May 9, 2018 • www.theobserver.com • Vol. CXXX, No. 52
HIGHLIGHTS Kearny senior citizens shopping bus involved in May 7 crash; only one injury is reported. Page 4
COVERING: BELLEVILLE • BLOOMFIELD • EAST NEWARK • HARRISON • KEARNY • LYNDHURST • NORTH ARLINGTON • NUTLEY
THE OLD BALL GAME
Nutley’s Kingsland Manor ‘re-creates’ game from baseball’s early era By Kevin Canessa kc@theobserver.com
Photos by Kevin Canessa
A ball pitched by a Flemington Neshanock hurler makes its way to the plate where a batter from the Kingsland Colonels of Nutley prepares to swing. The game, played May 5 at Yanticaw Park, Nutley, was a recreation of ‘base ball’ of the late 1800s. INSET: The umpire in a suit, hat and cane.
If you were anywhere near Boys’ Park at Yanticaw Park in Nutley Saturday afternoon, May 5, you might have thought you were transported back in time to the late 1800s. That’s because on the grassonly field were two teams clad in uniforms worn by “base ball” players (that’s how it was spelled long ago) playing a game with early rules of the sport that has since evolved. A crowd of around 50 onlookers were there to watch
the re-creation of a game played by the Kingsland Colonels of Nutley Base Ball Club and the Flemington Neshanock Base Ball Club. Both teams wore pill-box style caps of era (circa 1895). Not sure of what pill-box caps are? Think of the Pittsburgh Pirates of the late 1970s. Their uniforms — baggy, with collared jerseys. And perhaps the most intriguing part of the recreated game? Not a single player wore a glove, despite the use of wooden bats, a “hard” ball and a pitching style even Matt See GAME, Page 25
Amid fanfare, FedEx opens North Arlington facility By Kevin Canessa kc@theobserver.com
T
here was pomp and circumstance in North Arlington last week as FedEx Freight officially opened its new facility here. It was
the culmination of years of work and negotiations between FedEx and the governing body and other officials. Though temperatures were unusually high — and the ceremony took place in a fairly warm, enormous truck bay — it didn’t dampen any-
one’s spirits, including Mayor Joseph Bianchi — who was one of a few dignitaries to take the microphone. “I bet a lot of you people never heard about North Arlington, but you’re going to hear a lot of it now with FedEx,” Bianchi said. “After
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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018
ARLINGTON PLAYERS CLUB By Ron Leir rleir@theobserver.com Tennis, anyone? That’s the invitation being extended these days from the Arlington Players Club which has begun showing signs of its age — of its members, that is. Lynn Oelz, president of the club’s board of directors, said the membership base of 140 — down from a peak of 250 in the 1980s — is graying, with an estimated 60% of its roster now in the 55-to-60 age range. The club’s oldest member — still active at 92 — is Al Lebofsky of Kearny. Seven out of 10 members are men. So, while the club does have an active “juniors” (ages 4 to 18) tennis clinic with nearly 90 subscribers, Oelz said it needs to find a way to court new, younger members to stave off fiscal pitfalls.
Photo by Ron Leir
Members of the Arlington Players Club, including club president Lynn Oelz (center, in red shirt), gather courtside.
With an annual operating budget of about $100,000 — including $26,000 a year in municipal taxes for less than an acre of land that encompasses seven red clay
courts, an outdoor barbecue lawn and an 80-foot-long clubhouse — “we come up a little short every year,” she said. To help ease the pain,
the club — its corporate name is Tennis Realty Co. — derives revenue from membership fees, renting out its clubhouse for private functions, hosting
U.S.T.A.-sanctioned state championship tourneys in the summer clinic fees and selling “social” memberships to non-players. Oelz, now in her 12th year as club president, secured a U.S.T.A. grant to offer a special tennis clinic for kids age 10 and younger. “We use a low-compression ball and a smaller racket so kids that age can more easily learn the game,” she said. And she’s hoping school kids in the region can be persuaded — possibly by local school districts — to take lessons from the club pro (Claudio Urra from Chile) to improve their game. “We need to push the kids’ program for the sake of [our] longevity,” she said. This isn’t the first time the club has felt the pinch from gap-spending, as chronicled
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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018
SEEKING NEW MEMBERS tennis’ popularity in the U.S. began to wane as other sports demanded more attention and, as Lebofsky put it, “in the rest of the world, tennis players became more hungry.” Another longtime APC member is Kearny’s Federico Orpilla Jr. who learned the game on a court at the former Martland Hospital in Newark where his mom worked as a
psychiatric nurse. (His dad, the late Federico Sr., a WWII veteran who served with the Amy’s 1st Infantry Division, was a survivor of the Bataan Death March.) “Three of my daughters play here, too,” Orpilla said. Two 12-year-old Kearny girls — Beatrice Crespo and Gigi Arenas — are enthusiastic APC juniors who’ve been on
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lawn section of the property and selling swim club memberships as a way of enhancing revenues but the town Planning Board nixed that proposition. With lighting the courts – to arrange more playing time – out of the question since the club is nestled in a tight-knit residential area off Washington Avenue, the board investigated the possibility of installing wrap-around bubbles but that proved unfeasible. “It would’ve cost $500,000 just to enclose two courts,” said Oelz. So, for now, the club is sticking with its present infrastructure and hoping that it can entice more players favoring its red clay courts whose maintenance demands lots of attention and care, to wit: the 2,000 nails that are driven into each court to keep the lines down, plus the brick dust and magnesium chloride that must be applied every couple of weeks. Why play on clay? “It’s much easier on your body,” maintained Bernie Lebofsky, son of the aforementioned Al, “so you’re less prone to injury. Also, it’s a slower surface so you tend to play longer points.” Lebofsky recalled that during the ‘70s and ‘80s, “it was very busy and very difficult to get a court” at APC. “There was a big chalkboard on the lawn and you had to sign in and wait for your turn,” he said. It was around the end of the ‘80s – as American prominence in the game declined – when
the courts since age 7 and who represent future club legacies. Beatrice, whose hero is Serena Williams, finds the game “fun” and useful for burning up “lots of energy” while Gigi, whose role model is Roger Federer, says, “it’s good to sweat.” Just watch the two volley for a while and you’ll be convinced.
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Beatrice Crespo displays good form in returning a ball to partner Gigi Arenas on red clay court.
by a mini-history provided from club archives. Go back to the end of the 19th century when a pair of tennis clubs existed in Kearny: one (the Belgrove) at Belgrove Drive and New Lawn Avenue (next to the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home) and another (the Heights) at Stuyvesant Avenue near Pleasant Place. Each had two courts. In 1907, due to financial difficulties, the clubs merged, forming the Arlington Tennis Club which rented the current APC site, installed the first courts and built a clubhouse in 1911. Three years later, Tennis Realty Co. was formed and club members bought shares in the company to acquire the property. By 1919, however, the club was broke. To the rescue came several club members who were also amateur thespians known as the Players Club. Those two groups aligned on April 21, 1919, to form the Arlington Players Club whose theatrical component continued to be active through the late 1940s and the clubhouse was home to a variety of functions including table tennis, handball and billiards, along with monthly stag dinners, annual musicals and dances. Among the special guests at those dinners, incidentally, were the Davis Cup team captain and one of the team players. In 1964, Oelz noted, the APC board hit on the idea of building a pool on the
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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018
Senior citizen bus crashes
Centre Street bridge work next month By Ron Leir rleir@theobserver.com
Photo by Kevin Canessa
One of the Kearny senior buses was involved in a crash shortly after 8 a.m., Monday, May 7, at Laurel Avenue and Chestnut Street. According to KPD Lt. John Taylor, traffic bureau commander, the bus driver was taken to hospital for head pain. The bus was struck when the driver of the mini-van (seen in photo) reportedly blew a stop sign at Chestnut while attempting to make a left to travel eastbound onto Laurel ... as the bus traveled west on Laurel. Taylor says the mini-van driver was issued a summons for disobeying a stop sign. The bus had no passengers at the time of the crash.
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NUTLEY — Expect repairs to start on the Centre Street Bridge in Nutley in June. That’s the word from Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr., who reported April 25 that a contract to fix the 122-yearold county span has been awarded to Pillari Brothers Construction Corp. of Farmingdale for $2,879,230. KS Engineers of Newark received a $242,425 contract to design the project which is expected to begin in June and be completed by December 2018. While work proceeds, DiVincenzo said, Centre Street will be closed to vehicular traffic and motorists will be rerouted around the construction site via Joralemon Street and Vreeland Avenue. Pedestrian access across the Third River will be provided via a walking bridge in Yanticaw Park, he said. “Replacing the Center Street Bridge is a complex project,” DiVincenzo said, “because it’s located in the heart of downtown Nutley and provides critical access through the township. Closing the road will be disruptive, but it will enable the work to progress more quickly than if the replacement was done in stages.” The detour route around the bridge was developed in cooperation with the Nutley Police Department, he said. To that end, cars will be directed north along Franklin Avenue, turning
into Vreeland and then onto Passaic Avenue while trucks will be rerouted south along Franklin, turning onto Joralemon and then onto Union Avenue. The bridge was listed as “structurally deficient” and a weight limit of 15 tons was recently posted because of its deteriorating condition, according to DiVincenzo. The original single span dates from about 1896. Reinforced concrete “wingalls” (curved elliptical sections) were added in 1929 and the current concrete parapet and gabion (cage filled with concrete/stone) wall were installed in 1965 after the north spandrel wall and parapet failed. The new structure will consist of a precast concrete arch with precast concrete wingwalls supported by cast-in-place concrete footings and pedestals. There will be two travel lanes — one in each direction for vehicles — and sidewalks for pedestrians. The new bridge will stretch 42 feet — same as the existing structure — and its roadway will be about 46 feet wide for traffic and a total width of 66 feet to accommodate walkers. Under guidelines set by the N.J. Historic Preservation Office, a stone formliner will be used to construct the arch spandrel walls and parapet walls, the existing ornamental fence will be removed and reset and an interpretive sign detailing the crossing’s history and the YanticawBooth Historic District will be installed.
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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018
New KFD boat blessed in Hudson By Karen Zautyk kzautyk@theobserver.com
T
HE BLESSING OF
the Fleet is a custom that began centuries ago, reportedly in the small coastal communities of the Mediterranean to ensure a safe and bountiful season for local fishermen. It has since spread to the Western Hemisphere and all the way down to Australia — and on May 1, it came to Hudson County. Here, though, the fleet being blessed belonged not to fisherfolk but to firefighters, who, while hoping for safety probably could do without a “bountiful season.” Indeed, the fewer the calls, the better. But rest assured, no matter the number, or the danger, all will be answered. Last September, under the auspices of the U.S. Coast Guard, the federally funded New Jersey Regional Fireboat Task Force (NJRFTF) was established. It comprises more than a dozen fire departments from five northern and central New Jersey counties that provide emergency services across 50 miles of waterfront within the Port of New York/New Jersey. According to the Coast Guard, since September, Task Force fireboats have responded to more than 60 calls, including ship and marina fires, boats and people in distress and hazardous-materials incidents. At least five lives were saved. The North Hudson Regional Communications Center in Union City is in charge of the fireboat dispatching and response coordination, officials said. In addition to the Task Force member departments, the center also maintains communications with the Coast Guard, the N.J. State
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FIRE NEWS Police, the NYPD and the FDNY — the better to cover the half-a-hundred miles of its designated territorial responsibility. Currently, the Task Forcemember municipalities include Kearny, Newark, Jersey City, Secaucus, Edgewater, Hoboken, Bayonne, Carteret, Elizabeth, Perth Amboy, Guttenberg, North Bergen, Union City, Weehawken and West New York. On the morning of May 1, a dozen Task Force fireboats — including Kearny’s — gathered on the Hudson, with the Jersey Palisades and the Manhattan skyline as backdrops, and proceeded southward in single file toward the mouth of the river. As the watercraft passed a dock off the Chart House in Weehawken, five members of the clergy — two priests, two rabbis and two ministers — blessed each craft individually while an FDNY fireboat provided a spectacular water-spray salute. Representing Kearny at the ceremony (on the dock) were Fire Chief Steven Dyl and Deputy Chief Joseph Mastandrea. In the river parade, Kearny’s fireboat was crewed by Deputy Chief John Harris, Capts. George Harris and Vic Girdwood and Firefighters Daniel Gurkas, Pablo Astorga and Jeremy Cook. Speaking of the new cooperative effort, Dyl told us, “It took a long time for this to happen, and I’m glad to see this Task Force finally come to fruition.” (By the way, Kearny’s fireboat does not yet have a name. If the KFD cannot make up its mind, we would like to suggest “The Observer.”)
Photo by Ron Jeffers | 1stResponderNews.com
Kearny’s new fireboat (Marine 3) was blessed recently in New York Harbor. It can be seen here with the skyline in the background.
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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018
KPD: Mayday! Unwanted visitor on Devon St. By Karen Zautyk kzautyk@theobserver.com KEARNY — At 6:50 p.m. on May 1, Officer Anthony Oliveira responded to a report of an unknown male inside a Devon Street residence. When the officer arrived, police said, the intruder had left, but witnesses provided a description, and one pointed out the suspect walking away. Oliveira stopped and questioned Alterique Q. Stith, 22, of Newark, who reportedly offered the explanation that he had been visiting his wife. However, police said, the residents stated there was no wife there and Stith did not belong in the home. He was arrested and charged with burglary — to which was added a charge of aggravated assault on
a police officer after he allegedly elbowed a KPD cop in the face while being booked. Stith was remanded to the Hudson County Jail. * * * Other recent reports from the Kearny police blotter included the following: April 26 Dets. Michael Andrews and Cesar Negron, in an unmarked car at Walmart at 6:58 p.m., reportedly observed a man remove a bicycle from a display in front of the store and begin walking it through the parking lot. Stopped by the officers, police said Jorge Ramos, 31, of Newark, explained that he was going to show the bike to a friend and then return it to the rack. Ramos reportedly was holding a plastic bag
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POLICE BEAT containing two baseball caps, but had no receipts for them or the bike. The detectives reviewed security footage and arrested Ramos for shoplifting items worth a total of $133.92. He had no warrants and was released on a summons. [Editorial comment: We don’t know what team the caps represented, but we would not be surprised if it was the Red Sox.] April 28 At 3:25 a.m., Officers Jason Rodrigues and Sean Podolski were called to Wawa on a report of a car with a missing tire parked in the lot. There, they
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found a 2017 Dodge with “heavy damage to the front passenger side” and the driver sitting in the vehicle eating a sandwich. Asked what had happened, the man reportedly replied, “I have no idea. I’m not from around here.” Police said they discovered he had hit an object on the curb, which is how the tire got knocked off. They said they also detected the strong odor of alcohol and conducted field sobriety tests, which the motorist failed. Corey Osborne, 28, of McKinney, Texas, was charged with DWI, careless driving, refusing an Alcotest and failure to report an accident. May 2 A 25-year-old Roselle Park motorcyclist was injured on the Pulaski Skyway when his bike was rear-ended by an alleged drunk driver who tried to leave the scene but was stopped by other motorists, police reported. Officer Podolski responded to the 9:57 p.m. accident and found victim Justin Oquendo lying in the roadway and the rear tire of his 2016 Yamaha wedged in the grill of a 2007 GMC car, police said. Oquendo’s brother, also riding a cycle, reportedly told the officer that the two had been traveling side-by-side when the victim’s bike was hit and the GMC continued driving, but other vehicles pulled in front of the car and brought it to a halt. Police said the driver, Robert Woods, 65, of Metuchen, failed FSTs and was charged with DWI, refusing an Alcotest, reckless driving, following too closely, failure to produce an insurance card, leaving the scene of an accident with injuries and failure to report an accident. Investigation reportedly revealed that victim Justin Oquendo had a suspended license and an unregistered vehicle. Police said he was issued summonses at University Hospital, Newark, where he
was treated and released the next day. May 3 The KPD was called to the Endeavor House rehab center on Bergen Avenue twice within five hours to deal with unruly residents. At 5:41 p.m., Sgt. Peter Gleason and Officer Alan Stickno responded to the facility in the former West Hudson Hospital building after a patient reportedly twice kicked a door shut on an employee who was trying to bring him dinner. Police said the female victim suffered an arm injury and was taken to Clara Maass Medical Center, Belleville, for evaluation. Police said Raheem Williams, 24, of Willingboro, was booked for aggravated assault, released on a summons and advised he was no longer welcome at Endeavor House. At 10:34 p.m., Officers Stickno, Matthew Lopez and Chris Medina responded to the center after a female resident allegedly threw a vase full of water and flowers at a female employee, striking her in the head. Police said the patient had been attempting to leave and became angry when advised that, if she did depart, she would not be allowed back. Tara Heggarty, 24, of Allentown, Pa., was charged with aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes. She was held for transfer to the Hudson County Jail. Police said the victim declined medical treatment.
THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018
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4 cops taken to hospital after crash
responding to the call for backup collided with each other. Four officers in the two cars were taken BELLEVILLE — A police to University Hospital, chase of a fleeing motorist Newark, and the civilian in Essex County ended exiting the Walgreens was transported to another badly for both the pursuers on Washington Avenue area hospital. and the pursued. and was found to be in As of press time, the Here’s the explanation possession of numerous prosecutor had not from Acting Essex County containers of deodorant released the names of the Prosecutor Robert D. valued at $141 and four officers and there was Laurino, whose office hypodermic needles. no information available in Newark assumed Michael Castro, 43, was on the condition of the jurisdiction over the charged with shoplifting officers or the civilian. incident: and possession of a Soto was arrested on At about 9:55 p.m. May hypodermic needle and five counts of aggravated 3, a Belleville police released pending a court assault, second-degree officer tried to pull over date. eluding, contempt and an ATV, reportedly driven various motor vehicle by Wilfredo A. Soto, 21, April 24 advertising@theobserver.com 201-991-1600 violations. of Nutley, traveling on Officers responded to a Because the incident Washington Avenue. er: Client: William Street location on involved a police pursuit, Instead of stopping, a report of a street fight. the county prosecutor though, Soto allegedly Police said one man who is handling the active continued on, with the fled the scene was caught investigation. officer in pursuit and after a brief foot chase and Meanwhile, the Belleville calling for backup. found have three baggies of Police Department logged Near the intersection of a substance believed to be these recent incidents: Washington and Greylock Advertising: Here is the updated template with a new photo of Jarlynn Hyde: marijuana. Angel Gonzalez, Parkway, the ATV collided 21, of Newark, was April 25 with a car driven by a A Newark man was civilian. Meanwhile, two Belleville stopped by police shortly before 8 p.m. as he was police cars that were By Ron Leir rleir@theobserver.com
POLICE BEAT
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charged with possession of marijuana, hindering apprehension, obstruction of justice and resisting arrest by flight. He was taken to the county jail on an active warrant from the Essex County Sheriff ’s Department. ••• The owner of several trucks parked on Main Street reported the theft of 14 batteries, valued at $1,800, from his trucks overnight. Detectives are investigating. ••• A Newark man with a healthy appetite was apprehended, at 9:52 a.m., at a local supermarket. Police said employees at the Washington Avenue ShopRite saw William Newton, 56, concealing cans of tuna inside yellow bags and attempt to leave without paying for them. Police said he had 18 cans of tuna valued at
$27 and was charged with shoplifting. Newton was also wanted on a no-bail warrant from Newark. April 23 A Watchung Avenue resident told police he never received a package he was tracking for delivery to his home. Police said a surveillance video shows a woman picking up a package from the victim’s residence containing $650 worth of jewelry, cologne and perfume and leaving the area. The matter is under investigation. ••• A woman who parked her 2009 Hyundai overnight on Branch Brook Drive returned to her vehicle the next morning, only to discover four tires flat. Police said the tires appeared to have been punctured in the side wall by an unknown object. Detectives are investigating.
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thoughts&views 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 4 p.m. Any letters that arrive after deadline will not be considered for the upcoming publication. Letters can be sent by e-mail to editorial@theobserver.com or mailed to 39 Seeley Ave., Kearny, N.J. 07032. Anonymous letters will not be published under any circumstances.
Happy Mother’s Day
Shame ‘em & make ‘em pay By Ron Leir ave you heard the commercials pleading with New York City drivers to be extra mindful when they execute left-hand turns on Manhattan streets? Makes a lot of sense to me, particularly with all the obstacles – pedestrians, with or without cell phones in hand, food vendors and vehicles parked at the corner, all potentially blocking the motorists’ view as they make the turn. Wonder how many get ticketed – or even stopped – by cops for reckless turning? Which leads me to consideration of local traffic issues, like drivers using some streets as speedways – about which my colleague Kevin Canessa has written. And that, in turn, brings me to the enforcement end of motor vehicle offenses and how the Town of Kearny is doing when it comes to monitoring drivers who are issued motor vehicle violation notices. If they admit their guilt – or if they are found guilty of the violation – are they following through by paying the penalty levied for the infraction? Or, conversely, how many aren’t paying and how much is outstanding? I tried to learn those answers but faced formidable obstacles from judicial authorities. In November 2016, I filed an OPRA (Open Public Records Act) request for the following information: • Names and addresses of the top 10 scofflaws, the corresponding violations, how much they owe and for how long they’ve been delinquent. • Total cash delinquencies owed the municipal court and whether the court uses a collection agency for certain types of delinquent accounts. • How does Kearny compare with other local court jurisdictions in Hudson County and in New Jersey in the processing of delinquent accounts? Citing rules of the court, Kearny passed our request to the Office of the Superior Court of New Jersey which, in a letter dated Jan. 25, 2017, denied our request for data on the top 10 scofflaws because, “the Judiciary does not maintain any
H In Memoriam Mary Tortoreti 1942-2016 Lisa Feorenzo Co-owner/Advertising Director Tina Feorenzo Co-owner/Advertising Robert Pezzolla General Manager Kevin Canessa Editorial, Web, Social Media Ron Leir Karen Zautyk Journalists Jim Hague Sportswriter Michelle Rybeck Graphic Designer Kim Pezzolla Sales Alexandra Kesada Classifieds Display & Real Estate Ad Deadlines Thursday by noon advertising@theobserver.com Obituaries Deadline Monday by 10 a.m. obituaries@theobserver.com Classifieds Deadline Monday by 3 p.m. classified@theobserver.com Help Wanted Ads Monday by 3 p.m.; must be sent by email to classified@theobserver.com. Reader Letters (250-word max) Send to editorial@theobserver.com
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reports which would be responsive to this request.” How about getting the total delinquencies owed the court, etc.? In this case, the court said it can “provide a monthly report containing the name of each defendant who presently owes money to the Kearney [sic] Municipal Court stemming from a Motor Vehicle Offense” and “the estimated cost of the report is $355.” The Court said Kearny Municipal Court “does not utilize a collection agency,” but, instead, it “issues delinquent notices, proposed [license] suspension notices or notice of order suspending driver’s license, depending on the nature of the matter.” As for how Kearny stacks up against other municipal court venues in its collections record, the Court said: “The Judiciary does not maintain any reports which would be responsive to this request. Thus, the request is denied.” I could have appealed to the N.J. Administrative Director of the Courts but I felt it was unlikely I could win so no appeal was filed. And I wasn’t about to shell out $355 each month for a report which may or may not contain the amount of delinquencies owed. So the matter sat dormant until earlier this year when I filed a new OPRA request with the Town Clerk asking the Kearny Police Department to allow me to review all current open warrants listing the name of the defendant, amount owed and for what penalty. Within a week or so, I got an answer – I needed to consult with the municipal court.
So now the circle is complete. When I first made a request for information, it wasn’t done with the intent of stirring the pot. I actually thought I’d be helping the town – and the court – get the money owed by shaming, in particular, those scofflaws who’ve run up huge tabs at the taxpayers’ expense and maybe – with the help of the KPD – getting them off the roads if they’re still driving around with a warrant out for them. After all, the town has put a law on its books designed to publicly expose the owners of “abandoned properties” left empty and derelict and potential public safety and health threats by holding them liable for fixing or selling those properties. I could have done something equally effective by laying bare, for all to see, all the people who’ve broken the law and done nothing to make themselves – or the town – whole again by honoring their payment obligations. To avoid the apparent overtime expense my request might have triggered, the court should have a way to install some type of computer program that can spit out the relevant information and not burden court personnel with that chore. I heartily recommend an exploration of such a possibility and then, a reconsideration of my proposal by the powers that be. And it probably wouldn’t hurt for the state Office of the Courts to be monitoring all municipal courts to ensure that they have sufficient personnel – and the appropriate tools — to do a job that can’t be an easy one.
THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018
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Two eighth-graders at Washington Middle School, Harrison, were winners of the annual Hudson County Law Day art contest. Emily Frigatti (first place, center right) and Caitlyn Cooper (honorable mention, center left) received their awards from keynote speaker — 1976 Olympic silver medalist and New Jersey City University Director of Community Outreach Gail Marquis, and the first-ever female Hudson County Prosecutor, Esther Suarez. Emily and Caitlyn each received a certificate, plaque and gift card.
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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018
NEWS IN BRIEF Cadet Academy on track for June startup The Belleville Police Department is prepping for its annual Belleville Junior Police Academy summer course for 2018. Open to boys and girls currently in grades 7 and 8 (20182019 school year) who live in Belleville, the program runs Monday, June 25, through Friday, June 29, from 9 a.m. to 3:30
p.m. each day at Belleville High School. The program is designed to: • Provide participants with an overview of the criminal justice field. • Have special guests and specialized police units share their expertise and knowledge. • Develop the concepts of teamwork, self-confidence and enhanced communication
skills. • Conduct both classroom and hands-on training, crimescene analysis, first aid and physical training. Those who successfully complete the course, along with their families, will be invited to attend a formal graduation ceremony Friday, June 29, at 12:30 p.m., at the high school. During the week-long
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program, the cadets will be expected to report each day, promptly, at 9 a.m., with a brown bag lunch and water bottle, with the cadet’s name written on both. Dismissal is at 3:30 p.m., so parents are asked to make proper transportation arrangements. Class size will be limited to 60 and applications will be processed on a first-come, firstserved basis. For those accepted to the program, a doctor’s note required for participation must be received by June 1. For more information, contact School Resource Officer Det. Mike Greisi or Middle School Principal Romain Royal. Mill conversion plan slowly advancing The designated redeveloper of the old Clark Thread Mill complex at 900 Passaic Ave. has filed an application for site plan approval with the East Newark Planning Board. As of last week, no date had been set for a hearing as the borough’s professional consultants were still reviewing the document. As stated in the application, the developer proposes to convert the existing industrial property into 616 residential units consisting of 790,944 square-feet, 91,022 square-feet of retail space and 4,388 square feet of office space. Plans also call for surface and deck parking. The applicant asserts that the mill’s rehabilitation and improvement “will be consistent with the character and nature of the intended redevelopment of the area, will result in the enhanced and improved value of the neighboring properties and will not adversely affect surrounding properties.” Additionally, the applicant says “the mixed uses established at the property will serve to promote public health, safety and welfare.” The applicant says he will produce experts to testify before the board on the project’s architecture, engineering and traffic. There are no requests for “variances, waivers or exceptions” in support of the project, the applicant notes. The project falls within what the borough has designated as the “Thread Mill District Redevelopment Zone.” Mayor Joseph Smith has
previously said that no PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) will be granted for the project. Praise for protecting area sewers Industries in six of the communities in The Observer coverage area earned plaudits from the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission for logging clean records — no wastewater discharges or violation reported — for varying lengths of time. Companies operating in the PVSC service area classified as significant industrial users are issued sewer use permits that prescribe limits for the quality of effluent they may release into the sewer system and these companies are obligated to monitor and report on those discharges to the PVSC monthly. Compliance violations are issued when a company exceeds its monthly discharge limits or fails to file the monthly report. A facility that fails to incur a single violation during a full calendar year earns a PVSC Permit Compliance Award. Leading the 100+ companies among the 2017 honorees is the Sika Corp. of Lyndhurst which has earned the award for the past 21 consecutive years. Sika, located on Polito Avenue, lists itself as a “leading supplier of specialty chemical products and industrial materials” serving “transportation, marine and automotive” markets. Others listed among the 2017 honorees were: OJ Food Grade Tank Truck Wash Inc. of Kearny, 11-year award winner; N.J. Sports & Exposition Authority – Erie Landfill, North Arlington, 7-year awardee; Pharmachem Laboratories of Kearny, 5-year awardee; Hoffmann-LaRoche Inc. of Nutley, (groundwater) 3-year awardee; Alden Leeds Inc. of Kearny and Miller & Sons of Belleville, both 2-year awardees; Bunge Oils and Spectraserv Inc., both of Kearny; Heller Urban Renewal LLC – HUB at Harrison Station of Harrison; and Imperial Electroplating of Lyndhurst, all 1-year awardees. PVSC Executive Director Gregory Tramontozzi said: “Compliance is not easy or inexpensive but these businesses do it, year after year, because they’ve made a commitment to their communities to operate in an environmentally responsible way.” — Ron Leir
aroundtown
THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018
Belleville Friday Club heading to Sands Casino The Belleville Senior Friday Club sponsors a bus ride to Sands Casino, Atlantic City, May 24. Bus leaves from the Senior Center, Franklin Avenue and Mill Street, at 9 a.m. Call Florence at 973-7513821 for more information and pricing.
Saturday in May for 20+ years. Carriers will collect donations as they deliver your mail. Donations will be given to local food pantries and to families in need.
Harrison American Legion meets May 9 The next regular meeting of the American Legion Harrison Post 282 will be Wednesday, May 9, at 7 p.m.., in the Harrison/East Newark Elks, 406 Harrison Ave. All local members are encouraged to attend.
Celebrating Little League Mayor Raymond Kimble announces the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on Saturday, May 12. That day, leave Kearny non-perishable foods in a bag on your front porch. And OLS Rosary Society heading to your letter carrier will collect Sands in Pa. donations. The National AssoThe Rosary Society at Our ciation of Letter Carriers has Lady of Sorrows Church, 136 conducted this annual nationDavis Ave., sponsors a bus wide food drive on the second ride to Sands Casino, Beth-
lehem, Pa., Wednesday, June 6. Bus leaves from corner of Bergen and Davis avenues at 9:30 a.m. For information or costs, call Jean at 201-991-4732. Proceeds benefit the parish. Vets Bike Night May 11 The VFW hosts its first Bike Night at the VFW May 11, from 6-10 p.m. For more information, call Jerry at 201360-9324.
back. Non-riders may come to the pig roast starting at noon. UNICO heads to AC May 20 Kearny UNICO sponsors a bus trip to the Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City on Sunday, May 20. The trip leaves from the Kearny Bank parking lot, 614 Kearny Ave., at 8:30 a.m. Coffee will be served to all going on the trip at 7:30 a.m. For costs or to purchase tickets, contact Lou Pandolfi at either 201-693-8504 (cell) or 201-368-2409 (home) or lpandolfi@verizon.net. Proceeds from the trip benefit scholarships and other local charities.
Annual bike ride June 2 The fourth annual Motorcycle Run & Pig Roast, in memory of SSG Edward Karolasz, takes place June 2 at the VFW. Proceeds benefit the annual scholarship awarded Lyndhurst to a graduating Kearny High School senior. Registration Lyndhurst Middle School prebegins at 9 a.m., with kicksents ‘Anything Goes’ stands up at 10 a.m. The esThe award winning Lyndcorted ride is from the VFW hurst Middle School musical to High Point Monument and program presents “Anything
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Goes,” Thursday, May 10, Friday, May 11 at 7 p.m., and Saturday, May 12 at 2 p.m., at the Lyndhurst High School auditorium. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Previous shows have won nominations and awards from the National Youth Arts Theatre. For further information, call 201-438-5683, ext. 4752. Head to see Donna Summer musical The Parks & Recreation Department sponsors a trip to see “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical,” on Wednesday, June 13 at 7 p.m. The $100 tickets include transportation to and from the show. A bus will leave the Parks Department at 5 p.m. Seats are limited to four — and go fast. Call the Parks Department to reserve a seat as soon as possible.
BOE consensus on DeMarco’s replacement Cornell, Merlino, McKeever & Osborne LLC, organized the search process on the LYNDHURST – The search board’s behalf. Bisig said the for a new chief school adfirm has a wealth of experiministrator by the Lyndhurst ence helping other districts public school system has find new administrators. netted a finalist. Once the county office That is Anthony Grieco, gives its approval, Grieco the current superintendent would be in line to replace of schools for the Elmwood Shauna DeMarco, who has Park public school district. tendered her resignation Grieco is “the unanimous as superintendent, to take choice” for the same job effect June 30, and would be in Lyndhurst, according to inheriting the aftermath of a Scott Bisig, the business $1.1 million district deficit. administrator for the LyndA 2016-17 district audit hurst Board of Education. has traced that fiscal disBisig said board members crepancy to past spending recently took a straw vote practices. to offer the post to Grieco That has led to the BOE and they are waiting for the hiring Bisig as the new B.A. Office of the Bergen County and to local school officials Superintendent of Schools consulting with the county to review a draft contract superintendent’s office on that would be offered to the strategies for the restoration candidate. of a balanced budget. Once the county office In a public statement issigns off on those terms, sued at the BOE meeting then the BOE can formally on Dec. 4, 2017, DeMarco vote on Grieco’s appointsaid she was “confident that ment. pending any extraordinary The board’s Westfieldevents, the spending plan based law firm, Sciarrillo, By Ron Leir rleir@theobserver.com
we have developed for the remainder of the current school year will result in the full financial resolution of the the fiscal issues accumulated by past years that are identified in the ’16-’17 audit findings.” No school personnel reductions or program cutbacks are contemplated in this corrective action plan. Accounting issues involving purchase orders, food service and pupil transportation have been identified as contributing to the deficit. Meanwhile, DeMarco and colleagues have taken steps designed to ease the financial crunch now faced by the district: DeMarco agreed not to take more than $25,000 in merit pay she was due under her contract and to return about $2,300 in professional development compensation to which she was entitled and members of the district’s Principals and Supervisors Association similarly agreed not to accept $15,360 in reimbursements for union
conventions and professional development seminars. Officials said plans for school capital projects – construction of a $53 million junior high school on Matera Field and nearly $20 million in upgrades to the high school and five elementary schools (Roosevelt, Washington, Columbus, Franklin and Jefferson) – will proceed. At its May 7 meeting, the BOE was due to award a $1.26 million contract to Vanas Construction Co. of Bogota for interior renovations at Lyndhurst High School while the township Board of Commissioners is expected to open bids May 31 for the junior high school project. The township is underwriting that facility’s construction as part of a redevelopment plan that will see the demolition of Lincoln Elementary School. The BOE was also due to consider adoption of its 2018-2019 school budget, also on May 7. Total expen-
ditures/appropriations are projected to be $42,535,464 of which about $38 million is proposed as the local tax levy. Included in the budget is “the use of a health care adjustment of $441,857.” Some background on Grieco: He began working in the Elmwood Park school system as assistant principal/athletic director in February 2010, then rose to assistant superintendent for pupil personnel and special services in January 2011, was named middle school principal in July 2012 and superintendent in February 2015. He also served as assistant principal/athletic director for the New Providence school system from August 2007 to February 2010. Grieco has a bachelor’s degree in special education from Monmouth University, a master’s in educational administration from Kean University and a doctorate in educational leadership and administration from Liberty University.
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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018
The best, Oratorically
Poster perfect pupil
The Optimist Club of Kearny hosted its annual Oratorical Contest with this year’s topic: 'Where Are My Roots of Optimism?' These Kearny students, eighth-graders at Lincoln Middle School, delivered outstanding presentations to a well-attended room of family, faculty and club members. Kaelyn Gerena (left of podium) was the winner and she will advance to the district level contest on May 5.
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Rayen Herrera, of Roosevelt School, Kearny, was the only Kearny student to win both the Kearny & Hudson County Fire Prevention Poster Contest. Rayen’s poster will now move on to the state level voting. If selected by the state, Rayen will have his Fire Prevention Poster published in the NJ Division of Fire Safety 2019 Calendar. With Rayen, center, is Roosevelt School Principal Stephen Way (right) and Chief Fire Inspector Juan Barroso Jr., who is giving Rayen a check for $50 from the Hudson County Fire Prevention & Protection Association. Rayen’s class was also treated to a pizza party by the Kearny Fire Department.
Schuyler School Students of the Month named Valerie Iacono, principal of Schuyler School, Kearny, announces the following Students of the Month for April: Pre-K: Daniel Fernandes and Carmelo Jackson. Kindergarten: Cecilia Muzio, Matias Ribadeniera and Mehdi Heraz. Grade 1: Jack McKenna, Christopher Gumbs and Delilah Sanchez. Grade 2: Lainey McKenna,
Isac Leiro and Elizabeth Gomez. Grade 3: Sean Baignosche, Bladimir Arias and Justin Morales. Grade 4: Isael Quintero, Nidhi Kumar and Tiago Vaz. Grade 5: Andrew DeLima, Carolina Nocelotl, Nathalia DeOliveira and Kermina Basaly. Grade 6: Alyssa Rojas, Santos Tenorio, Christin Faulk and Donald Kubs.
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sports&recreation Roller Derby comes to North Arlington Saturday night
SPORTS VIEW
CONTACT JIM HAGUE AT OGSMAR@AOL.COM
NA native Manzo-Lewis signs with LA Chargers For Anthony ManzoLewis, his football life has now taken him from NA to LA. Well, with a stop in Albany, of course. Last week, as the National Football League Draft was taking place, Manzo-Lewis, the North Arlington resident, was watching the proceedings with family and friends, hoping to hear his name called. “One of the soccer coaches (from the University of Albany, where Manzo-Lewis played college football) texted me and told me to hang in there,” Manzo-Lewis said. But in reality, the NFL Draft is reserved for stud quarterbacks, hard-rushing defensive linemen and speedy wide receivers. Teams just don’t take chances on burly blocking specialists like H-backs and fullbacks in the draft. Even after working out for a handful of teams and getting positive feedback every step along the way, Manzo-Lewis knew that his chances of hearing his name called during the recent draft were close to slim and none. Still, Manzo-Lewis was poised and ready if someone wanted to take a flier on him. Apparently, 10 different NFL teams
expressed some pre-draft interest in securing the services of the former St. Joseph (Montvale) standout who carved his niche as a blocking fullback/ tight end/H-Back at Albany the last three years. “I had no idea what to expect,” Manzo-Lewis said. “My agent (Tyrone Barnes) told me to expect a call.” Sure enough, soon after the NFL Draft was completed and ManzoLewis was not selected, he received a call from James MacPherson, the area scout for the Los Angeles Chargers. “He said that the Chargers wanted me to play fullback,” ManzoLewis said. “When he called, I didn’t answer the phone right away. I didn’t know what was happening.” Manzo-Lewis was signed to a free agent contract by the Chargers and will head to Los Angeles this week to begin rookie training camp with the team’s seven draft picks and the other free agents that inked deals with the club. Manzo-Lewis’ contract includes an invitation to training camp with the team in July. For now, he’s a professional football See VIEW, Page 15
Women’s competitive league to make lone local appearance By Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com For most of her normal work week, Lyndhurst resident Kristie Revicki is a librarian who works in Nanuet, N.Y. But in her spare time, Revicki is transformed into Voldeloxx, a competitive player for the Ironbound Maidens of the Garden State Rollergirls, New Jersey’s premier all-women’s flat track roller derby league. “I often wear pigtails,” Revicki said of her character. The Ironbound Maidens regularly practice in Newark, but Saturday night at the Inline Skating Club of America on Schuyler Avenue in North Arlington, the Maidens will make their lone local appearance of the season, when the Maidens take on Mother Skate Roller Derby of Delaware. The doors open at 7:15 p.m. with the first whistle set for 8 p.m. And you can rest assured that this is not your father and mother’s version of roller derby that used to be featured on Channel 9 on Saturday mornings. For one, that old version of roller derby was all scripted and staged like professional wrestling. This version is legitimate, competitive and physical. Also, this version doesn’t have high banked turns and metal barricades to get slammed into. No, this variety is on a flat track with no barriers. It means for fast, exciting action from beginning to end. Revicki said she got involved in roller derby when
Photo courtesy of Kristie Revicki The Ironbound Maidens of the Garden State Rollergirls will host their lone home match of the season Saturday, May 12 at the Inline Skating Club of America on Schuyler Avenue in North Arlington, with first whistle slated for 8 p.m.
she was still attending library school at Rutgers. “A friend had tried it,” Revicki said. “I didn’t know what it was, but I knew I had to try it. Sometimes, we all need an outlet and this was right down my alley. I basically grew up on roller blades glued to my feet. So I skated a lot.” Revicki said once she tried it, she was hooked. “It takes a lot of mental fortitude and dedication,” said Revicki, who has been in the Voldeloxx character and competing for eight years. “I’ve been doing it for so long now that I don’t even remember what my life was like without roller derby.” Revicki grew up in Hunterdon County and attended Hunterdon Central High School before going off to Rutgers. She said that she got involved in roller derby because of her love of skating. “I really missed skating and wanted to get back into it,” Revicki said. “I thought roller derby might be a good way for me to get back into skat-
ing.” Once Revicki became good at roller derby and its rules, she moved up the ranks to where she plays for the Ironbound Maidens, the Garden State Rollergirls’ all-star squad. The Maidens travel all over to play games in Boston, in South Carolina, in Ohio. Saturday night marks the only time that the Maidens will play locally. “We’re always on the road, so it’s good to be able to play at home,” Revicki said. And for Voldeloxx, it’s just a hop, skip and a jump from her home. “There is an enthusiastic fan base,” Revicki said. “It’s going to be exciting.” The participants all come from different walks of life. Christine Hodan is a health coach coordinator who resides in Freehold and grew up in Monmouth County. She’s been involved with competitive roller derby for 10 years and competes under the name Joy Kill Her, like joy killer. See ROLLER DERBY, next page
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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018
“It’s a full contact sport,” Hodan said. “There’s always a chance of injury.” Continued from Page 13 JoAnna Fleming is a native of Brick who played field “I’m a little bit of a joy killer hockey and basketball at when people come to me and Brick Township High School. I have to change their diets,” She always roller skated, but Hodan said. was a bit of a daredevil as Hodan works in Newark, well. but travels back and forth for “I wanted to play football, practices and games. but my mother wouldn’t let “I do a lot of commuting,” me,” Fleming said. Hodan said. So when Fleming heard Hodan used to skate at about roller derby, she was all a roller rink in Monmouth for it. County, saw a flier advertising “I was actually enamored roller derby and that was it. by it,” Fleming said. “I loved “I never looked back,” she the speed and the full contact. said. “I think it’s the comI’m basically a small athletic petitive nature that keeps me girl, so the full contact of coming back. The roller derby roller derby drew me to it.” community is fantastic. I met Fleming’s husband Dan my husband because of roller wanted to get involved, so he derby. He was at an event and trained to be a referee. we met. My best friends are “We spend more time tothrough roller derby. It’s hard gether now than we ever did,” to find things that are natural said Fleming, who competes and fun. It’s why I’ve been under the name of Koopa able to stick around so long.” Troopa. “If you get into this It’s definitely not staged. sport, it consumes you. It’s “It’s not like your roller really amazing.” derby of yore,” Revicki said. Her husband also has a “It’s now based on athletic unique stage name: Douche strategy. It’s a legitimate Springsteen. We kid you not. sport. We’re cross training all “You so physically have to the time. I do yoga. I’m dead be ready to play,” Fleming lifting more weights than I said. “It’s really the best deciever did. I need to be able to sion I ever made.” push people out of my way.”
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Fleming got her stage name from the Super Mario Brothers video game. “They are the little green turtles from Super Mario,” said Koopa Troopa. “They get in the way. That’s a lot like me.” Fleming said that she gets a huge thrill from home matches. “There’s nothing better than having a crowd screaming your name,” Fleming said. “It’s great to see the younger skaters there watching us. They’re so excited to see us play.” But younger girls have to wait their turn to actually participate. You have to be at least 18 years old to be a member of the Garden State Rollergirls. There are approximately 55 women participating for four different teams within the Garden State Rollergirls program. “Everyone on the floor is a superior athlete,” Fleming said. “You have to be ready. There are no villains, no theatrics, no fake elbows. Everything is based on real physical abilities.” So what do the ladies’ fami-
lies think of their obsessive hobby? “My husband is very supportive, but the rest of my family thinks I’m crazy,” Fleming said. “My family is very supportive,” Revicki said. “I can get hurt anyway. I broke my ankle once from roller skating. It happens.” But as for legitimacy, this is the real thing. “I think we’re looking more and more like the NBA,” Hodan said. “Everything is real. All the hits are real. When I talk to people about it, I have to tell them that it’s real and then they get more interested. It’s full contact sports involving women. I think that’s what draws them in. We’re putting our best foot forward. It’s an opportunity to showcase our sport as high level derby. We have women of all shapes and sizes. It’s really a lot different than what it once was.” One thing is universal. The women involved adore the sport. “I love it,” Hodan said. “I wouldn’t still do it if I didn’t love it. I want to be able to
continue to do what I do.” One other thing: They are all amateurs. No one is getting paid. “It’s 100 percent full contact and very competitive,” Hodan said. “It’s like no other sport.” And as for Voldeloxx from Lyndhurst? “I love it,” Revicki said. “It’s the best. It’s been an amazing journey and I don’t know where it’s going to end.” For anyone interested in tickets for the game May 12, you can purchase them for $10 online at www.brownpapertickets.com or $15 at the door. There will be a 50/50 auction, a chance to purchase merchandise as well as baked goods made by the skaters. There will also be a chance for any interested women to participate in the GSR’s First Skate Program, also held at the Inline Skating Club of America in North Arlington on Saturday, May 19, from 9:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Participants must be 18 and older. Admission to that clinic is also $10. For more information about the GSR, go to their website at http://gardenstaterollergirls.com
THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018
me.” Manzo-Lewis had a good career at Albany, but his ability to Continued from Page 13 block stood out. He is now listed at 6-feet tall and 257 pounds, player in the NFL. a far cry from his stature when “It was always a dream grow- he was in high school. ing up as a kid,” Manzo-Lewis “When I went to high school, said. “When I was in high I was 185 pounds,” Manzo-Lewschool, it was more of a dream. is said. “I played last season at But now, it’s become reality. Albany at 255, but the NFL is Now, it’s crazy.” just a little tougher.” Manzo-Lewis first headed to Manzo-Lewis won’t know Albany as a defensive end. what the Chargers’ plans are “But the coaches then said until he arrives for rookie minithat they would love to switch camp Thursday. me to play tight end/H-back,” “I guess I’ll be mainly at Manzo-Lewis said. “After my fullback, but I will also have freshman year, I loved playing to play special teams,” Manzooffense.” Lewis said. “I’m used to that. I Manzo-Lewis, whose young- can handle anything.” er brother Michael was a standIt’s not every day that a kid out quarterback/defensive from North Arlington gets a back at North Arlington High chance to show his stuff in the School a few years ago who NFL. went on to play wide receiver “It’s a big thing, especially at East Stroudsburg, then later since my uncles all live in at Montclair State, was able to town,” Manzo-Lewis said. “My morph into a fullback/H-back, Dad is a big North Arlington concentrating on his ability to guy. It’s good to know that run and block. everyone in North Arlington is “I played all three (namely behind me.” fullback, H-back and tight end,” The Chargers have only one Manzo-Lewis said. “I played a other fullback on their roster, lot on the line, but there were namely third-year player Derek times I was in the slot or in the Watt, the younger brother of backfield. It didn’t matter to
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NA to LA for Manzo-Lewis. “I should be able to handle it,” Manzo-Lewis said. “It might take a couple of days, but I’ll get used to it.” Rookie camp will continue through the rest of the week. Manzo-Lewis will remain in Los Angeles until mid-June and then will return for training camp in July. He is scheduled to graduate with his class at the University of Albany. He was taking classes right up until he is scheduled to leave for rookie Photo courtesy of the University of Albany sports information department camp. North Arlington’s Anthony Manzo-Lewis, shown here playing for “This is all too crazy,” the University of Albany last fall, has signed a free agent contract Manzo-Lewis said. “I still can’t with the Los Angeles Chargers and will begin rookie training camp believe it. I think it might take Friday in California. me a few weeks to realize what Houston Texans’ All-Pro deto start workouts and begin his has happened. My phone has fensive end J.J. Watt and older professional career. been blowing up like crazy. brother of Pittsburgh Steelers “It’s all new to me,” ManzoIt has been a hectic couple of linebacker T.J. Watt, so it apLewis said. “I’ve never been days for me. I had to go buy a pears as if Manzo-Lewis has west of Pennsylvania. I’ve had a suit. I didn’t own one. I needed some work cut out for him if he lot of friends and family texting one now.” plans on making the Chargers’ me and calling me. It’s all so Before he hung up the phone final roster come September. unbelievable for me. Maybe it after the interview was over, But for now, Manzo-Lewis is will hit me more when I get out Manzo-Lewis was asked if he a member of the Los Angeles there.” could grasp the idea that a kid Chargers. He’s already listed Manzo-Lewis credits St. from North Arlington is actuon their 2018 roster and has Joseph (Montvale) head coach ally getting a chance to play in been assigned uniform No. 40 Augie Hoffman for giving the National Football League. by the Chargers. It all becomes him the opportunity to play “I still can’t realize that I’m real this week for Manzo-Lewis pro football. Hoffman pushed now a member of the Los Anwhen he arrives in Los Angeles Manzo-Lewis to attend scoutgeles Chargers,” Manzo-Lewis ing combines prior to the draft. said. “It’s really a dream come So it’s basically been from true.”
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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018
Kearny’s Hoch slaps her way to 100 career hits Gianna Hoch never envisioned herself as being a softball player in high
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School and played a little basketball as well, like her older brother, Dylan, who still holds the Kearny boys’ basketball single game scoring record when he scored 49 in a game in 2013. But Kearny head softball coach Jimmy Pickel saw something in Hoch when she was running in one of Pickel’s physical education classes when Hoch was a freshman. “I was never really serious about playing softball,” Hoch said. “But Coach Pickel was my gym teacher and he told me that I should go out for the softball team.” “She didn’t even play softball until she was in eighth grade,” Pickel said. “I just asked her if she would think about playing. A day later, she came to me and said, ‘Yeah, I’ll play.” Hoch was gifted with blazing speed and displayed that quickness on the soccer pitch and the basketball hardwood. Pickel thought of the ways that Hoch could capitalize on her ability to run. It was a little bit of a gamble, but Pickel turned the right-handed hitting Hoch into a lefty, again with
Hoch’s speed in mind. Pickel wanted to make Hoch slap happy - and as it turned out, it was a move that benefitted everyone. “She has the natural ability to run, as well as having intelligence,” Pickel said. “I knew that she would be able to pick it up.” When a softball player becomes a slap hitter, it’s to give the batter a little bit of an advantage, because the left-handed box is a couple steps closer to first base. Plus, when a batter becomes proficient at slap hitting, she can get basically a running start out of the box. All that is needed is solid contact. Hoch wasn’t sure whether she could become good at the slap. “When he told me that he wanted me to slap, I was a little nervous,” Hoch said. “So I went home and studied it. I didn’t know what I was going to do. I never did anything in my life with my left hand. I didn’t think I was capable of doing it.” When Hoch was a freshman, there were a few other Kearny softball players who See ATHLETE, Page 17
THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018
were working at becoming slap hitters. “We worked and worked,” Hoch said. “I learned that there was a hard slap and a soft slap. I just had to get the ball down and run. Coach Pickel told me that if I was able to do that, I’d be safe, that I would have to beat it out.” At the time, the group of Kardinals trying to be solid slappers had a catchy nickname. “We called ourselves, ‘The Slap Squad,’” Hoch said. “Now, it’s fun to see who we’re going to add to ‘The Slap Squad.’” Right now, there’s really not a huge need for further members of that elite group - except there will be a void next year when Hoch has graduated. But currently, Hoch has become so good at it that she’s bound to get two hits in a game - at the very least. In fact, Hoch has had at least two hits in each of the Kardinals’ last five games, helping the team to improve to 11-6 overall and 10-3 in the Hudson County Interscholastic Athletic League standings. Hoch had two hits and two RBI in a win over Union City, had two hits and scored two runs in a win over Bayonne, had three hits and a run scored in a heartbreaking 7-6 loss to Millburn, had two hits and three runs scored in a 9-8 setback to Hoboken and capped her week with a huge three-hit, three-run performance in a 10-8 win over HCIAL frontrunner Ferris last Friday. It meant that Hoch was 12-of-23 for the week with 10 runs scored. In the win over Ferris, Hoch collected the 100th hit of her career, becoming the first player since Pickel became the head coach eight years ago to reach the prestigious 100-hit milestone. For the season, Hoch now
has 30 hits in 57 at-bats (a .526 clip) and has scored 29 runs with 17 stolen bases and nine RBI. For her efforts, Hoch has been selected as The Observer Athlete of the Week for the past week. It’s a distinction that her brother also earned in January of 2013, so the Hoch family has earned a rare place in Observer sports history, as only a handful of brother/ sister acts have been selected as Athlete of the Week over the years. Pickel loves what Hoch has become as a player. “It’s a blessing to have her take hold of what she’s doing,” Pickel said. “When she was a sophomore, we had her batting in the No. 9 position (in the lineup), but for the last two years, she’s been our leadoff hitter. She has great ability to get on base and that’s what we look for. She puts the ball and play and starts causing havoc with her ability to run. I love having a player like that. I’ve always loved players who can run. Her speed is the key. Defensively, in centerfield, she can go and get the ball.” Pickel believes that Hoch’s athletic talents as a soccer player in the fall and running track during indoor season in the winter have helped her as a softball player. “She has the athletic talent and speed to do it, but she also has the intelligence,” Pickel said. “Definitely, playing the other sports helped her.” “I knew that if I put my mind to it, I could do it,” Hoch said. “I’m so grateful to Coach Pickel, who worked hard with me. It’s incredible that I’m the first one that he coached to get 100 hits. We’ve had a bunch of great players over the years, so for me to be the first one ever is amazing. I owe it all to Coach Pickel.
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When I was a freshman, I didn’t even know if I could be on the varsity, let alone get 100 hits. I just learned so much from others and picked up little things along the way.” And Hoch has helped others develop the slap-happy skills that she now proudly possesses. “They help me and I help them,” Hoch said. “That’s how it goes.” Hoch is also happy with her role as a centerfielder. “I thought I was going to be a second baseman,” Hoch said. “I love second base. I love the action. I love being on the field, making things happen. I just love the whole feeling of playing softball. I can easily say now that softball is my best sport. When I tell someone
that, everyone is so shocked, because I always played soccer first and basketball. But I love playing softball and I love slapping. I feel like it’s my thing.” Hoch is headed to the University of Florida in the fall to study accounting and actuality science. She knows that it means her softball career is more than likely drawing to an end. “Maybe I can try out for a club team,” Hoch said. “I can play somewhere, even as just a runner.” Pickel is a little shocked that Hoch holds the distinction of being the first player he coached to slap her way into the 100-hit club. “For her to be the first, I wouldn’t have expected it,” Pickel said. “I’ve had some other great players, but this
is what speed does. I think playing soccer and running track helped her immensely as a softball player and her ability to run. She’s one of three captains on the team, but she’s the one the others look to. Gianna has this calming effect, especially with the younger kids. She just loves being a part of it all. She loves her role.” Hoch knows that the season is winding down and so is her incredible Kearny three-sport career. She’s slapped her way into Kearny immortality. “This all blows my mind,” Hoch said. “I can’t believe I’m the first one to reach 100 (hits).” Believe it. Gianna Hoch is a picture perfect slap shot, one for others to admire and emulate.
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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018
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LYNDHURST — Members of Lyndhurst’s Finest had their work cut out for them recently as they took to the hardwood at the Lyndhurst High School gym. They were matched up with a squad of special opponents as the teams squared off in a friendly hoops competition that’s become an annual tradition known as “Shooting for the Stars.” The April 28 event was sponsored – as it has been for the past 13 years – by Special Angels, a nonprofit group co-founded by local grandmother Deborah Ann Wertalik and her daughter Tara Banuls to “provide year-round sports and recreational activities” for special needs kids (age 5 and older) and young adults. “Lyndhurst donates all buildings and fields for our programs but we accept participants from Lyndhurst and the surrounding area,” Wertalik said. Opening up recreational pursuits — and exposure to a variety of sporting endeavors —has made a world of difference to the special needs population, Wertalik asserted. “Thirteen years ago,” she said, “there was nothing out there but today there’s a lot of opportunities — and not just here in Lyndhurst but in a lot of towns and with a lot of [like-minded] organizations.” The group also offers recreational scholarships to defray the cost of participating in any of the programs available and prizes in recognition of participants’ achievements. On the night of April 28, the basketball event was the culmination of a typical 12-week hoops clinic – for which parents and/or guardians are charged a fee – that pays for T-shirts, medals and trophies and a postgame party.
Photo courtesy of Deborah Wertalik
Lyndhurst police take on opponents in a friendly hoops game to benefit Special Angels.
“All our coaches are volunteers,” Wertalik said. About 20 specialneeds athletes were involved in the clinic and culminating activity — joint participation with the LPD — and featuring a halftime performance by special needs cheerleaders, line-dancing between quarters on the gym floor and a party for little ones. Plaques of appreciation were presented to the Lyndhurst Police Department for its longtime dedication to the Shooting for the Stars program and to Ron Italiano, a longtime hoops coach with Special Angels. LPD Officer Steve Passamano, a school resource officer who helped organize the friendly competition, characterized the officers’ participation as a way for the department to give back to the community. “We are the lucky ones being able to participate in this wonderful event and play basketball with the amazing athletes from the Special Angels program,” he said. “The program is inspiring and watching these kids grow every year is the best part.” Special Angels presented its Jimmy Guirland scholarship award to Josh Mercado, of Rutherford, and its Frank Benedetto scholarship prize went to Vincent DePinto, also of Rutherford.
Aside from basketball, Special Angels sponsors similar 12-week special needs programs in baseball, soccer, football and band, each for $40; along with 10-month sessions in competitive cheer and dance, each for $60. Fees are applied to supplies and uniform shirts. Also provided at no cost to all participants are a Christmas party, Trunk-or-Treat for Halloween, and an Extreme Prom for Teens and family members in a regional catering hall featuring hairdressers, corsages, a DJ, photos and theme-related decorations (there is a charge for the dinner). Wherever possible and practical, Special Angels encourages family members’ support alongside their children. “As a group, we try to operate like a family,” said Wertalik. Most of Special Angels’ programs are concentrated during the school year with the cheer and dance sessions overlapping into summer. Of the volunteer staff, about 10 coach the cheer teams, one handles dance and there are three to four assigned to each of the athletic sports, according to Wertalik. To help break even on the cost of the various programs, Special Angels conducts periodic canning collections during the year, she said. — Ron Leir
THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018
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Hudson County launches online aid to homeless Hudson County launches online ‘Homeless Services Navigator’ The Hudson County Division of Housing and Community Development has gone live with a new “Homeless Services Navigator” page on the county website, www.hudsoncountynj. org, Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise announced last week. The new page may also found at www.hudsoncountyhomeless.com. Residents experiencing or faced with the prospect of homelessness or their friends and families can, with a mobile device, choose “Homeless Services Navigator” from the county’s mobile homepage “Quicklinks,” to see the link to the Homelessness Services Navigator. The same one-click process is available from a desktop computer. The Homeless Services Navigator offers a wide range of services, including right up front an explanation of how to connect with homeless shelters, and an explanation of eligibility for services. A “Services” tab then provides a list of services with full contact information (phone and email) available for those facing homelessness provided by the Hudson County Alliance to End Homelessness listed in alphabetical order and a map showing where these services are in relation to the person’s current location so they can “navigate” their way to help. The list of services can be narrowed with an
editable checklist with categories like “Domestic Violence Services” or “Emergency Food Assistance” to reduce scrolling. The “Services” page also allows a user to narrow their search by age — for say, appropriate services for teens rather than seniors. Those concerned about homeless policy matters can find the Twitter feed for both the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Interagency Council Homelessness on the navigator main page. A “Downloads” section provides PDF files with homelessness resource guides for all residents, youth and veterans in Spanish and English that can be printed. The Homeless Services Navigator was announced as a 2018 goal in the county executive’s State of the County Address in February. He was pleased to see it go live. “This new online tool, along with the ‘Hudson Housing Finder’ on our website, allows residents and their families quick, one-click access to affordable housing and homelessness services,”
DeGise said. “Access to services begins with understanding what services are available and where they are. This should help. “I want to thank my director of community development, Randi Moore, and her staff for their hard work in getting the Homeless Services Navigator up and running, the Board of Freeholders for their support, and all our partners in the Alliance to End Homelessness for providing the vital services the Navigator will help people find.” The county executive offered special thanks to the Youth Action Board (YAB) of the Hudson County Alliance to End Homelessness for their input. YAB members indicated homeless youth are not likely to use paper resource guides, and a mobile friendly site would be more beneficial to help youth get off the streets. The Homelessness Services Navigator will be updated and expanded regularly as new services and information for those seeking them become available. To learn more about affordable housing and homelessness prevention efforts in Hudson County, contact the Hudson County Division of Housing and Community Development at 201-369-4520. If you believe an additional resource should be added to Navigator, send a message by email to Katelyn Cunningham kcunningham@ hcnj.us.
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NORTH ARLINGTON: : 1 FAM, COLONIAL, 4 BR, 3 FULL BATH, 1 HALF BATH, EAT IN KITCHEN WITH ISLAND AND GRANITE COUNTER TOP, CENTRAL AIR, FULL FINISHED BASEMENT, ATTACHED 1 CAR GARAGE
KEARNY: : 2 FAM, 2 BR, 2 FULL BATH, WOOD FLOORING AND CERAMIC TILE THROUGHOUT, HEATING BOILER AND WATER HEATER RECENTLY INSTALLED, PARKING FOR 3 CARS, CLOSE TO SCHOOLS, CLOSE TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
NORTH ARLINGTON: 2 FAM IN DESIRABLE NEIGHBORHOOD, 5 BR, 3 FULL BATH, FULL BASEMENT, DECK OFF FIRST FLOOR KITCHEN WITH ACCESS TO BACKYARD WITH ABOVE GROUND POOL, DETACHED 2 CAR GARAGE, CLOSE TO TRANSPORTATION
EAST NEWARK: 2 FAM, 6 BR, 5 FULL BATH, HARDWOOD FLOORS THROUGHOUT, CENTRAL AIR, ATTACHED ONE CAR GARAGE PLUS 2 PARKING SPACES, CLOSE TO MAJOR HIGHWAYS, WALKING DISTANCE TO PATH STATION, CLOSE TO SHOPPING
14.
15.
16.
13.
TAL NEW REN HARRISON: GREAT 2ND FLOOR APARTMENT, 2 BR, 1 FULL BATH, HARDWPPD FLOOR, RECESSED LIGHTING, ALL LARGE ROOMS, INCLUDES PARKING SPACE, CLOSE TO SCHOOLS, CLOSE TO PATH STATION
TAL NEW REN NORTH ARLINGTON: REMODELED APARTMENT, 2 BR, 1 FULL BATH, LAUNDRY IN BASEMENT, CLOSE TO SCHOOLS, CLOSE TO SHOPPING, WALKING DISTANCE TO NYC TRANSPORTATION
TAL NEW REN
LYNDHuRST: SPACIOUS 2ND FLOOR APARTMENT, 2 BR, 2 FULL BATH, LARGE LIVING ROOM WITH BALCONY, CENTRAL AIR, NO PETS, CLOSE TO NYC TRANSPORTATION
TAL NEW REN KEARNY: LARGE APARTMENT ON 2ND FLOOR ON TREE LINED STREET WITH PARKING. BLOCKS AWAY FROM BUS TO NYC TRANSPORTATION. GRANITE COUNTER-TOPS WITH LOTS OF CABINET SPACE. OPEN FLOOR PLAN. HARDWOOD FLOORS, BALCONY OFF LIVING ROOM & LAUNDRY HOOKUPS. LANDLORD REQUIRES CREDIT CHECK, RENTAL APPLICATION AND PROOF OF ABILITY TO PAY RENT.
To see all of our listings, visit us at www.century21semiao.com EACH OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED.
20
THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018
Think you can’t refinance because values are down?
NORTH ARLINGTON • NJ 07031
She’s the best at QPGS
RATES AT HISTORIC LOWS!
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Analysis for Purchase & Refinance!
ROB PEZZOLLA • NMLS# 266181 • ROB@KEYPOINTMORTGAGE.COM
TEL: 201.998.9050 • FAX: 201.820.0505
Real Estate
DIRECTORY
Photo credit here
Kathy D’Elia, of Queen of Peace Grammar School, North Arlington, was recently honored by the Knights of Columbus as Parochial School Teacher of the Year. With D’Elia, center, is Ellen Naughton, left, QPGS principal and Bill Mackey, grand knight of Council 3428.
Praise for WWII secret unit 761 Ridge Rd. Lyndhurst, NJ 201-460-8000
Semiao & Associates
213 Kearny Ave, Kearny, NJ 201-991-1300
572 Kearny Avenue Kearny, New Jersey 07032 Ph: (201)991-5719 F: (201)991-8860 www.midrealty.com
MID-REALTY, INC. Jarlynn Hyde Broker/Owner
“OUR SUCCESS HAS BEEN BUILT ONE SATISFIED CUSTOMER AT A TIME...”
Keypoint Mortgage
North Arlington, NJ 201-998-9050 Rob@keypointmortgage.com
Marlen DaSilva Office: 201-460-8000 ext. 102 Cell: 201-376-7200 dasilvamarlen@aol.com www.century21semiao.com
Semiao & Associates 761 Ridge Rd. • Lyndhurst
Photo by Barbara Goldberg
For their efforts to highlight a local veteran’s unique contributions to help defeat the Nazis in World War II, members of the Women’s Club of Arlington got kudos from the Kearny governing body last week. At its eighth annual Author’s Event, the WCA hosted a presentation by Rick Beyer, author of ‘The Ghost Army,’ featuring the artwork of Kearny resident and Ghost Army veteran John Jarvie. Observer correspondent Karen Zautyk detailed the operations of this special military unit in the May 9, 2013 edition of The Observer. The ‘Ghost Army’ was deployed in Europe from 1944-1945 to create visual and auditory decoys to deceive German troops about the size, strength and location of U.S. forces. The operation was kept secret until recently. The Kearny mayor and council passed a resolution urging the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops and 3133rd Signal Service Co.
Each office independently owned & operated.
Your local news source for over Silvana Abrantes Sales Associate Cell: 201.606.1110 636 Kearny Ave. • Kearny Office: 201-997-7000
130 Years!
COVERING: BELLEVILLE • BLOOMFIELD • EAST NEWARK • HARRISON KEARNY • LYNDHURST • NORTH ARLINGTON • NUTLEY
To advertise, please call
201-991-1600
39 Seeley Ave., Kearny
201.991.1600 www.theobserver.com
THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018
To submit an obituary: fax: 201-991-8941
obituaries@theobserver.com Jesus Gonzalez Jesus Gonzalez, of Kearny, died April 27, 2018. He was 84. Visiting was at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny. Mass was celebrated at St. Cecilia Church, Kearny. Entombment was in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. Jesus was the husband of the late Hilda (Rivera) and father of Annie Romero (Tomas), Jesus Gonzalez Jr., Lourdes Santiago, Frank Gonzalez and Yolanda Schembri (Raymond). Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, his loving friend Rosa and daughter-in-law Joana. In lieu of flowers, kindly make a donation to Memorial Sloan Kettering. Patricia Ann Miller Patricia Ann Miller (nee Trembley) died April 27, 2018. She was 81. Visiting was at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny. A funeral Mass was celebrated at Queen of Peace Church in North Arlington. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. Patricia was the daughter of the late Arthur and Teresa (nee Dolan) Trembley. Wife of the late Raymond P. Miller, she was the mother of Colleen McGreevy (Peter), Michael Miller (Michele) and Marianne Miller. Sister of Joseph Trembley, Marianne Giordano and Teresa Daviou, she is also survived by her grandchildren Patrick, Emily and Gavin. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association. Joan Price Joan Price, born in Brooklyn May 8, 1928, to John and Francis Colgin, passed away peacefully at the age of 89, on Dec. 14, 2017, while in the loving care of her daughter Kathy Sturniolo. As a child, she moved to Dumont and later resided in Bergenfield. As a young woman, Joan worked in New York City at the Canadian Bank and then married John Price in 1958. They moved to John’s hometown of North Arlington where they both became active members of
obituaries
the community and served as members and volunteers of the Little League, the recreation department and the local Republican Party. John died in 1993 and Joan continued to enjoy the community of North Arlington. She was especially active in the Happy Seniors, where she loved to play cards — and as a member of Queen of Peace Church. Joan is survived by her son Bob Price, his wife Jan, and by her daughter Kathy PriceSturniolo, her husband Emil and their daughters Andrea and Tori. They all loved her dearly and will cherish her memories forever. Also surviving are Joan’s two sisters Rita Ferm and Marie Pinkerton, both residing in California. A Celebration of Life took place May 5, at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny. Mamie J. Pruden Mamie J. Pruden, of Kearny, died April 26, 2018. She was 81. Visiting was at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny. Burial was in Arlington Cemetery, Kearny. Mamie worked as a sales clerk at the Kearny K-Mart. The wife of Charles Pruden and mother of Philip, David and Thomas Rivert and Joann Mattia, she was the sister of Salvatore D’Angelo. She is also survived by her grandchildren
Brittany, Bianca, Frank and Victoria. In lieu of flowers, kindly make donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Timothy S. Clark Timothy S. Clark, of Kearny, formerly of Harrison, died in his sleep on Sunday, April 29, 2018. He was 22. Funeral services were under the direction of Mulligan Funeral Home, Harrison. If you would like to read his complete obituary or send a condolence message to his family, please visit www.mulliganfh.com. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in care of the funeral home to help defray the funeral costs, in loving memory of Timothy. Dismery Rodriguez Dismery Rodriguez died on Friday, April 20, 2018, at East Orange General Hospital, East Orange. She was 78. From her birth in the Dominican Republic, to her death, she remained a dedicated mother and sister. Funeral services were under the direction of Mulligan Funeral Home, Harrison. If you would like to read her complete obituary or send a condolence message to her family, please visit www.mulliganfh.com. Charles ‘Charlie’ S. Duda Charles “Charlie” S. Duda, of Harrison, died on Saturday,
Great Apostle St. Jude, thank you for your intercession in response to my prayers. I will always be grateful to you. Amen.
J.F.
Mulligan Funeral Home 331 Cleveland Avenue, Harrison
Licensed Funeral Director serving your needs:
Frank X. Mulligan III, Manager, NJ Lic. 4221 Private Parking at 10 Frank Rodgers Blvd. North
973-481-4333 visit us at: www.mulliganfh.com
21
To submit an obituary: fax: 201-991-8941
obituaries@theobserver.com
May 5, 2018. He was 81. A funeral service will be held at Mulligan Funeral Home, 331 Cleveland Ave. Harrison, on Thursday, May 10, at 11 a.m. Friends may call on Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. and Thursday after 9:30 a.m. His cremation will be private. Born in Larksville, Pa., Charles lived in the Ironbound section of Newark before moving to Harrison 50 years ago. He worked for the Harrison Board of Education for 10+ years, retiring in 2014. Prior to that, he worked as a production control manager for SANDVIK Corp., Fairlawn, for 10+ years and prior to that for K-SAN Corp., Paterson, also as a P.C.M. Prior to that, he worked for RCA, Harrison, as an expeditor for many years. He served his country in the US Navy during the Korean War. He was a member of the Harrison East/Newark BPOE # 2326. He was an avid N.Y. Giants and N.Y. Yankees
fan and enjoyed black-andwhite movies, specifically, the Turner Classic Network. He also enjoyed trips to Atlantic City, where he greatly enjoyed playing poker. Predeceased by his wife, Nancy (nee Hess)(2008) and a son, Charles Joseph (2011), he is survived by his beloved companion, Andrea Michelson, a loving son and daughter in law, Stanley C. and Kathy Duda; a daughter-in-law, Karen Duda; and cherished grandchildren, Bryan, Morgan and Chuck Duda. He is also survived by his niece, Donna Hess, Cousin, Charlie Monahan and numerous other family members. If you would like to send condolences to his family, please visit www.mulliganfh. com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital See OBITS, Page 27
Shaw-Buyus Home for Services
Mario Teixeira, IV, Manager, NJ Lic. #3757
Mario Teixeira, Jr. Director, NJ Lic. #2542 • Monique Teixeira, Director, NJ Lic. #4048 Newly renovated family owned and operated funeral home with multiple locations. Fluent in Portuguese and Spanish. Handicapped Accessible.
138 DAVIS AVE. • KEARNY, NJ 07032
(201) 991-2265 www.buyusfuneralhome.com
WILFRED ARMITAGE & WIGGINS FUNERAL HOME Mark G. Wiggins, Manager N.J. Lic. #3916
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.
Wilfred Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home
596 Belgrove Dr. • Kearny, NJ 07032 (201) 991-0657
22
THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018
www.theobserver.com
The Observer is not responsible for typographical errors. Credit for errors will not be granted after the next week’s publication. No changes or refunds. Deadline for classifieds is Monday by 3:00 PM.
CLASSIFIEDS
APARTMENTS FOR RENT
APARTMENTS FOR RENT
APARTMENTS FOR RENT
E. NEWARK
KEARNY
LYNDHURST
EAST NEWARK First fl. plus ground floor 4 BR, 1 garage plus 1 parking place, Close to transportation, no smoking ,no pets , 1 1/2 month security . AVL Now . Call 646-6755113 51W3
KEARNY Newly renovated, hardwood floors. Laundry onsite. HT/HW included. 2 BR start at $1250. 1 BR start at $1050. Jr. 1 BR start at $975. (201) 289-7096 41W12
LYNDHURST 1 BR $1,295/month HT/HW included. No pets, no smoking 973 760-4877
E. NEWARK 2 BR, LR, DR, Kitchen, bath, dishwasher. HT/HW included. H/W Floors. $1,400 month +1 month security, No pets 201-306-2994. 52W3
KEARNY 3 family house, 4 rooms apt, 3rd floor $ 1,200 plus 1 1/2 month security No pets, Utilities separate, includes refrigerator and W/D, AVL June 1st 201-997-4731. 52W1
HARRISON HARRISON Studio basement apartment with private entrance. Walking distance toPath. No pets $750 mo and 1 mo security. Utilities incl. Available June 1st, 2018, (973)7137269 Contact (973)6689188 or 973-713-7269
51W3
LYNDHURST 1st Floor, 2 BR’s,HT/HW included. $1750/month. H/W floors, AC, Laundry, Large kitchen with granite, Dishwasher. Backyard. Small Pets (973) 277- 0942 52W3
BELLEVILLE BELLEVILLE Modern 2 BR Apt. CA & HT, parking space. $1,500/month + utilities. No pets. AVL. June 1st. 201-424-0957
KEARNY 2 BR’s apt in Garden Apt. Complex, Nice area $1,400/month 1 month security . Supply own utilities. Single/ couple preferred, No pets. Credit check. Call btw 10am-7pm only 201-9972341. 52W1
52W3
HARRISON New 2 BR apt , 1 Bath, EIK, LR, Stainless steel appliance, Central HT/AC. No pets. No smoking. Utilities separate. $1,550/month plus 1 1/2 months security. Avl.Now 973-985-0764 51W3
KEARNY 2 BR’S Apt, 5 big rooms, $ 1,400 plus 1 month security, Utilities separate, no pets, no smoking. AVL June 1 St. Call 201-978-2934 51W3
NUTLEY Large 1 BR apt, LR, EIK, 1 parking space, Heat included , Separate utilities, AVL. June 1st, No smoking, no pets $ 1,250 + 1 1/2 month security, Contact for appointment: 201-5627468 50W3
HARRISON 4 rooms, 1 Spacious Large Bedroom, Walking closet, EIK/with pantry DR/office, LR and plenty of closet space, No smoking , No pets , 1 month security . Aval June 1st Call or text : 862-3719418 52W3.
KEARNY Big 2 Bedroom apt, Walk-in closet $ 1,550 + 1 1/2 month security, AVL June 1 St, Close to park and transp, No pets, No smoking, Call 201991-7207 51W3
52W3
KEARNY KEARNY 2rd fl. 2 BR, LR, DR, $1,400/month + utilities. 1 month security. no pets/smoking. Avl. Now. (201) 988-2741 call after 4PM. 50W3 KEARNY Schuyler Ave, Modern 6 room apartment, 1 FL, 3 BR’s, Laundry facilities, Parking, No Pets, Info 973-204-8022 52W3
KEARNY 1 BR APT. HT/ HW included. From $1,150/month, See Super 6 Woodland Ave. Apt. 1, or call after 5pm 917858-8246 for appointment. 52W3
NUTLEY
TESTIMONIAL
From a very satisfied customer who used The Observer Classifieds for an apartment for rent: On behalf of my entire family I want to thank you and all the employees of the Observer newspaper for a job well done. I didn’t know that your newspaper reached so many people. Close to 100 people responded to the add I placed in your publication in such short period of time. We are very satisfied with the service you provided us. Augusto M.
N. ARLINGTON 3 Modern Room Apt 1 Br, Hardwood floors, Tiled Kitchen, H/ HW Supplied, About 800 sq. ft , Close to NY transportation $1,250/month, Laundry Facilities, AVL. June 1st. Contact 908240-9302. 52W3
HOUSE FOR SALE FOR SALE BY OWNER HARRISON Brand New 2 Family home: New 2 family house still under construction: Open floor plan, hardwood and ceramic floors, granite countertop, stainless steel appliances 5 Bedrooms, 5 bathrooms . Still in time to choose your colors! For more information call 973-462-2796. No Agents please 50W3
HYUNDAI SONATA Year 2002, Miles 123.000, White , 4 Cilinders , 4 Doors 1 Year Old Rebuilt Trans, New AC, Clean and Runs Great $ 2,500 , 973449-5290 50W3
LYNDHURST Small store or office on busy St. $995/month (973) 7604877 51W3
Parking for 25ft. trucks, SUVs or Small vans, Offices Avail. call (201) 997-1500. 51W3
LYNDHURST Garage for rent $ 195 MONTH (973) 760-4877 51W3 KEARNY Double garage for rent - $300/month Davis st Kearny 973-519-0311 50W3
ROOM FOR RENT KEARNY Nice and Clean $500/monthly. 1 month security. Utilities included, Cable & internet included. Avl. Now. (201) 279-9966 50W3
37 Year old male, looking for a good hearted Loving, Honest and mature Woman, ages 30-47 years old for a monogamous relationship with marriage potential. 845-709-7898. 50w3
Middle age, Male smoker, interested in meeting Plus size Full figured female smoker, Brunette and Personality a PLUS !! 201-377-8118. 52W1
N. Arlington 1 room for rent for 1 person $ 650 p/ month, kitchenette and private shower, H/HW and parking included, 1 month security , No pets , AVL June 1ST 201-4010488. 52W3
HALL FOR RENT
Call Mary Ann
CAR FOR SALE
201-805-9023
DODGE Challenger 2009 HEMI, G/T 6 speed, Sunroof, Navigation, Silver black leather Interior, Mint condition, Garage kept, Dealer maintain; 13,500 miles. Asking $ 18,950 or B.O. Contact: 201-232-6361 52W3
Hall Available Family Affairs Mid week special. Call for info (201) 991-9865 or (203) 864-8243 Max 80 people. 51W9
52W6
CLASS ACT PAINTING
Interior* Exterior * Powerwashing *Sheetrock * Tile Louie Fully Insured Email: classactpainting@comcast.net 52W6
KEARNY Primary Location On Kearny Ave. 700 sq. ft. 1 month rent + 1 month security. Avl. June 1 St . Call 201-997-0026 51W3
OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT KEARNY office space On Kearny Ave. $1500 + 1 1/2 months security. 900 sq.ft. Proximity to PATH call (201) 889-3118. 51W3
BELLEVILLE Office/store front Excellent corner location on 564 Union Ave. Apprx. 1400sq.Ft. Reception area with several private offices. Includes private bathroom. Avl. Now. Call (973) 202-8580. 51W3
N.ARLINGTON, 1 Family , EIK, LR, DR, 3 Large Bedroom , Basement Driveway, Garage asking $309 K ;Text owner for details : 551-580-1637 50W3
PAINTING & DECORATING
201-998-2741
PARKING / GARAGE FOR RENT
Intelligent, Independent, attractive female, Blonde 5’8”seeks male 59-69, for friendship/relationship. Kearny area. Please call 201-246-1036. If no answer please leave message. 50W3
HARRISON Large room N.ARLINGTON Apt. fr for rent, Cable, Gas and rent No pets. No smoking. Electric included Avl. Now. (201) 772-2197 52W1 201-997-6666. 50W3 N.ARLINGTON Studio apt with separate kitchen in Garden apartment complex. 2nd floor $975 p/month with Heat included , 1 month security. No pets. Parking space Avail. Laundry Facility. Credit check. Avl. Inmediately. Call btw. 10am-7pm only. 201-997-2341. 52W1
STORE FOR RENT
PERSONALS
N.ARLINGTON
N. ARLINGTON Newly renovated 2 Br’s apt, Washer/Dryer included, H/W included /utilities separate, Very close to transportation, Central Heat/AC, No smoking KEARNY 2nd FL , 3 BR, $ 1,400 + 1 1/2 month LR, DR, Kitchen , Attic security . 201-844-4231. storage, 1 month secu- 50W3 rity, Utilities not included, Laundry facility, Parking space, No pets. 201-998- N.ARLINGTON 1 BR apt $1,200 and 2 BR’s apt 8655. 52W3 $1400. At the Garden Apts. HT/HW included. Parking space. No pets. KEARNY area, 3 rooms, 201-342- 2206. 52W3 No pets $ 1,100 plus 1 month security Call 201- N. ARLINGTON Newly 955-3064 52W3 renovated 2nd Floor ,2 BR, Heat included. washer/dryer,. No pets. No smoking $1,550/month. Avl. Now Call After 5pm. 973-420-4633. 50W3
CAR FOR SALE
N.ARLINGTON
To place an ad call: 201-991-1600 classified@theobserver.com
HEATING & COOLING RICHARD’S COOLING • Window • Wall • Central A/C 40 years in business
PAINTING & DECORATING
PLUMBING & HEATING
KEVIN’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS Professional Painting,
JOSEPH V. FERRIERO
sheetrock, plastering, wallpapering, kitchens and bath. Tile work, Very neat and clean. We give affordable prices. Don’t miss out. senior Discount. Fully insured
(201) 565-6393. 49W6 Andreas Painting Professional HousePainter 165. Interior & Exterior Printing - Plastering - Taping Free Estimates (201) 997-0706 Speak slow in answering machine please 47W6
CHRIS PAINTING
Professional House Painting. Interior. Exterior. Spray Aluminum Siding. Sheetrock/ Plastering. Water damage. Free Estimates. Referrals if needed. (201)896-0292 Fully Insured. Lic.13VH06003700 49W4
DECKS CLEANED AND COATED, MINOR REPAIRS WILLIAM J. MCGUIRE 201-955-2520. 47W6
Plumbing & Heating Kitchen and bath remodel2ing. Carpentry. Hot Water Heaters. Fully Ins. Lic# 165
(201)637-1775 49W6
Courageous Plumbing HVAC LLC LIC. # 11103 • Plumbing • (town inspections), violations corrected, steam boilers and hot water boilers, oil to gas conversions, Sewer Drain Cleaning, excavations. Visa & MC, Finances up to 24 payments, no interest (201) 206-4845
RUBBISH REMOVAL
Andriello Cleanouts Spring Removal, Yards, Garages, Basements, Attics, Real Estate, Rubbish Removal/Demolition. Lic13VH04443200 (201) 726-0287. 50W4
201-998-3913 48W6
Courageous Plumbing HVAC LLC LIC .#11103 • Air Conditioning • Hot Air Furnaces • Central Air, Humidifier, UV Light, Duct Cleaning,Visa & Master Card, Finances offer with up to 24 payments, no interest (201) 206-4845
CHILDCARE OFFERED
A-1 AFFORDABLE RUBBISH REMOVAL Attics, Basements, Yard Cleaning. We Haul or You Can Rent 10-15 Cubic Yard Containers. We Accept Visa/MC (201) 998-1262. 47W6
MOVING SALE
100 Bergen Ave. Kearny. Friday May. 11th 3-5pm Sat & Sun May.12th & 13th 8:30-5pm. Mother of two children *Clothing * Draperies is offering childcare * Tools * Bags services in her home as * Kitchen Wares daycare facility, Low cost * Purses * Suitcases and safe environment. *Kitchen Table & Chairs Belleville area ( close to * Nails & Screws and Washington Av). Se habla More *Gym Bags español. Please call at *Winter Coats * China (973)771-8268 51W3 Cabinet 52W1
LANDSCAPING & DESIGN
A-1 AFFORDABLE
LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING Weekly maintenance & DESIGN
Bush Trimming *Clean-ups *Design For free Estimates call (201) 998-1262. 49W6
THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018
The Observer is not responsible for typographical errors. errors.Credit Creditfor forerrors errorswill willnot notbe begranted grantedafter afterthe the next week’s publication.$10 Nofor changes or changes. refunds. No next week’s publication. minimal Deadline for classifieds is Monday by 3:00 PM. refunds. Deadline for classifieds is Monday by 3:00 PM. E-mail Help wanted Ads to classified@theobserver.com All Classified customers must Pre-Pay - No Billing
LANDSCAPING & DESIGN
A C O PA C B A N A
LANDSCAPING Lawn Maintenance Spring Clean-up Design • Retaining Walls Pavers • Tree Service Free Estimates & fully Ins. Eder (201) 997-9271 www.copacabanalandscaping.com. 42W40
Esposito Landscaping LLC Clean-up, Lawn Maintenance Top soil *Mulch *Spring Clean up Free Estimate (201) 438-3991 51W4 Affordable & Simple Landscaping Spring clean-ups, mowing, Hedge Trim, Mulch, Flower planting & more. Reasonable Rates. Senior discounts available Dave 201-286-7224. 50W6
CLEANING SERVICES EXPERIENCED CLEANING LADY is seeking business and residential to clean. References available. Call Maria
201-406-6577
50W3.
Cleaning Services Commercial, residential, Offfices. Apts. Experienced. References Avl. Call Minerva (201) 895-0705 47W6
Couple from Poland will clean houses, apartments, offices. References. 201-997-4932 Leave message. 51W6
HANDYMAN SERVICES DO IT ALL Interior/Exterior new & repairs. All types of carpentry. Reasonable rates, quality work, reliable, experienced. 13VH06620900 (201) 991-3223. 51W4
HANDYMAN Do all types of home repair at reasonable cost. Free Estimate AUGIE 201-667-1398. 52W6
MASONRY
CLASSIFIEDS THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2015
MASONRY
santos const. co.
ALL CONCRETE WORK, SIDEWALKS, PATIOS, DRIVEWAYS, B/B CURB, RETAINING WALLS. ALL TYPES OF STEPS
BRICK PAVER DESIGNS FAMILY OWNED FOR OVER 30 YEARS FULLY INSURED AND LICENSED FREE ESTIMATES 973-589-2712 51W4
Masonry: Giuliano Turano Retaining Walls, Blacktop driveway, Brick, Block, Stone Work, Patio, Roof, Siding. Handyman & All type of Masonry Work. Free Estimates. Fully Insured. 30 years Experience (973) 803-0556. 48W6
SERVICES OFFERED CERTIFIED AIDE seeks Position to take care of the elderly. 5-7 days, Nights also. Live in/out. Excellent references. 201-407-1903 52W1
HOME IMPROVEMENT FENIELLO CONTRACTING LLC. BASEMENT RENOVATIONS NO MORE WASTED SPACE. Baths, Kitchens, Deck, Painting. All types of Home Improvement. Quality work Fair prices Fully insured. Lic# 13vh03006100 (201) 906-2422 47W6
G & R Builders Roofing, Siding, Windows/Doors, Decks, Painting, Tiles & Masonry, Sheet Rock. All types of Carpentry. Lic. #13VH02536200 Free Estimates 20% Senior Citizen Discounts (201) 893-0656. 50W6 Semi retired Home Improvement. Contractor looking for small jobs, Windows- Doors Carpentry- Masonry Wood Steps, repaired or new, Cement + Brick Steps, Repair Tiles, Call Sal 201-280-0600 50W3
MOVING & DELIVERY JR Trucking Moving and Delivery Service Inc. We can Save Time & Money Commercial & Residential Free Estimate. Ask for Will (973) 477-1848.43W12
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES • Concrete • Brick work • Steps • Stone Walls • Drywall • Tiles • Painting • Sheetrock • Drywall • Plastering ALL types of Masonry Free Estimates (973) 943-2254 50W6
DANNY CONSTRUCTION All types of Masonry Work • Steps •Sidewalks •Ret. Walls • Chimney Build & Repair • Paver Patios • Brick Design • Plastering And all Types of Repairs (973) 902-6052 Free Estimates Belleville, NJ 51W6
PEST CONTROL
PEST CONTROL Exterminating Fast Service • Roaches • Ants • Bed Bugs • Fleas Call 973-932-2092 Licensed and Insured 52W6
EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED
EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED
Full-Time and/or Part-Time Laborer Kearny Municipal Utilities Authority FULL-TIME and/or PART-TIME LABORER – KEARNY MUNICIPAL UTILITIES AUTHORITY in Kearny, Hudson County seeks qualified individuals for full-time and/or part-time employment. NJ CDL Class B with airbrakes endorsement and tanker endorsement is desired. Successful candidates who do not currently have a CDL Class B with airbrakes and tanker endorsement will be required to obtain the same within 180 days of employment for this position to perform routine work associated with general maintenance and repairs of pump stations and sewers as well as snow plowing, sewer jetting, street sweeping and general grounds/building maintenance. Successful applicant must be available for emergency call-outs related to emergency equipment alarms and / or snow plowing. Heavy manual labor in adverse weather conditions may be required. Successful applicants must undergo a background check and drug test prior to appointment. Applicants shall note that the Kearny Municipal Utilities Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Note: All positions are subject to KMUA Commissioner approval. Interested parties will be required to complete an Employment Application which is available on the KMUA’s website (www. kearnynj.org/kmua). Applications (including qualifications, resume, references, etc.) should be sent to: Kearny Municipal Utilities Authority, Attention: Kevin O’Sullivan, 39 Central Avenue, Kearny, New Jersey 07032 or e-mailed to kosullivan@kmua.org no later than Friday, May 20, 2018. Tasks (Include but are not limited to): Operation of Jet-Vac Truck Driving of Dump Truck or Assistance with Dump Truck Duties Driving Street Sweeper Shoveling, Snow Plowing & Salting of Roads & KMUA facilities Assistance with Equipment Maintenance & Repairs Assistance with Pump Station Monitoring Response to Emergency Equipment Alarms Janitorial Duties Assistance with Filing Deliveries & Pick-Ups Mowing Lawns 51W2
L&R has been in business for over 85 years and in Kearny for the majority of that time. We have been fortunate enough to employ mostly local residents for our 3 locations and easily 90% of the talent we have hired have come from ads placed in The Observer. Whenever there is a position to fill, The Observer is our go to. Thank you for the incredible service you consistently provide! Sincerely,
EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED
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EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED
NURSING OPEN HOUSE
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Looking for experienced Experienced Short order landscaper in using cook/kitchen help and the equipment / weed cleaning needed. whack and safety Exp waitress for restaurant in N.Arlington. orientated, Must have FT/PT flexible hours valid driver license. (917) 816-2419 50W3 732-447-7633 51W3
To Toplace placean anad adcall: call: 201-991-1600 201-991-1600 classified@theobserver.com classified@theobserver.com
abstract to be considered. 908 259 9009. 51W4
MARKETING POSITION for Adult Medical Daycare Facility wanted immediately in Essex County. Competitive Salary and Commission. Fax Resumes to 973-751-1190 or call 973-751-6000. Following is a plus. Wanted Spanish Speaking. 52W3
CDL DRIVER WANTED Adult Medical Day Care (Belleville) Part Time/Full Time Driver for adult medical daycare in Essex county needed. A CDL with Class B and Endorsement P a MUST!!! Spanish speaking a plus. No nights or weekends. Competitive Salary. Call Monday thru Friday only between 10 AM and 5 PM. Call 973-751-6000 or Fax resume to 973-751-1190 52W3
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EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED HAIR STYLIST with customer portfolio needed full or part time. Lyndhurst,NJ 201 -207-8848 51W3
OFFICE WORK Full Time Split Shift 9:00am-12pm then 4:00pm-7:00pm M-F. Sat 9:00am-1:00pm 1st 2 weeks will be part time during training then FT. Energetic person who enjoys speaking with people. Reliable & great work ethic. $10/h+ bonus Call 201-955-0001 52W3
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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018
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Aid to those in need BELLEVILLE – Belleville public schools and Clara Maass Medical Center have teamed up in “A Pairing for Caring” program to benefit pediatric and oncology patients at the Belleville hospital. Diana Kelleher, the school district’s chief engagement and partnership officer, said students in elementary schools and the middle school were recruited for what the district called
with students at Belleville High School — in all years — expected to complete 15 hours of community service each school year as part of their graduation requirement. As an example, in September 2017, high school kids served as “student ambassadors,” representing the district and interacting with the public, at the township’s annual “Just a Party” event. “We were also a physical presence at
its “We Care Bag” project. To show their care about the community at large, students filled bags with requested items to be presented to the patients at the hospital. For those in pediatrics, that meant items like coloring books, crayons, word searches and children’s books, puzzles, stress balls, card games like Go Fish! and Uno!, caps, fuzzy socks with treads and plastic water bottles. Materials collected for oncology patients included tissues, lip balm, unscented hand lotion, journals/notebooks, crossword puzzle and wordsearch books, highlighters and pens, plastic water bottles and baseball or knit caps. The drive was launched in late March and concluded by the end of April, Kelleher said. Members of the Belleville Police Department and Belleville Woman’s Club also participated in the campaign. Kelleher credited Schools Superintendent Richard Tomko with coming up with the notion of getting kids more involved in the larger community through the district’s Office of Family and Community Engagement. That concept was launched last year
the ‘Field of Dreams: Hispanic Heritage Festival’ at the high school, setting up artifacts and projects,” she said. November brought the “Pink-Out” dress-down fundraiser to benefit the American Cancer Society and “Wall of Hope” with students attaching notes of remembrance for those lost to the disease. Then there was the Winter Donation Drive, run in partnership with the local Woman’s Club, resulting in “thousands” of items donated, in tandem with the Winter Wear Wardrobe campaign, to collect items like coats and scarves for the not-so-fortunate members of the school community. This past February, students marked Black History Month with performances celebrating contributions of African-Americans to society. In March, students — with help from Clara Maass and school nurses — ushered in a Health Wellness & Safety Fair with 45 outside health-related vendors participating and demonstrations of line-dancing and Zumba. And May will feature a multi-cultural festival as a capper to a full year’s schedule of community-related events. – Ron Leir
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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018
GAME
Continued from Page 1 Harvey (too soon?) could master (one pitcher tossed overhand lightly — almost shot-putting the ball toward the plate while another threw it slowly underhandedly.) Of course, one has to realize no one wore gloves at the game because back then, it was just a player and his bare hand. Could you just imagine playing bare-handed in today’s game? When we first arrived at the game, and stood behind the outfield to grab photos, a ball was hit to deep center field. The center fielder got under the ball, it hit his hands as he attempted to catch it — and let’s just say the sound it made was painful enough just to hear. He didn’t make the catch, either. But that stopped no one from playing the game as if it were for gold. The matchup, the fourth of its kind in the last four years, put on by Nutley’s Kingsland Manor — an historic restoration trust that is “a group of actively interested citizens whose continuing task is to move Kingsland Manor (a building located at 3 Kingsland St.) toward the broad goal of landmark, museum and local activity resource — was a great event enjoyed by residents and non-residents alike. Tatiana Rojas, 34, of nearby Belleville, heard about the game from a friend. Her son, Johan, 6, is a huge Mets fan (and shares the first name of the only Mets’ pitcher ever to throw a no-hitter, Johan Santana on June 1, 2012.) She says her son lives and breathes baseball, so she decided to bring him to the game. “I wanted him to see what the game was like a long time ago,” the elder Rojas said. “It was worth it. You can tell these guys just love the game. Anyone willing to play without a glove is pretty dedicated to the game.” Her son says he had a blast. “It was fun,” the little Rojas said. “I want to catch a ball.” That didn’t happen, unfortunately. Drew Meyers, 47, and his son, Joe, were taking a brisk
Photo by Kevin Canessa
A Nutley player attempts to slide into home as the ball comes into the Flemington catcher. Notice a few things different from today’s game. The plate was simply a heap of chalk (no bag) and the players, including the catcher, do not have gloves (there were none in the late 1800s) nor does the catcher have protection of any kind.
walk around Yanticaw Park’s perimeter. While they hadn’t come to the park to see the base ball game, they stopped to catch an inning. Mets’ fans like the Rojases we met earlier, they took time to praise what they were seeing for free — as Drew took a chance to make a joke about his favorite pro team. “This is great,” the senior Meyers said. “And considering the garbage we’re getting out of the Mets the last week, it’s even better. Any one of these teams could show up at Citi Field and beat the crap out of the Mets, you know what I’m saying.” Perhaps. Likely. Maybe even very likely. Joe Meyers says he particularly liked the umpire’s uniform. “An ump in a bowtie … different,” the 14-year-old said of the ump who was also clad in a black suit, white shirt, a massive top hat and a walking stick of the era. “Not much like today’s game. But it’s cool to see how it was back then.”
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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018
FEDEX
Continued from Page 1 to you. “… Today we do not just celebrate the opening of this amazing facility, but also the beginning of the rebirth of this industrial area of our community. We can point to this day as when industry and redevelopment is real in North Arlington and not just talk. Jobs, business activity, decrease our property taxes. So much more will
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Photo by Lisa Feorenzo
North Arlington Mayor Joseph Bianchi, left holding large scissors, cuts a ribbon to formally open FedEx Freight’s new facility. With Bianchi are borough and FedEx Freight officials.
result from our work. Thank you for leading this effort. Welcome aboard, FedEx.” Bianchi reminded those gathered that the land the FedEx facility rests on — it’s now called Copper Mine Road — was pretty much uninhabitable until FedEx came along and cleaned up it. “This was a piece of property that was basically contaminated,” the mayor said. “FedEx came in and put a ton, a ton of work into it. I want to thank FedEx — I want to thank you for making a useless piece of property worthwhile. And like I said before, the Porete Avenue buildings have been there since I’ve been a kid. At my age now, to see all this rebirth, it’s great. We’re attracting good, good business. (We’re) witnesses to the rebirth of our industrial area, which isn’t that big — but it’s our industrial area.” State Assemblyman Gary Schaer, a Democrat from Passaic and the 36th legislative district, who represents North Arlington, praised the work accomplished by a Republican-controlled borough council. “Some 165 employees will now work at this facility,” the assemblyman said. “They’ll be joining their colleagues in the State of New Jersey as 10,000 employees in the state. And on behalf of my colleagues in the state, we thank you for choosing North Arlington and we
thank you for reinvigorating this important and critical area in the state of New Jersey and most importantly, the 36th Legislative District. “To FedEx, we thank you for being here. And I will admit, now, a public faux pas, and I hope you won’t hold it against me. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to make it today so I sent over the resolution to make sure you got it. And I admit I wasn’t sure what we used to send it over so I asked my staff and I was told ‘Well, we have a state contract — we use UPS.’ So ladies and gentlemen, FedEx, you’re here in our district, so let me commit to you that we have the state of New Jersey change its commitment.” Also in attendance at the ceremony were Councilwomen Jean Williams and Allison Sheedy and Councilmen Mark Yampaglia and Dan Pronti in addition to various other department heads. Former Mayor Leonard Kaiser and redevelopment adviser Robert Ceberio also attended. John Smith, senior vice president of operations and soon to be president and CEO of FedEx Freight, also addressed the crowd of around 150 assembled. “Our customers are the only reason we’re able to build such a facility,” Smith said. “We’re very proud of this and we hope to keep building and adding on to this. What we have under the roof right now is about 140,000 square-feet. But the best news to that is that we’re sitting on 45 acres. We have 165 doors, right now, and we have the building (where) we can expand this facility.” Smith says the new facility will “allow (FedEx) to grow in this market because this is a great market and we want to be in this market. So we’re excited about the size of this facility.” The North Arlington facility is the ninth such location for FedEx Freight in the state — the closest two are in Newark — and one of 25 the company has built in the last year. “If you want something picked up or delivered, we gotcha covered,” Smith said with a tinge of a Southern drawl.
THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018
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Sunny and Sunny and cool. Partly sunny Photos byMostly Barbaracloudy Goldberg Clouds move in and with with a chance of cool. Remains CLEANING UP THE PASSAIC — For more than a quarter century, Councilwoman Carol Jean Doyle has spearheaded the annual Passaic River Cleanup. In thecool photo ona clear overnight. overnight. light breeze. snow showers. the left, Doyle, center with grey shirt, handles a hose line with other elected officials and volunteers. In the photo on the right, she signs in volunteers and hands out High: 50° High: 52° High: 45° High: 43° donuts for breakfast prior to the work kicking off. Low: 33° Low: 40° Low: 29° Low: 29°
battle with Alzheimer’s dis- her complete obituary or send a condolence message ease. She was 82. Born in Camaguey, Cuba, to her family, please visit Help Kids With Cancer Continued from Page 21 Erenia was a resident of www.mulliganfh.com. Harrison for over 40 years. In lieu of flowers, the in care of the funeral home She worked most of her life family would appreciate in loving memory of “CharDirectbusiness, to Local NJ Charity in her family’s donations in care of the lie”. Two Brothers Market on funeral home to help defray Harrison Avenue in Harthe funeral costs, in loving Erenia O. Lopez rison. memory of Erenia. BERGEN COUNTY Erenia O. Lopez, of HarriFuneral services were unson, died peacefully at home der the direction of Mulli‘Frank’ Maione Rabbi accused of sexually Francesco assaulting boy in 1999 April 21, 2018, surrounded gan Funeral Home, Harrison. Francesco “Frank” Maione, by her family after a 17-year A you former Woodcliff been charged If would like to Lake read rabbi ofhas Bloomfield, died with on
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sexually assaulting a boy in 1999, according to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. Menachem A. Weiss, 46, of Los Angeles, was indicted by a Bergen County grand jury on March 22 on two counts of aggravated sexual assault. Weiss is a married teacher, Holland, ‘19, and Nicholas First Jack Meyer, ‘19 but the prosecutor’s office did not sayHonors. where he teaches. West, ‘20. and Christopher Anderson, Woodcliff Lake police received information in Decemearned Second Honors. ber 2016 that a boy was sexually‘20 assaulted by Weiss between January and June 1999Honorable when he lived in the borNorth Arlington: Mention was ough, authorities said. Matthew Duane, ‘19, attained by Robert Dungan, Weiss was arrested the Port Authority police‘19, and was Matthew Goodman, ‘19,byand ‘19, Braden Shivas, and Sheldon being held inRueda, the Bergen CountyChristopher jail. — ChrisGreen, Maximillian ‘21 earned ‘21.
Local Prep men make honor roll
Senior Health Services
Harrison: Gabriel Trojanowski, ‘19 earned Second Honors. Kearny: Christopher Florim, ‘18, Garrett Gualtieri, ‘19, John Millar, ‘19, Michael Ribeiro, ‘19, and Tyler Fearon, ‘20 earned First Honors. Harold Carter, ‘19, Thomas Muller, ‘19, Andrew Bannon, ‘20, Nathaniel Jablonski, ‘21, and Iker Taboas, ‘21 earned Second Honors. Lyndhurst: Zachary Moeller, ‘18 and Vincent Chirichella, ‘21 earned First Honors. Colin Lemke, ‘20 and David Mezzina, ‘20 earned Second Honors. Honorable Mention was attained by Tyler Hansen, ‘18, Mason
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51W3
Thursday, May 3, 2018. He was 74. The funeral will be conducted from the Mulligan Funeral Home, Harrison, on Tuesday, May 8, at 10 a.m. d be his A aA funeral Mass will With T held at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Belleville, at 11 a.m. Visiting hours will be on SUPERIOR COURT Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday after 9 a.m.
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In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Camp Marcella - NJ CampRVS - Any C CARS, TRUCKS, BOATS, Kelley Blue for the BlindFull Children, c/oBook • Tax De Same Day, Rutherford, FREE Pick Up • IRS Form P.O. Box 85, East N.J. 07073, in loving memory of Francesco. American Children’s Society, Inc., Marlboro, NJ • If you would like to read Frank’s complete obituary or send condolences to his family, please visit www. mulliganfh.com.
800-380-43
Brendan Tevlin’s killer ad armed robbery days after www.TheObserver.com
Olivia Rizzo For The Star-Ledger
All Saints Church
T he ma n who k i l led Brendan Tevlin three years ago in a terror-inspired slaying has admitted A small progressive parish to in the Anglican Catholic Tradition another separate armed robbery in Ocean County that happened just days after the murder. Sunday All Are Ali Muhammad Brown, Welcome 34, ofMass Seattle, Washington, guilty Friday to pleaded 2:30 PM Here robbery and weapons possession charges in connection to a 2014 incident in Point Pleasant Beach, the Ali Muhammad Brown, shown at a he Ocean County Prosecutor guilty Friday to charges in connection Joseph D. Coronato said in Point Pleasant Beach. Robert Sciarrino a release. Join us Sunday May 13th Brow n ad m it ted to fortothe a p p r o a c h i n g at H a2:30 r o l dPMing the release. Brown victed Fournier outside the Green ordered the victim and Ju Feast of Maythen Crowning Planet Coffee Shop on June others to the ground at gun- arme O God,the who have taken to yourself the blesseddemanding Virgin Mary, mother 29, 2014, release said. point the vic- killed of your incarnate Son: Grant that we,tim’s who have been redeemed by his and Tevli Brown demanded Fourikeys, cellphone may share with her the glory of your eternal kingdom;, through West ner blood, go with him while dis- wallet. your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the Bro playing aunity handgun that was Fouriner handed over his of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. tucked into his waistband, keys and wallet, but Brown sente according to authorities. couldn’t drive away because state Fournier 380 instead n Kearny he could not drive a manual tence Kearny ra Ave., NJ 07032 Br in side t he cof fee shop transmission (Grace UMC Church Building) car. 37-ye screaming for help, accordBrown then fled to Essex 201-948-5007 • www.facebook.com/allsaintskearny County where he committed Essex another armed robbery, for he fac which he was tried and con- out pa
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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018
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