Kearny School Uniform Exchange looks for donations & volunteers
JBy Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
enny Paz knew in 2022 she had to do something for the schoolchildren of Kearny. She was about to spend between $350 to $400 on school uniforms — school uniform — for her daughter. Something went off in her mind. That total was ludicrous, entirely too much to pay for one child’s clothing to go to school each day.
So with that in mind, she took to Facebook.
Instead of having to buy new uniforms every year for ever-growing children, why not start some kind of pay-itforward exchange. Parents, rather than buying uniforms brand spanking new would instead donate their no-longer-needed unis to younger kids and then would have access to ones for older kids donated by someone else.
The idea was genius and it took off. But it would turn into
a daunting task at first.
But then Mina Ekladious, president of the Kearny PBA; Juan C. Barroso Jr., president of the Kearny FMBA; and Jorge and Danny Santos, proprietors of the Super Laundromats in Kearny, all got together. The Santos brothers would launder the uniforms prior to their being distributed after Ekladious and Barroso encouraged them to do so.
Then the two union president began collecting backpacks, with the help of Zach’s Garage on Kearny Avenue at Bennett Avenue (it’s the properly formed business Zach’s with an “h,” it should be noted), Walmart and several other businesses, each of which would be filled with direly needed school supplies for the kids.
Now, two years later, the
Newark man sentenced to 25 years behind bars for role in Kearny home invasion: HCPO
ANewark man will spend a quarter century behind bars after a judge sentenced him to prison following a guilty plea to a 2017 home invasion in Kearny, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said.
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com HUDSON CO. PROSECUTOR
robbery and aggravated sexual assault. The sentence is subject to the No Early Release Act, Megan’s Law and Parole Supervision for Life.
On Wednesday, July 24, 2024, the Judge John A. Young sentenced Evin Ferman-Argueta to 25 years in New Jersey State Prison for his role in the crime Kearny.
Ferman-Argueta, 31, of Newark, previously pleaded guilty to kidnapping, robbery and aggravated sexual assault. The 25 year sentence for kidnapping will run concurrent to 18-year sentences for
Ferman-Argueta will not be parole eligible until 85% of his sentence is served. The state was represented at sentencing by Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Barbara Drasheff.
On Dec. 22, 2017, at approximately 7:30 a.m., the Kearny Police Department received a report of a burglary at a residence in the center of town. Responding officers located a victim, a woman who reported multiple unknown men entered her apartment. The
men demanded money and sexually assaulted the victim before leaving with her vehicle and numerous personal items from the home.
Two codefendants, Erick Leon-Farinago, 27, of Belleville and David Gualteros, 28, Newark, have both pleaded guilty to kidnapping and are awaiting sentencing.
Former Observer Editor Geoff Burt is seen here playing Col. Harland Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, on the History Channel show ‘The Food That Built America.’ Burt recently sat down in conversation with The Observer’s Kevin Canessa to reminisce about his days in Kearny and his acting career. Watch the entire segment at www.theobserver.com today. Screencap
Evin Ferman-Argueta
Rendering of major upgrades to Nutley Town Hall Plaza revealed
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
Following the recent announcement of the Township of Nutley commencing work on a to-be-renovated Municipal Plaza in front of Town Hall, the township has released an artist’s rendering of the proposed finished site.
As Parks and Public Property Department Commissioner Mauro G. Tucci said previously, the renovation had been in the works for several years. The concept and design was accomplished in consultation with the full board of commissioners.
The plaza improvement will include the installation of new
walkways and accent shrubbery, plantings and a sitting wall. Additionally, the town square portion will accommodate the Township’s annual Christmas tree.
A new mall-like area will also be established in Memorial Park that will include the Korean War Plaque, Pervis Robinson Plaque, Ray Blum Plaque and new soon-to-be-dedicated Global War On Terrorism and Spanish-American War monuments.
Actual placement and fundraising for the new monuments will be implemented in conjunction with the various Nutley Veterans organizations, Tucci said.
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.
So, 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.
Township of Nutley
Seen here is an artist’s rendering of the work to be done at Nutley Town Hall Plaza. Work is already underway and will include new walkways, plantings and space for the township’s annual Christmas tree among other things.
Belleville awarded nearly $1M to make roads ‘even safer’
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
Almost $1 million in state grants will help Belleville make local roads even safer to walk, bike or travel by other wheeled devices.
State transportation authorities announced July 18 Belleville has been awarded $962,000 through the state’s Safe Routes to School Program (SRTS).
Belleville achieved seven gold-level SRTS recognition awards for its efforts to create
safer pedestrian and bike access from local roads to Belleville Schools No. 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10. In addition, Belleville Middle School is being recognized for again earning a gold-level recognition award.
neighborhoods – all for a safer, walkable community.”
enrolled in the Sustainable Jersey certification program can earn points for both programs.
Happy 70th Anniversary
Gold is the state program’s highest ranking among the four levels, signifying a school or municipality’s progress toward implementing and sustaining SRTS programs.
Under Melham’s leadership, Belleville has turned the issue of safe and secure streets around its schools into a community-wide project, with members of the Belleville Police Department collecting vital traffic data and school children creating highly visible street murals at well-traveled intersections.
Joan & Larry
Joan (French) and Larry Reagan, graduates of St. Cecilia’s High School in Kearny, are celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary on August 7, 2024. Larry and Joan met in High School, married, then raised their eight children in East Newark. They retired and moved to Forked River for many years and now reside in Nutley. In addition to their eight children, Larry and Joan have 20 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, with another on the way! Congratulations to Joan and Larry on this milestone!
“Our team has been working on pedestrian safety and walkability, and our determination has paid off,” Mayor Michael A. Melham said. “Thank you to the NJDOT Safe Routes to School program, for your generous grant to repair sidewalks, restripe crosswalks, upgrade ADA-compliant curbing, add school zone and safety signage and build out areas of raised crosswalks, bump outs and curb extensions around our schools and
Being able to more safely walk to school and back home each day dovetails with Melham’s goal of keeping Belleville fit and on the move. And with more students, parents and teachers leaving their cars in the garage each morning and afternoon, and using walkways, it all leads to a cleaner and greener Belleville.
Each year, schools and municipalities across New Jersey are nominated for recognition in this program based upon their SRTS accomplishments. Recognition is valid for three years. Schools and municipalities that have earned state SRTS recognition and are also
Since 2022, Belleville has received three grants to implement and support the SRTS program. The first for $11,500, the second for $10,000 — and the third, by far the largest, for $962,000. Federal funds were authorized for the third grant on July 10, which allows work to begin on ADA-compliant curb ramps and sidewalks, curb extensions, high visibility crosswalks and enhanced school zone signage around every Belleville elementary school, Belleville Middle School and Belleville High School.
Communities participating in the SRTS programs often benefit from less traffic congestion, better air quality, fewer traffic conflicts near schools, and most importantly, safer, healthier and more active children, according to the New Jersey Safe Routes Resource Center.
See ROADS, Page 11
KPSUE
Continued from Page 1
program has ballooned into a major operation involving all of the aforementioned and Melanie Ryan, of Kearny It’s so big Paz and Ryan decided distro day had to be split into two Saturdays in August — Aug. 10 for kids in pre-K to sixth-grade and Aug. 17 for kids in seventh- through 12th-grade — both from noon to 5 p.m., at Arlington Depot Park, between Forest and Elm streets at Garofalo Place.
And, the school supplies and backpacks will be distributed another day in August, with details to be announced.
Now, there is a lot more to this than just showing up in August.
First, donations have been trickling in slowly.
“We are still really in need of donations,” Paz said. “If we don’t get donations, we don’t get enough uniforms to give out. So it’s a very important part of the process for parents to let go of their older uniforms before receiving new ones.”
To do this, parents must bring their
older uniforms to the Super Laundromat Center, 336 Kearny Ave., Kearny, where they’ll be laundered, at no cost, by the women who work there for the Santos brothers.
“This is so important,” Paz said. “We just can’t guarantee everyone will get uniforms. Yes, we hope everyone does, but we’ve always run out and when we run out, there’s nothing else we can do — so the more people donate, the more likely there will be uniforms to give away.”
In the past, those who didn’t donate before receiving newer uniforms were charged a modest $5 fee, but that all was dropped after the Pioneers agreed to donate $5 per donation, up to $3,000. All of the donations go to offset other costs involved in the program, which is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organized.
Any parent who wishes to receive must register in advance online at www.kpsue.org. There are two places to register — one for pre-K to sixthgrade, the other for seventh- through 12th-grade. Now, if parents do not have access to a computer, the Internet or phone, there are computers at the
Kearny Library, 338 Kearny Ave., and most town buildings have WiFi access. If none of these are doable options, parents may register on the day of the distribution, but Paz said that will not be easy.
“It will take at least a half hour,” she said.
And after the registration, those folks will have to go to the back of the line, too, which once noon rolls around, will already likely be rather long.
All parents must bring proper identification to prove their children are enrolled in Kearny public schools or a Kearny-based charter school. Proof does not have to be via a photo ID — but a bill, a school Genesis printout and the like may be used to prove residency.
But please note, those with no form of ID will be turned away, regardless of whether they’ve registered ahead of time.
On distro day, stations will be set up in quadrants. (A map is included here and at www.theobserver.com for pre-K to sixth-grade; one will be released for seventh- through 12th-graders soon and will be available at www.kpsue. org.)
School supply registration must also be completed at www.kpsue.org and open Aug. 1. Donations of school supplies may be made to Kearny Police Headquarters on Laurel Avenue and at Kearny Fire Headquarters on Midland Avenue.
The hope is to give away up to 600 filled backpacks but the giveaway will be valid until supplies last. Once they’re all gone, that’s it.
Volunteers are also really needed. If you have time to give, visit the aforementioned www.kpsue.org; if you don’t have time, but funds to give, donations may also be made at that website.
In all, it is an extremely ambitious project Paz has taken on, one that is extremely beneficial for Kearny’s children, more than 30% of whom live at or below the federal poverty line.
“I am so excited to see how things go this year at our new distribution location and to see everyone at the events,” Paz said. “…There are a lot of changes this year for a much smoother experience for everyone involved.”
You may also visit the KPSUE on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KNJPSue.
OPINION & VIEWPOINTS
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Eckel et al: Canessa’s tirade, language was threatening, out of line
We are reaching out regarding a disturbing incident that occurred on July 16,2024 at the Regular meeting of the Kearny Mayor and Council. We are sending this to you privately, not as a Letter to the Editor or on Social Media pages out of respect for you and your publication. Residents have contacted me and other members of the governing body expressing concern over Mr. Canessa’s behavior, language and demeanor.
He represents you regardless of his statement disavowing the connection and speaking as a “resident”. The reality is that as the only employee of our community newspaper, he is bound by his identity in that position.
Using your publication, your resources and your reputation to advance his personal agenda has widened the gap of mistrust in the media. Using his position as the face and voice of your publication he is sending a clear message that he will use his power over the content and delivery of the news and current events to influence the outcome of future elections to slander and malign the characters of elected officials and dedicated town employees .His tirade was riddled with ½ truths, intentional misinformation and slanderous comments. Does he speak for you and your publication?
He is clearly aware that the Town of Kearny and the governing body cannot comment on any ongoing litigation. As a reporter and
journalist, the gathering of facts and details, and providing balanced and truthful coverage is critical and protects the public from falsehoods and prevents them from drawing reasonable conclusions. His rude, aggressive and irrational behavior is an unfortunate reflection on your business.
Mr. Canessa consistently identified remarks and comments made in private conversations at which he was not present and did not identify the source of these comments. While he certainly has the right to speak and share his view on any issue, making false allegations and accusations is libelous and contemptible.
He clearly stated that it is his intention to use all of the power at his disposal to have the Fire Chief fired. What power does resident Canessa have? Certainly the power of his individual vote, the circle of personal friends … but we must assume that his power is actually the power that he holds due to his position at the Observer. He surely understands his influence is entwined in his position.
In addition to threatening the Fire Chief during the open session of the council meeting, he also accosted him in the hallway outside the chambers by raising his voice, spewing insults and derisive comments at the Chief including calling him “a piece of shit” in front of many witnesses. Prior to that , in chambers and from the front row of a crowded room, he shouted at Councilman da
Silva, calling him “a pompous asshole” and immediately thereafter pointed at Council President Eckel and asked “why are you still here?”
During his time at the microphone at the open session he spoke directly to the governing body saying, “You have influence to have the Chief withdraw these charges.” This is troubling on multiple levels, but certainly is the very thing that he suggests is the underlying cause of the issue itself. He states that we should use our influence to sidestep the rules, procedures and legal actions that guide Civil Service proceedings. The mayor and council are not involved in personnel issues. This ensures that decisions are made by independent hearing officers that decide the outcome through testimony and evidence.
Lisa M. Feorenzo lisa@theobserver.com Co-owner/Advertising Dir.
He further threatened, “If you don’t do the right thing, there are five up for election next year and four the next year. I will make it my life’s mission to make sure you will not be re-elected.”
How can it be interpreted that these threats can be carried out by resident Canessa and not Editor Canessa, the face and voice of The Observer?
His conduct and demeanor are unbecoming a member of the press and while he identified himself as a resident, his situation and identity is clearly bound to his highly visible position as the only public representative of The Observer.
Kearny Council President & Third Ward Councilwoman Eileen Eckel First Ward Councilman George Zapata
Second Ward Councilman
Dennis Solano
Third Ward Councilman
Renato da Silva
Fourth Ward Councilman
Stathis Theodoropoulos
An additional note:
We realize that there was a broadcast with an apology to the Mayor and Council; however, the people present in the room, and there were over 150, heard the accusations, threats and demands, not the apology. In addition, the verbal attacks in the council chamber and the hallway at town hall were not addressed. The attacks on the fire chief were not addressed.
His apology focused on the words he used, but clearly stated that his intention was the same. Still using the power of the press to threaten.
Tina Feorenzo Co-owner/Advertising
Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com Editor/Broadcaster Michelle Rybeck advertising@theobserver.com Graphic Artist/Real Estate
DEADLINES
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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
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com
Whenever Olivia Glasser steps on the baseball field, she is usually the only girl on the diamond. So when the 13-year-old Lyndhurst native not only gets to play the game she loves with other girls, but some of the best in the country, like she has at the Trailblazers Series, it’s an experience she values greatly.
“I honestly love the Trailblazers Series,” said Glasser. “I love going there. I love meeting everyone. I do play the best of the best and there is real competition there.”
For the third year in a row, Glasser was one of 96 female baseball players to compete in the Trailblazer Series, a program run by MLB and USA Baseball. The annual event is held in April at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Florida.
Once there, the girls are split into four teams and play a series of games as part of MLB’s celebration of Jackie Robinson Day.
“I’m usually the only girl on my team here, so getting the chance to play with a bunch of girls who go through the same experience as me as being the only girl is fun,” Glasser said. “I get to talk to them about things that usually the boys don’t experience.”
On three of the four teams Glasser plays on - NJ Invaders, Lyndhurst Bears Travel and Lyndhurst Rec-Bogle - she’s the only girl on the field. Glasser does also play for Ball Girls Baseball, an allgirls team.
&
HEALTH
For Glasser, who catches, plays the infield and has recently tried her hand at pitching, being the only girl on the team is something she’s become accustomed to.
“We’ve been teammates since we were all like four so they just think of me as a teammate,” said Glasser, who
“It was really big for me because I saw her playing (for Lyndhurst) and then I was like I’ve never seen another girl play before,” Glasser said. “She got what I was going through (at the time) because there was a point where I wasn’t getting treated well for playing baseball and she helped me through it. She went through the same thing.
will be an eighth grader at Lyndhurst Middle School in the fall.
While Glasser’s journey as a girl in baseball is uncommon, she doesn’t have to leave her neighborhood to see an example of what is possible. Around the corner from the Glassers is Alexia
Jorge, who played baseball at Lyndhurst High and for Team USA before making history in 2022 when she played for College of St. Elizabeth.
Jorge has become a role model and mentor for Glasser as she follows the same path in baseball.
“(Alexia) helps me a lot with stuff. She was one of the main reasons I got into all of these all-girl tournaments and she helped me with catching. She’s the one that got me into catching. She’s always been a role model for me, not only in baseball, just in general.”
a into City
According to her father Brian, a one-time standout at Hudson Catholic and a detective in the Jersey City Police Department, Olivia has been into baseball for as long as he can remember. He recalls a picture of Olivia hitting off a tee on her own during a family party at a young age and jokingly calls it ‘“this is where it all began.”
Now, Olivia Glasser is continually working at her game, training at Metropolitan Baseball in Lyndhurst, Tally Baseball out of Jersey City and the Ani Ramos Catching Academy in Fairfield in addition to working with Jorge on catching and hitting.
In addition, Glasser plays basketball and volleyball and runs track.
One sport, Glasser has no intentions of playing anytime soon is softball.
“I never had thoughts of joining softball,” Glasser said. “I’ve been asked to join and I just don’t find any interest in it. It’s similar to baseball, but it’s not what I enjoy.”
Photo courtesy of MVP Shots
Players from West Hudson thriving with Ironbound
By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com
For nearly a decade, Anthony Tavares has seen firsthand the winning DNA that his Ironbound SC U17 team has, dating back to an early age.
Dating back to their first games together as 10-yearolds, this team, which features seven players from Kearny and two from Harrison have won several championships. And to Tavares, that comes as little surprise.
“We have a few Kearny kids, Harrison kids. Those kids can
play with anybody and they’re just winners,” said Tavares, the co-head coach of the U17 team, which is based out of the neighboring Ironbound section of Newark along with Michel Absijjon.
“Benji Silva started as a freshman (at Kearny), Gabe Gomez was a big part of the team as a sophomore. Last year, August Vieira was a starting right back. They’re just winners.
“They were 10, 11 years old and already playing in high level soccer games. I think in 2017, before they even reached high school, and won a Super Y National Championship, a big tournament down in Florida in December.”
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The group of Observer-area players, as well their teammates from around North
Jersey continued their winning ways this spring and summer, winning both the U17 State Cup and the Eastern Regionals championships before seeing their run end last week at the USYS National Championships in Orlando.
Ironbound’s season, which went roughly 30 games, also included a first place finish in its group in the Jefferson Cup, which was held in Virginia.
Despite going 2-1 in Group play and having a +4 goal differential, Ironbound did not qualify for the semifinals.
According to Tavares, Ironbound SC’s strength is on the
Continued on the next page
Premier Car e TALK S
ESTROGEN REPLACEMENT THERAPY
Estrogen Replacement Therapy or ERT is a medical approach aimed at supplementing or replacing the hormone estrogen, primarily in women who experience a decline in natural estrogen production, often associated with menopause. ERT can help alleviate the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and mood changes, by restoring hormonal balance. It may offer some protective effects against osteoporosis and heart-related conditions. However, there are risks, including an increased risk of blood clots, stroke, and breast cancer. As a result, the decision to undergo ERT should be carefully considered in consultation with a healthcare provider. In some cases, a combination of estrogen and progesterone, known as Hormone Replacement
Therapy, is prescribed to women to reduce the risk of uterine cancer.
Hormone therapy has also been proved to prevent bone loss and reduce fracture in postmenopausal women. For best results, hormone therapy should be tailored to each person and reevaluated every so often to be sure the benefits still outweigh the risks. To schedule an appointment, please call PREMIER CARE ASSOCIATES OF WEST HUDSON at 201-998-7474. We are available at 512 Kearny Ave., Suite B, where walk-in patients are always welcome 7 days a week.
P.S. Premature menopause is when a woman has her last period before the age of 40 years; early menopause is when her final period happens between the ages of 40 and 45 years.
Email any questions or comments to: premiercare@gmail.com Premier Care Associates of West Hudson is available on a walk-in or appointment basis for your primary healthcare needs.
Dr. Prakash J. Doshi
Dr. Hector Aguilar
Photo is courtesy of Anthony Tavares
backline with its defense.
Silva, an attacking player in the fall with Kearny, was the right back, where his ability on the offensive end still proved valuable.
“I know with Kearny he plays up a little bit,” Tavares said. “But he (mainly) plays right back and he gets up the field a little bit and helps in the attack.”
Harrison’s Frank Barrera was the left back for Ironbound with Nicholas Vaimakis
(Tenafly) and Jonathan Genao (Union) in the middle. Kearny’s Christopher Brooks was another who saw extensive time on the backline.
Lucas Varela was the primary goalkeeper for Ironbound. During the Regionals in West Virginia, a short-handed Ironbound team moved Varela to a field position, but didn’t miss a beat with backup Craig Chowanec (Hudson Catholic) taking over in goal.
The Regions saw Ironbound
NOTARY PUBLIC
win six games in seven days, culminating in a 4-2 win over West IWA West out of Boston on July 3. Ironbound SC’s offense erupted for 13 goals in the final three games.
Tomas Monteiro, a two-sport star at Dickinson in Jersey City, was Ironbound’s lead striker during its tournament run. Vieira, who in the fall plays back for Kearny, is on the left side and Ethan Geronimo of Newark East Side is on the right side. Jermaine Campbell of Morris-
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town and Marcus Jackson of West Orange round out a deep and talented group up top.
Kearny’s Gomez, Ironbound’s captain, plays in the middle of the team’s diamond formation. Joel Rueda of Harrison and Andrew Gavrilov from Staten Island are key cogs in the midfield and Newark East Side’s Jason Carrillo and Robert Aguirre.
There are many factors that can cause sudden or temporary changes in vision. It can be caused by something easily solved like dehydration, but it can also be the sign of a more serious underlying problem. If blurry vision is intermittent, it can be the result of something else in your body that’s inconsistent as well: hydration, sleep, blood pressure, hormones, and blood sugar are all factors that can fluctuate and affect vision. Unstable blood sugar can cause acute vision changes, even in non-diabetics. When your blood sugar spikes, it causes the eye’s lens to expand and can distort distance vision. Keeping things like blood sugar, blood pressure, sleep, and hydration consistent will help
keep your vision consistent too.
Many times, blurred vision slowly develops over weeks, months or even years. But it can also show up suddenly and without warning. Blurriness can affect both eyes or just one, and it can make objects look unfocused at different distances. 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 201-896-0007. We accept most insurance.
P.S. Vision changes like double vision or vision loss that come on suddenly and are accompanied by pain should be considered emergencies and may indicate an eye condition or disease.
Nutley East Juniors win district, reach regional final
By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com
Michael Gajewski is of the belief that success leads to even more success. The Nutley East Little League Junior League (14U) team he coached this summer is just an example of that.
While some of the faces have changed from last year and the summers before that, the victories continued.
One year after the Junior team made it all the way
to the state finals, Nutley East had another strong tournament section as it won the District 2 title and made it all the way to the Region 2 final before falling to Fort Lee in the final on July 6.
“I never want to say that you expect to win. They expect to play their best, and they know that due to their success in the past, they know that if they play Nutley baseball that we have a very good chance to advance,” Gajewski said. “We have
a really good group of kids. They’re fundamentally sound and what is that old saying, ‘Success breeds more success’? I think that is the case.”
That success means being able to win in different ways and according to Gajewski this was a team that relied more on pitching and defense and less on slugging than past versions.
“They definitely played complimentary baseball,” said Gajewski. “We pride ourselves on
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our pitching staff, playing defense and timely hitting. We didn’t have a lot of home run hitters, so we definitely took advantage of when we were on offense, putting the ball in play, stealing bases, hitting and running, and producing clutch hits. On defense, we didn’t make any errors behind our pitchers. We didn’t give any extra outs and our pitchers were great all year. They threw strikes and they kept batters off-balanced.”
relievers Bryce Barrera and Ryan Puleo.
Behind the plate was Leo Fernandez, who Michael Gajewski said is one of the best catchers he’s ever coached.
“He’s a fantastic catcher, probably one of the best catchers I’ve seen come along in a long time,” said Gajewski. “He controlled the game from behind the plate and he was definitely one of our leaders this year.”
Kupinewicz and Brandon Gajewski also saw time behind the plate.
field with Ethan Hudson and Sam Malinga splitting time in right field. Brian Dolaghan also saw time in the outfield and had some key at-bats. More challenges await for this group, most notably freshman baseball at Nutley in the spring and the 15-16U Senior League in the summer. Majewski is hopeful that they continue to stay together and with it, continue its already long run of success.
Leading the pitching staff was Kevin Gallagher, a hard-thrower who had a big playoff run.
“He was our ace, he’s a throw thrower,” Gajewski said. “He put the team on his back on a number of occasions and gave us some big victories.”
Slotting in behind Gallagher was a fine collection of arms in Nick Benenato, Brandon Gajewski, Aedan Kupinewicz and Will Diaz. Adding to the depth were
Benenato and Devin Telcide shared the first base position, while Andrew Clinton was at second base. Gajewski was the primary starter at third base and Puleo at shortstop with Kupinewicz and Gallagher also seeing action on the left side of the infield depending on who was pitching.
Gallagher’s primary position was center field, a spot that Billy Rodriquez also saw time at. Barrera started in left
“A lot of these kids that played on this All-Star team have been playing for years,” said Majewski, who was joined by fellow coaches Craig Clinton and Gil Rodriquez. “They’ll all be freshmen in high school next year, but I’m hoping that all of them will come back for the 1516U. And I’m hoping that some of the kids that we missed this year (from last year’s team) will also come back and take and turn at it to see how far we can go.”
Photo is courtesy of Michael Gajewski
ROADS
Continued from Page 4
“The death of Avyaan Gupta in Parsippany earlier this month is a tragedy, and during my time as commissioner, I am committed to working with local officials to make the improvements needed to ensure that New Jersey’s roads are safe for our children,” NJDOT Commissioner Fran O’Connor said. “The New Jersey Safe Routes to School Program is just one way NJDOT can support communities in their efforts to provide safe access for children walking and biking to school, with $21.1 million available in federal grants.”
KNIGHTS NOTES
n The Queen of Peace Knight of Columbus will host a food drive at Jack’s Super Foodtown Sunday, Aug. 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All food collected will be donated to the Queen of Peace Food Pantry.
n The Knights sponsor a blood drive Aug. 7, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Columbian Club Hall, 194 River Road, North Arlington. All donors must weigh at least 110 lbs., eat a meal before donating, bring ID and drink plenty of water before and after donating. The wearing of masks is optional. It is strongly recommended anyone wishing to donate blood make an appointment ahead of time by calling (877) 258-4825, or by visiting donors.vitalant.org, using blood drive code X126.
n The Knights host family movie night Monday, Aug. 12, at 6 p.m. at the hall. There is no cost and snacks will be provided. RSVP to Bill Mackey at (201) 988-0183 with a total number attending by Aug. 9. This is open to members and non-members. All who attend are asked to consider bringing a non-perishable, non-expired food item of mac and cheese, canned spaghetti and/or canned soup for the Food for Families project.
Kearny - $650,000
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deck, Backyard. 2nd floor - 2 primary beds with full baths and walk-in clsts, along with two addl beds and another full bath. 3rd floor: game room, flex/bed, and a full bath. Full basement. Convenient access to shopping, schools, restaurants, and transportation to NYC.
Matawan - $988,000
OBITUARIES
Pearl Yaszczemski: Extraordinary Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother
Pearl Yaszczemski joined her beloved husband Chet in Heaven on July 21, 2024, literally surrounded by her loving family. Pearl was 90 years young.
Family and friends visited at the Mulligan Funeral Home, 331 Cleveland Avenue, Harrison. A funeral Mass was celebrated on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at Holy Cross Church in Harrison. Her interment was in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Mocanaqua, Pennsylvania.
Pearl was born in Eynon, Pennsylvania to Mario and Antonia Ascani, Italian immigrants seeking the American Dream. She was raised in Mocanaqua, where she attended Shickshinny High School and met the love of her life, Chester “Chet.” Speaking fluent Italian, Pearl often joked that she was mistaken as Polish after marrying Chet in 1952 and taking his surname.
Pearl and Chet moved east for better opportunities, following family members and settling in Harrison, where she joined Holy Cross Church and remained for the next 70 years. Pearl became an accomplished secretary and worked for several private
Shaw-Buyus
Home for Services
Mario Teixeria, IV, Manager, NJ Lic. #3757
Mario Teixeira, Jr. Director, NJ Lic. #2542 • Monique Teixeira, Director, NJ Lic. #4048
Fluent in Portuguese and Spanish. Handicapped Accessible.
Newly renovated family owned and operated funeral home with multiple locations. 138 DAVIS AVE. • KEARNY, NJ 07032 (201) 991-2265 www.buyusfuneralhome.com
WILFRED ARMITAGE & WIGGINS FUNERAL HOME
Mark G. Wiggins, Manager N.J. Lic. #3916
You will feel as if friends of family have taken over when you entrust funeral arrangements to the Wilfred Armitage Funeral Home. The family-owned firm has been in business for 100 years, serving generations in West Hudson and South Bergen. Its beautiful facilities, in a setting reminiscent of a colonial mansion, reflect the graciousness and tact of its understanding personnel.
Wilfred Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home 596 Belgrove Dr. • Kearny, NJ 07032 (201) 991-0657
companies, as well as the US Government during the Korean War (while her husband was deployed for two years), but everyone knew her as Chet’s legal secretary for close to 30 years until his passing in 2006.
Pearl raised three children of whom she was very proud: Dr. Michael Yaszemski, a renowned orthopedic surgeon at the Mayo Clinic and an Air Force General; Eric, a successful businessman; and 10 years later, her “baby” Anne-Marie, who has been a teacher in Harrison for 35 years.
The “apples of her eye” were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She affectionately became known as “Grandma Pearl” to family and friends alike.
During the 1970s and early 1980s, Chet and Pearl were staples at Lehigh University football games, following them all around the country. Pearl became a surrogate mother to many Lehigh and Delta Upsilon alum, many of whom worked in Manhattan and lived with Pearl for a time. Pearl loved being a “football mom” to Michael and Eric, who were standout players on very successful teams — winning a Division II National Championship in 1977.
When Pearl learned that her grandchildren Paul and John had the rare illness Tuberous Sclerosis, in typical “Pearl fashion” she rolled up her sleeves and dove right in. Pre-Google, she learned as much as she could and educated her family and friends. She spent countless hours at PT/OT, speech ther-
apy, neurosurgeries and other hospital stays. Pearl learned the “roads” of autism and special-needs and she navigated them with skill.
Without her love, guidance, support and assistance, the “boys” would not be here today. Pearl became a fixture at the boys’ special-needs school, New Beginnings, and later at the over21 day-program New Beginnings for Tomorrow (NB4T), fiercely fundraising so that all of the special-needs clients there had what they needed. A founding member of the Kearny Chapter of the Ladies of UNICO, Pearl and her fellow Unicans made yearly donations to NB4T, and she also gave generously herself.
Pearl was always volunteering: librarian at Holy Cross School, long-time officer of the Kearny Chapter of Unico National, choir and Vincentian Society member at Holy Cross Church and NB4T fundraiser. If you needed someone to pitch-in, you could always count on Pearl.
For her efforts, Pearl was honored by the Hudson County Freeholders as Senior Citizen of the Year for 2019.
Pearl’s home in Harrison was “always open” to everyone. Over the years, countless family and friends “crashed” at Warren Street, and they received a warm welcome and a hot homemade meal. Pearl was always there for everyone, and no one was turned away — her generosity was boundless.
Pearl was recently blessed with four great-grandchildren, and there is one more on the
Mulligan Funeral Home
331 Cleveland Avenue, Harrison
Arrangements may be made in Spanish, Portuguese or Polish Frank X. Mulligan III, Manager, NJ Lic. 4221 Frank X. Mulligan, Jr. Inactive Private Parking at 10 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. North
visit us at: www.mulliganfh.com
way! Her latest great-granddaughter, Stella Pearl, was named after her, and she was deeply honored.
Due to some health issues after the COVID-19 pandemic, Pearl moved in with Anne-Marie and Paul so that they could care for her. The reality is that Pearl took care of all of us in more ways than she knew. Days before she passed, Pearl took a two-day in-person course and was also taking on-line CPR, first aid and other classes to continue to help with the boys, and she aced them all. While Pearl never had the chance to attend college, in many ways she was smarter than us all.
Pearl was the seamstress who kept the entire family woven together and connected the generations, and she could never be replaced. She was one of kind, and her absence will be deeply felt for years.
Grandma Pearl was predeceased by her loving husband Chet (2006) and her dear sister Theresa Sterowski (2019). She is survived by her adoring children Dr. Michael Yaszemski and his wife Karen, Eric Yaszemski and his wife Susan, Anne-Marie Zarbetski and her husband Paul, “adopted” son Stephen Reitberger, her cherished grandchildren Air Force Major Andrew Yaszemski and his wife Kristilee, Erica O’Toole and her husband Drew, Alexandra Yaszemski, Stephanie Yaszemski-Katz and her husband Stephen, Paul and John Zarbetski, Averi Surak and her husband Jonathan, her beloved great-grandchildren Lilliana, Eric, Lucca and Stella Pearl, her dear sister Thelma Ozgo and her husband Tom, her long-time friend Irene Zarbetski, and many nieces and nephews, many of whom reside in Italy.
Kindly consider a donation to Pearl’s charity of choice, New Beginnings for Tomorrow (www.nb4t.org).
God bless you Grandma Pearl! You will be missed.
John J. ‘Jack’ Burlick Jr.
Known for his generous warmth and caring personality, John J. Burlick Jr. died peacefully on July 26, 2024.
Born on June 3, 1944, in Newark, the son of John and Mildred Burlick, Jack grew up in Bloomfield and was a loyal alumnus of St. Benedict’s Prep. He graduated from Niagara University in 1966, acquired an MBA in marketing and management at American University, Washington D.C., in 1968 and served as First Lieutenant in the US Army from 1968 to 1970.
His professional career included several years with Nestle and Tropicana.
In 1994, he established JB Marketing Services, but for the latter 20 years, he was marketing-interventionist regional director for New Jersey and New York City with Clearbrook Treatment Center, Laurel Run, Pennsylvania.
Jack was very proud of his Polish/Ukrainian heritage, an avid golfer, loved to travel, enjoyed hundreds of detective novels and had countless friends. Above all else, he will be fondly remembered for always being ready to help anyone in need.
Predeceased in 1989 by his wife, Sandra, the mother of his two children, Jack is survived by his loving and devoted wife Margaret (Marnie), cherished sons Matthew and his wife Taryn, and Michael and his wife
Diana; his admiring sister Cynthia Murphy and her husband Jim, and his adored grandchildren Jackson, Grayson, Sara and Ana.
Visitors will be received at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny on Thursday, Aug. 1 from 3 to 8 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church,
520 Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard, Newark, on Friday, Aug. 2 at 10 a.m.
Contributions in Jack’s memory may be made to St. Benedict’s Prep, 520 MLK Boulevard, Newark, N.J. 07102.
Mary Kennedy
Mary E. Kennedy, (nee Kimball), 99, died Saturday, July 20, 2024, at home in Whiting.
Relatives and friends visited at the Thiele-Reid Family Funeral Home, 585 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. A funeral Mass
DIRECTORY BUSINESS OBITUARIES
was celebrated at Cecilia R.C. Church, Kearny. Interment was in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.
Born in Stonington, Connecticut, Mary lived in Kearny and Piscataway before moving to Whiting 20 years ago.
Mrs. Kennedy was collec-
tor and seller of antiques. She owned and operated the Old & New Shop for 15 years beginning on Midland Avenue in Kearny before relocating the shop to Kearny Avenue. Mrs. Kennedy was an avid painter, having start-
See OBITS, Page 15
BELLEVILLE 3rd floor
Private entrance 1 BR, LR, DR, Kitchen 1 months security. H/ HW included. No Pets/ smoking Preferred single person or couple Available Now (973)759-7077 13W03
BELLEVILLE Howard
Place. off Washington Avenue. 3 rooms. 1 BR. $1400 + 1.5 Months security. HT/HW included. N0 Pets. Near Family Dollar Store. Available Now (973) 801-5900 13W03
HARRISON 1st floor
Newly renovated 1 BR, $1800 + utilities and security. no pets/smoking Available now (201)9916942 or (732)895-2321 11W03
KEARNY 1st Floor 3
BR’s, Kitchen, DR & family room, Laundry room closed porch. 2 car parking access to Small yard $2600 + 1 months security Utilities separate No Pets/ smoking Available October 1st (570)664-6475 (862)273-6541 12W03
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 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
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 New Apartment 2 Bedrooms, dining room, living room, kitchen, laundry, 2 full baths and 1 parking space, utilities separate + 1 ½ months security deposit. Available August 1st. Please Call (201) 991-4105 or (201) 401-4525 12W03
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 (973) 905-0508 13W03
KEARNY 3rd floor apt 1 bedroom , 2 small rooms with closets, kitchen with marble top and new hard wood floors. New AC No pets smoking, $1.750 + 1.5 months security All utilities included. Corner of Belleville turnpike and Forest st Available Now(201) 206-4845 13W03
KEARNY 2nd floor
2 BR, LR, DR, Kitchen 1 Bath $2200 + 1.5 months security Utilities separate No Pets/ Smoking Available September 1st (917)9633244 13W03
2nd
BR,LR, EIK. $1650 + 1.5
separate Close to NY transportation and shopping. Quiet area. Washer and dryer. No Pets/Smoking Available August 15th (201)724-7317 13W03
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public Notice Special Meeting
Public Notice is hereby given that the Harrison Housing Authority Board of Commissioners has scheduled a Special Meeting for Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
The Meeting shall be held at the Harrison Housing Authority main offices, located at Harrison and Schuyler Avenues, Harrison, New Jersey.
Be further advised the Board of Commissioners reserves the right to enter into Executive/Closed Session.
Be further advised that the Board of Commissioners of the Harrison Housing Authority may take formal action at this meeting.
The Agenda of the meeting, to the extent known at this time, is as follows: Call to Order
Reading of the Open Public Meetings Act Notice Roll Call Pledge of Allegiance Approval of June Meeting Minutes Approval of PersonnelBills Closed Section Public Comment Adjournment
The Board may also address any and all other business that may come before the Board. Raymond Lucas Executive Director Harrison Housing Authority 13W01
NO.NEWARK 3rd floor. 2 bedroom, LR, Kitchen. Close to transportation. 1 months security Heat included. No Pets. Available August 1st Call between Noon7pm (973)202-5103 or (973)477-0925 12W03
tree-care
for
EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED
FULL TIME DRIVER Spanish speaking a plus. CDL. No nights or weekends. Competitive Salary. Call Monday thru Friday only between 10 AM to 4 PM Only. Call 973-751-6000 or Fax resume 973-751-1190. 518 Washington Ave., Belleville,NJ 11W03
FULL TIME DENTAL ASSISTANT Some or No
Experience necessary, will train reliable, energetic person. Benefits included. Please call Vanessa 973-675-0653 12W03
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
OBITS
Continued from Page 13
ed in oils, then transitioning to watercolors in her later years. She sold her works at art shows, and eventually painting became a hobby.
She is survived by her children, Rita Pallotti (Charles), Christine Gallagher, Maryann Kopfer, Ronald Kennedy and Kevin Kennedy (Monica). Mary was the grandmother of Eleanor Quinless, Christian Kennedy, Jason Pallotti, Adam Kennedy, Nicholas Kopfer and Jessica Pallotti and the great-grandmother of Layla Quinless, Russell Kennedy, Alexander Ramirez, Andrew Ramirez, Jovanny Reyes, Chloe Britting and Robert Britting.
Mary was predeceased by her husband, Irving “Pete” Kennedy, three sons, Russell Kennedy, Roger “Rory”” Kennedy and Peter Kennedy, two grandchildren, Iris
TGallagher and Heather Gallagher and one great-grandchild Aiden Ramirez as well as her siblings, Joseph, Martin and Thomas Kimball and Anne Kirchner.
Robert J. Savoy
Robert J. Savoy, 87, of Kearny, died peacefully July 20, 2024 at his home.
He was the devoted husband of Carol McCleary Savoy for 62 years. Bob was a loving father to Sharon Savoy Rutledge, Michelle Savoy Pisano (Ron) and Robert M. Savoy. He was beloved by his brother, Kenny Savoy (Elke). Bob was also beloved by and devoted to his two grandchildren, Kimberly Rutledge Matthijssen (Jared) and Kyle Rutledge (Laura) as well as three great-grandchildren, Emily Rutledge, Teddy Matthijssen, and
Ryan Rutledge. Bob was a favorite uncle of many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly.
He was a tractor trailer driver for many years.
Bob was inducted into the Kearny High School Athletic Hall of Fame for his prowess on the football field. He was president of the student council at his alma mater while a student and later president of the Kardinal Booster club as a parent. He participated in many groups at St. Cecilia Church in his hometown of Kearny, including volunteering at their food bank.
He leaves behind a legacy of love and tenderness which will endure.
Friends and relatives visited at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Dr. Kearny. A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church, Kearny.
In lieu of flowers, kindly send donations to the Kearny Food Pantry Network or a charity of your choosing.
Kearny PD has National Night Out well planned
he Kearny Police Department hosts its annual National Night Out festivities Aug. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. along Belgrove Drive between Afton Street and Bergen Avenue. In conjunction with the Community Oriented Policing unit and PBA No 21, attendees should expect presentations from the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, the Kearny Fire Department, Hudson County Sheriff’s office, the NJSP chopper, the
FBI and others. There will be balloons for kids, with ice cream, video games, a bounce house, music and more.
The 2023 champion Kearny PD softball team will host the Kearny Fire Department in the annual softball game.
All residents are invited to attend.
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