tutors for its Basic WAVE (Wellness Assessment Literacy and English as a Van for Elders) will be at the Second Language programs. Belleville Senior Center, 125 Tutors are then matched with Franklin Ave., on Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 1 p.m. WAVE spokes- adult students who need help woman Mary Creaser will talk with their reading, writing or English speaking skills. There about the program. Refreshis a suggested fee of $45 for ments will be available. For materials for the workshop. more information, call 973Classes will start on Tuesday 759-3912. evening, Feb. 16, for five consecutive weeks. Kearny For more details and/or regThe Rev. Joseph Mancini, istration, call 201-998-3336. pastor of St. Stephen’s Church, and the members of St. SteLyndhurst phen’s Parish, 141 Washington The New Jersey Sports and Ave., invite everyone to attend Exposition Authority anits annual Father Washington nounces: Mass, Feb. 7 at noon, celebrat• The First Sunday of the ing the 73rd anniversary of Month Nature Walk Super the heroism and sacrifice of Bird Sunday takes place Feb. 7, the Immortal Four Chaplains. 10 a.m. to noon, at Mill Creek Additionally, all veterans are Marsh, Secaucus. The Bergen encouraged to attend as they County Audubon Society honor the Four Chaplains and will award prizes to the first all those who now serve and participants who spot a bird have served our country. Kearny Health Department, that is associated with an NFL team name: Cardinal, Raven, 645 Kearny Ave., invites pet Falcon, Eagle, Seahawk (osowners to renew dog and

prey), Giant (great) egret and Giant (great) blue heron. For more information, call 201230-4983 or email greatauk4@ gmail.com. • A Natural History of the Meadowlands is presented by Meadowlands native and naturalist, hunter, trapper and storyteller Don Smith Thursday, Feb. 11, 2 to 3 p.m., at the Meadowlands Environment Center, 2 DeKore Park Plaza, Lyndhurst. Admission is free. To register, go to www.njsea. eventbrite.com. For more information, call 201-777-2431. Sacred Heart School, 620 Valley Brook Ave., hosts its annual spring Tricky Tray fundraiser for its Margaret Engel Endowment Trust on Friday, March 18. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 and non-refundable. Ticket includes one sheet for first-level prizes, coffee/tea and dessert. Ticket deadline is March 1. No one under 18 will be admitted and no alcoholic beverages are allowed. The kitchen will be open. For tickets, call Patty at 201-803-9580 or the school at 201-939-4277. The school will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a party for all alumni and their parents, friends and parishioners on Friday, April 29, at the Graycliff in Moonachie. The $60 admission includes dinner wine and beer, cash bar and DJ. For reservations, call Patty at 201-939-4277. Our Lady of Mt. Çarmel Seniors announces: • A trip to the Sands Casino, Bethlehem, Pa., is planned for Monday, Feb. 22. The cost per person is $20. • A Lancaster, Pa., show and Dutch country trip is scheduled for Wednesday to Friday, April 13 to 15, with two nights lodging, four meals, Samson show at the Sight and Sound Millennium Theater, visit to Kitchen Kettle Village, sightseeing cruise on the Spirit of Philadelphia and a visit to the

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Landis Valley Museum. For more information and reservations, call Annette Bortone at 201-438-1852 between 6 and 9 p.m., Monday through Friday. Lyndhurst Library Children’s Room, 355 Valley Brook Ave., hosts the following events during the month of February. Registration is required where noted. To register, call the library at 201804-2478. • Walk-in story time, open to grades pre-k to 2, takes place every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 6:30 p.m. sharp. No registration is required. • Registration for winter/ spring storytime, open to ages 3 to 4 1/2, continues through Feb. 19. Space is limited. Two sessions are available: one at 10:30 a.m. and another at 1 p.m. The program begins Thursday, Feb. 25, and runs through Thursday, May 12. Call in advance to register your child. • Love door hanger Valentine’s Day craft, open to grades 1 to 4, will be held Thursday, Feb. 11, 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. Registration is required. Call in advance. The library also hosts the following programs for adults. To register or for more information, call Library Director Donna Romeo at 201-8042478, ext. 7. • Crochet group, beginner to advanced level, meets weekly on Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. Members teach and help each other. Bring your own supplies. Leave at any time. • “Nutrition 101: Know Your Numbers,” presented by Jennifer Burns Katafigiotis, founder/owner of Weight Wellness Center in Lyndhurst, takes place Thursday, Feb. 18, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Learn about food and nutrition to start your year off right no matter what your goal is. All attendees will receive a voucher for a free private, one-on-one

consultation including a comprehensive body composition analysis. Space is limited, and registration is a must.

North Arlington

Queen of Peace Knights of Columbus Council 3428 hosts its annual Shrove Tuesday Dinner Feb. 9, at 6:30 p.m., at the Columbian Club Hall, 194 River Road. The night before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent, is also known as Mardi Gras, Pancake Tuesday, Fat Tuesday, and Shrove Tuesday. Dinner will consist of traditional pancakes along with Italian and Polish food (beer, wines, and soda included). The event includes a presentation on the history and traditions of this day. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 6 to 12 (no cost for kids under 6). Tickets are available at the Queen of Peace Rectory, the Knights’ Hall, or by calling 201-463-2151. The Knights ask those attending to consider donating a non-perishable, non-expired food item to their Food for Families Project. North Arlington Elks, 129 Ridge Road, hold a fish fry on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 10, 4 to 7 p.m. Price is $12 per dinner which includes fish, fried or broiled (fried shrimp is also available) plus French fries, a bowl of clam chowder, a baked clam and cole slaw. Also available are shrimp cocktails, and clams on the half shell for $5 for a half and $8 for a full. Thomas Jefferson Elementary School hosts its annual tricky tray, “The Great Getaway,” Friday, March 11, at the Boys & Girls Club, 181 Colfax Ave., Clifton. The $20 admission includes one raffle sheet, dessert and coffee. Guests may bring their own food and beverage. Adults only. For more information and tickets, email najeffersonpto@gmail. com or call Layna at 201-7362854.

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016

POLICE from were nervous about it” but are now pretty much reconciled to it. “In my case,” Pontrella said last week, “right now, I come to work at 10 p.m. and leave at 6 a.m. but under the new schedule, I’ll be working from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. so I’ll be losing four hours that I now spend with my family each day. But then again, I’ll have more days at home. You make changes and roll with it.” After all the discussion on pros and cons, Pontrella said the rank-and-file and superior officer memberships voted “overwhelmingly” to ratify the new agreements. With all cops now slated to work 233 more hours annually, additional compensation built into their new labor contract seemed justified, Mayor Alberto Santos said. With that in mind, cops’ base pay will be raised 6.5%, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2016; 0% for 2017 and 2018; and 1.75% for 2019. Town CFO Shuaib Firozvi told The Observer that the contract complies with the

More photos at: www.theobserver.com Photo by Ron Leir

Newly-promoted police superiors, congratulated by Chief John Dowie (1st row, far r.) were sworn in last week.

state’s 2% cap mandate “over the course of the contract since there are two years with 0% increase and last year at 1.75%.” As for the police T.O., the maximum number allowed by town ordinance for each rank, except for chief, will be reduced: deputy chief, two down to one; captain, seven to four; lieutenant, nine to

seven; sergeant, 19 to 17; and police officer, 82 to 70. Over the life of the new rank-and-file contracts, top base pay for police officer will go to $109,187. For superior officers hired prior to January 2013 and promoted after Jan. 2013, top pay for sergeant will end up at $128,296; lieutenant, $144,335; and captain, $162,378.

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For superiors hired and promoted after Jan. 2013, top pay for sergeant goes to $125,565; lieutenant, $138,128; and captain, $151,935. And, for superiors hired and promoted prior to Jan. 2013, sergeant’s top pay goes to $128,296; lieutenant, $144,335; captain, $162,378; and deputy chief, $172,388. The newly promoted officers, all sworn in last Tuesday, are: Capts. David Feldhan and Charles Ferge; Lts. John Taylor, Paul Bershefski, Michael Ryan, Michael Cardella and Richard Poplaski; and Sgts. Kevin Canaley, Thomas Pontrella, Michael Gonzalez and Jay Balogh. Santos said that a slew of police retirements in the last two years “provided an opportunity for the promotions.” Kearny is, by and large, a safe town thanks to its police department, the mayor said. “You don’t have to worry about a Baltimore or Cleveland here,” he said, referring to ill feelings directed at police there, “because where there is trust, you know they have your back.” Police Chief John Dowie offered these comments about the newly promoted superiors: Capt. Feldhan “gave up a promising career as a teacher” to be a cop, helped solve a Newark murder case and has been recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Capt. Ferge, son of a retired police officer, is a “good street cop.” Lt. Taylor, who supervised the traffic unit, is a former Cop of the Year who dis-

armed “a guy swinging a machete on Kearny Ave.” He also coached his son’s football team which “went to the national championship.” Lt. Bershefski, “Bear,” son of a retired State Police lieutenant, is a former Cop of the Year for chasing down a suspect in a home invasion, a firearms instructor and a Police Unity Tour participant. Lt. Ryan, who began his police career with the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, then moved to Harrison PD before settling in with the KPD, has run the records division and participated in the Police Unity Tour. Lt. Cardello has “juggled family and the [promotional review] books.” In the last exam cycle for lieutenant, he “ended up in a tie” with another officer and was temporarily bypassed but stuck with it. Lt. Poplaski, son of a retired KPD detective, has replaced retired Sgt. John Manley as the town’s OEM coordinator. He has served as Academy firearms instructor, search and seizure trainer, PBA vice president and volunteer fire chief in the community where he now resides. Sgt. Canaley, who also got his start with the Harrison PD, “was one of our pioneers on bike patrol, put together our Junior Police Academy and is always on the ballfields with the soccer kids.” Sgt. Pontrella is PBA president, has run the annual PBA carnival fundraiser and has participated in the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run and Polar Bear Club. Sgt. Gonzalez is known as an “aggressive street cop” who “helped develop information on a Kearny Ave. murder case,” a twice-chosen Cop of the Year, range instructor, certified physical trainer, Honor Guard member, Police Unity Tour participant and competitive boxer. Sgt. Balogh, a hockey devotee, is a huge Elks fundraiser and has run the PBA Christmas party for several years. Santos, saluting Dowie, noted that, “the chief is entering his 19th year and it’s because of him that we have peace of mind with his leadership keeping us safe.” To that praise, Dowie responded: “I’m only as good as my people are.”

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016

sports&recreation

North Arlington, Ferrie win Bergen bowling titles

SPORTS VIEW CONTACT JIM AT OGSMAR@AOL.COM

QP wrestling: Among state’s best once again Queen of Peace’s wrestling program is back among the state’s elite once again. The Golden Griffins were certainly among the very best a few years ago, when Scot Weaver arrived for his first tenure at the school. Weaver, the Lyndhurst native who helped to put the St. Mary’s of Rutherford program on the map after coaching at his alma mater Lyndhurst, stepped aside and went to Brearley Regional for a few seasons, before reaching an accord with the powersthat-be at QP to restore the wrestling program the way Weaver wanted it to be in the first place. Now, there’s a stateof-the-art wrestling room in the basement of the school with padded walls and six wrestling circles. There’s the weight training facility that the wrestling program has free reign over. And there’s Weaver, who has the ability to get the best wrestlers in the area to come to QP. Needless to say, it’s a recipe for success – one that the school hopes to have continue in the fall, ever since Weaver was selected to replace Jim Kelly as head football

coach. Kelly had to step aside as head coach after just one season due to health reasons. Weaver led the Golden Griffins to a 12-2 record last year. They advanced to the NJSIAA Non-Public B North championship, where they lost to DePaul of Wayne. “I think overall we did pretty well in our first year back,” Weaver said. This season, Weaver believes he has the makings of another state power – and proved that belief by taking the Golden Griffins to four prestigious and highly competitive tournaments in the early stages of the season. The Golden Griffins went to the historic Beast of the East Tournament in Delaware to start the year, followed by the Mount Madness tourney in Baltimore, the Battle of the Bridges in Chesapeake City, Maryland and the Escape the Rock tourney in Castle Rock, Pennsylvania. “I think just wrestling at that level of competition is good for our kids,” Weaver said. “It’s a great experience as a see VIEW page

Photo courtesy Dan Farinola

The North Arlington bowling team won the Group I and II championship at the Bergen County Championships Saturday at Bowler City in Hackensack. From l. are Kenny Bennett, Josh Farinha, Mike Barbosa, Louie Davio, Aadarsh Patel, Matt Zarro, Tom Ferrie and head coach Dan Farinola.

By Jim Hague Observer Sports Writer

team. I just tried to bowl 200 and that would help my team.” Ferrie started the day on fire – and never stopped. The rest oing into Saturday’s of his teammates followed suit. Bergen County Bowl“They bowled a 997 first ing Championships at game and that set the tone for Bowler City in Hackensack, the rest of the day,” Farinola North Arlington head bowling said. “That put us in first place. coach Dan Farinola thought his Everyone just bowled togethViking team stood a fair chance er.” against the competition in the Ferrie wasn’t alone with his Group I and II bracket. sizzling throws. Senior Mike “I felt pretty confident going Barbosa rolled a 213. Sophoin,” Farinola said. “We were more Kenny Bennett had a 182. second in our league (the Sophomore Matt Zarro had a North Jersey Interscholastic 180 and senior Louie Davio had Conference) behind Lyndhurst, a 179. but one of the things I believe “Going into the tournament, in is that we are a better team we had our eyes on Lyndhurst’s when we have a full team. I scores,” Farinola said. “But think we’re very competitive we were in the lead the entire when we have five bowlers. way.” In the league, we can only use The Vikings ended up as the four. But I liked our chances top team in Bergen County in going in with a five-man squad. the Group I and II bracket, outWe had a sense of confidence distancing runner-up Becton going in.” Regional by 236 pins. So did senior Tom Ferrie, the But the story of the day was Vikings’ top bowler. Ferrie, who ended up being the “I had high hopes for the overall individual champion, team,” said Ferrie, who headed rolling a 229 average – almost into Saturday’s tourney with 30 better than his general avera seasonal average of 193. “I age – and a 257 high game of wasn’t concentrating on mythe day. He bowled six games, self, but concentrating on the two three-game series, and had

a score of 689 in both series. “He was totally locked in,” Farinola said of Ferrie. “His low game of the day was 212. When he’s on, he’s very tough to beat.” Ferrie became only the third North Arlington bowler to ever capture top honors at the county tournament, joining two-time champ Matt Priore (2008 and 2010) and Johnny Santiago in 1986. “It’s honestly amazing,” Ferrie said of becoming the overall county champ. “I can’t believe it. I didn’t think it was possible. Nope, not at all. In my heart, I believed I could do it, but it’s still unreal. I’m still speechless, but I’m happy.” Ferrie said that he’s never met Priore, but knew his name. “A lot of coaches talk about him,” Ferrie said. “After I won, I looked it up to see who else had won from North Arlington.” The Vikings ended up in third place overall as a team, behind Paramus and Indian Hills. “We had our sights set on the league, but it looks like see BOWLING next page

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016

“I think we all got caught up in what we were doing Lyndhurst is going to get that,” as a team,” Ferrie said. “You Farinola said. “So we had to can never tell with the first shift our goals and concenfew frames. I saw some of my trate on the counties and the teammates get pocket shots state sectionals. This was the and end up with splits. I just first step.” kept going and tried to get Farinola said that he was 200 every game.” impressed with the effort he Well, for six straight games, received from senior Davio, Ferrie did far better than 200 who also bowled better than _ and now, he’s the Bergen his seasonal mark. County champion to prove it. “He had a 636 series with Ferrie said that he plans on a 235 game and a 232 game,” bowling in college in the fall, Farinola said. “Most of our either at William Paterson or bowlers all bowled above New Jersey City University, their league averages. That’s two schools that have interexactly how you win a team collegiate bowling programs. Photo courtesy Dan Farinola title.” Right now, Ferrie and his But no one could have seen North Arlington senior Tom Ferrie is teammates will be shooting all smiles, holding his trophy, after Ferrie’s explosion coming. for the NJSIAA North Jersey he came away with the individual “He’s been our top bowler sectional championships the entire year,” Farinola said. championship at the Bergen County upcoming next week and Championships Saturday at Bowler “He works on his game all possibly berths in the NJSIAA City in Hackensack. Ferrie had a 229 year round. He’s a big game Tournament of Champions. average over six games, higher than kind of guy. He does well But no one will ever take his 193 regular season average. under pressure. He’s a funaway the great weekend the loving guy, a little bit of a Vikings and Ferrie enjoyed. ing Tom win the individual jokester. He’s also a good stu- tournament. If someone And now, his name will be in dent. But to bowl six games the record books, along with wasn’t keeping score, you like that under pressure? A lot never would have known. He Priore and Santiago, never to of kids would have stopped was definitely more caught up be taken away. after one or two games. But “I never thought it could in what his team was doing.” he finished out strong every happen,” Ferrie said. “It’s so Ferrie had no idea he had game. It’s a huge bonus, havunreal.” the lead. BOWLING from

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016

third at Region 4 and won two matches in Atlantic City. team. They get to go away “He’s not going to make too together and we were able many mistakes,” Weaver said. to put out a good product in “He’s just a solid wrestler and each tournament.” a talented wrestler.” For example, the Griffins Sophomore Justin Guzman finished fifth out of 38 teams is a transfer from DePaul, at the Mount Madness tourwhere he won 12 matches last ney. They were crowned the year. If the two teams remain team champions at the Battle on a collision course in the of the Bridges, besting the re- upcoming Non-Public B North maining 23 teams in the field. playoffs, Guzman’s reception “My vision as a coach is to facing his old teammates might get them going uphill, then be chilly. peaking at the right time,” “He’s been a good addition Weaver said. “There’s always to our program,” Weaver said. going to be a strong focus in “He’s a good, coachable kid.” getting the kids ready for the Senior Mike Scaravelli is the state tournament. We want team’s 132-pounder. Scarathem to be healthy and happy velli was third in the district, at this point of the season. We second in the region and won have a good group of kids who three matches in Atlantic City. care about each other and have “His sparring partner is Matt been coming together well.” Fusco (the former Golden Sophomore Matt Armamen- Griffin great) and the two to is the team’s 106-pounder. of them go at it pretty hard,” Armamento has a 13-4 record Weaver said. “I’m expectand has been improving every ing big things from Mike this week. year.” Sophomore Enrique Sanchez Scaravelli already has a 19-3 is the team’s 113-pounder. The record this season. North Arlington native won 30 Freshman Matt Chimento matches last year and owns a owns an impressive 16-7 re17-3 record this season. cord as a rookie. “He has freakish abilities,” “He’s come a long way Weaver said. “He is so exploalready,” Weaver said. “He’s sive. He is an untraditional buying into it.” wrestler, not from the old Sophomore Mike Pillot is school of wrestling. He’s fun to the team’s 145-pounder. He watch.” transferred to QP from GarJunior Ray Wetzel is the field and just got eligible after team’s 120-pounder. He also having to sit the mandatory won 30-plus matches last year, 30-day period that the NJSIAA winning the district, placing requires from transfers. VIEW from

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The Golden Griffins have two wrestlers battling it out at 160 and 170 pounds. Senior Joe Stambouly suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his knee in October, so he’s slowly working his way into shape. Promising freshman Jacob Cardenas of Kearny, who won a state youth wrestling title last year as an eighth grader, also had a knee injury that required surgery, but he’s working his way back. Cardenas won three matches at the Beast of the East, was third in the Mount Madness Photo by Jim Hague and third in the Battle of the Bridges. The Queen of Peace wrestling Junior Dom Maniero is the program is bolstered by the perforteam’s 182-pounder. The Nutmances of two local products, namely ley resident won 35 matches Jeremy Puente (l.) of Kearny, who last year and is 17-4 this season has won 10 matches at 113 or 120 at a tough weight class. pounds, and workout partner Enrique “I expect big things from Sanchez of North Arlington, ranked as Dom,” Weaver said. “He’s a one of the top 113-pounders in New future (NCAA) D-I wrestler, Jersey. no doubt.” Sophomore Garrett Beam Sophomore Yasin Peppers, won the Mount Madness tour- the cousin of the University nament and owns a solid 17-2 of Michigan superstar Justin, record. is the team’s 195-pounder. “He’s a wrestling junkie,” Peppers won 14 matches last Weaver said of Beam. “He lives year before being forced to the the sport seven days a week. sidelines with cramping issues. He’s totally committed.” The 220-pounder is sopho-

more Keyon Means-Bowman, who like Peppers plays football, but is a newcomer to the sport of wrestling. The heavyweight spot is being shared by junior Ismael Alvarado and sophomore Jason Kopich. Senior Jeremy Puente of Kearny is getting his chance to fill in from time to time at 113 and 120 pounds. “Right now, he doesn’t have a spot in the lineup,” Weaver said. “But still he has a 10-3 record. We’re trying to find him a spot.” The Griffins have a good support staff in assistant coaches Jason Silverstein, who wrestled at Purdue, Brian Long, who was an assistant at Lodi and St. Joseph (Montvale), Joey Lospinoso, who was a fine wrestler for Weaver at Brearley, and Fusco. “We have a special group, no doubt,” Weaver said. “When our sophomores are seniors, that’s when we’ll reach the ‘Dream Team’ scenario.” And that will represent a full return to glory, which has always been Weaver’s dream since he returned to QP two years ago.

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016

Kearny’s McClelland proving to be two-sport star By Jim Hague Observer Sports Writer

because I was different than everyone else on the field.” McClelland has been a net minder – and a very good one he truth be told, Meagan at that – ever since. McClelland is a soccer However, there’s this other player, first and foresport that has been getting most. McClelland some attention McClelland is a standout lately. goalkeeper for the Kearny McClelland, a sophomore, High School soccer team and is also the point guard on the plays club soccer all year Kearny girls’ basketball team. round for the prestigious She started taking basketball Players Development Acadseriously again in seventh emy (PDA), based out of grade and has developed into New Brunswick and speara fine player. headed by Kearny native Mike “It sort of came naturally to O’Neill, the head women’s me,” McClelland said. “I really soccer coach at Rutgers Unidon’t know how it happened. I versity. learned very quickly.” McClelland has been playThat was good news to ing soccer since she age 4. Kearny High School girls’ When she was in third grade, head basketball coach Jody her class held a Secret Santa Hill. and she received a pair of “As soon as I saw the kid goalie gloves as her gift. playing around, I knew that “I thought it was aweshe was going to be a good some,” McClelland said. “I player,” Hill said. “She played was a goalie for life. I liked it on our travel team in seventh Kearny High School sophomore Meagan McClelland.

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and eighth grade and developed quickly.” Hill believes that there was a main reason for McClelland’s rapid rise as a player. “She was playing all the time with boys,” Hill said. “So her competitive level set her apart from the others. She likes the challenge of playing with the boys because she’s

just a tough, hard-nosed kid.” McClelland knew that she was gaining a reputation as a fine basketball player. “I heard it once or twice,” McClelland said. “But I know I’m better at soccer. Maybe if I played basketball when I was younger, I don’t know.” But that doesn’t mean that McClelland is giving only half of her attention to basketball these days. “I work hard every day in basketball,” McClelland said. “I mean, every day.” “Every day, she does something else to impress the coaching staff,” Hill said. “Lately, she has developed a quick release on her shot. She’s getting the ball up there faster. She can catchand-shoot faster. There’s no hesitation anymore. You can see her go to her left with equal balance. That sets her apart. You don’t know what hand she’s going to shoot it with. I’m overly excited about how quickly she’s developing as a player.” Over the last five games, McClelland has shown that she is not only an improved scorer, but also a proficient rebounder. “She’s our point guard, but continued next page

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016

she’s also our leading rebounder, which should tell you something,” Hill said. “She goes and gets the ball. I think being a soccer goalie gives her an advantage in reaching for the ball. She has a long, lanky body and she’s able to use that body to get rebounds. She has good instincts and good reaction time.” McClelland started her climb with a 19-point, 10-rebound game in a 38-34 win over Lyndhurst two weeks ago. She continued her ascent with 20 points, six assists and six rebounds in a 59-28 win over St. Dominic Academy, had 17 points, 10 rebounds and nine steals in a 54-28 win over Snyder, had 26 points and 10 rebounds in a 51-40 loss to Lincoln and scored 11 points in a 46-21 loss to Blair Watson and Nutley last Saturday. For her efforts, McClelland has been selected as The Observer Athlete of the Week for the past week. McClelland has noticed the change in her game. “I’m stronger now,” McClelland said. “I’m also more confident since I developed the strength. I’m able to do things now that I couldn’t do. Being a goalie definitely helps. A lot of the things I do in basketball

come from soccer. I’m also more of a leader now and that also comes from being a goalie. I didn’t think I’d get on the boards as much as I am. It’s all helped me become a better basketball player.” Hill still believes McClelland plays basketball better than soccer. “She’s very smart and very coachable,” Hill said. “You tell her something, she just nods her head, ‘Yes,’ and then she goes out and does it. She has a good sense of the game. She’s mixing up when she should drive to the basket and when to pull up and take the short jump shot. She has all these little moves now. It’s been fun watching her develop her game.” Hill said that McClelland handled her own against Watson, the McDonald’s All-American. “She loved that challenge of covering Watson,” Hill said. “She said, ‘Let me see what I can do against her.’ She has no fear. She’s not afraid to fail. It’s what coaches dream about. She’s a pure athlete. She’s always going to go the extra yard for her team.” Hill said that McClelland is an excellent student as well, carrying all A’s in taking Honors classes. “She takes pride in that in

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being good in the classroom,” Hill said. “I want to become either a veterinarian or do something with law, like a detective,” McClelland said. “Something like that.” But McClelland plans on playing both sports throughout high school, even during a busy club soccer schedule. “I’m definitely playing basketball all four years,” McClelland said. “I could never do that to Coach Hill.” And it’s safe to say that she’s enjoying her dual life these days. “It has been great,” McClelland said. “It’s been a lot of fun. The team is doing better (having won five of their last seven games), so that’s good news. I’m excited to see what lies ahead.” Oh, and McClelland has already done her first bit of detective work, finding out who it was that sent her the goalie gloves as a Secret Santa eight years ago. “It was Brendan Thiele (the Kearny resident who is a basketball star at St. Peter’s Prep),” McClelland said. “He gave me the gloves.” If her prowess in net leads to a college scholarship in a few years, then McClelland will know who to thank.

Gallery Bergen exhibit Bergen Community College’s Gallery Bergen, West Hall, 400 Paramus Road, Paramus, invites submissions for the exhibition “Picturing the ‘Garden State’ Now,” opening March 1. Artists living or working in New Jersey are encouraged to send images for consideration. Works of art in any medium that addresses current visual aspects of social, economic, environmental or other conditions in the State of New Jersey are eligible. Works

should fit within a shipping box (shipping covered by the college). Larger pieces may be accepted, but should be personally delivered to the college. Works must be framed or otherwise ready to be installed. To present works for consideration, email six JPEGs (if necessary, include enlarged details), a corresponding checklist, a cover letter and a statement about the work by Saturday, Feb. 6. For more information, email Amy Lipton at alipton1@bergen.edu.

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016

HOMICIDE from

Harrison Senior Pop Warner achieves Super Bowl win

“Either way, I was saddened all the way around and and genuinely felt very sorry for him and his wife and couldn’t speculate on what made this turn of events happen — just that it was sad and unfortunate.” Another North Arlington resident, who lives in the same complex where the murder took place, and who asked his identity not be used, said he’d occasionally encounter the Plegers outside — but neither said much. “I’d see them outside on a rare occasion, but they barely said anything,” the neighbor said. “I’d often try to go out of my way to say ‘hello,’ or to strike up a conversation, but getting a response was rare. I just feel horrible that this happened to this poor woman. Knowing it happened so

Kearny High School 1988 yearbook photo of Eric Pleger.

close to home really makes it much more difficult to accept and process.” Pleger was remanded to the Bergen County Jail where he’s being held on $2 million bail, with no 10% option, the prosecutor said. Police gave no motive for the slaying. Nor did they say when the killing took place or how long the body had been in the apartment.

The Harrison Senior Pop Warner Football Team had great expectations going into the 2015 season. In their Harrison Recreation Football careers, they had reached three Super Bowls but had always fallen short in the big game. They were packed with expeFrannie (ID#19155), a rience and talent and felt that female, German short-hair this could be their year. pointer, came to the BerThe Blue Tide came out gen County Animal Shelter of the gate with a 2-0 record, and Adoption Center as a after dominating Wallingstray. ton and Elmwood Park by a Shelter volunteers say combined score of 50-0. Then Frannie is friendly and the Blue Tide hit a slump playful, if a little unsure and lost the next three games at times. She loves toys against Lyndhurst, Rutherford, and gets great pleasure in and New Milford. The New de-stuffing them. Because Milford loss was a defensive volunteers do not know her low up with a veterinarian. battle where the Blue Tide The shelter is located at history, they recommend a fell short 12-6. home with no small children. 100 United Lane, Teterboro; At 2-3, the Blue Tide coachphone 201-229-4600. Many Breed experience would be es and kids decided to buckle other adoptable animals can down and play hard-nosed a plus, as pointers are huntbe seen at its website http:// football. Led by their standout ing dogs -- loyal, affectionwww.petfinder.com/shelate and active. Frannie will quarterback/middle lineters/NJ29.html. Also see the backer, Mateo De Sosa, they need lots of daily exercise. website for updated hours Volunteers estimate that knew they would have to win she is about seven years of operation. The shelter to reach the playoffs and once also has a page on Faceold. She has tested positive in the playoffs they knew book. Please visit and “like” anything was possible. for Lyme. The disease is managed with antibiotics, so the Bergen County Animal The Blue Tide won their her adopter will need to fol- Shelter. final three games to sneak

Friendly Frannie needs a home

into the playoffs to play Lyndhurst, which was the No. 1 seed. The Bears, led by star running back Peter Partyla, had destroyed the Blue Tide in the first match-up. However, the Blue Tide executed their game plan to perfection and won 32-6. The Blue Tide advanced to play Carlstadt, where the coaches designed a gameplay to stop their high-powered offense. Carlstadt led 6-0 all the way into the fourth quarter. The Blue Tide defense stepped up, as it did during the entire playoff run, and made a huge interception. This led to the go-ahead score and the Blue Tide once again moved on, advancing to the Super Bowl where they would play the best team in the entire MFL, New Milford. The Super Bowl game took place on Nov. 21 in Hasbrouck Heights. New Milford ran through the league, with their Power I running scheme and their swarming defense, to compile an undefeated record of 10-0. Once again, the Blue Tide knew the game would come down to defense. The Super

Bowl started very badly for Harrison, which fumbled and turned the ball over on their first two possessions. However, the defense played phenomenally and held their own. During the third drive, Javion Olson broke a run up the middle for a 45-yard touchdown. It would be the only score of the game. New Milford came back and applied pressure, but the Harrison defense completely shut them down. Finally, the Blue Tide got the ball back with less than four minutes to play and put together a championship drive to move the chains and secure their victory. The Blue Tide won the Super Bowl for first time since 1994 with a final score of 8-0. Head Coach Bryan Carr, a long-time volunteer football coach, always talked to the team about leaving their mark on the program and accomplishing something that they will remember forever. The Harrison community is proud of all the athletes and coaches who contributed to the championship.

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016

SNOW from

Fernando G. Semiao BROKER/OWNER

Semiao & Associates Congratulations

2015 Circle of Excellence winners Silver Level:

Maggie Abdo-Manno Broker/Sales Associate

Frank Riposta Sales Associate

Billy Pena Sales Associate

Oscar Alban Sales Associate

Bronze Level:

Despite the conditions, too many drivers apparently ventured out during the storm, or too soon afterwards. Hence, all those “disabled and abandoned vehicles.” And tow trucks that had to be dispatched to remove them from the streets so the streets could be plowed were getting stuck, too. So were the snow plows. Dowie noted: “In 35 years, I have never seen as many large, emergency-type vehicles -- plow trucks, salt spreaders, tow trucks, four-wheel drive emergency vehicles, ambulances and off-road type vehicles -become disabled because of weather. “It got to the point where my officers were advising headquarters not to send conventional tow trucks to the scene [of an accident or stranded car].” Only the largest trucks, from the town or contracted towing services, could

Photo by Ron Leir

Crews clear snow from Kearny Ave. last week.

be dispatched, the chief said. “If the public wants to know why there was a problem,” the chief continued, “it was a combination of people throwing snow into the streets and people going out despite New Jersey’s declared state of emergency [that banned vehicle travel on the roadways].” Cars became stuck “and the conventional tow trucks, unable to navigate the streets to reach them, became stuck themselves.” Compounding the problem: smaller Department of Public Works

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and KPD workforces and fewer vehicles, the chief said. Despite all the headaches, figurative and literal, most of Kearny’s residents apparently did what they always do: They coped. And did not add to the dire situation. For which Dowie expressed appreciation. “The overwhelming majority of people in Kearny,” he noted, “conducted themselves in a composed and commendable manner despite overwhelming and unanticipated conditions.” Bravo.

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016

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

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STARTING MARCH 2012, HARP 2.0, a new program presented by the Federal Government, allows homeowners to refinance regardless of the equity they currently have in their house (even if you are upside down!) Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have adopted changes to Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) and you may be eligible to take advantage of these changes. If your mortgage is either owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, you may be eligible to refinance your mortgage under the enhanced and expanded provisions of HARP. You can determine if your mortgage is owned by either Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac by checking the following websites: For Fannie Mae: www.fanniemae.com/loanlookup For Freddie Mac: www.freddiemac.com/mymortgage ROB PEZZOLLA • NMLS# 266181

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DIRECTORY

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HOUSE OF THE WEEK DREAM HOUSE - Classic Manor Beauty. Large living and dining room with lovely wood trim, leaded windows, unique built-in book cases and of course charming wood burning fireplace and hardwood floors. Three bedrooms and one and a half baths and a huge deck round out this spectacular offering. Do not buy until you see this home. $299,000. VALUE PACKED- This 4 bedroom Kearny Cape Cod sits on a 46x96 lot. It contains one and a half baths, central air and a drive and garage. Unbeatable at only $224,900.

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016

SNOWFALL from to periodically return to the garage for adjustments to or replacements of shoes (blade attachment) and windshield wipers.) Assistant DPW Superintendent Kevin Murphy recalled that at some point during that period of time, “Every five minutes, I was hearing [from a plow operator on his radio], ‘I’m stuck.’ So a decision was made to let [The Flats] go.” “Where the failure occurred,” the mayor said, “was you have to regularly plow or you get stuck.” Had the town arranged “to contract in advance for extra plows,” things may have turned out differently, he said, but because of the downward revised forecast, that didn’t happen. “There was a window [of opportunity] there that was missed,” he said. As soon as it became apparent that the accumulation was going to top what had been forecast, Santos said, “we con-

tacted the state and asked for more equipment. Two hours later, they got back to us and said, ‘no.’ ’’ What also hampered the town’s efforts, the mayor added, was the frequency of incidents involving “people throwing snow into the street, creating piles of snow six feet high, so now the time it takes for plowing turns into two to three hours to clear a street.” Another issue that impeded plowing, said Kerr, was “cars abandoned or parked on street corners. At one point, seven or eight of our trucks were stuck because they couldn’t make the turn so we had use front end loaders to pull them out.” According to Santos, during the weekend, police responded to more than 400 calls involving stalled or abandoned cars. Several residents offered critiques of the town’s performance. One woman said the mayor’s mother and sister who live on the same block – Windsor St. – appeared to get preferen-

See SOLUTION Page 26

tial treatment in getting their portion of the street cleared ahead of residents further down the street. Santos said he did make calls to find out what was being done on the block but denied pressuring anyone on his relatives’ behalf. Murphy said the plowing delay resulted from “a drunk driver hitting five parked cars” and the driver’s car “was stuck on the block a few hours.” In the 27 years since he’s been doing the job, Murphy said, “Never once have we done a street based on council people living there.” Despite town assertions to the contrary, Melanie Ryan said that plows missed Hillside Ave. “Check your GPS,” she said. “It may be askew.” When she mentioned that mounds of snow at Halstead and Brighton

“were two feet above my head,” Murphy acknowledged that, “Those piles are on every block.” One man recommended arranging through the Board of Education opening up school parking lots to allow neighbors to park during such snow emergencies. Santos said the town would investigate the possibility. Councilman Albino Cardoso said, “There’s no way we can enforce no parking on snow days. Where can they go? You cannot park by the sidewalks.” Santos agreed that was a dilemma since virtually all municipal lots are filled with overnight parkers. Chestnut St. resident Barbara Assisi asked the town to consider preparing a list of residents who have access to their own plows to pro-

vide “extra resources” during extreme storms. “Good idea,” said Santos, but only “if the union can be assured it would be done only in dire emergencies.” Trinity Place resident Larry Handlin, a longtime contractor, said the town should equip more of its plows with chains for better traction in snow and proposed the town rent two or three front-end loaders for emergencies. Kerr said the town’s “larger plows” have chains but added that “they can get chewed up on the asphalt.” Meanwhile, the town is focused on snow removal with the help of four loaders and two dump trucks furnished by a local contractor, Santos said. “We got a permit to dump snow into the Passaic River.”

THEME: THE GRAMMYS ACROSS 1. Papal court 6. Reggae precursor 9. Eurasian duck 13. Very small particles 14. Politician 15. Locker room infection? 16. Actor ____ Fiennes 17. Like King George, 1760-1820 18. Salk’s conquest 19. *Ed of “Thinking Out Loud” fame 21. “Straight Outta Compton,” e.g. 23. L.A. landing spot 24. Under the weather 25. Madonna’s iconic stagewear 28. Catcher’s catcher 30. Approvals 35. Chaps 37. United ____ Emirates 39. Time being 40. Miners’ passage 41. *2016 Grammy nominations leader 43. Popular pickling spice 44. Fertilizer ingredient 46. Mexican money 47. *Multiple winner Levine of Maroon 5 48. Fate 50. Former Speaker of the House 52. Pilot’s estimate 53. Back talk 55. “____ he drove out of sight...” 57. *What kind of Funk? 60. *____ Shakes 64. Willow tree 65. Flow alternative 67. Bottom-ranking employee 68. Continually annoy 69. Unagi 70. Absurd 71. Ayatollah’s home 72. Marbled bread 73. Formerly Hannah Montana DOWN 1. *Ric Ocasek’s The ____ were nominated but lost 2. Park City State 3. Actor’s part 4. Motivate 5. Hindu retreat 6. *What Skrillex and Diplo do 7. Ornamental pond-dweller 8. Legal excuse 9. *”____! In the Name of Love,” nominated in 1966 10. French Sudan after 1960 11. *Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” was

on this label 12. *The ____, a band that never won a Grammy 15. *Best ____ Word Album category 20. Relating to axis 22. Frigid 24. Reproductive organs of a flower 25. *Swift’s space? 26. Forearm bones 27. Plural of #40 Across 29. *Fetty Wap’s “____ Queen” 31. Scotch partner 32. Like a snicker 33. Audience’s approval 34. MLK march site 36. Kind of cell 38. Corner of a diamond

42. Wheel on a spur 45. Vacation location 49. Fancy marble used as a shooter 51. *No Doubt’s “____ Kingdom” album, nominated in ‘97 54. Expression of contempt 56. Black wood 57. ____-friendly 58. Site of Leaning Tower 59. *”Smells Like ____ Spirit,” Grammy loser in 1993 60. Having the means 61. Way, way off 62. List of dishes 63. Mars, to the Greeks 64. ____-Wan 66. Turkish title of respect

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016

Deadline for obituaries:

Monday by 10 AM

Jenny Arevalo Jenny Arevalo, of Newark, died Jan. 26. She was 37. Arrangements were by the Armitage Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. A funeral Mass was held at St. Lucy’s Church, Newark, followed by burial in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. Jenny is survived by her husband Richard, children Domenica, Jerry and Sebastian and her siblings Alexandra, Euguenia, Marcela, Carmita and Victor.

obituaries

to wear pink at her funeral. A devout Harry Potter fan, she loved to read and write. She loved all things supernatural. She is survived by her loving parents Julian and Susan Sant’Ana, and her cherished brother Steven Tyler Sant’Ana. She was also the beloved granddaughter of Mary and Richard Paiva and Lazaro and the late Nita Sant’Ana.

couple immigrated to America, on the USS American Chief, a merchant marine vessel, from Glasgow and arrived in East Boston. They initially resided with relatives in New York City, but eventually settled in Kearny in 1958. In 1957, Ronnie began his long and fulfilling tenure with the Otis Elevator Company in Harrison, and then New York City, as an elevator designer, Ronald ‘Ronnie’ Joseph Woods inspector and cost estimator. He worked on landmark projects throughout Manhattan, including the Empire State Building, the World Trade Stacy Lauren Paiva Sant’Ana Center, the United Nations, Stacy Lauren Paiva Sant’Ana Ellis Island, the Waldorfdied Jan. 27. She was 23. Astoria and many others. Born in Secaucus, she lived Ronnie also designed elevain Dunellen and Saylorsburg, tors for U.S. Navy aircraft Pa., before moving to Kearny carriers and for the Kennedy six years ago. Space Center. A recognized Arrangements were by the Ronald “Ronnie” Joseph expert of his profession, RonArmitage Wiggins Funeral Woods, born in Paisley, nie retired from Otis (United Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Scotland, passed away peace- Technologies) in 1994 before Kearny. A service was held at fully on Jan. 20, 2016, at the continuing as a consultant the funeral home followed by age of 84 in Melbourne, Fla., with J. Martin Associates, a private cremation. To leave his home for the last 12 years. Mahwah. an online condolence, please Ronnie grew up in Paisley In Kearny, Ronnie was visit www.armitagewiggins. where he attended St. Mirin’s actively involved in coaching com. Academy, excelled at academ- youth soccer for a number of Stacy had a truly inspiring ics, became a standout goalyears, was a member of the personality. Unfortunately, her keeper at soccer, and went Arlington’s Players Club (tenlife was far too short. Despite on to become a First Class nis), and parishioner of St. her own illness, having been Scout. Following graduation, Stephen’s Parrish. the only recipient of four he enlisted in the Royal Air Ronnie cherished literature, heart transplants, she was Force and was stationed in especially Charles Dickens, very successful in encouraging Singapore. He returned to Shakespeare, poetry, as well hundreds of people to declare Scotland in 1951, and began as military history, particularthemselves as an organ donor. employment at Coats & Clark ly the U.S. Civil War and both We will never know the full Textile Mill as a foreman of World Wars, having survived scope of her heroic battle to the production of industrial direct Luftwaffe bombings help others in medical need. thread while studying engiduring WWII in a backyard Her short life lives on howneering at night at the Paisley shelter. He had an extraorever because of her and her Technical College. dinary memory, and could parents’ selfless action of doIn 1955, Ronnie married recite sonnets and famous nating her eyes, bone marrow Mary Dean (nee Foran) speeches effortlessly, particuand skin. She loved everything Woods at St. Mirin’s Church larly the Gettysburg Address pink and we encourage you in Paisley. Shortly after, the and Winston Churchill.

Deadline for obituary submissions

Monday by 10AM

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

obituaries@theobserver.com

Ronnie is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Dean “Maureen” Woods, and his five loving children and their respective spouses: Ronald and Johna Woods of Alexandria Va., Dan and Anne Marie (Woods) Logan of Indialantic Fla., Dave and Linda (Woods) McAllister of Kearny, Michael and Kathleen (Woods) Gilson of Little Silver; Toby and Maureen (Woods) Maxwell of Key Largo, Fla., as well as eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Ronnie was a wonderful and loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, mentor, colleague, and friend, an overall good person with a big heart. He will be greatly missed, admired and never forgotten. May God rest his loving soul. There is no service planned at this time. In lieu of flowers or offerings, please make donations to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude. org/), or to the American Society for the Prevention of

Cruelty to Animals (https:// www.aspca.org). Daniel Dougner Daniel Jude Dougher, 20, of Harrison, passed away suddenly on Jan. 29, 2016. Arrangements are under the direction of Mulligan Funeral Home, 331 Cleveland Ave., Harrison. Viewing hours will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 3. To read his complete obituary or to send condolences to his family, please visit www.mulliganfh.com. Prayer to St. Jude 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.

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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 100 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.

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THE 2,2016 2015 THEOBSERVER OBSERVER||WEDNESDAY, WEDNESDAY,SEPTEMBER FEBRUARY 3,

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The TheObserver Observerisisnot notresponsible responsiblefor fortypographical typographical errors. errors.Credit Creditfor forerrors errorswill willnot notbe begranted grantedafter afterthe the next week’s publication. No changes next week’s publication. No changesor orrefunds. refunds. Deadline for classifieds is Monday by 3:00 PM. Deadline for classifieds is Monday by 3 PM.

CLASSIFIEDS

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

HARRISON

HARRISON New High Quality, 3 BR. Utilities separate. Near Asian Supermarket & High School. Avl. Jan. 1st. (973) 268- 7878.

HARRISON 1 BR, $1,200/month. 1.5 months security. refridg. And Wall A/C Included. No pets. Avl. Dec. 1st. 732-492-1792

KEARNY 2nd fl. Updated Nice, 1 BR, $975/month + utilities. 1 month security. No pets. Avl. Now. (201) 214-4915.

HARRISON Newly Renovated 2 BR, $1,100/ month + utilities. 1 1/2 month security. No Pets. No Smoking. Avl. Now. (347) 276-0105

KEARNY 4 rent By Owner 2 BR Apt. & 3BR HARRISON Modern single family home. All Studio apt. Private units have W/D Hook Entrance. No pets. $775/ up & Basement Storage. month. Utilities not $1050-$1,600/month + included. Security & Utilities. 1 1/2 months lease. 862-223-9974. security. Close to NY Transportation. NO PETS. Call (201) 998-8226 Ext. KEARNY 10. Between the hrs. 7am-4pm. MondayFriday for Appt. KEARNY Small 1 BR apt. Kitchen, HT/HW supplied. $900/month. 1 month security. Avl. Now KEARNY 2nd floor, 2 bedrooms, 1bath, LR, (201) 991-4888. DR, kitchen. No Pets. No laundry hook up. Dishwasher, Stove, Microwave. Utilities Separate. KEARNY 3rd fl. 3 BR, 1 $1300/mth. 1 ½ mth sebath. $1,300/month. 1 curity. Available Feb 1st. month security. Avl. Im- (201) 991-1163 mediately. Call 201-6228315

KEARNY 2nd fl. Renovated 3 BR’s, Master BR Walk in closets, LR, EIK, & Bath. Laundry in Basement. Great location. No pets, No smoking. 1 1/2 months security. Avl. March 1st. Call Carlos (201) 334-7048

HARRISON 2 bedrooms, LR, kitchen. Separate utilities. 1-1/2 months security. No pets. Available Now. (973) 380-9007 HARRISON Sussex St., 1st floor, 2 bedroom apt. Walk to PATH & NJIT. $1220/month + utiliHARRISON 1 BR, ties. Parking $50. 1-1/2 $1,200/month. 1 month months security. security required. Park- Available Feb. 1st ing/Laundry on premise. (973) 687-7500 Avl. March 1st. (973) 449-8048 HARRISON One Room Studio, heat, H/W, parkHARRISON Sussex St., ing, laundry in bldg. 2nd 1st floor, 2 bedroom fl avail immed. Proof of apt. Walk to PATH & NJIT. employment, pay stubs, $1220/month + utili- credit score, no pets. ties. Parking $50. 1-1/2 $825.00/month. 1 1/2 months security. Avail- months security. Call able Feb. 1st (973) 687- 973 808-1556 after 4p.m. 7500

POLICIES

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KEARNY Newly renovated, hardwood floors. Laundry onsite. HT/HW included. 2 BR start at $1,000. 1 BR start at $825. Jr. 1 BR start at $900. (201) 289-7096 KEARNY Arlington section, 2 BR, recently renovated, H/W floors, $1,450/month + UTILITIES. 1 1/2 months security. No pets. Lease required. (201) 653-4693.

KEARNY 2 BR, LR, DR, 1 Full Bath & Kitchen. $1,300/month. 1 1/2 months security. No pets. (201) 855-2761.

KEARNY 3 rooms, 3rd fl. $785/month. 1 month security. Credit check required. Supply own HT/HW. Avl. march 1st. (201)997-1788. KEARNY 3 Br Duplex, 1 Bath, EIK, Laundry. $1,450/month. 1 1/2 months security. Avl. March 1st. (201) 647-6963.

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

KEARNY 529 Kearny Ave. 1 Bedroom condo. Modern Kitchen & New LYNDHURST 1 bed- Carpeting. $1,000/month room $1,275/month + utilities. Call Sophia for & 2 BR $1,400/month. apt. (201) 998-3516 Section A OK (973) 7604877

ROOM FOR RENT

LYNDHURST 2nd fl. Spacious, 2 BR’s, EIK, $1,500/month. HT/HW included. 1 month security. Close to transportation. Avl. Immediately. (201) 259-4957.

N.ARLINGTON 1 BR. $1,000/month. HT/HW included. Parking space. No pets. (201) 342- 2206.

KEARNY furnished room, w/ Hardwood Floor. Refrigerator & microwave. Great location center of town. All utilities included. $575/ N.ARLINGTON Studio, month. 201-697-0541 HT/HW supplied. Garden apt. Complex. Off street BELLEVILLE Male preparking. $800/month. ferred. Responsible perCall (201) 997-2341 son. No smoking. No kitchen. Rent + 1 month security. (973) 332-5613. NUTLEY

Luxury 1 & 2 BR apts. New Construction. H/W floors, W/D Hook-ups. C/A. $1,450-$1,550 + utilitties. Ask for Debbie

(973) 284-0906. W. ORANGE

W.ORANGE Studio apt., Comfortable room, $900/ month. Everything includN.NEWARK ed. 1 ½ months security. Parking in driveway. N.NEWARK 2 bedroom Walking distance to transportation. apt. $1350/month, HT/HW included. Large (973) 715-6904 LR & DR, kitchen and bathroom. Two blocks from city subway. 1-1/2 months security. No smoking. No pets. (973)482-5468 CALL AFTER 6PM.

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT N.ARLINGTON Prime location on Ridge rd., 2,500sq. ft. Can be used. Retail/office/medical space. On Ground floor. Off street parking call for detail (201) 538-1319 or (201) 997-2341

HARRISON - Commercial space 1,050 sq.ft. + baseKEARNY ROOM FOR ment 1,450 sq. ft. Good RENT $400/month. Eve- for retail store or Comrything included. Avl. merical office. Good Location. (646) 675-5113. Now (201) 779-3317

BELLEVILLE Room f/ rent. Share kitchen. Female preferred. Utilities N. ARLINGTON included. Available now. (201) 978-4868 Call N.ARLINGTON 3 LARGE anytime. Se habla ROOMS, $1,100/month, español. HT/HW, NEWAR TRANS Avl. Immediately. BELLEVILLE Utilities (732) 648 1171 . included. Shared Bathroom. Require 1 month Security. No Smoking. No N.ARLINGTON 3rd fl. pets. Call Maria apt. 2 BR, LR, Kitchen & (973) 759-7077. bath. H/W floors. W/D hook-up, C/A. Separate BELLEVILLE Nice area utilities. $1250/month. Room for rent. $400/ Avl. March 1st. Cal Carlos month. 1 month security. Call after 4:00pm. (201) 988-7536. (973) 336-5335 or (862) 215-9440.

NUTLEY

N.NEWARK 1-2 BR’s, Full Kitchen, bath & LR. Call Maria (201) 563-1747

CONDO FOR RENT

LYNDHURST

NEWARK Newark Newly renovated, 1 BR $875/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. Avl March 1st. 973-216-9470. www.aptrentalnj.com

To Toplace placean anad adcall: call: 201-991-1600 201-991-1600 classified@theobserver.com classified@theobserver.com

STORE FOR RENT

N.ARLINGTON Office/ Storefront for rent N.Arlington, on ridge rd. New HT. New Central Air. Parking. 1400 sq.ft Building. Excellent condition. $1,650/month + utilities. owner 201-280- 7483. Store for Rent 754 Harrison Ave., completely renovated. $850/month. (973) 519-0311

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT KEARNY 3 Large rooms on second fl. on Midland Near Kearny Ave., Featuring a Walk-in safe, Wall to Wall carpeting, and ten foot ceilings. Available Immediately. $1,200/ month including heat. Call KMK Associates at (201) 600-2811.

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

Harrison taxi

drivers wanted clean drivingrecord, FT/PT immediately

(609)709-4738 (201) 893 4720 Teachers Aide To work in Kearny Day Care. Flexible Hours, Experience & CDA preferred. Please Call (201) 991-5684

Local body shop in Kearny needs experienced body man call 201-997-2567. Mechanic Fire Apparatus Civil Service exam for Mechanic Fire Apparatus. The Civil Service on-line exam applic is available at www.state.nj.us/csc, symbol #M0105U. Exam filling deadline 02/24/16. For details, requirements and residency info, go to www.kearnynj.org. Town of Kearny EOE/ADA

FT SALES REPS for Food Distributors Company Areas avail. in NJ& NY Must be familiar with assigned area Experience Required. MUST be fluent in English and Spanish. To apply send resumes to Virginia Linan at virginiao@ familyfooddist.com

or fax (201) 998-5951

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2015

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED FOR RESTAURANT IN N.ARLINGTON, FOR KITCHEN AND SERVER. (917) 816-2419 FOR MORE INFO. Assistant Manager: Local Federal Emp. Opportunity! $32k34k. Federal Benefits Pkg! 3yrs Mgnt. Exp. Send Resume to:

canteenrecruiter@gmail. com

$$ NOW HIRING! $$ Property Inspectors FT/PT in your area. Free training provided. msangelabove@ comcast.net. (732)766-4425 Currently hiring Compounding Pharmacy Sales or prior Pharmaceautical Sales Experience with a Network of Doctors. Highly Competitive Commission. Please email your reume to PharmaceuticalReps@ lmfmarketing.com to set up an interview.

Now hiring servers. Must have experience. Must speak English and Spanish. Call 551-655-4174 Positions available immediately.

CDL Class A Driver So. Kearny tank cleaning company has an immediate opening for a 3rd shift yard switcher. Holiday & Vacation paid. Must have CDL Class A, clean background and verifiable work history. Starting salary at $18.00 per hr. Please call Mike C. at 973-589-3300. Full Time Secretary 8am-5pm Monday-Friday Computer literate, QuickBooks Knowledge Bilingual preferred Please email resume to silvasmech171@gmail.com

Drivers: CDL-A 1yr. Excellent Family Medical Ins. Guaranteed Weekend Home Time. Earn $65,000 + Monthly Bonuses. Absolutely No-Touch. 888-406-9046

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 2/6 from 10 to 4

Cambridge Security Services Corp. Holding interviews for Operations Managers for our Newark office. Salary is $30,000 to start and we offer company paid health insurance, paid training, paid vacation, sick & personal day, over time plus bonuses. Full & Part time positions available must be able to work nights and weekends the first year.Duties include managing, scheduling and dispatching officers and supervisors as needed.Looking for individuals with good communication skills, computer skills and the ability to multi-task.Apply in person Monday to Friday 9 to 4, For late night interviews forward resume to pgonzalez@cambridgesecurityservices.com Cambridge Security Services Corp. 90 Mulberry St Newark NJ 07102 9735669400

THE OBSERVER • Are you looking to Advertise? Give us a call @ (201) 991-1600 and ask about our Specials. •Three & Four week specials must run consecutively • Deadlines are every Monday by 3pm

CLASSIFIEDS CLEANING SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PAINTING & DECORATING

RUBBISH REMOVAL

Annes Cleaning Service Homes, offices, Move in-out cleaning. Gift Certificates Avail. Excellent references 973-667-6739 862-210-0681

G & R Builders

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ELECTRICAL SERVICES 25 years experience Twin Electric Quality Work. Good affordable prices. Senior discounts. Fully Insured. Bonded. Lic.#16158 (973) 715-4150 (201) 562-5985

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

Affordable Air

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING For new installations or just repair • Rheem • Trane CALL

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FM Property Home Repairs & Improvements

Painting, Plastering, Sheet rocking, Wall papering & Much More. Very neat & Clean. No money down. Fully insured Senior Discounts.

Attics, Basements, Yard Cleaning. We Haul or You Can Rent 10-15 Cubic Yard Containers. We Accept Visa/MasterCard

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SAL POLIZZOTTO

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(201)939-8781

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

ROOFING & SIDING N&J REMODELERS

Roofing + Siding Specialist. Windows, Doors, Decks, Kitchen/ Baths. Complete Home Renovation. Quality workmanship. All work guaranteed. Free Estimate. Fully insured

Nick (201)997-7657

• Kitchens • Bathrooms • Doors • Floors • Windows • Painting • Decks All types of repairs Lic. # 13VH05674000 Fully Insured

Spring Removal, Yards, Garages, Basements, Attics, Real Estate, Rubbish Removal/ Demolition Lic.13VH04443200 (201) 726-0287

SEAMLESS GUTTERS D. FITZGERALD

Seamless Gutters Installed LLC • Gutters Cleaned • Yankee Gutters Repaired & Relined • Slate Roofs Repaired • Flat Roofs Sealed & Coated “Save Plenty“ Call Dennie” 1-800-479-3262

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

Cash Paid (201) 920-8875

PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO RETOUCHING Prints and Digital Photos Retouched, Color Corrected, Enhanced. Old Photos are Repaired and Restored Composite Photos • High Quality Satisfaction Guaranteed Email:

201-428-7160

LANDSCAPING & DESIGN

fixurphotos@yahoo.com

A1 Affordable Landscaping Weekly maintenance • Bush Trimming • Clean-Ups • Design For free estimates call 201-998-1262

ROOFING & SIDING

MARIO ESPOSITO LANDSCAPING LLC Spring Clean-Up Lawn maintenance Top Soil • Mulch • Snow Removal Free Estimates 201-438-3991

New + Re-roofing • Flat roofing Window installation • Siding • Gutters Cleaned Free estimates Fully insured (973) 343-1167 Lic#13VH04302300

SERVICES OFFERED

Certified home health aide seeks Position to take care of the elderly at night. Or 5/7 days live in/out. Excellent ref 201-285-4091

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

THE OBSERVER

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www.theobserver.com www.theobserver.com

The Observer is not responsible for typographical The Observer is not responsible for typographical errors. Credit for errors will not be granted after the errors. Credit for errors will not be granted after the next week’s publication. No changes or refunds. next week’s publication. No changes or refunds. Deadline for classifieds is Monday by 3:00 PM. Deadline for classifieds is Monday by 3 PM.

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016

To place a classified ad, please call 201.991.1600

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016

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The man who stops advertising to save money is like the man who stops the clock to save time. - Thomas Jefferson

ment discount it says it should have received on the grounds that, “the called in Pro Media to evidence is clear that it deal with it. Writes Wecker: “The was the district’s own district attempts to use responsibility” to seek the crash itself, relying that discount. in part upon the testiAlthough Clarity had mony of Pro Media’s asked for full payment president … to discredit on its multi-year agreethe quality of Clarity’s ments with Belleville, performance ….[even Wecker concluded that, “in light of the district’s though] the district troubled financial raised no significant performance issues with condition … it would be unreasonable to award Clarity before its contracts were terminated.” Clarity damages for the three-year period Wecker rejects the described in the EUSA school board’s claim that Clarity failed to ob- or the five-year period described in the IT tain an “e-rate” governCLARITY from

REGAN from the only other thing that really often bothered her at Kearny and Halstead was absentminded drivers. “I can’t believe how many people would drive by texting,” she said. “Some of them would be looking down and paying no attention to their surroundings. It made the job a lot harder. If I had $1 for every person I saw texting and driving, I wouldn’t have had to work. “But occasionally, if a cop was nearby, they’d get pulled over and wonder, ‘What? What did I do wrong?’” Meanwhile, Regan says as the years moved on, people would often ask her why she enjoyed Kearny and Halstead so much — there must be lots of kids fighting in that area, they’d say. And yet, that was the furthest from the truth. “I saw more fights

agreement.” Instead, Wecker ruled, Belleville must pay Clarity the unpaid balance owed on the EUSA contract for June 2014 to March 12, 2015, at $10,319 per month plus the unpaid fees owed on the IT contract at $20,000 per month, plus the unpaid balance for parts and materials through Feb. 21, 2015, totaling $305,196, plus $5,493 in interest from Feb. 21 to Dec. 10, 2015. At the arbitration, Clarity was represented by Parsippany attorney Alan R. Ackerman.

grandmother noticed all the decorations Manley put up earlier and she gave her grandson a message to deliver to Regan in English. “The boy said, ‘My grandma says congratulations and good luck,’” Regan said. “It doesn’t matter whether people can speak English — they’re just really nice Photo courtesy Carol Manley people.” And it’s the people Betty Regan on duty. she’ll miss the most. in the early days than I “Not just the kids, did over the least few though,” Regan said. years,” Regan said. “In “I’m going to miss all fact, I say the kids got the people — the kids, much nicer and more the teachers, parents, polite as the years everyone. I’ve been very passed. These kids are fortunate.” wonderful — they really And retirement will are.” now allow her to spend And that reminded more time with her Regan of one of the last three grandchildren. kids she crossed her last “We also have a shore day on the job. house,” Regan said. “It It was a young boy will definitely be nice who was crossing with not to have to wait until his grandmother. He 4 p.m. on a Friday to spoke English, but go down. Now I can go grandma only spoke whenever I want.” Spanish. But the boy’s

SOLUTION from Page 22 Startadvertising advertisingyour yourproducts productsand andservices servicesthis to reach Start week to reach over 100,000 readers. over 100,000 readers for as low as $35 a week! Contact your media representative today! 201-991-1600

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016

EX P EC E C TT BETTE BETTE R R E XP The #1 #1 Real Real Estate Estate Broker Broker in in the the area area for for 2016!* 2016!* The Get your your FREE, FREE, Customized Customized Home Home Get Valuation & & Market Market Analysis Analysis from from Valuation the Area’s Area’s #1 #1 Broker* Broker* the If you’ve been wondering what your home is worth, If you’ve been wondering what your home is worth, computer generated estimates are great, but they are computer generated estimates are great, but they are no substitute for a personalized analysis completed by no substitute for a personalized analysis completed by an agent familar with your area. an agent familar with your area. To request your FREE analysis, visit: cocciarealty.com/cma To request your FREE analysis, visit: cocciarealty.com/cma Or call us toll free 800-997-9704 we’ll connect you Or call us toll free 800-997-9704 we’ll connect you with an agent specializing in your community. with an agent specializing in your community.

Let BHGRE COCCIA Sell your home! Let BHGRE COCCIA Sell your home!

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NJMLS Residential Sales Stats from 1/1/15 to 12/31/15* NJMLS Residential Sales Stats from 1/1/15 to 12/31/15*

Brokerage Company Brokerage Company BHGRE Coccia Realty BHGRE Coccia Realty C.21 SEMIAO & ASSOC. C.21 SEMIAO & ASSOC. NENO-ROSA AGENCY NENO-ROSA AGENCY ERA JUSTIN REALTY ERA JUSTIN REALTY MID-REALTY, INC. MID-REALTY, INC. EXIT GOLDEN REALTY GROUP EXIT GOLDEN REALTY GROUP ELITE REALTY GROUP ELITE REALTY GROUP SAVINO AGENCY SAVINO AGENCY RE/MAX WHITE HOUSE RE/MAX WHITE HOUSE HARRISON REALTY HARRISON REALTY ARLINGTON REAL ESTATE ARLINGTON REAL ESTATE THE BIXLER GROUP THE BIXLER GROUP

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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectet Lorem ipsum dolor amet, sed consectet uer adipiscing elit. sit Quisque nisi ac Harrison $450,000 uer adipiscing elit. Quisque sed ac t Well 4 fam w/driveway. Each unit 4 rmsnisi & bath. quam tincidunt molestie. Curabitur ut quam tincidunt molestie. Curabitur ut t Sep heat & meters. inome approx urpis.kept, Donec ultrices dui Gross in erat. Integer $40,000 yr.ultrices State Inspected, walk toInteger PATH in 20 urpis. Donec dui in erat. ultricies, mi or etless! pharetra cursus, sem arc minutes ultricies, mi et pharetra cursus, sem arc u consectetuer neque, eget interdum u consectetuer neque, eget interdum

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectet Lorem ipsum dolor amet, sed consectet uer adipiscing elit. sit Quisque nisi ac Harrison $440,000 uer adipiscing elit. Quisque sed nisi ac 3 fam triplex w/3 car garage! Each side hasut 3t quam tincidunt molestie. Curabitur bedrms, 1 bath livmolestie. rm, din rm,Curabitur kitchen, fullutbasequam tincidunt t urpis. Donec ultrices dui in erat. Integer ment & front & rear exit! 1 unit has add’l half urpis. Donec ultrices dui in erat. Integer bath! 3 separate heating systems, 3 gas & electric ultricies, mi et pharetra cursus, sem arc ultricies, mi et pharetra cursus, sem arc meters. Few Short blocks toeget PATH! u consectetuer neque, interdum u consectetuer neque, eget interdum

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectet Lorem ipsum dolor amet, sed consectet uer adipiscing elit. sit Quisque nisi ac Kearny $350,000 Located across fromelit. Manor Park Spacious 3nisi bdrm,ac uer adipiscing Quisque sed quam tincidunt molestie. ut1.5t bath colonial. Liv rm w/w fireplace, Curabitur modern kitchen, quam tincidunt molestie. Curabitur ut formal t dining room. Basement is semi-fin w/rec rm, laundry urpis. Donec ultrices dui in erat. Integer room w/toilet. Gleaming wooddui floors, gas heat, central air urpis. Donec ultrices in erat. Integer ultricies, et pharetra cursus,#44. sem arc conditioned.mi 1 block to NYC Bus-DeCamp ultricies, mi et pharetra cursus, sem arc u consectetuer neque, eget interdum u consectetuer neque, eget interdum

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectet Lorem ipsum dolor amet, sed consectet uer adipiscing elit. sit Quisque nisi ac uer adipiscing elit. Quisque sed nisi ut ac t quam tincidunt molestie. Curabitur Lyndhurst $375,000 quam tincidunt molestie. Curabitur utwith t an Beautiful 3dui fullin bath colonial urpis. Donec4 bedroom, ultrices erat. Integer urpis. Donec ultrices dui in erat. Integer open floor plan, modern eat-in kitchen, ultricies, mi et pharetra cursus, semgranite arc counter and center island, central finished ultricies, mitops et pharetra cursus, semair, arc u consectetuer neque, eget interdum basement, poolneque, and oneeget car garage. u consectetuer interdum

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectet Lorem ipsum dolor amet, sed consectet uer adipiscing elit. sit Quisque nisi ac uer adipiscing elit. Quisque sed nisi ut ac t quam tincidunt molestie. Curabitur Lyndhurst $260,000 quam tincidunt molestie. Curabitur ut t One family colonial w/2 bedrooms plus an office or possible urpis. Donec ultrices dui in erat. Integer 3rd bedroom, 1.5ultrices baths, finished basement, parking in urpis. Donec dui in erat. Integer ultricies, mi cars, et pharetra cursus, free sem arc driveway for deck and maintenance yardarc w/ ultricies, mi2 et pharetra cursus, sem u consectetuer eget interdum concrete patio. Greatneque, starter home! u consectetuer neque, eget interdum

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectet Lorem ipsum dolor amet, sed consectet uer adipiscing elit. sit Quisque nisi ac uer adipiscing elit. Quisque sed nisi ut ac t quam tincidunt molestie. Curabitur Kearny $279,000 quam molestie. Curabitur t Arlington Section Ranch w/garage driveway 50ut x 143’ urpis. tincidunt Donec ultrices dui& in erat.onInteger lot! 3 bdrms, 2 baths, fam rm w/fireplace, livingInteger rm, dining urpis. Donec ultrices dui in erat. ultricies, mi et Fin pharetra cursus, sem arc rm, hardwoodmi floors. basement,cursus, In ground sem pool- deep ultricies, et pharetra u consectetuer neque, eget interdumarc yard! u consectetuer neque, eget interdum

Call us us today today to to sell sell your your home! home! Call KEARNY •• 636 636 Kearny Kearny Ave Ave •• 201-997-7000 201-997-7000 KEARNY LYNDHURST •• 424 424 Valley Valley Brook Brook Ave Ave •• 201-939-8900 201-939-8900 LYNDHURST info@cocciarealty.com info@cocciarealty.com

# of Closed Transactions # of Closed Transactions 356 356 245 245 159 159 135 135 108 108 88 88 87 87 84 84 64 64 33 33 26 26 23 23

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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectet

Lorem ipsum dolor amet, sed consectet uer adipiscing elit. sit Quisque nisi ac Kearny $375,000

uer adipiscing elit. Quisque sed nisi ac t Well kept 2tincidunt family w/garage & driveway1st fl 6 rms, quam molestie. Curabitur ut 3 quam bedrms,tincidunt bath; 2nd flmolestie. 4 rms, 2 bedrms & bath Full Curabitur ut t urpis. Donec ultrices dui in erat. Integer basement-finished with recreation rm, den, summer urpis. duiyard in erat. Integer kitchen &Donec full mi bathrm. Nice rear with patio. ultricies, etultrices pharetra cursus, sem arc ultricies, mi et pharetra cursus, sem arc u consectetuer neque, eget interdum u consectetuer neque, eget interdum

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectet Lorem ipsum dolor amet, sed consectet uer adipiscing elit. sit Quisque nisi ac uer adipiscing elit. Quisque sed nisi ac quam tincidunt molestie. Curabitur Kearny $210,000ut t quam tincidunt molestie. Curabitur ut t 1 family colonial in the Arlington urpis. Donec ultrices duiSection, in erat. Integer conveniently locatedultrices only 1 block toinbus to PATH urpis. Donec dui erat. Integer ultricies, mi et pharetra cursus, sem arc station. 3 bedrooms, room, cursus, large kitchen ultricies, mi etliving pharetra sem& arc u consectetuer full bath. Large rear yard.neque, eget interdum u consectetuer neque, eget interdum

www.cocciarealty.com www.cocciarealty.com

©2016 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate® ©2016 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Better Homes and Gardens Estate® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes Real and Gardens isReal a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation Equal licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Housing Opportunity. Each Better Estate LLC. Equal Opportunity Company. ® Real Estate Equal Opportunity Housing Opportunity. Better Homes andLLC. Gardens Real Estate Company. Franchise isEqual Independently Owned andEach Operated. ® Franchise is Independently Owned andmade Operated. and Gardens Real Estate * Homes Statistics based on information derived from NJMLS for all sales transactions from * Statistics based on information derived frombut NJMLS for all sales transactions made from 1/1/15 to 12/31/2015, deemed reliable not guaranteed. 1/1/15 to 12/31/2015, deemed reliable but not guaranteed.