MeetStevenAguirre up-and-comingdisc jockeyfromKearny
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr.
kc@theobserver.com
Steven Aguirre’s family was born in Ecuador and moved the United States. At first, the family lived in Weehawken, but then they moved to Kearny and in 2007, he graduated from Kearny High School. When he was finishing up school, he knew he had to do something worthwhile since he already had a son at a young age.
So he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, went off to Parris Island, South Carolina, for training and then spent time in the Middle East, including in Iraq.
But then after time, he came back to the United States and at first, he lived in California. But ultimately, he wanted to come home and so around three years later, he and his wife and family came back to Kearny. But what does a man no longer in the military do?
Well, for starters he had various jobs, including sales, but his real ambition was to be a DJ. But not just a DJ — he wanted to make
See DJ, Page 19
UNDER THE COVER
Belleville honors two outgoing councilmen — whose last day on the job was June 30 – after neither sought re-election to the governing body. Story begins on page 5
HEY MR. DEEJAY
Steven Aguirre, of Kearny, inset, is a 2007 graduate of Kearny High School and a former member of the United States Marines who was trained in Parris Island, South Carolina. After he left the service, he knew he had to do something different with his life and so reinvented himself — and began to DJ parties and events for free. But now, he’s getting paid and putting on shows and events in New York City, Hoboken, Jersey City and other noted locations. One such event was a wedding he handled, seen in larger photo.
Contributed photos
KEARNY HIRES 7 NEW POLICE OFFICERS; ONE IS TRANSFERRING IN & IS ALREADY TRAINED
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com POLICE
Seven new cops, six of whom will go the academy, one of whom is already trained — three women, four men were hired by the Town of Kearny at the regular meeting of the Mayor and Town Council Tuesday, June 25. Most of the new officers are bilingual and one is trilingual.
The new officers will be paid a starting salary of just under $50K a year. The already-trained officer will
make just over $69K a year.
In order of Civil Service list rank, the new officers are:
n Juan Cadiz, 27, of Kearny, who is currently a supervisor at Extech who oversees 40 employees.
n Katherine Henriquez, 33, of Kearny, an online business owner who has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Rutgers University.
n Deaglan Walsh, 31, of Ke-
Real Estate
QUITCLAIM DEED
A quitclaim deed is a legal document used in real estate transactions. It quickly and simply transfers ownership interest in a piece of property. Although rarely used to transfer titles in commercial real estate sales, they are more common in transferring an interest in a property with no money being exchanged, such as transferring real estate to a living trust. However, they are not a perfect fit for everyone. One drawback is that a quitclaim deed does not guarantee the property in question is free from title defects such as tax liens or title claims from third parties. Another downside is that the grantor in a quitclaim deed does not need to provide proof of ownership, such as the title. Looking for a solution to your real estate dilemmas? That’s our job. Whether you are buying, selling, or transferring real estate, we are the professional you’ll want for the job. Our extensive training, years of experience, and love of what we do make us eminently qualified to lead you through the realities of real estate transactions. With our contacts and access to numerous tools for finding the solutions you’re hoping for, we can make it easy for you. “Our success has been built one satisfied customer at a time.”
arny, a Newark police officer since 2021, who was an NJIT security guard before that. He saved woman attempting suicide by pulling her from a balcony ledge while working at the Newark PD, among other commendable accomplishments.
n Jocelyn Cazares, 25, of Newark, works at Amazon Sortation Center, and has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Berkeley College. She previously interned for a law firm and has extensive volunteer experience.
n Khonsura Allen, 24, of
Kearny, is an associate at Trade Supply Group who attended William Paterson
University.
n Christopher Aguilar, 28, of Kearny, works for Kearny Bank as digital banking representative for over six years, and just graduated with an associate degree in criminal justice from Essex Community College.
n Melissa Toth, 21, of Harrison, completed 4-year bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in only three years at Caldwell University while playing Division II soccer and maintaining a 3.94 GPA. She also works at CVS in Kearny, part-time.
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
AKearny man who was spending time in Portland, Oregon, for unknown reasons has been federally indicted after he was alleged to have been caught in Kearny possessing more than half-a-pound of illicit drugs, according to affidavits filed in the case.
Mark Thomas Eager, 32, has been charged with the possession of and distribution of a controlled-dangerous substance, fentanyl, following a months-long investigation conducted by the federal Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Portland Police Department, among other agencies, that began in January.
According to the affidavit, an undercover federal agent posed as someone seeking fentanyl on the dark web after seeing a post by on the dark-website “Dread” by a person using the moniker “Wresh10” that advertised
free samples of “China White Synthetic Heroin.” One of the replies to the post allegedly noted a friend had died from ingesting one of those samples at which time “Wresh10” reportedly wrote a note of apology for the overdose.
Sometime after, the affidavit says there were three controlled buys of the aforementioned “heroin” — which turned out to be fentanyl — and it was supposedly paid for with traceable crypto currency which led investigators to Eager and one other as-of-now unnamed person. Those three purchases were all discovered as having been successfully shipped to the undercover buyer, by Eager, through a United States Post Office in Portland.
On May 29, 2024, based on the evidence accumulated from the dark web and the oft-maligned app Telegram, investigators believed they had sufficient evidence to seek a warrant for Eager’s arrest at two of his known
residences.
On June 11, 2024, a warrant was executed at his Laurel Avenue home in Kearny, where HSI recovered 361 grams of fentanyl, the affidavit says.
The affidavit also says after being Mirandized, Eager allegedly told the feds he, indeed, was selling the Schedule II narcotic and reportedly netted profits of around $42,000 in crypto currency, which has since been seized and forfeited.
In addition to the powdery fentanyl recovered at the execution of the warrant, 16 counterfeit M30-stamped pills — which are normally what is stamped by pharma companies to identify oxycodone — were discovered and tested as illegally manufactured fentanyl pills.
Additionally, at processing, the feds say they learned Eager had a robbery warrant out for his arrest by the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office that had been issued Jan. 17, 2023. The affidavit says he admitted to knowing he had been wanted.
The newest case will be tried in the District of Oregon court in Multnomah County.
Based on all of the aforementioned information, and
FEDERAL OFFENSE
a belief he would continue to sell drugs were he to be released, the feds have sought a motion to detain Eager, without bail, until trial. Eager is currently being housed in the Hudson County Jail, South Kearny, where he presumably awaits extradition to Oregon.
Eager has been arrested numerous times over the last decade-plus by Kearny police, including charges of credit-card theft (2016), possession of cocaine (2016), possession of marijuana (2012).
If convicted, Eager faces up to 10+ years in federal prison, according to a legal brief.
EAGER
Belleville donates community-access lettuce to food pantry
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
Eight pounds of fresh, leafy, vitamin-rich lettuce raised from the soil at the town’s community garden has been donated to a local food pantry.
The five pounds of romaine and three pounds of black-seeded Simpson recently delivered to the food pantry at Little Zion Union American Methodist Episcopal Church on Stephens Street is just the start.
Kris Scheufele, who manages Belleville’s community garden, said the town is seeking volunteers to help manage and maintain the 21 above-
Ken Davie
“Your Family’s Lawyer” • Family
BELLEVILLE UPDATE
ground planting beds with the goal of growing 100 pounds of fresh produce during the 2024 growing season.
“We’re asking them to donate half of everything they grow to local food banks, where they can be enjoyed by people who are facing food insecurity,” Scheufele said.
Scheufele said the community garden at Fairway Park has yielded not only fresh fruits and vegetables, but also
the seeds of friendship among those tending to the beds.
But cultivating social ties is just one of the often-overlooked benefits of gardening. Other benefits range from the meditative qualities of intently working the soil to the physical exertion of digging and toiling in the fresh air.
The township did not rent out the planting boxes this year, but allowed volunteers to help work the garden as a total renovation at Fairway Park looms.
NEWS BRIEFS
The Queen of Peace Knights of Columbus sponsor a benefit BBQ for the renowned Deborah Heart and Lung Hospital Tuesday, July 9, at 6 p.m. at Columbian Club Hall, 194 River Road, North Arlington. All are welcome to enjoy a BBQ of hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, sausage, lemon-peppered chicken, potato and macaroni salad, corn-on-the-cob and refreshments for only $25 for adults and $15 for kids (aged 6 to 11) — all for a good cause.
Reservations must be made by Friday, July 5, by calling (201) 988-0183.
The Knights ask those attending to consider donating a non-expired, non-perishable canned good for its Food for Families project.
Knights raising funds for Deborah Heart & Lung Register through July 31 for Pop Warner football
Harrison Recreation’s Pop Warner football registration is underway through July 31. Parents may register kids online at harrison. recdesk.com. The fee is $50. All equipment must be returned by season’s end. No refunds are granted.
“Food insecurity is a scourge plaguing our state and community; the issue was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mayor Michael A. Melham said. “We need to not only promote access to food, but access to healthy, nutritious food. I applaud those who are tending to our community garden in their spare time, growing the fruits and vegetables that will be enjoyed by the most vulnerable that we care for.”
Observer Editor Kevin A. Canessa Jr. may be reached at kc@theobserver.com. Follow him on Facebook & Twitter @ kevincanessa.
The pee wee level is for kids 7 to 10 after Aug. 31; juniors must be 10 to 12 by Aug. 31; and seniors must be 12-14 by Aug. 31. Players who are 15 or older — or anyone in high school — may not play.
For more information, call the Harrison Recreation Department at (973) 268-2469.
Belleville bids adieu to 2 retiring councilmembers who didn’t run in ‘24
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
Township officials and residents are expressing their gratitude to two elected leaders who choose not to seek reelection to their ward council seats.
Second Ward Councilman Steve Rovell and Fourth Ward Councilman John Notari received plaques of appreciation during the June 25 council meeting. Their terms officially end July 1 at noon, when the municipal government reorganizes and welcomes in new elected leaders.
“We bid farewell to Councilmen Notari and Rovell after 20 years of dedicated service
to our community,” Mayor Micheal A. Melham said.
“Our accomplishments over the past six years were built on the strong foundation laid by previous councils, including the-late Councilwoman Marie Strumolo Burke.
“I look forward to welcoming our new council members on July 1 and I am confident that we will continue to move forward with the same momentum.”
Tracy Juanita Williams will become the first new councilwoman in Belleville’s First Ward in two decades. The seat was held by Burke, until her death, March 8 aged 82.
BELLEVILLE UPDATE
In the Second Ward, Frank Velez III will be sworn in as councilman, while the Fourth Ward will welcome Diana Sorice Guardadbasco. Third Ward Councilman Vincent
Cozzarelli was unopposed in the spring election and will take the oath of office for another term July 1.
“Steve and John have always been dedicated public servants who care deeply about our community and maximizing all possibilities,” Cozzarelli said. “I will
certainly miss their insight, passion and focus on pushing Belleville forward. They have been incredible assets for this council and this community.”
Observer Editor Kevin A. Canessa Jr. may be reached at kc@theobserver.com. Follow him on Facebook & Twitter @ kevincanessa.
OPINION & VIEWPOINTS
GUEST COMMENTARY
Bebe Netanyahu is the world’s most evil man & he must be stopped: Long
By Richard D. Long North Arlington
The genocide in Gaza continues. Dr. Feroze Sidhwa and Dr. Mark Perlmutter (head of the World Surgical Association) who have a combined 57 years’ experience volunteering throughout the world in disaster areas and war zones have written an article entitled “As Surgeons We Have Never Seen Cruelty Like the Genocide in Gaza” for Common Dreams. Dr. Permutter has described Palestinians after the heinous bombings, as appearing like blistering hotdogs left too long on the grill. He talks of some of the best marksmen in the world shooting children not once but twice in the head. I urge you to watch their interview at DemocracyNow. org, the April 11 edition. You will never see information like this in the mainstream media.
I don’t think it was too tough a decision for ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan, to issue warrants for Bebe Netanyahu, Israeli prime minister, and other Israeli officials for war crimes with even just a cursory look at what is happening in Gaza. Israeli officials statements to murder, wipe out, destroy, drive out, all the Palestinians did not help their cause that “it is not a genocide.”
Speaker Mike Johnson says Khan needs to be put back in his place.
Realty companies in Israel have advertised beachfront property with an artist’s rendering of a condominium superimposed over the rubble that is Gaza. Closer to home, in Teaneck, these realty companies were pushing their product until State Attorney General Matt Platkin put a stop to it.
Meanwhile, President Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s puppetmasters continue to fund Israel and supply the munitions. Occasionally, Biden mutters to Israel to be careful when they drop those two thousand pound bombs. Our Congress members, both parties, say “...hey let it rip, we have to keep our AIPAC donors happy and our careers intact. Palestinian children, be damned.” Just as terrifying is the obsequiousness with which they stumble over each other to endorse this evil. How outrageous it is that Israel be charged with genocide they say. One of the craziest things they ever heard of. Some say Israel does not kill enough. Letters and calls to Pascrell, Booker, Menendez are ignored.
The college students protesting are to be applauded. But Bebe was angered by this and resorted to the usual
See BEBE, Page 18
Vietnam veterans who won’t be forgotten
Read something in The Observer you agree with? Disagree with? We want to hear from you. Send a letter to editorial@theobserver.com. Keep it to a max of 250 words. Be sure to include a phone number for verification purposes. No anonymous letters, please. Longer letters may be considered for Op-Eds.
Lisa M. Feorenzo lisa@theobserver.com Co-owner/Advertising Dir.
Tina Feorenzo Co-owner/Advertising
Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com Editor/Broadcaster Michelle Rybeck advertising@theobserver.com Graphic Artist/Real Estate
DEADLINES
n Classifieds: 3 p.m., Monday
n Obituaries: 10 a.m., Monday
n Display/Real Estate: noon, Thursday
n Help Wanted: noon, Monday — all ads must be sent to classified@theobserver.com.
Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com Sports Writer
Robert P. Pezzolla gm@theobserver.com General Manager
Kimberley Pezzolla kimpezzolla@theobserver.com Sales/Classifieds
n April, the Belleville Historical Society began working in Woodland Cemetery in Newark, looking for Vietnam War veterans who were killed in action. There are four buried there — two in unmarked graves in remote locations. The BHS fabricated stones for two of the young soldiers — Army Specialist Eason Maxey and Private Leroy Williams. The other two soldiers had stones that were sunken and needed cleaning, so the society reset and cleaned them and then fabricated a black granite marker with the names and photos of all four.
BHS photo
TOWN OF KEARNY
July 4th at Veterans Field
Rain Date: July 5, 2024
Mayor Carol Jean Doyle, Town Council and Recreation Commission
Taking place at Veterans Field located on Belgrove Drive starting at 6:00 p.m. with music by the “Kootz Band” followed at 7:30pm by the Full Count Big Band leading up to our Firework celebration at approximately 9:10pm from the Frank A. Vincent Marina. Fireworks may be viewed on Veterans Field located Belgrove Drive between Bergen Avenue and Afton Street, or on the lower Veterans Field Hill. Please bring your chair or blankets.
NO ALCOHOL, NO SMOKING, NO BACKPACKS, NO COOLERS, NO PETS ALLOWED ON FIELD
PD: LYNDHURST MAN INVOLVED IN DISPUTE GOES ON TO ASSAULT COP
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
ALyndhurst man finds himself behind bars at the Bergen County Jail after police allege he was involved in a dispute, then assaulted a police officer as cops tried to arrest him.
According to Det. Lt. Vincent Auteri, of the Lyndhurst Police Department:
On Saturday, June 20, 2024,
at approximately 7:30 p.m., Lyndhurst Lt. Paul Haggerty and Officer Michael Carrino responded to a report of a dispute between two men in the area of the 200 block of Orient Way. Upon arrival, the officers learned one of the men had been assaulted.
As Lt. Haggerty approached the assailant, he proceeded to sprint away by running south on Orient Way. Lt. Haggerty and Officer Carrino gave chase on foot.
POLICE BEAT
The foot pursuit proceeded through the yard of a residential home before Lt. Haggerty located the suspect behind the building of a local business.
Woman in Passaic River panics, is rescued by Lyndhurst Police and Fire departments
AThe suspect refused to listen to verbal commands and then became physically combative with Lt. Haggerty. A brief struggle ensued at which point Lt. Haggerty was joined by officers Thomas Seickendick, Nicollette Villani and Sal Wartel and together they were able to gain control of the suspect and placed him under arrest.
The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Mike Londono, of Lyndhurst, was charged with aggravated assault on a law-enforcement officer, simple assault, obstruction and resisting arrest before being remanded to the Bergen County Jail.
The victim sustained minor injuries as a result of the assault and one of the officers was treated for a laceration to the hand.
t approximately 7:33 p.m., Thursday, June 27, police received a 911 call about woman in distress in the Passaic River between Lyndhurst and Nutley. First responding officers from the Lyndhurst Police Department arrived and quickly deployed a rescue rope and a life jacket to the victim, who was in knee deep water.
The woman, a 26-yearold Essex County resident, was in crisis, and was removed by a ground ladder deployed by firefighters. The victim was subsequently transported for further care and psychological evaluation by EMS to a nearby hospital.
“This incident was another example of outstanding and exemplary teamwork between our fire and police department,” Paul Haggerty, of both the Lyndhurst Police and Fire departments, said.
LONDONO
SPORTS & HEALTH
coaches
By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com
Track & Field might not have been the first sport Julia Tozduman tried out. But it didn ’ t take long for the then sixth-grader at Sacred Heart School in Lyndhurst to fall in love with the sport.
But even after finding her sport, Tozduman had yet to discover what would eventually become her specialty jumping.
“ I just did the 200 (meter dash), the 100, I ’ d run the 800 and then I ’ d long jump, ” Tozduman said. “ It wasn ’ t that competitive, I was just figuring it out and they paid really close attention and everything. It ’ s where I found my love for track. ”
Those humble beginnings at the small Catholic school on Valley Brook Avenue turned out to be the first chapter of a track & field career that no girl at Lyndhurst can match.
Several school records and medals later, Tozduman leaves a legacy that will be difficult for others to rival. Her senior season alone saw her win a Bergen County championship, another state sectional title, and in her final meet, a sixth-place finish at the NJSIAA Meet of Champions.
Tozduman can now add one final honor to her high school career before she heads off to Sacred Heart University The Jim Hague Observer Female Athlete of the Year for the 2023-2024 school year.
The annual award has been named in honor of Hague, who for 20-plus
TOZDUMAN EASILY TAKES 2024 TOP FEMALE ATHLETE HONORS
years was The Observer ’ s sports writer. It was during that tenure that Hague, a longtime Kearny resident, and the newspaper started presenting the Athlete of the Year Award to one local male and female athlete who excelled in multiple sports.
Tozduman becomes the fifth Lyndhurst girl to win the award and the first since Carly Martin in 2021.
In addition to her storied track & field career, Tozduman was a fouryear letter winner in soccer and a three year starter at right back. She was a captain this fall in a season that was limited to just a handful of games due to a preseason knee injury.
“ (Sacred Heart School) was where I found my love for track, ” Tozduman said. “ And then I started training at this place called High Intensity
Track where I did sprint training and I ended up doing jump training. I realized that I loved track pretty early on.
”
“ Julia, the runner, was there (before high school), ” Lyndhurst girls soccer and indoor track coach Kim Hykey said, recalling conversations she had with Julia ’ s mother Jill and then giving her some tips that summer. “ The grammar schools used to come to the high school for the local olympics and she was blowing everybody out in the races so we knew of her. ”
As a freshman, Tozduman earned varsity letters in soccer and basketball. She also did track in the spring, where she truly turned heads,
See JULIA, Page 11
With her family and
present, Julia Tozduman, center accepts the 2024 Jim Hague Observer Athlete of the Year award from Observer co-owner Lisa Feorenzo.
Harrison resident Pacheco returns to D1 women’s basketball
By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com
Adiana Pacheco acknowledges that committing to continue her playing career at Marshall represents a leaving of her comfort zone since it will be her first time leaving the Northeast.
But for Pacheco, who lives in Harrison and was also a North Arlington resident in her younger years, the return to Division 1 basketball is the culmination of a series of challenges after transferring from Niagara two years ago.
“I’ve definitely been taking myself out of my comfort zone quite a few times,” said Pacheco, a 6-foot-1 forward who played the last two seasons at CCBC Essex, a junior college in Baltimore. “I had
to adjust going from Niagara University out of high school and then transition to JuCo. I’m going to say this is a big, humbling experience for sure. In JuCo, you have to work yourself from the ground up and that’s what I really needed.”
Pacheco, who committed on May 24, chose Marshall over offers from Delaware State, Quinnipiac and Coppin State. A Redshirt Junior, Pacheco will have two seasons of eligibility remaining.
“It was just something about Marshall,” Pacheco said. “They had a different want for me and they were really trying to push me and that was something I was looking for, somewhere just to get out of my comfort zone.
“Marshall, the women’s basketball
team, has a great name for itself. They won their conference (Sun Belt) last year, so they already have something special here. I just want to continue to be a part of that, especially with this new coaching staff.”
Playing for one of the country’s top Division II Junior Colleges, Pacheco averaged 5.2 points and 6.1 rebounds per game for the Knights this past season. A year earlier, she averaged 3.6 points and 5.0 rebounds per game before suffering a season-ending ankle injury as CCBC Essex went 37-1 and won the NJCAA
Maria Domingues
# 27OA00630100 Dr. Jayswinder Kaur Lic# 27OA00689700
Dr. Carla Domingues Lic # 27OA00646200
Michelle L. Botsacos
, Page 12
HYPOGLYCEMIA
Hypoglycemia, often referred to as low blood sugar, is a condition characterized by a drop in the glucose levels in the bloodstream. It typically occurs in individuals with diabetes who are taking medications like insulin or certain oral drugs to manage their blood sugar levels. However, it can also affect those without diabetes under certain circumstances, such as excessive alcohol consumption, strenuous exercise without adequate carbohydrate intake, or certain medical conditions. The symptoms commonly include sweating, trembling, irritability, confusion, and dizziness. In severe cases, it can lead to loss of consciousness and seizures. Prompt treatment is crucial to raise blood sugar
levels and alleviate symptoms, often by consuming a fast-acting source of glucose, such as candy, juice, or glucose tablets. Some people who have low blood sugar episodes don’t have symptoms or don’t notice them. Healthcare providers call this hypoglycemia unawareness. People with hypoglycemia unawareness are more likely to have severe episodes and need medical help. To schedule a wellness exam, please call PREMIER CARE ASSOCIATES OF WEST HUDSON at 201-998-7474. We are located at 512 Kearny Ave., Suite B, where walk-in patients are always welcome 7 days a week. P.S. Low blood glucose can interfere with a person’s sleep.
premiercare@gmail.com
healthcare needs.
Dr. Prakash J. Doshi
Dr. Hector Aguilar
BASKETBALL
Photo courtesy of Adiana Pacheco
BASKETBALL
Continued from Page 10
DII National Championship.
Most importantly for Pacheco, it was at CCBC Essex where she rediscovered her love for basketball.
“At Niagara, I lost myself,” Pacheco said. “I was away from home and it was a lot of adjusting to do out of high school.
“At JuCo, you have to really think about your reason why you play basketball. Why do you wake up every morning to go to that 6 a.m. workout or go put extra shots up. You have to think about why and it all came down to my family. I have three younger siblings (ages 18, 11 and less than a year old) and I’d rather be their role model so I had to push myself no matter how I felt or what I was going through. Being in JuCo, it created my love to fight for basketball again.”
Pacheco was born in New York and grew up in Newark before moving to North Arlington as a fifth grader. She attended and played at North Arlington Middle School, but moved to live with her father in Harrison before high
school.
Pacheco attended Hudson Catholic High School in Jersey City and was one of Hudson County’s top forwards. As a senior, Pacheco averaged 10.5 points and 10.7 rebounds per game in the Covid-shortened 2020-21 season. Pacheco, who played on the Hawks’ county championship team in 2019 as a sophomore, averaged 9.0 points and 8.4 rebounds her junior season.
Following her senior season, Pacheco committed to play at Niagara, but never played a game with the program before transferring.
“I really believe that everything happens for a reason. I’m a strong believer of that,” Pacheco said. “I feel like everything is on God’s time, not my time. I wanted to play at this Division 1 school, I wanted to be at my time, but it wasn’t my time. It was always God’s time
“The biggest thing was, for me, being patient and controlling the things that I can control. That was something I really had to learn. I had a lot of maturing to do out of high school and to play at this level, you have to be really mature and you have to have a strong mindset.”
North Arlington leaders will read Declaration of Independence aloud on July 4
The Borough of North Arlington will continue its tradition of reading the Declaration of Independence aloud on the steps of Borough Hall, marking the 248th anniversary of the nation’s independence, on July 4.
The celebration aims to honor the historical significance of Independence Day beyond the customary festivities of hot dogs and fireworks.
The event begins at noon, with borough officials, employees, residents, students and visitors.
Borough first responders and the DPW will join in reading sections from the historic documents.
“North Arlington takes great pride in preserving our nation’s heritage by commemorating Independence Day with the reading of the Declaration of Independence,” North Arlington Mayor Daniel H. Pronti said. “This tradition not only educates but also unites our entire community, while exemplifying patriotism.”
Visit www.northarlington.org for additional information.
Hudson County marks Juneteenth
MCPO: Belleville man was driving at 90 MPH, drinking before crash that killed Flanders man, 19
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
ABelleville man has been arrested in charged in connection with a crash that took the life of a driver in Roxbury, Morris County Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, Morris County Chief of Detectives
Morristown Medical Center with serious internal injuries. Numerous open alcohol containers were found in the vicinity of the Silverado. A subsequent investigation revealed the Silverado was traveling at approximately 90 miles per hour at the time of the collision.
Robert McNally and Roxbury Police Chief Dean Adone announced Gerald Veneziano, 41, of Belleville, has been charged with reckless vehicular homicide in connection with a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred on May 31, 2024, in Roxbury.
According to the MCPO:
As a result of the investigation, Veneziano was subsequently charged June 21 with one count of second degree reckless vehicular homicide and with a number of motor vehicle offenses.
At approximately 10:30 p.m. on May 31, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office was notified of a motor vehicle crash involving two vehicles on Howard Boulevard in Roxbury. An investigation revealed a northbound 2021 Chevrolet Silverado collided with a southbound 2019 Mazda 3.
The driver of the Mazda, Jacob Davis, 19, of Flanders, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver of the Silverado was Veneziano. He was extricated from the Silverado and transported to
Pursuant to the criminal justice reform act, Veneziano was released from the Morris County Correctional Facility on a series of non-monetary bail conditions including surrender of his driver’s license and submission to alcohol testing. The next scheduled court appearance is a pre-indictment conference July 29, 2024, before Judge Claudia R. Jones.
The investigation was conducted by the Roxbury Township Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit.
OBITS
Continued from Page 13
Entombment was in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.
Josefa was the cherished wife of Rafael Lampon. Loving mother of Maria J. Lampon, Rafael Lampon (Antoinette) and Vanessa Flynn (Michael P.). Sister of Geremias Paris, Aquelino Paris, Rosario Paris and Francisco Paris. Also surviving are her grandchildren Rebecca Sendon, Nicolas Sendon, Marcella Lampon, Vincenza Lampon, Antonio Lampon, Michael P. Flynn Jr. and Noah Flynn.
Philip Martone
Philip Martone died June 22, 2024 at home.
He was 73.
Born in Newark, he lived most of his life in Kearny before moving to Neptune.
Visiting was at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive in Kearny. His funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Cecilia Church in Kearny. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington.
Phil was the Superintendent of Parks and Recreation for the Town of Kearny. He was very involved with soccer and loved his membership with Toot and Beasley. He was also a member of the Scots-American Club.
He is survived by his long time loving friend Maria Fatima Martins (her sons Stephan and Philip), his siblings Robert Martone, Vincent Martone, Frankie Martone and Doretta Martone-Knoerr. Beloved uncle of Erica (Stephen), Cristen (Jim), Samantha, Maria (Justine), Nick (Katie), Lisa (Brian), Andrew and Matthew (Lexy) along with their children Sophia, Madison, Madison, Jimmy, Vincent, Bristol, Nora and Emma.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to American Cancer Society (www. cancer.org) in Phil’s memory.
BELLEVILLE 2nd Floor 2 family house 3 BR,2 Full Baths, LR, DR EIK Large rooms. New appliances and laundry room $3600 + 1.5
months security. Utilities separate, No Pets Avl. July 12th (201) 9937903 08W03
FOR RENT Barbara Gerbasio Real Estate (201) 388-7821 Kearny 748 Devon St. 1 Bedroom apt H/HW supplied $1400 a month Call
APARTMENTS FOR RENT
KEARNY Stewart Ave, 2nd Floor, Spacious LR, EAT-IN-KITCHEN, 3 BR’s, Bath, Off Street Parking, Storage, Backyard, Separate Utilities, No Pets/ Smoking, $2150 + 1.5 MO. Security. AVAILABLE NOW., (908)7710762 07W03
While The Observer can accept public notice, we cannot accept legal advertising.
N.NEWARK 3rd floor
Newly renovated apartments, 1 bath, LR, EIK, Heat included. 3 BR $1800 4 BR $2000 1.5 Months security Near Public Transportation/ Train Station $50 per month for Pet Available Now Call (973)9253812 07W03
E.NEWARK Brand new renovated 1 BR, Open Kitchen Brand new appliances/LR, 1 bath, access to yard, Small pets ok. Walking distance to shopping center and NYC transportation $1750 + 1.5 months security. Available July 15th Call or text Serious inquiry’s only (973)9806335 09W03
HARRISON 2nd floor.
3 BR. Large LR & Kitchen. 1 Bath. $2300 + 1.5 months security. Utilities separate. Furniture available if needed. Parking extra. Available July 1st (973) 484-7689 07W03
HARRISON/E.NEWARK First Floor, 1 BR apartment, LR, 1 Bath & Kitchen. 15 min to PATH. Front and back entrance. Access to backyard $1800 + Utilities, 1 1/2 months security. Avl. August 1st No Pets/Smoking. Call or text (973) 454-3281 09W03
KEARNY 2nd floor
Newly renovated, 2 BR’s, LR, EIK $2050 + 1 months security Utilities separate. No Pets/ Smoking Available July 1st (201)772-7664 07W03
KEARNY 3rd floor apt 1 bedroom , 2 small rooms with closets, kitchen with marble top and new hard wood floors. New Central Air No pets/smoking, $1,750 + 1.5 months security All utilities included. Corner of Belleville turnpike and Forest st Available Now (201) 206-4845 08W03
KEARNY 3rd Floor Kearny Ave building, No elevator 2 BR’s, EIK $1490 + 1.5 months security Utilities separate. No Pets Good references a must Available July 15th (551)253-4149 Leave detailed message 08W03
KEARNY 6 family home, Newly Renovated. 3rd fl. 2 BR, $1,700+ 1 1/2 months security. Utilities separate. No pets. No Smoking Avl. Now (201) 916-9460 08W03
KEARNY 1st floor. 3 BR’s. $2400 + 1.5 months security. Utilities separate. No Pets/ Smoking Available Now (201)772-9965 07W03
N.ARLINGTON 1st floor fully renovated. 4 Large rooms, Laundry hookup No Pets/Smoking $1700 + 1 months security Available August 1st (201)991-4739 (201)960-3959 09W01
N. ARLINGTON
NORTH NEWARK
ACCOUNTING/ BOOKKEEPING
Bank Reconciliation, Payroll, Journal Entry Work with MS Word, Excel & Quickbooks.
If no experience will train email resume to ncococpa@outlook.com 201-955-3339 07W03
OFFICE STAFF/LOADER
Pick-up passengers in van and load in helicopter. Full/Part time position Retires welcome call (862)849-2652
Location Kearny NJ Heliport 08W07
submission sealed bids in food services for breakfast, lunch and dinner as described in the New Jersey Child and Adult Care Food Program Invitation for Bid and Standard Contract. These meals are to be served to 100 participants, aged 18-100, and five days per week. Meals must meet the requirements mandated by the New Jersey Child and Adult Care Food Program and begin October 1, 2024. Bid specifications are available at 518 Washington Avenue, Belleville, NJ 07109. Bids will be opened and read aloud, September 3, 2024 at 10:00 AM. Written proposals received after 9:59 AM, September 3, 2024 shall not be considered. 07W04
IDEAS WORTH PRINTING
DJ
Continued from Page 1
it big. And it sure seems he is well on his way.
Aguirre says he is being recognized for his incredible talent as a DJ and is doing what he loves at weddings, sweet 16s, corporate events and more. And pretty remarkably, he’s done it all so far based on one thing and one thing only.
“It’s all been word of mouth,” he says. “I don’t have a website. But I rely on word out mouth. I love music, all genres, and I play for the crowd, not for myself. I think people quickly realize I have a firm ear for that. I play what they want to hear. And as a DJ, that is important.”
It sure is.
His love for being a DJ — he goes by the name DJ Senseless — dates back to when he was a kid. In fact, when he was much younger, every Christmas, he’d look at all the packages that were for him — and he secretly analyzed the boxes to see if any looked like they could contain a turntable, his ultimate gift.
“It never happened,” he says. But eventually, his wife got him what he wanted — and the rest is history.
When he first started in the business, Aguirre says he would often do parties, shows and the like for free. It was a great way for him to perfect his craft and so people would see what he was capable of
doing. But for the last 5+ years, he’s getting paid to lead the way at these events.
“I’ve done shows in New York City, Hoboken, Jersey City and it’s opened so many doors,” he says. “And because things have gone so well, promoters have picked me up.”
Recently, he performed in the New York City Puerto Rican Day parade on a float titled “Fighting the War on Cancer.” Soon, he will be doing shows for Fashion Week in Manhattan. And his name continues to leave its mark on people.
Ultimately, he hopes it turns into a full-time career, where he won’t have to work in sales anymore as he currently does (though keep in mind, he seems like a born salesman, with a gregarious personality.)
“It’s about my personality,” he says. “I get along with everybody and I love to help people out. My wife told me I should be in sales a long time ago and she was right. But eventually, I want to provide for my family as a DJ, where I won’t need two or three incomes to get by. I am well on my way.”
That, for sure, is an understatement. Follow DJ Senseless on social media at @dj_senseless_. His next big event is a boat cruise out of the Sky Port Marina in Manhattan July 20 for Colombian Independence Day. If you’d like to attend that cruise or to hire him for an event, give him a ring at (201) 889-7862 or send an email to bookdjsenseless@gmail.com. You won’t be disappointed if you do.
Contributed photo Aguirre took this photo in Manhattan recently as he DJed a float during the annual New York City Puerto Rican Day parade. The Kearny resident is working hard to get his name known as a top-notch DJ.
