Three teens arrested following joyride where one stole marked police car and led officers through Secaucus, Kearny and Newark
Page 5
OPEN CASH FLOW
County grants will lead to major upgrades through West Hudson
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
West Hudson will greatly benefit from Hudson County Executive Craig Guy’s plan to disburse nearly $8.5 million in Open Space Recreation and Historical Preservation Trust Fund cash in 2024.
Guy issued recommendations last week with the assistance of the Open Space Trust Fund Advisory Board.
The awards will fund projects such as safety upgrades, green space improvements and
playground enhancements in all Hudson County municipalities.
The recommendations be vote on by the Hudson County Board of County Commissioners Sept. 26, 2024.
“The Hudson County Open Space, Recreation and Historical Preservation Trust Fund was created to ensure Hudson County’s open spaces and parks are adequately supported to make the necessary upgrades, repairs, and connections surrounding communities need to enjoy and access these areas,” Guy said. “The county is proud to support all 12 municipalities throughout the development of these 24 projects, the largest number of awarded projects ever,
See GRANTS, Page 19
Knights hosting screening of ‘Cabrini’
The North Arlington Knights of Columbus sponsor a free screening of the movie “Cabrini,” based on the life of Mother Cabrini, at 6 p.m., Friday, July 22, at Columbian Club Hall, 194 River Road, North Arlington. Mother Cabrini established an orphanage in Kearny, which is now the Redemptoris Mater Seminary on Passaic Avenue. The Knights ask all those who attend bring a non-expired, non-perishable food item for donation to the Queen of Peace food pantry/Food for Families project.
Reservations must be made by July 19 by calling (201) 988-0183.
Knights also hosting blood drive
The Knights are also hosting a blood drive from 1 to 4 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 7, at 194 River Road.
Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds, bring ID, eat a meal before donation and drink water before and after donating.
Appointments are recommended and may be made at donors.vitalant.org — use code x126.
Good Shepherd fourth-grader designs winning anti-drugs poster contest
AINJURY ATTORNEYS
dam Idrovo of Good Shepherd Academy in Nutley and Emily Ortiz of Lafayette Street School in Newark emerged as winners of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s (PDFNJ) 2023-2024 Fourth Grade Folder Contest.
Drawing entries from thousands of fourth graders throughout the state, the competition celebrated young students' creativity in promoting healthy, drug-free lifestyles through their artwork.
The winners and the other finalists were honored at a virtual awards ceremony on Thursday, May 9.
This contest theme, "Fun Things to Do Instead of
Drugs," inspired an imaginative array of artwork, underscoring the significance of making positive life choices at a young age. Adam and Emily, both from Essex County, stood out for their creativity and messaging, which resonated strongly with the contest judges. Their artwork will be featured on folders distributed throughout schools statewide. "Adam and Emily's artwork shows they understand the importance of living a drugfree life," said Angelo Valente, Executive Director of PDFNJ. “Adam and Emily are not only great artists but also helpers and leaders, inspiring other kids to be healthy and happy.” — CANESSA
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
Sons of the American Legion Squadron 105 of Belleville hosted its fourth blood drive this year in support of the American Legion’s core pillar of national security.
New York Blood Center (NYBC) was present to collect 21 pints of blood.
Some donors actually learned where there blood was sent; one such Belleville donor received an email titled “YOUR DONATION MADE ITS WAY TO SAVE LIVES.”
“We thought you’d be as excited as we are to learn your Whole Blood donation on 2024-06-24 was sent to The Mount Sinai Hospital, Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital (Newburgh). Your donation is a lifesaving gift to patients in need, including cancer patients, trauma victims, newborn babies and individuals
undergoing surgery. And these patients are grateful for your donation.”
All four blood drives this year have been coordinated by Blood Drive Chairman Steve Donald. This time, donors received a voucher to see a free Staten Island FerryHawks baseball game. Blood drives are an important
way the American Legion fulfils its commitment to one of its four core pillars – National Security, Post 105 says. The next drive is set for Monday, Aug. 19, from 1 to 7 p.m., at 621 Washington Ave. Walk ins are welcome, but you may also schedule a donation at donate.nybc.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/324404.
REAL ESTATE BROKERS
estate purchases by ensuring the transaction is lawful. Their duties include ensuring all paperwork is correct and complete and that all funds in escrow accounts are recorded and reported correctly. A broker can also move money in and out of an escrow account. A bonus is that real estate brokers can mediate legal disputes.
Our mission is to be the leading real estate firm in our area by providing the best possible service to our clients and customers. This includes not only being knowledgeable about all aspects of buying and selling real estate – timing, pricing, negotiating, as well as financing, but also by being vigilant about bringing the right buyers together with the right sellers. Our team of highly trained real estate professionals has done it for hundreds of happy homeowner; let us do it for you, too. “Our success has been built one satisfied customer at a time.”
COUNTY OPENS COOLING CENTER FOR HOMELESS, BUT IF YOU LIVE IN WEST HUDSON, GOOD LUCK GETTING THERE
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
Acooling center will be open through at least Sept. 15 in South Kearny, Hudson County Executive Craig Guy said last week.
The location— at the Naval Reserve Facility — will be operated by Collaborative Support Programs of NJ (CSPNJ), and will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the summer months.
It will provide a cool, safe space for unsheltered homeless individuals in Hudson County who seek respite from the excessive heat impacting the area, and to provide medical services for those who experience health conditions exasperated by the heat.
The center will be active beginning July 12 through Sept. 15 and may be extended if the forecast calls for tem-
peratures at or higher than 95º
“Hudson County is committed to providing the shelter and services our vulnerable populations need to stay cool and safe,” Guy said. “It’s no secret that these dangerous temperatures can result in illness, especially for those with health conditions that are exasperated by extremely hot weather. These locations will provide medical services, food and a place to escape the heat.”
Transportation to the cooling center will be provided from the following locations and clients will be brought back to Jersey and Hoboken beginning at 5:00 p.m. (N.B.: there is no pickup in West Hudson.)
n CPSNJ Drop In-Center (422 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Jersey City)
n Journal Square (JFK Boulevard and Pavonia Avenue)
n North Bergen Town Hall (43rd
BEATING THE HEAT
Street and Kennedy Boulevard)
n Hoboken Terminal (Observer Highway and Park Avenue)
Additionally, the following daytime centers provide a daily cool place for individuals to obtain food and access medical and social services provided by Alliance Community Healthcare, Inc.:
n GSCDC Hudson CASA DropIn Center (514 Newark Ave., Jersey City): Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm
n Hudson County Integrated Services Center (422 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Jersey City): Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
n Hoboken Public Library (500 Park Ave. Hoboken): 7 days a week, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
n Hoboken Shelter (300 Bloom-
field Ave., Hoboken): 7 days a week, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
n Mary McLeod Bethune Center (140 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Jersey City): Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
n PERC Shelter (111 37th St., Union City): 7 days a week, 7a.m. to 3 p.m.
n St. Lucy’s Shelter (619 Grove St., Jersey City): Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Medical and social services include intake, vitals, and medical screening services. A meal and light snacks will be provided for each individual and hygiene kits will be distributed upon nightly arrival, as needed.
The Observer reached out to the county to determine whether transportation from West Hudson to the South Kearny facility might be added in the future, but we did not receive a response.
Teen takes cops on 3-town joyride, is arrested: police
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
Three teenagers who reportedly stole a Jeep in Jersey City drove it to Secaucus and then one of the three suspects escaped, jumped into a marked Secaucus radio car, took a joyride to Jersey City, Kearny and Newark, before ultimately ditching the car in Hillside.
And when all was said and done, one suspect was never caught, another was released and the third was sent to juvenile detention.
According to the Secaucus Police Department:
On July 8, 2024 at 2:42 a.m., Police Officer Paul Miller located an occupied stolen 2018 Jeep Wrangler at a Sunoco Gas Station at 249 Route 3 E. The vehicle was reportedly stolen from Jersey City on June 26, 2024.
When Secaucus Police Department marked units converged on the stolen Jeep, the driver, later ID’d as a 15-year-old Jersey City boy, he allegedly intentionally rammed two occupied Secaucus police vehicles in an attempt to evade capture, whereby one police officer sustained a knee injury.
At this point, the driver and two passengers fled the stolen vehicle on foot.
Sgt. Aniello Schaffer apprehended the front-seat passenger, a 16-year-old Jersey City boy, a short distance away. Police Officers Dwight Wise and William Smith pursued the 15-year-old driver on foot onto Route 3 and apprehended him.
A third suspect, the rear-seat passenger in the stolen Jeep, then jumped into a marked police vehicle and sped off.
Secaucus officers pursued the
stolen radio car through Jersey City, Kearny and Newark. Kearny units engaged in the pursuit of the stolen police vehicle. Although officers eventually lost sight of the car, it was later tracked to Hillside, where police there located it.
The third suspect, suspect, remains at large.
“The 15-year-old male driver was just released from the electronic bracelet program last month from previous arrests involving violence and is back committing crimes,” Secaucus Police Chief Dennis Miller said. “Although they are 15 and 16 year olds, these juveniles are criminals and their actions bolster my opinion that they will continue to commit crimes without fear of repercussion.
“It needs to be recognized that our juvenile justice system needs to be reformed to hold juveniles accountable or this recidivism will continue. We must acknowledge that not every juvenile can be rehabilitated and must give prosecutors the tools needed to prosecute these criminals or they will continue to plague our communities. I also want to thank all the agencies that assisted us including
the Kearny and Hillside police departments New Jersey State Police and the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office.”
The 15-year–old driver was charged with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon (vehicle) for an unlawful purpose, receiving a stolen motor vehicle, criminal mischief, resisting arrest and conspiracy to commit receiving a stolen vehicle.
He was remanded the Morris County Youth Detention Facility.
The 16-year-old passenger was charged with receiving a stolen motor vehicle, resisting arrest and conspiracy to commit receiving a stolen vehicle.
He was released into the custody of his parents, pending appearance in family court.
The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests and/or charges may follow.
Miller
OPINION & VIEWPOINTS
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Rise in car insurance premiums outrageous
To the Editor:
Question — has anyone noticed the continuous and outrageous increases in car insurance over the past few years? I have received through the mail letters from my insurance company for three straight, six-month pay periods with $50 increases. They ask each time for permission from the state of New Jersey for 17 to 20% raises in rates for both liability and comprehensive. As in a previous letter to the editor, we find the state government approving all sorts of increases without questioning them. I find the
government and our alleged representatives are in a league with the companies against the citizens who are massively taxed and ignored by these politicos, who are only there to beg for your vote.
These increases are along with all other expenses slowly draining my account. The clique of insurance bandits are receiving free money from me. My record is clean. I have no tickets, a perfect driving record, as I imagine others are as well. The state should end their routine of approving these massive increases and accept a more reasonable number. I for one will not vote for any candidate on the state level who has no regard for senior citizens like me — or any family struggling to survive in this critical situation.
John Drzymkowski North Arlington
The Observer’s correction policy
The Observer strives to bring our readers the best and the most accurate news. However, from time to time, there may be mistakes in what we report. As such, we take our obligation to report errors seriously.
If you believe we’ve made an error, please send an e-mail to editorial@theobserver.com, indicating what is to be corrected. We will ensure a correction is noted (if necessary) in a future print edition — and online. If access to e-mail is not possible, please call us at 201-991-1600.
Caroselli: Give Juan Barroso his job back at old salary
To the Editor:
I read, with interest, the article in The Observer dated July 10, 2024, in reference to Juan Barroso’s investigation.
Reading through the entire article, I was trying to understand who set such ridiculous rules that would so negatively affect a beautiful man’s life.
I am not a Kearny resident, but I did get to know Mr. Barroso as I met him many times during the course of a week.
I was extremely impressed by his abilities and compassion. I knew him to
Lisa M. Feorenzo lisa@theobserver.com Co-owner/Advertising Dir.
be a great family man and a blessing to his community.
To think he was fired for something unintelligible in the world of reality, I was livid.
Just what does one do to deserve to be fired like this and how dare they suggest he come back as a demotion in rank and pay along with lost vacation time?
What happened to common sense and why aren’t the leaders in Kearny doing what they should be doing, i.e., protecting a valued member of the community from such political attacks?
I suggest he be reinstated with full pay and benefits and an apology extended to home as they thank him properly for his dedicated service to the Town of Kearny.
Rich Caroselli North Arlington
Tina Feorenzo Co-owner/Advertising
Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com Editor/Broadcaster Michelle Rybeck advertising@theobserver.com Graphic Artist/Real Estate
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Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com Sports Writer
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Town of Kearny
Independence Day Celebration
Mayor Carol Jean Doyle, Town Council and Recreation Department would like to thank the following sponsors for making this year’s 4th of July Celebration
a huge success, with a fabulous turnout of approximately 13,000 people in attendance:
GOLD SPONSOR
Apruzzese, McDermott,
Mastro & Murphy
Brady, Reilly & Cardoso, LLC
Cali Carting Inc.
Castano & Quigley, LLC
Kearny PBA Local 21
Neglia Engineering Associates
Kearny (Nutley) Shop-Rite
Provident Bank
River Terminal Development Co.
SILVER SPONSOR
Hartz Mountain
McManimon, Scotland, Bauman LLC
Nu-Way Concessionaires, Inc.
BRONZE SPONSOR
Bronze & Brown, Inc.
Wielkotz & Company, LLC
FRIENDS OF KEARNY
Christmas Spectacular
ON THE HONOR ROLL — FRANKLIN & WASHINGTON SCHOOLS KEARNY
Yvonne Cali, principal of Kearny’s Franklin School, announces the school’s fourth marking period honor students: Presidential Award Winners: Lucas Paz, Shannon Ryan, Jeremay Santos De Freitas.
6th Grade Principal’s Honor Roll : Daniel Cooke, Mya Cortes, Lucas Paz, Isabelly Ribeiro De Paula, Angel Rivera-Lopez, Shannon Ryan, Jeremay Santos De Freitas.
6th Grade Honor Roll : Isabelle Almonte, Zineb Boumia, Joshua Dapena, Jada DeJesus, Scarlet Jaramillo, Omayra Juarez, Dylan Marin Jimenez, Sebastian Melendez, Joseph Montoro, Mason Nieves, Samir Pardo, Kevin Reis.
5th Grade Principal’s Honor Roll: Anthony Andrade, Brian Brandao, Marcus Cerqueira Castromil Filho, Alexandra Da Silva, Estefano Delgado Vallejo,
Leslie Fuentes Perez, Arthur Glanzmann Cerqueira, Julissa Huancaya, Kalel Izquierdo, Audrey Lugo, Brizydes Martinez Hernandez, Jazilyn Montilla, Ellena Neto, Adriel Osueni. 5th Grade Honor Roll: Aamanee Akintoyee, Mateo Alvarado Cedeno, Victoria Alves Farias, Mackenzie Carrasco, Avril Chavez Rigacci, Kamila Criollo, Maria Diaz Mendez, Alana Duarte, Emma Gerena, Austin Gonzalez, Caroline Gonzalez, Maria Hartman Fogaca.
Also, Torrin Holmes, Renata Huilca, Yanata Ixcoy Shivir, Luna Lopes, Sophia Lopez, Aliyah Lorenzo, Greymally Lujan, James Maldano, Chloe Martinez, Luciano Mejia Ortega, Christopher Mendez, Leo Mercado, Brandon Mesarina, Reyna Montesinos, Hannah Morales, Myles Morales, Derek Munoz Beltran, Isaac Ordonez Oyuela, Olivia Pacheco, Maria
Palhano Modolo, Isabella Osorio, Katie Paredes Cuzco, Daniela Payano, Haylee Pokol, Mia Ramos, Samantha Reynoso Flores, Daniel Ribeiro, Isadora Rodrigues, Suzivette Rodriguez, Louis Daniel Silva, Juliet Tamayo, Samantha Vazquez, Madison Velazquez, Yihuan Zhuang, Lucas Zanandrea Fernandes.
4th Grade Principal’s
Honor Roll: Sophia Cerqueira, Nani Chapman-Davis, Valery Cocuy, Eunice Cohetero Gomez, Enmanuel Cordova Velez, Katelyn Cortes, Leland Costello, Liam Estrella, Vincent Lin, Bruno Mejia Ortega, Kamila Perez, Rihanna Montes Ponce, Ian Perez, Zavier Perez, Cole Raia, Gael Robles Bautista, Vani Sharma, Jayleen Vega, Naomi Yang.
4th Grade Honor
Roll: Selvin Aleman Dominguez, Damian Amigon, Aiden Aquino, Michael Alvarez, Jas Barrantes, Yassin Boumia, Yusuf Bourquia, Brianna Caceda, Leah Calderon, Jeffrey Calva, Nayara Candida De Freitas, Rim Chadid, Tatiana Chamba,
Jiya Desai, Mishell Gonzaga Castillo, Sarah Garzon, Sebastian Henao, Alanis Llerena, Alexander Lopez, Kiy’ara Kelly-Sparks, Alexandro LoBuono Alcantara. Also, Nathan Maciel, Isabella Marte, Maria Molina Merizalde, Kyle Paterson, Nicholas Netto, Sebastian Remache Gregorio, Breezy Roca Cespedes, Allan Rocha, Jackson Roemer, Melani Ruiz Martinez, Ammy Sarmiento, Jacob Teixeira, Giancarlo Torres, Alejandro Valdivia Sabalvarro.
n
Jon Zimmerman, principal of Washington School in Kearny, has announced the following students have achieved academic honors for the fourth marking period of the 2023-24 school year:
Grade 4
Principal‘s Honors : Adriana Loaiza Cuenca. Honors : Jose Dos Santos, Edison Ferrell, Kassandra Lata-Coronel, Maximiliano Martinez, Nickolas Mestanza, Fabian Paz, Steven
Sinisterra Gamboa, Danna Uzho Armijo.
Grade 5
Principal’s Honors : Nicolas Alves Dasilva, Jade Calva Silva, Kayo Denadai, Maria Del Mar Giraldo Calle, Dana Graciano Menjivar, Kaici Huang, Dania Mantilla Ramos, Arwa Ouchiba, Amelia Rosario-Gil, Jaquawn Stewart, Lara Vilas Boas.
Honors : Elias Cabrera, Dylan Cano, John De Lara, Angelo Fernandez, Angel Garcia, Emily Garcia Bustamante, Ana Luiza Gil Ramos Da Silva, Victoria Hempel, Anthony Hill.
Also, Ivan Enrique Juarez, Kendra Lopez Bautista, Sofia Maurad Dutan, Jamill Mendoza, D’Angelo Pascual, Damaris Perez Galicia, Santiago Rojas, Teo Ruiz Analuisa. Sebastian Santiago-Rivera, Franky Tecalero, Mikaela Zachesky.
Grade 6
Principal’s Honors: Briseyda Cuamacas.
Honors : Paul Oshiro, Jessica Rojas.
SPORTS & HEALTH
By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com
John Tolkin is going from Red Bull Arena to the Paris Olympics.
Tolkin, a Chatham native and the New York Red Bulls star defender was selected to the United States U-23 Olympic Team roster for the 2024 Summer Olympics. The announcement was made on July 8 by both Team USA and the Red Bulls.
Tolkin was one of six defenders named to the 18-player roster for the United States, which is making its first Summer Olympics appearance since 2008. By rule, the Olympic Men’s Soccer Tournament requires at least 15 of the 18 players to be under the age of 23.
The 21-year-old Tolkin becomes the sixth player in Red Bulls/Metrostars history to be selected to the United States Olympic team while active and the first in 24 years. In 2000, then Red Bulls Tim Howard and Ramiro Corrales were selected to Team USA’s Summer Olympic team.
Tolkin made seven appearances for the United States Olympic Team leading up to the Olympics, the most recent coming in its June 11 friendly against Japan.
In January, Tolkin made his first United State Senior National Team appearance during a friendly against Slovenia. It was Tolkin’s fourth career cap over three Senior National Team callups in his young career. Now in his fifth season, Tolkin is one of the top defenders in franchise history. In 105 MLS games, his 15 assists are tied for second all-time in franchise history for a defender. Last season, Tolkin set a single season Red Bulls record for assists by a defender with 10 as he was named to his first MLS
Red Bulls’
to Olympics À PARIS! n
Tolkin heading from Harrison
All-Star roster.
This season, Tolkin has one goal in 19 games, totalling 1,584 minutes. Tolkin has been a part of the Red Bulls Academy since 2015 and signed a Homegrown Contract with the club in January, 2020.
“He has proven to be one of the top young players at his position globally and despite missing preseason, he has been fighting
back and still has a lot of potential to grow with us,” Red Bulls
Head of Sport Jochen Schneider said in a release announcing Tolkin’s four-year MLS contract extension in May. “We are very proud to have John with us.”
Back in March, Tolkin and Red Bulls teammate Daniel Edelman were selected to participate in the Olympic team’s training camp. The 20-year-old Edel-
man, while not selected for the final Olympic roster, previously served as the United States U-20 team’s captain at the U-20 FIFA World Cup last year. Edelman, a Warren native, is in his third season with the Red Bulls.
The United States has one more friendly on July 18 against Spain before the start of the Olympic Games. The U.S. Team, which is in Group A, plays its
first group stage match on July 24 against host France before contests against New Zealand (July 27) and Guina (July 30).
The Red Bulls are currently fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings with 37 points (9-4-10) heading into home games against Montreal on Wednesday and Cincinnati on Saturday before the season pauses for the 2024 Leagues Cup.
Photo courtesy U.S. Soccer/Andrea Vilchez
Nutley Senior LL All-Stars add to championship legacy
By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com
Tony Mielnicki has seen the players on Nutley Little League’s 15-16U Senior League team do nothing, but win in the five years he’s coached them. With such a resume - one Mielnicki compares favorably to any Nutley Little League team - it came as little surprise to him that this same group would continue its winning ways, despite being a year younger than most of the competition.
“This team has been together since they were 10-years-old in Little League. They’re 100%
the most decorated all-star team in Nutley history,” said Mielnicki of this group that has won a district title every year and reached the state final last summer as Junior All-Stars. “Probably 80% of the team has played together since they were on the 9/10 year old all-stars.”
Now in the Senior Baseball level, Nutley won the District 8 title and reached the New Jersey Section 2 final before losing to Fort Lee-Cliffside Park in the final.
In the sections, Nutley lost its first game to Fort Lee-Cliffside Park, 7-4, then staved
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off elimination when it outslugged Elmore, 11-9. The title hopes were dashed when Fort Lee-Cliffside Park defeated Nutley, 5-1, on July 3 to clinch the championship.
“It’s a big feat,” Mielnicki said. “They’re a young team. They’re back next year so I’m looking for really big things from next year.”
According to Mielnicki, the team’s strength lay up the middle of the field, beginning with a trio of starting pitchers in Kennan Bilotta, Dominic Saladino and Devon Schlitt.
See ALL-STARS, Page 12
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Michael Berardesco,
OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA
Dr. Carla Domingues Lic # 27OA00646200
Michelle L. Botsacos
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of disrupted breathing during sleep. It occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively, causing the airway to become partially or entirely blocked. This results in reduced airflow or complete cessation of breathing for brief periods, often accompanied by loud snoring and abrupt awakenings. OSA can lead to fragmented and poor-quality sleep, causing daytime fatigue, excessive daytime sleepiness, impaired concentration, and mood disturbances. Long-term consequences of untreated OSA include increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Diagnosis typically involves a sleep study, and treatment options range
from lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and positional therapy, to continuous positive airway pressure, CPAP devices, or oral appliances.
In general, men are two to three times more likely as premenopausal women to have obstructive sleep apnea. However, the risk of obstructive sleep apnea increases in women after menopause. To schedule an appointment, please call PREMIER CARE ASSOCIATES OF WEST HUDSON at 201-9987474, or visit us 7 days a week at 512 Kearny Ave., Suite B. Our staff of professionals is dedicated to providing you and your family with the finest quality medical care. P.S. The word “apnea” comes from the Greek word for “breathless.”
any questions or comments to: premiercare@gmail.com
Dr. Prakash J. Doshi
Dr. Hector Aguilar
Photo courtesy of Anthony Mielnicki Standing (left to right): Coach Bob DeLizio, Andrew Raboy, Devon Schlitt, Aydan Hattem, Brian Dolaghan, Brayden King, Joey Roque, Manager Anthony Mielnicki. Kneeling (left to right): Kennan Bilotta, Louis Dellavolpe,
Jack Finkelstein(Not Pictured): Dominic Saladino, Jackson Poole, Anthony Raffa, William Christie.
Harrison summer volleyball continues rapid growth
By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com
Anthony Sabia has seen firsthand how much the interest and quality of volleyball has grown in this part of North Jersey.
Sabia and Nick Landy see proof of that every Tuesday and Thursday during the annual Harrison Recreation Summer Volleyball Leagues
With 10 boys and 10 girls teams in total, this marks the biggest the leagues have been since they started in 2017.
Play began on July 9 and goes through Aug. 15. Through the first week of games, it’s apparent that the boys league in particular is perhaps the most competitive it’s ever been.
“The boys league especially
has been very competitive both this year and last year,” said Sabia, the longtime Harrison boys assistant coach, who runs the league alongside Landy. “We noticed the level of teams, even though we’re only a week through right now.”
Headlining the list of participants is reigning Group 1 champion West Caldwell Tech, who defeated Harrison in the North Jersey, Group 1 final in June.
Hudson County finalist Hudson Catholic, as well as semifinalists Kearny and North Bergen and perennial North Jersey contender Bayonne. Abundant Life, Payne Tech, Hoboken and Memorialalso compete in the league, which initially started out as a four-team league.
The demand has been so great
that Sabia admitted he’s had to reject application requests from some of the better North Jersey programs looking to get in.
Sabia has noticed that an added benefit of the elevated competition has been greater
participation from his team’s players.
“Nick and I have both noticed that this summer the attendance for our offseason open gyms and
weight room and summer league has probably been the best we’ve ever had,” Sabia said. “I think this core group of seniors that we have coming up now is really hungry knowing that it’s going to be their last chance (at a state title).”
Harrison, which has won seven of eight sets thus far, has eight seniors back from this past spring’s 26-5 team.
While Harrison’s girls have not enjoyed the same type of success, this summer has seen the Blue Tide win five of its first six sets.
“I wasn’t sure what they were going to look like this year. I knew they had a decent amount back
NEURITIS
Optic neuritis is an eye condition that results from swelling in the optic nerve. The optic nerve contains nerve fibers that transmit information from the eyes to the brain. Optic neuritis usually affects only one eye and causes pain behind the eye that gets worse with eye movement. It may cause a person to see flashing lights or experience loss of color vision. It can also cause vision loss in the affected eye and reduced visual field. The vision loss develops quickly over hours or days and is often temporary, but it can also last for weeks or even months. Optic neuritis may indicate the early stages of multiple sclerosis and can occur with infections and autoimmune disorders like lupus.
Besides MS, optic nerve inflammation can occur with other conditions, including infections or immune diseases, such as lupus. Most people who have a single episode of optic neuritis eventually recover their vision without treatment. Sometimes steroid medications may speed the recovery of vision after optic neuritis. If you need eye care or an eye exam, please call 201-8960007. We are located at 20 Park Avenue, Lyndhurst. To contact our optical shop, call 201-8960007. We accept most insurance. P.S. Optic neuritis is associated with several autoimmune disorders and may occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin, the optic nerve’s protective coating.
Yamil Espinoza Jeremy Rivera Alaittim De Leon
Photos courtesy of Milton Velez Photography
ALL-STARS
Continued from Page 10
Bilotta, a lefty, kept batters off-balanced without overwhelming velocity, while Schlitt is more of a hard-thrower. Saladino is effective on the mound with a fastball-slider combination, but his future is in the outfield.
Brian Dolaghan and Louis Dellavolpe were both counted on to pitch in multi-inning roles. Jackson Poole and Aydan Hattem brought added depth
VOLLEYBALL
Continued from Page 11
so I was curious to see/,” said Sabia. “They definitely have potential.”
According to Sabia, Lyndhurst, which won its first six sets of the summer with ease, appears to be the class of the 10-team league. The league expanded from eight to 10 with Bayonne, a longtime contender in Hudson County and Hoboken, one of the area’s top small schools, joining this summer.
Local programs Kearny and Abundant Life, as well as Hudson Catholic, West Caldwell Tech, Payne Tech and Newark Tech round out the field on the girls side.
to the bullpen.
The starting catcher and cleanup hitter was Mikchael Berardesco, who attends Don Bosco Prep. Behind Berardesco were two very capable backups in Adryan Jimenez and Joey Roque, who was the primary third baseman.
Strength up the middle continued on the infield with Brayden King at shortstop and Jack Finkelstein at second base.The duo has been together for years, including this spring on Nutley’s freshman team.
Each team plays 13 regular season matches (26 sets). The girls playoffs are on Tuesday, Aug. 13 with the boys playoffs on Thursday, Aug. 15.
While Sabia knows the league can’t physically grow any further due to gym space, there’s little doubt in his mind that the quality will continue to improve.
“I think over time it’s only going to get more and more competitive,” Sabia said. “We have a waitlist on both sides now so there’s obviously interest in the area. Teams are definitely looking for the opportunity to play. And we’re happy that they think that what we do up here is good enough that they want to spend the money and the time to get their kids up here to compete.”
“They’re two very, very quick, dynamic kids,” said Melnicki. “They just read each other well. They’re very smooth out there.”
In centerfield is the most experienced member of the team in Saladino. While most of the Senior team played on Nutley’s freshman team this spring, Saladino started in right field for the Maroon Raiders’ varsity team.
“The kid is very dynamic out there,” Mielnicki said of Saladino. “His speed is off the charts. The way he can read
a ball coming off the bat is incredible.Defensively, he’s that good”
In right field was Jackson Poole, who hit a home run during the Section 2 tournament. Andrew Raboy started in left field.
Schlitt, Anthony Raffa and William Christie all saw time in the outfield as well. Schlitt would shift over to first base when Kennan was on the mound and Dolaghan saw time at third base as well.
With the entire roster set to be back, Mielnicki is already
looking forward to seeing what they can do next year. Though admittedly, it is a little bittersweet for him, know it will be the last time he gets to coach them.
“I’ve been coaching a lot of these kids since they were nine or 10. They’re a special bunch of kids. They really are. It’s going to break my heart next year when it’s their last year playing for the all-stars. They really look forward to it, being that the baseball season is so short. It’s like eight weeks so they get pumped up about it.”
Rick’s takes ’24 LL championship!
The Rick’s Autobody Little League team won the Kearny Little League town championship for 2024,as its offense delivered at the ideal time, defeating Mid-Realty, 16-8, in the third and final game of the championship series.
Rick’s Autobody won the first game of the best of 3 series with Mid-Realty taking the second game to force a winner take all third game.
Front Row (left to right): Jevoany Aquino, Mason Rivera, Zahir Molina, Shawn Sullivan, Sergio De Jesus, Anibal Santiago, Gyan Mauro Santos and Mason Nieves. Back Row (left to right): William McChesney (coach), Jason McChesney (coach), Jeremiah Escalante, Travis Witt (head coach), Michael Hodel, Alexander Garcia, Danny McChesney (coach).Not pictured: Declan Coleman.
Carol O’Neill
Carol A. O’Neill, (Skromyda), 71, died Saturday, July 6, 2024, in Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank.
Relatives and friends visited at the Thiele-Reid Family Funeral Home, 585 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. Cremation was private.
Born in Jersey City, Carol was raised in Kearny. After marrying her husband, Charles, they moved to Europe and lived in the Netherlands for several years. They re-
OBITUARIES
turned to New Jersey in 2000 and settled in Fairhaven, New Jersey.
Mrs. O’Neill was a fine artist beginning at age 16.
Carol received an MFA at the Vermont College of Fine Arts, BFA at the School of Visual Arts New York City and the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts in New Jersey.
A fine-art painter, drawing was her love, and she produced many graphite drawings of nature. In her early years, Carol enjoyed painting with oils as well as egg tempera. Her work
appeared in numerous national shows and she won several prominent awards, including a fellowship from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts Individual Artist.
She was a member of the National Association of Women Artists in New York City and served on the awards committee.
Carol is survived by her beloved husband, Charles O’Neill; her mother, Alice (Tucholski) Skromyda; one brother, Michael Skromyda and two sisters, Diane Skromyda and
Getting around without a car: what are your
Are you no longer able to drive because of health problems? Has getting behind the wheel become too stressful? Rest assured; this doesn’t mean you have to stay at home. Here are some alternative forms of transportation you may want to consider to help you remain independent.
•Active transportation. Depending on your situation, you may be able to walk or cycle to some of the shops or places you frequent most often. An electric-assist bike is an excellent option.
•Public buses. If your area is well connected, taking the bus is both a practical and economical choice. If you’re not familiar with this mode of transportation, ask someone close to you to help you figure out routes and timetables or to accompany you for a few days while you get your bearings.
•Taxis. Do you have a taxi service where you live? Hiring a taxi is an excellent way to get where you want to
options?
go, practically whenever you want. Bear in mind that some companies allow you to buy pre-paid vouchers to simplify your life.
•Volunteer drivers. Various local organizations have volunteer driver programs, which can take you to appointments or the shopping mall, for example. Reservations are usually required.
•Private group transpor-
tation. Some organizations, such as seniors’ residences, leisure centres or clubs for older adults, offer free or lowcost group transit services. You can use them to attend local events, for example.
Of course, you can also ask friends and family for help from time to time. If you don’t feel comfortable asking, try coordinating some of your trips to limit the inconvenience.
All obituaries must be submitted by email by 10 a.m., Mondays, to obituaries@ theobserver.com. Payment is due at submission.
Janet Skromyda. She was predeceased by her father, Michael Skromyda. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center at www.mskcc.org or to the National Association of Women Artists at www.thenawa.org.
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Jersey is fifth most victimized state for cybercrime
Cto be a major threat to businesses, schools and individuals all over the United States, with more than $12.5 billion in potential losses
incurred in the last year alone. But some states are bearing the brunt of the financial losses more than others. In fact, New Jersey ranks as the fifth most victimized by cybercrime state in the nation. Oliver Page, CEO of CyberNut, a security-awareness training solution firm built exclusively for schools that trains faculty, staff and students to recognize and report the phishing emails and deep fake AI scams that are targeting districts, delved into the top states that experienced the highest cybercrime losses in 2023, exploring the potential reasons behind these staggering figures.
We’ll start at home.
5. New Jersey
New Jersey, in fifth place, experienced over $441 million in cybercrime losses, potentially due to its proximity to New York and its own thriving financial and pharmaceutical sectors, Page says.
Now watch as these figures balloon — including in bordering New York.
4. New York
a staggering $2.16 billion. “This can be attributed to the state’s large population (the largest in the U.S.), thriving tech industry and high concentration of affluent individuals and businesses, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals,” Page says.
Cybercrime’s devastating impact
These staggering cybercrime losses have a significant impact on the overall economy and financial system.
Page says: “New York, the fourth-highest state, suffered nearly $750 million in losses, reflecting its status as a global financial hub and the presence of numerous high-profile companies and organizations, all of whom are a prime target for cybercriminals.”
3. Florida
New York south, Florida, ranks third, with nearly $875 million suffered in cybercrime losses.
“The theft of sensitive data, financial fraud and disruption of critical infrastructure can lead to decreased consumer confidence, higher insurance premiums and increased costs in every area for businesses and individuals,” Page says.
To mitigate these risks, businesses, organizations and individuals in highrisk states should implement robust cybersecurity measures, such as:
“The state’s reliance on tourism, real estate and financial services, as well as its large elderly population, make it vulnerable to scams and data breaches,” Page says.
2. Texas
Seems they really do mess with Texas.
The Lone Star States ranks second, with over $1.02 billion in cybercrime losses, likely due to its large population, diverse economy and significant presence in industries like energy, finance and healthcare, all of which are prime targets for cyberattacks.
1. California
Perhaps least surprising, California tops the list as the state with the highest cybercrime losses in 2023, reaching
n Regularly updating software and systems to address known vulnerabilities.
n Implementing strong access controls, including multi-factor authentication and password management.
n Providing comprehensive cybersecurity training for employees to recognize and respond to phishing attempts and other social engineering tactics.
n Regularly backing up data and testing incident response plans to ensure business continuity in the event of a breach.
n Cyber insurance should be considered to transfer some of the financial risk associated with cyber threats.
Grace United hosting vacation Bible School
Grace United Methodist Church hosts Vacation Bible School July 29 to Aug. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. each day. Children will learn about God’s love for them through the early life of Jesus, participate in arts & crafts and enjoy snacks and fellowship. For more information, call Lorri Bradow at (201) 991-1132 or send an email to graceunitedmethodistchurch1@verizon. net. Register at www.myvbs. org/GraceUMCKearny.
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 inquiries only (973)9806335 09W03
KEARNY 2nd floor Newly Renovated 4 bedroom, access to patio, $3100 + 1.5 months security. separate utilities. no pets/ smoking Available Now (201)772-9965 10W03
KEARNY 3rd floor 2
BR’s, LR, EIK $2200 + 1.5 months security Utilities Separate. No Pets/Smoking, Access to Yard Available Now (201)772-9965 10W03
KEARNY Large 1 Bedroom apartment on the 3rd fl. Tenant pays utilities. No broker fees. Hablamos español. Rent- $1,875.00. Available. (201)618-5337 11W03
HARRISON/E.NEW -
ARK 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
HARRISON 1st floor
Newly renovated 1 BR, $1800 + utilities and security. no pets/smoking Available now (201)9916942 or (732)895-2321 11W03
HARRISON 110 Passaic Ave. 1st fl. 2 BR, Kitchen, LR, Bathroom. Good Condition. $1,800 + 1.5 months security. Utilities separate. No pets/ Smoking Avl. August 1st. (973) 704-4246 11W03
KEARNY Arlington section. 2nd Floor, Large LR, Large Formal DR, Large EIK, 2 small BR’s. $2200 + 1 mo. sec. Utilities separate Available August 1st. Call (732) 859-9957 10W03
KEARNY 1st floor apartment in two family house. Two bedrooms, living room, dining room and kitchen. $2100.00 per month plus one month security. Supply own utilities. Basement has washer and dryer hookup. Use of yard. Parking for one vehicle. No pets/ smoking. Available August 1st. Call between 10:00am-7:00pm only. Call (201)997-2341 11W03
KEARNY 1st floor 3
BR’s, 1 bath, LR, DR & Kitchen $2800 + 1.5 months security. Utilities separate Parking for 1 car, No Pets/ Smoking Available Now (973)868-3378 11W03
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 10W03
1 room w/LG closet near NYC trans. Smoking allowed. must be employed. Share EIK and full bath. Attic storage $825 + 1 mo. security deposit. Share utilities. Call Jennifer 201-283-2325 10W03
room for rent. $600 + 1 month security, everything included cable & internet. Available now (973) 525- 3860 11W03 HARRISON
Honor roll announced at Kearny’s Garfield School
Donna Masters, principal of Kearny’s Garfield School, announces the following honor students and citizenship awardees:
Grade 4 - Principal’s Honor Roll
Victoria DaCunha, Noah Gomez, Noah Kaminski, Abigail Naranjo, Sophia Rojas
Grade 4 - Honor Roll
Clayra Alves Filgueiras, Adam Amraoui, Carolina Cerron Salvador, Emma Chen, Kiera Chesney, Izaabeth Moya, Christiano Ocano, Jose Rojas Alvarado
Grade 4 - Citizenship Award
rado, Issac Pose, Ryder Ribeiro, Jonathan Ruiz, Joao Silva, Sarah Solano Toledo, Mia Torres, Amelia Vargas Bajana
Grade 6 Principal’s Honor Roll
Gabriel Alvarez, Angelick Andrade hernandez, Brian Chesney, Dayron Chipa Apaza, Sofia DaSilva, Megan Delgado Ortiz, Cesar Franco Da Cruz, Emily Gomez, Michael Guerriero, Muhammad Jalil, Cailin Kyak, Makenzie Martinez, Dakota Murphy, Nathanael Olivares, Lauren Perez, Lauren Rettschlag.
Grade 6 Honor Roll
BELLEVILLE male preferred. responsible person. no smoking. No kitchen. $700 + 1 month security. Utilities included (973) 3325613 10W03
Washer & Dryer please call (201) 997-0093 if interested 10W03
Rayane Ait Mhamed, Izabela Alfaro, Clayra Alves Filgueiras, Eileen Amao Mogrovejo, Karen Amaya, Adam Amraoui, Carolina Cerron Salvador, Emma Chen, Kiera Chesney, Victoria DaCunha, Alexander Delgado, Luiza Dos Santos, Noah Gomez, Lyan Jaramillo, Noah Kaminski, Mariangel Martinez Estrada, Hadassah Mendes Caldas, Izaabeth Moya, Abigail Naranjo, Christiano Ocana, Janell Paulino, Elsa Ramos, Ryan Reis De Oliveira, Jose Rojas Alvarado, Sophia Rojas, Sophia Romero, Agustin Yanzon, Vira Zaitseva
Grade 5 - Principal’s Honor Roll
Yeiline Paguay Andrade
Grade 5 - Honor Roll
Ethan Chang, Amir Cherrab, Maria Corrone Guimaraes, Angel Hernandez, Nigel Mangal, James Montano, Tiago Munoz, Marco Osorio Cajamarca, Ryder Ribeiro, Jonathan Ruiz, Sarah Solano Toledo, Mia Torres
Grade 5 - Citizenship Award
Yaretzi Acosta, Mohamed Ait Laadik, Salvatore Aleo, Athena Capulin Lozano, Sebastian Carfagna, Ethan Chang, Amir Cherrab, Maria Corrone Guimaraes, Angel Hernandez, Gia Gonzalez, Nigel Mangal, Anthony Maza Chalaco, James Montano, Tiago Munoz, Victoria Olarte Cabrera, Marco Osorio Cajamarca, Yeiline Paguay Andrade, Sebastian Perez Ju-
Jayden Acevedo, Ariana Argueta, Anas Azhari, Clive Brathwaite, Leah Caez, David Da Silva, Ryan Desimon, Jose Gonzalez Encarnacion, Liam Latona, Edgar Matos Travieso, Shary Mejia, Jamiel Ordonez, Ella Ramos, Francis Schoendorf, Romas Suarez Rogazy, DAnna Tineo Mejia, Jayden Vera, Julieth Washington-Cocuy
Grade 6 Citizenship Award
Jayden Acevedo, Gabriel Alvarez, Angelick Andrade Hernandez, Ariana Argueta, Anas Azhari, Dyllan Belchior, Ziyad Benhmadat, Joseph Boone, Clive Brathwaite, Leah Caez, Nathan Campoverde, Maria Castaneda Barrios, Brian Chesney, Dayron Chipa Apaza, David Da Silva, Sofia DaSilva, Megan Delgado Ortiz, Ryan Desimon, Jeremiah Escalante, Lavinia Favero Chrisostomo.
Also, Josie Fernandez, Cesar Franco Da Cruz, Jomar Garcia, Emily Gomez, Jose Gonzalez Encarnacion, Michael Guerriero, Muhammad Jalil, Cailin Kyak, Liam Latona, Gerard Macias Ramon, Makenzie Martinez, Edgar Matos Travieso, Shary Mejia, Ariana Melville, Jencarlos Morocho Morocho, Cole Murphy, Dakota Murphy, Nathanael Olivares, Jamiel Ordonez, Karim Palacio, Kayla Paris, Lauren Perez, Christian Quezada Santos, Ella Ramos, Lauren Rettschlag, Leah Ruiz, Victoria Saldanha, Aiyanna Samayoa, Mykayla Sanchez, Justin Santos, Francis Schoendorf, Davi Souza Saraiva, Tomas Suarez Rogazy, Makayla Thompson, Danna Tineo Mejia, Aiden Tirado, Julian Tirado, Jayden Vera, Julieth Washington-Cocuy.
KEARNY
BELLEVILLE
HARRISON
Antonio Moyano, principal of Roosevelt School in Kearny, announces the following who students have attained Principal’s Honors, or honors for the fourth marking period of the 2023-2024 school year.
ON THE HONOR ROLL — ROOSEVELT SCHOOL IN KEARNY
Principal’s Honors
Grade 6
Marwa Alami, Gavin Araujo, Jack Barroqueiro, Kayden Fonseca, Violet Garcia, Zoe Habrahamshon, Jordano Haro Casachagua, Sandra Immerso, Nebiha Junaid, Brendan
DIRECTORY BUSINESS
Mara, Lilly McSweeney, Caroline Olson, Hannah Paris, Nicholas Peldunas, Izabella Perez-Bombino, Jason Pina, Anabelle Rodriguez, Emmanuel Rojas, Lukas Rojas, Alice Torres Silva.
Grade 5
Francesca Alda, Declan Coleman, Zachary PritchardCoelho, Nicole Sanchez, Emmah Barroqueiro, Sophia DeRay, Olivia Garzon, Quinn Pinho, Rebecca Ribeiro, Savannah Rusek, Omar Zohdy.
Grade 4
Amelia Abbott, Manny Azanza-Mora, Aysha Bah, Miranda Bernaola, Kylee Carlen, Claudio Garcia, Calleigh Hassen , Sophia Henriques, Shane Maass, Aldrian Xan Mendoza, Sophia Murray-Dominguez, Abigail Orozco, Emily Peldunas, Noah Rodriguez, Nicolas Rodriguez Gamarra, Vitolucianno Velasques, Johan Vilaba.
Honors
Grade 6
Emily Dabrowski,, Kayce Huaylla Hernandez, Ava Irizarry, Emma Peso, Ava Piccillo, Ava Wahl.
Grade 5
Amelia Azurdia, Gael Bahahona Beltran, Danny Consuegra, Sophia Costa, Dominic DeRosa, Alex Dinuzzo, Sophia Dobie, Sebastian Huaranga, Carlos Kingalahua, Alexander Kintos, Stephen Levchak, Manuel Lopez, Jayden Milne, Lunna Orellana Barillas, Benen Palacios, Emil Pena, Carolina Pereira, Brianna Porto, Rebecka Rocha Soares Ferreira, Yaretzi Rodriguez, Destiny Ruccatano, Gyan Marcos Santos Leon, Hannah Silva, Gurnoor Singh, Aiden VegaMarshman, Eian Veiga, Michael Wolsza
Grade 4
Aubrey Amenta, Jesse Chimbo Calle, Finn Corbett, Michael Dinuzzo, Mason Faria, Nathan Leroy, Manuela Machado Rocha, Nicolette Martinez, Noah Menendez, Raphael Moncada, Nathaly Morocho, Nicole Orellana, Valery Pastorino, Anthony Pina, Nicholas Quintela, Ivy Roberts, Bo Shockley, Emilia Ugarte, Corinne Young.
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
GRANTS
Continued from Page 1
that will provide the proper infrastructure Hudson County residents deserve in their playgrounds, dog parks, skate parks, waterfronts, recreation centers and much more.”
Harrison Mayor James A. Fife was especially grateful for the award given to Harrison.
“The Town of Harrison, like most municipalities in Hudson County, relies heavily upon neighborhood playgrounds. Not only do these havens provide convenient and safe environments for our children to play, exercise and socialize, they allow parents to network and discuss topics important to the community,” Fife said. “The Hudson County Open Space Trust Fund provides the money needed to maintain and expand Harrison’s playgrounds, ensuring countless hours of enjoyment by residents. With the ever-increasing costs of construction, the trust fund is needed now more than ever.”
Locally:
n East Newark is set to receive $167,900 of a $167,900 plan to add new turf to Veterans Soccer Field.
“The turf of this soccer field will be replaced to make the field cleaner and safer for playing,” the county’s recommendation said. “The current state of the field is in disrepair and deteriorating. The new turf will create a more accessible field for the public to use.”
n Harrison stands to received $300,000 of a $522,417 plan to rehabilitate Policemen’s Park Playground.
The Town of Harrison proposes a complete reconstruction of Policemen’s Park Playground due to the current safety and aesthetic of the playground. This project will include the installation of new equipment, safety surfacing, fencing and a retaining wall. The equipment will encourage engaging in physical activity. To ensure the playground has longevity, a retaining wall will be installed to prevent soil erosion. There is an additional match of CDBG funding for this project.
And lastly, Kearny will take home two awards — one for $422,000 for a proposed $500,000 waterfront walkway park along the Passaic River and $150,000 (the town requested $500,000) of a $2.6 million improvement to the new Kearny multipurpose center on Oakwood Avenue, the site of the former First
Lutheran Church.
n The Town of Kearny is seeking the acquisition of two sites, the former Rapp’s Boatyard site, which recently experienced a major fire, and former Skinner Brothers Service Center site, for the first project. These locations will be transformed into recreational open space that will create a continuous waterfront recreational area along the Passaic River.
To do so, the original plan was to collapse the structure on Rapp’s Boatyard for demolishing, but that has since been removed following the aforementioned fire. Environmental remediation will be needed. Future park development will include sustainable landscaping, green infrastructure and inclusive pathways. There is a local share of $78,000 for this project.
The second grant will pay for part of the transformation of the former church into a multi-purpose community center. The town is also striving to preserve historic elements of the church. The town proposes recreational uses in the interior of the facility, including space for programed activities for residents of all ages.
This project has a local share of $1.46 million and the town has also received $73,000 from the FY24 Local Recreation Improvement Grant.
Kearny Business Administrator Stephen Marks says he’s very grateful to the county for its efforts.
“The Town of Kearny truly appreciates every grant it receives. The town expects that the improvements to the Kearny Recreation Center will be multiphase and take multiple years,” the longtime administrator said. “The site needs repairs to the physical plant of the building, including the roof, foundation, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, as well as upgrades to the HVAC system and installation of fire and burglar alarms, audio-visual systems, security cameras, Wifi and ADA/handicap accessibility for both physically challenged as well as the visually and hearing impaired.
“While the Kearny Recreation Center can be put into active use in the near future, it will take several years to complete all of the necessary repairs and improvements.
“Fortunately, this approach will give the town multiple opportunities to request additional funding from state, county and federal funding sources to minimize any impact to local taxpayers.”
IDEAS WORTH PRINTING
