e-Newspaper for Oct. 2, 2024 by The Observer Newspaper

Duck Race 2024 lives up to its name — it was, indeed, incredible. Page 5

CRAIG’S QUITE A GUY

In visit last week to Kearny, new county executive shows strong commitment to the people of the town &West Hudson

By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com

If there’s one thing that is certain, it’s Craig Guy, Hudson County’s new executive, keenly knows West Hudson is as much a part of the rest of the county as anywhere else. Not always the case, he’s offered services to residents in Kearny three days each week after Mayor Carol Jean Doyle asked for just one. And last week, as part of his listening tour of each of the county’s dozen municipalities, he was at the Henrietta Benstead senior center on Columbia Avenue in Kearny — along with members of his staff — to listen to residents’ concerns and to let them know what the county has to offer. Perhaps most importantly, however, he

spoke of the county’s best of the best.

More 100 seniors were on hand for the first of its kind event here.

“To the mayor and to the other folks here — this is some building, this is some complex,” Guy said at the top of his remarks of the Henrietta Benstead. “You have the kitchen, you have this room that looks like it was recently redone. Kearny should be proud of what the mayor and council have done here, as far as providing the opportunities for everybody. Well done, I must say.”

Guy touted some of the county programs of which he’s most proud.

“We have some roads that

See GUY, Page 14

Photo by Kevin A. Canessa Jr. Hudson County Executive Craig Guy addresses senior citizens of Kearny last week at the Henrietta Benstead Center.

Belleville school district cited for excellence

By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com

So diligent and accurate was the Belleville School District with reporting its finances to the state in June that it received an award of excellence for the second consecutive year.

“It is the consensus of the review team to award the Certificate of Excellence,” the Association of School Business Officials noted in presenting the award. “The district is to be commended for its efforts.”

The award is further testament of the district’s accountability and fiscal management, and signals the fact that the Belleville schools continue to move further and further away from where they were financially 10 years ago.

In 2014, the school district was operating at a deep deficit, necessitating a $4.2 million loan from the state Department of Education. The

loan triggered the assignment of a monitor from the state.

A subsequent state investigation into the district’s finances revealed dozens of audit concerns.

A new Superintendent of Schools was hired in Belleville in 2015, and Matthew Paladino became district

administrator and Board of Education secretary the following year, marking key turning points for the district.

By 2017, the district showed marked improvement in the state’s Quality Single Accountability Continuum that measures a school

MAYOR GIANGERUSO

districts’ instruction and programs, fiscal management, governance, operations and personnel. As of 2023, the district was earning an overall “high performing” rating from the state, earning 100% success in three of the categories.

“We’re now in very good financial shape,” Paladino said. “Getting the district out of a budget deficit to where it is now takes a lot of time and effort. You have to change the whole mindset of everyone in the district and you have to get everybody on board, to adhere to the strict rules of the state.

“It’s not an easy thing to do, but you have to keep stressing the importance to get too where we are now,” he said.

While the school district with a $130-plus million operating budget has remained fiscally vigilant, it has

See SCHOOLS, Page 15

Show Antique Car Show

business

Belleville’s athletic training facility

It was but five years ago that Mike Perrone (in photo), of Belleville, and Val Hadshinow, of North Arlington, both of the Belleville Historical Society, refurbished Kearny’s Columbus monument. But Perrone says bacteria buildup caused the statue to blacken and thus, look as it did in the photo on the left, taken Sept. 27. Now, it’s been cleaned again and treated with a special chemical that will keep the statue in pristine condition for years to come, so long as it’s re-treated every other year. In the photo on the right, a look at the finished product, the fruit of Perrone and Hadshinow’s labors.

Photos by Kevin A. Canessa Jr. & Mike Perrone

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com

Ask anyone who knows Melanie Pasquarelli, of Kearny, if she ever sleeps and she’ll insist she does.

And since that is her word, we believe her. The thing that remains in question, however, is just how she finds the time to do so. The exalted ruler of the Elks Lodge 1050 of Kearny and Belleville is involved in so many activities and events, it just seems like she’s volunteering, doing something 24-7.

One of the areas where she puts in a herculean effort, perhaps the most of all the things she does, is with the Incredible Duck Race, which just completed its fourth season. It’s a monumental undertaking — and somehow, she’s done it incredibly well, with each year getting bigger and better than the one before. And so, it’s easy to say the 2024 race — that name is so deceptive since there is so much more than racing ducks — was the best one yet. But just how does Pasquarelli do it? Well, for starters, she

RACE WAS DUCKING INCREDIBLE

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says she has a lot of help along the way. But don’t let her fool you — what she does is vital to its success each and every year.

“This year, we had the most unique visitors,” Pasquarelli says. “We had

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Assemblywoman Barbara Stamato, County Executive Craig Guy, Sen. Angela McKnight, Mayor Carol Jean Doyle, Councilman Jerry Ficeto, Councilwoman Marytrine DeCastro. Our state president was there. The past president

got in the dunk tank. We had assistance from the Antlers of Greater Essex County (younger people who may one day become Elks). The reach was incredible

See RACE, Page 18

Drone footage of the Incredible Duck Race 2024. (Via Facebook.)

Sadowski Auto Care partakes in ‘Brakes for Breasts’

Sadowski Auto Care in North Arlington joins hundreds of independent auto repair shops across the US

to raise funds for a breast cancer vaccine as part of the Brakes for Breasts campaign throughout October. As part of the fundraiser,

participating auto repair facilities will give away free (quality) brake pads or shoes. The customer simply pays the labor and any other

Lisa M. Feorenzo lisa@theobserver.com Co-owner/Advertising Dir.

Tina Feorenzo Co-owner/Advertising

ancillary parts necessary to complete the brake job, and the shops then donate 10% of the brake job directly to the Cleveland Clinic Breast Cancer Vaccine Research Fund and specifically The Dr. Tuohy Lab that is conducting this research.

This Brakes For Breasts fundraiser, however, is different from any other breast cancer fundraising campaigns:

The Dr. Tuohy Lab is a team of researchers at the Cleveland Clinic that has actually created a vaccine that has proved effective in laboratory animals in actually preventing breast cancer. Think about Polio, eradicated because of a vaccine, a distant memory for most generations. This is the same principle!

Phase 1a trials began Oct 2021 and successful results

DEADLINES

Robert P. Pezzolla gm@theobserver.com General Manager

Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com Editor/Broadcaster

Michelle Rybeck advertising@theobserver.com Graphic Artist/Real Estate

announced April 2023 Phase 1b and 1c are in process.

Phase 2 Trials are tentatively scheduled to begin near the end of 2025.

100% of the proceeds from the ‘Brakes for Breasts’ fundraiser goes directly to the Cleveland Clinic for research on the Breast Cancer Vaccine.

These are professional, independent business owners from across the country that have joined hands for a great cause.

To learn more about this breast cancer vaccine, browse a list of participating shops, and view a yearly breakdown of our total $1,864,180 raised, visit www.brakesforbreasts. com or @brakesforbreasts on Facebook.

Sadowski Auto Care may be found on Facebook at @ SadowskiAutoCare.

Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com Sports Writer

Kimberley Pezzolla kimpezzolla@theobserver.com Sales/Classifieds

In Memoriam Mary A. Tortoreti

Macfie: Kearny Ave. ‘spa’ employee charged with prostitution

By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com

Aprostitution investigation at a Kearny massage parlor has led to the arrest of a Brooklyn woman, authorities said on Monday, Sept. 30.

Chief Scott Macfie of the Kearny Police Department reported Ying Cheng, 42, of Brooklyn, was arrested in connection with the investigation at Lily An Spa, 537 Kearny Ave., on Friday, Sept. 27.

The investigation, which began earlier this year, was initiated following complaints from concerned citizens regarding alleged acts of prostitution being conducted at the spa. The Kearny Police Department, with assistance from the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force, lead the investigation as part of a broader effort to address quality-of-life concerns in the community.

According to Macfie, during the investigation, Cheng propositioned an individual inside the business, offering to perform a sexual act in exchange for cash. Cheng was arrested shortly after making the proposition.

Cheng was transported to the Kearny Police Department, where she was charged with prostitution, a disorderly persons offense. She was released on her own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in Kearny Municipal Court.

Macfie praised the joint efforts of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office and the Kearny Police Department, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in addressing local concerns.

“This arrest underscores the impact that vigilant citizens can have in helping law enforce-

ment protect the integrity of our neighborhoods,” Macfie said.

The investigation remains ongoing.

The Kearny Police Department encourages residents to report suspicious activity through its new Tips Management Portal, accessible at www. kearnynjpd.org/submit-a-tip. All submissions may remain confidential.

The 537 Kearny Ave. spa where the arrest was made. Observer file photo

PEACE AND PINWHEELS A

merica in 2024 is a vastly different world than even just a few years ago. Political tensions, social media content, bullying and immigration status to name a few concepts, have left many people in a perpetual state of stress and anxiety.

But students in Harrison — many of whom who can trace their own cultural roots throughout countries such as Peru, China, Ecuador and Poland — are again making a visual stand for peace by spinning over 1,000 custom pinwheels with expressive messages of peace, tolerance and living in harmony in celebration of International Day of Peace on Sept. 21.

Students in kindergarten through eighthgrade from Kennedy and Lincoln schools, Hamilton Intermediate School and Washington Middle School —musically supported by the Harrison High School band — planted their brightly colored pinwheels in the shape of a massive 50+ foot peace sign — a truly amazing sight to behold at the local library park, in the center of town.

This annual project encourages some deep thinking.

“Peace is a state of tranquility — peace

HAPPENING IN HARRISON

within yourself and peace in the world, a hope for a better life. Secureness with the future and freedom within the present,” eighth-grader Hafsa Faisal said.

“For me, peace means everyone being kind, listening to music, no stress or violence in the world and me and my family having fun,” seventh-grader Alexander Pinas said.

Washington Middle School Principal Kevin Stahl offered a unique perspective.

“Our entire student body has planted a pinwheel every year since Kindergarten — how amazing is that?” Stahl said. “This day is always one of my favorite days of the school year for all of the positivity we put out in the world...every little bit helps.”

Pinwheels for Peace is an art installation project started in 2005 by art educators in Florida as a way for students to express their feelings about the conflicts that are becoming commonplace. In 2018, a staggering 4.5 million pinwheels were spinning in over 3,500 locations, including the United States, Europe and Asia.

In photo, a drone photo of the Pinwheels for Peace event in Harrison.

TOWN OF KEARNY PRESENTS

For information, please call Kearny Recreation, (201)

Photo & story by Laura Comppen Special to The Observer

SPORTS & HEALTH

HISTORIC START

n Harrison tennis team sits at 8-1 to begin 2024 campaign

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

Harrison head coach Brian Kolakowski remembers a time when there were people within the high school who didn’t even know the Blue Tide had a girls tennis team. It would be near impossible to tell when you look inside the gym adorned with championship banners from several different sports, but none for girls tennis.

After eight straight wins, these tennis players are set to not only change the narrative, but do things no Harrison team has ever done before.

At 8-1, the Blue Tide are set to have perhaps they’re first ever home state tournament match on Tuesday when Harrison, seeded seventh, hosts 10th-seeded Ridgefield Park in the North 2, Group 2 tournament.

In addition, Harrison is currently in first place in the NJIC Meadowlands Division at 6-0, a full two games ahead of Rutherford heading into the home

stretch of the season.

It’s been nothing short of a stunning turnaround for a program that won just 10 matches total from 2015-2022. Last year was believed to be the Blue Tide’s first winning season when it went 9-7.

“It is surprising and surreal, but at the same time, it’s not because these girls work so hard,” said Kolakowski, who is now in his third season as head coach. “ We have long practices, they’re always trying to get better. They’re really hungry for it. So I’d say I’m surprised, but I’m also not surprised just because of the work that they put in.”

At first singles is junior Sarah Vares, one of the few three-year varsity players. Vares, a two-year captain, has rapidly ascended up the ladder at Harrison, going from a reserve, to third singles and now all the way to first where she has a 6-3 record and has won six of her last seven contests.

“She really keeps it all together, is there for the girls, assists them with everything,” Kolakowski said. “To make the jump from third singles to first sin-

gles and to done as well as she is doing is so impressive.”

As fast as Vares’ rise has been, it pales in comparison to second and third singles where seniors Serenity Maldonado and Paola Ubri are in just their second year of playing tennis after initially knowing Kolakowski from girls flag football.

Incredibly Maldonado and Ubri are now arguably the strongest members of the team, with both going 8-1 so far.

“They play flag football and they tell me ‘hey, Coach. We don’t play a sport in the fall,’” and I said come give tennis a try,” said Kolakowski.”A year ago, it was a summer practice and Serenity and Paola just showed up and said they’ll give tennis a try. They both played doubles last year and they were good doubles players, but now because of all of the work they put in and just their heart, effort and desire, they’re both 8-1.”

Junior Kailey Mendes, who didn’t play last year and senior Willmary Irrizarry are the first doubles team for

Harrison. At second doubles is Samantha Mira, a junior who didn’t play last season, is joined by senior Amy Ulrich, the lone four year player in the program.

Junior Amy Munoz and sophomore Maria Paula Barrera Aristizabal have each played in multiple matches as doubles players.

Rounding out the roster are sophomores Gabriela Torres Celleri and Emmily Valentina Guaman and freshmen Taylor Gadsden and Shilah Olsen.

Harrison’s quest for a first ever division title continued on Monday, Sept. 30 when it played at Weehawken, and then will play Hasbrouck Heights and Secaucus the following week.

“It’s a bunch of girls that really bought into changing the culture of how people looked at tennis and how people kind of just received tennis in the town,” said Kolawkoski. “They really responded to just being a part of the change and just buying into what it takes. It’s really nice to see all that work they put in, start to pay off.”

Photo courtesy of Brian Kolakowski

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

Kearny girls soccer head coach Michael Sylvia has always embraced the idea of throwing challenges in front of his players in hopes of achieving greater goals in the future. So while a 3-4-1 record might not be quite what the Kardinals had hoped for in September, there’s no selfdoubt or frustration.

“We’re going to continue to put them in these challenging

situations. It’s not going to be easy,” said Sylvia. “We put them in these challenging situations so that if they fall short one day, we can analyze it and say okay, here’s the little things that need to be done. Do we want to win? Absolutely. We’re competitive as they come. But at the end of the day, I think these are key moments that we build on. Not just for playoffs or state tournaments, but just for their development overall.”

Lady Kards look for momentum before tourney

anchored by junior Keala Cicchino. A three-year starter and Monmouth University commit, Cicchino has been a rock in the center and one of the state’s top defenders.

“Keala is a stalwart for us,” Sylvia said. “Unless we decide to tactically move her somewhere else, she’s going to hold it down in the back and she’s our fail safe. If someone gets in behind and it’s a 1v1, Keala does such a great job in those moments.”

So far this season, defense has been a strength for the Kardinals, particularly in the last two weeks.

A big reason for that is a talented and experienced back line,

Junior Ava Natosi is at the other center back spot and is really coming into her own after being limited by a knee injury last season.

See KEARNY, Page 12

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Keala Cicchino

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Lyndhurst’s Meehan expands her role in face of injury

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

Kieran Meehan entered her senior season with big expectations and big responsibilities as she took over as Lyndhurst’s starting goalkeeper. So when Kyla Marino, a four-year starter at center back, was lost for the season with a torn ACL on Sept. 17 at North Arlington, Meehan’s already extensive role expanded just a little bit more on the field and as a leader.

Rather than fold under the added responsibility, Meehan and the Lyndhurst defense have elevated their game.

The Golden Bears have gone 3-1 since the injury, allowing just three goals. In three games last

week, Lyndhurst yielded just one goal and Meehan posted shutouts over Harrison and Clifton.

The two shutouts have earned Meehan The Observer Athlete of Week honors. Meehan, who is committed to play at Monmouth, has six shutouts on the season as Lyndhurst is off to a 7-3 start.

“I’m not surprised by her ability or her doing her part of these shutouts. But what’s even more impressive is now the last couple, we’ve done without Kyla,” head coach Kimberly Hykey said. “Kyla was like her anchor back there, so Kieran had to overcome that loss. Kieran’s been keeping it together with a different back line than we had originally had planned

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for this season. That makes it even more impressive.”

To help overcome the loss of Marino, Meehan has become much more of an extra stopper-sweeper instead of the pure shot stopper she’s been for the majority of her career.

and clearing and playing with my feet, although I’ve done that for a really long time,” said Meehan. “I’ve been kind of reworking my mind into being able to come out and be more confident as a sweeper keeper. And definitely in the game against Clifton, I stepped it up and I was the definition of a sweeper keeper.”

“She really is a solid sweeper keeper. She’s great with her feet. The girls are super confident playing the ball back to her. So I think that aspect of her game has been huge for us and she makes them feel calm and confident.”

“It’s definitely a change with coming out of my box more

Meehan said she felt comfortable in the role within a week. Becoming a stopper-sweeper is just the latest example of Meehan being a natural at keeper, a position she’s been playing since

See ATHLETE, Page 12

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Photo by Jason Bernstein Kieren Meehan

KEARNY

Continued from Page 10

Junior Mason Gryckiewicz, a three-year starter at outside back, shifts over to the center when Cicchino is put in an attacking position. Regardless of position, Gryckiewicz is a standout for Kearny.

“She went from an attacking player to an outside back and she’s been playing a lot of center back this year,” said Sylvia.

“When we do want to move Keala into the attack, Mason’s been great stepping in. This is a new position for her, but she’s shown

ATHLETE

Continued from Page 11

US FOR FALL 2024

since her freshman year that she can step into a new position with no ego or preconceived notions and just be really, really coachable and do a great job.”

Senior captain Melanie Rodrigues is the starter on the right side and Izzy Syzmanski is also seeing extensive time on defense.

Behind them are sophomore keeper Casey Brown, who has started every game and has all the tools to be a good one. Destiny Lorenco is the backup.

Sophomore Makayla David and Adrianna Rodrigues are the holding center midfielders, with Cicchino also seeing some time there.

she was 6 years old.

“From a young age, all my family members, all my

Quarterbacking the offense at center midfield is Olivia Covello, a four-year starter and a Sienna commit. Covello, who has played nearly every role imaginable during her career, has a greater offensive responsibility this year and leads the team in goals and assists.

“We’re asking a lot more out of her to not only keep the ball, but help create things (on offense), but at the same time, make sure she’s doing what she’s always done, which is getting back on defense, breaking up plays, disrupting the other team’s attack, and then also now being the vocal and emotional leader too,”

coaches have told me that I’m just a natural,” Meehan said. “With the help of my dad and him (persuad-

Sylvia said. “It’s definitely a new role for her, but one that she’s been poised to step into since she came to the program.”

Senior Chelsea Sammy is another option in the midfield.

Kearny has been mixing and matching at the outside midfield spots with Niamh Devlin, Jamy Queroz, Paula Davilla and Sabrina Varella all seeing time.

A similar situation is currently unfolding at forward. Headlining the group is speedy sophomore Melissa Mota, who scored in last year’s Hudson County final at Red Bull Arena. Two freshmen, who have also worked their way into the mix are Rachel Kelly,

ing) me into this position, it made me fall in love with the sport even more and a position. And I feel like I was just made for it. I was built for this.”

Despite an impressive playing resume on the club circuit for TSF Academy out of Lincoln Park. This fall has been Meehan’s first season as a starting goalie in high school.

who initially started the season on defense, and Dayanara Terrones. Davd and junior Hillary Anticona also could see time on the attack.

Maria Rozo, Kristel Gomez and Kaylee Cohatero are also vying for minutes.

Kearny is set to play at Morris Knolls on Tuesday and host Columbia on Saturday. Independent games with West Orange and Scotch Plains-Fanwood before it begins the quest for a 16tth consecutive Hudson County championship. The tournament is set to be seeded later this week with games starting the following week.

played sparingly as a reserve. That history meant Meehan entered the season with a chip on her shoulder despite being a Division 1 keeper.

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After her freshman year, Meehan transferred to DePaul before deciding to come back to Lyndhurst after a year. However, with another Division 1 goalie in then-senior Mackenzie Sibello in front of her on the depth chart, Meehan only

“I definitely felt like I had a lot to prove and that made me work harder,” said Meehan. “And even though I’m a Division 1 commit, that doesn’t mean I still don’t have to prove myself and I feel like I have been proving myself lately.

“It was really humbling coming from DePaul back to Lyndurst and knowing I had to wait my turn. It made me want to prove myself even more and show everyone what I can do because I love the sport.”

Thomas G. Buck II

Thomas G. Buck II, 47, died June 26, 2024 in Tempe, Arizona.

Born in New York City, he lived in North Arlington, Colorado and Los Angeles, before moving to Tempe, Arizona two years ago.

He was a 1991 graduate of Queen of Peace Grammar School in North Arlington, a 1995 graduate of St. Peter’s Preparatory School in Jersey City and a 2000 graduate of Ramapo College of New Jersey with a B.A, in communications.

Soccer was his favorite sport and Arsenal FC his favorite team. Since 2002, he attended every World Cup. He was on the soccer team at St. Peter’s Prep and was awarded the title of ”Goalie of the Year” for Hudson County in 1995.

Thomas was a very curious person with a strong spirit of adventure. He loved to travel and did a lot of living in his 47 years including visiting 25 different countries with many repeat visits.

He was the beloved son of Catherine (nee Brennan) Buck and the late Thomas G. Buck,

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OBITUARIES

and the adored nephew of John Brennan and Edward Brennan. He will also be greatly missed by his many loving cousins and friends.

A private Celebration of Life has already taken place.

Rose Marie Conlon

All obituaries must be submitted by email by 10 a.m., Mondays, to obituaries@ theobserver.com. Payment is due at submission.

missed by the Maffettones, her second family

Arrangements are being handled by the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. Visiting will begin Friday morning, Sept. 27, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. Mass will follow at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Church. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.

Rose Marie Conlon, 93, died peacefully on Sept. 24, 2024 with her family by her side. She was known for her love of the Irish, a good time and her quick wit. She was born in Kearny and attended St. Stephen’s Grammar School and Kearny High School. Rosemarie was employed by Equity

Savings and Loan Association as a teller when she was in high school working her way up to vice president. She was honored by being named president of WASLI (Woman’s Association of Savings and Loan Institution). She then worked for Allied Building Products. She was predeceased by her parents Edward Conlon Sr. and Loretta (Anton) Conlon, her sister Loretta, her brother Edward Jr. and niece Sharon Baguchinsky. She is survived by her sister-in-law Vera Conlon along with nieces and nephews Karen Evilsizor (Jerry), Edward Conlon Jr., William Conlon (faithful caregiver) Thomas Conlon and Vera Allen (Tom), eight great-nieces and nephews and seven great-great nieces and nephews. She will also be

Mulligan Funeral Home

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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.

In the photo on the left, Mayor Carol Jean Doyle listens as a senior’s questions are answered by reps from Hudson County Executive Craig Guy’s office. In the photo on the

listen carefully as Guy addresses the assembly.

GUY

Continued from Page 1

those boat rides folks is through the roof. So, what we did this past year is we expanded the amount of boats that we normally do.”

Doyle, meanwhile, says she’s extremely appreciative of Guy’s efforts for Kearny.

are county roads, but there’s so many different services, whether it be senior items, whether it be veterans, whether it be Social Security, whether it be a Medicaid, whether it be housing — the services that directly affect people’s lives. We have to be able to literally, as elected officials, I believe, put hot food on the table. We have to be responsible to everybody that elects us to make sure that everybody in the county, everybody in Kearny, has what they need to get through the day, whether that’s a roof over your head, whether you’re a veteran and you need information on special services that maybe some veterans are unaware that we offer or whether you’re a senior and you need to be up to date on on a lot of the different services that we we offer — not everybody knows.”

He also made sure to note how vital it is for the county to support those who have serve in the Armed Forces.

“The veterans, in whatever conflict or war that they fought in, did so to provide us the opportunity to speak in front of nearly 100 seniors today,” Guy said. “You know, we owe it to them. We owe it to the seniors who forged everybody’s life, your kids, my kids, my cousins, my aunts, my uncles.

“When Craig was first elected, I asked him if we could have one day when county folks came here,” Doyle said. “He said, ‘I can do better — how about three days a week.’ He’s really gone above and beyond our expectations.”

Seniors in need of any Hudson County service should visit www.hcnj. us. The Department of Veterans and Aging may be reached at (201) 3694314 or toll free at (877) 222-3737. The main number for the County Executive’s Office is (201) 795-6200. Send an email to hcexecoffice@hcnj.us.

“So we have to be supportive of those folks …”

And Guy said while he is proud of what he’s accomplished in just nine months in office, he’s aware it’s not the be-all, end-all.

Guy also praised the senior boat cruises around the Manhattan Harbor that many of the town’s seniors get to enjoy each year at no cost.

“I hope everybody in Kearny knows that the great boat rides that we offer each and every summer (are ours),” Guy said. “You know, the demand for

“I want to hear from you today, our directors want hear from you today on basically what kind of services you think we we can do better,” Guy said.

And at that, the seniors surely shared how they felt the county could do better.

One such area was the availability of Spanish-speakers for those who do not know English.

All departmental reps have at least one — in most cases, more — who are fluent in Spanish.

Left photo: Town of Kearny; Right photo by Kevin A. Canessa Jr.

right, seniors

SCHOOLS

Continued from Page 2

also continued to push forward, often using innovative, cost-effective programs that benefit the district’s 5,200 students in new and different ways.

For example, redistricting helped ease overcrowding in the middle school and the Realizing Individual Student Enrichment (RISE) program has helped boost academics in a district that now boasts a 93% graduation rate.

Maintaining and improving the district’s buildings and recreational spaces has also been paramount, while working within fiscal means, Paladino said.

In 2022, the district unveiled the Belleville Indoor Training Facility, a 25,000-square-foot space on Cortlandt Street housed in a converted auto body shop designed for high school athletes, as well as the public. The facility opened with two wrestling rooms, an all-purpose room with hardwood floors and a workout room with exercise equipment ranging from a golf driving simulator to chest presses to rowing machines.

A year earlier, the ribbon was cut on a major renovation of Clearman Field, at Union Avenue and Holmes Street. The field services School No. 8, at 183 Union Ave., during the school day. Afterward, it is home to some of the school district’s sports programs, as well as open to the entire community based on availability.

In 2017, Belleville voters approved a $48.5 million bond referendum that allowed the district to update the lighting, plumbing, HVAC equipment and more at several schools. The district was also able to use

some of the funds to make its schools compliant with accessibility regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Pre-K education has also drastically expanded in the past six years in Belleville, and the addition of the Hornblower Early Education Center on Main Street has

been home to more than 250 young students.

Of these and other capital projects, perhaps none has been more popular with students than the 2023 opening of the Buccaneer Bistro. The project transformed what had been the Belleville High School Senior Cafeteria into a new, welcoming space

DIRECTORY BUSINESS

where fresh deli sandwiches, a pizza station, burrito bowls, Chinese food and other delights await hungry students.

“The district is in a good place now, thanks to a lot of hard work by a lot of people,” Paladino said. “Under the leadership of Interim Superintendent of School

Nick Perrapato, the Board of Education under President Gabrielle Bennett-Meany and our state monitor, Tom Egan, we’re already off to another great school year and we’re hoping to continue to build upon the fiscal discipline and strategic execution that we have established.”

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 21W03

E.ORANGE Available Immediately 193 Eppirt St. East Orange $2,000 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, living room, dining room and kitchen. Laundry is at the basement. Apartment for rent Call Lorena 201401-4525 and Blanca 551-580-4228 22W03

HARRISON New Home 2nd fl. 3 BR’s, 2 Baths. Close to transportation. No Pets/Smoking. Available Now. (201)7090645 or (973)741-8292 Leave Message 21W03

HARRISON Newly renovated 112 Passaic Ave. 1st floor. 3 BRs, Kitchen, LR, Bathroom, $2500 + 1.5 months security, Utilities separate. No Pets/Smoking Available October 1st (973)7044246 21W03

HARRISON 2nd floor 2

BR’s, LR, Large EIK, Full Laundry room $2500 + 1.5 months security Utilities included No Pets/Smoking Available Now (862)763-0371 21W03

HARRISON Newly renovated 1st floor 2 BR’s, LR, EIK 1.5 months security Utilities separate, No Pets/Smoking Available Now (973)7142368 or (201)463-6303 22W03

HARRISON 2nd floor. Newly renovated. 3 BR. 1 Bath. LR. EIK. CA/Heat. $2000 + 1.5 months security. Utilities separate. No Smoking. No Parking. Available November 1st (551)358-9353 21W03

HARRISON 3RD Floor 2 BR’S, EIK, 1 BATH Central AC, Dishwasher, Laundry room $2200 + 1 Months security Utilities separate Close to PATH No Pets/Smoking (201)957-4758 22W03

KEARNY 2nd floor 4 bedrooms, Kitchen, LR & DR 2 bathrooms. Hardwood floors throughout and lots of closet space. 1 Parking space, Laundry room ,Excellent location, next to public school, close to Stores and 10 minutes to Harrison path. No Pets/Smoking Available Now (201)6793254 21W03

KEARNY 1st Floor of 2-family, Newly Renovated, 2 BR, LR, DR, EIK & Bathroom, Washer/ Dryer Hook-Up, Basement Storage Area and use of Yard. No Pets/ Smoking, $2100 Plus Utils and 1.5 Months Security Deposit. Send email to swifty1@optonline.net 22W03

KEARNY 2 BRs, LR, EIK $2200 + 1.5 months security Utilities Separate. No Pets/Smoking, Access to Yard Available Now (201)772-9965 20W03

KEARNY 1st Floor Beautiful 2 bedroom, clean spacious No pets/smoking Great location! $1700 + I.5 months security, Utilities separate deposit req. Available starting Oct.1st (609)-902-3562 20W03

KEARNY 211-213 Kearny Ave. Kearny $2,300 and 218-220 Kearny Ave. Kearny $2,800 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathroom, living room, dining room, kitchen and 1 parking space. Laundry is included . Call Lorena 201-4014525 and Blanca 551580-4228 Available for November 1st 22W03

N.ARLINGTON One bedroom apartment in apartment complex. Excellent location, near stores and transportation. $1825.00 per month, one month security. Heat and hot water provided. Laundry on premises and one parking space available. Storage in basement. No smoking and no pets. Adults preferred. Please call between 10:00am and 7:00pm: 201-997-2341 21W03

N.ARLINGTON 1st Floor 2 BR’s, LR, Kitchen, Bath, DR $2200 + security, Utilities Separate No Pets/Smoking Close to Transportation Available November 1st (201)699-1211 22W03

N.NEWARK 2nd floor in nice quite neighborhood Spacious 2 BR, LR, DR, EIK Walk in closet $2400 + 1.5 months security Utilities included except electric Available November 1st (973)202-6092 22W03

KEARNY Large Big room, $1000 + 1 month security,Utilities included, access to Kitchen Available Oct 1st call 201-679-3254 21W03

KEARNY 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 22W03

N.ARLINGTON Large room, access to kitchen, washer/dryer, $800 + 1 months security, Utilities included No Pets Available Now(201)9374861 21W03

MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE SALE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2024 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM 219 HOLLISTER AVE. RUTHERFORD,NJ 21W01

Seaboard Twine Company, a small, family-run wholesale business located in Clifton NJ, is looking to hire for a full-time warehouse employee. Responsibilities include moving boxes (which weigh up to 65 lbs), picking, palletizing and shrink wrapping orders, loading and unloading trucks, using electric pallet jacks and forklifts, and keeping the warehouse neat and organized. Willing to train. Pleasant work environment, with a culture of respect and courtesy. Looking for a responsible and dependable individual who is looking for a long term job. Pay depends on experience. Please email aalinewire@gmail.com or call 718-456-2657 21W03

NOW HIRING Front desk receptionist. Monday - Saturday 8AM - 5PM Must speak Spanish Bib’s Auto Parts call (201)725-7060 20W03

ACCOUNTING/ BOOKKEEPING Bank Reconciliation, Payroll, Journal Entry experience required. Work with MS Word, Excel & Quickbooks. Bilingual English/Portuguese/ Spanish Send resume to ncococpa@outlook.com 201-955-3339 21W03

Part time Driver for mornings. Instructor Wanted will train. Must be reliable. Please email NJDRIVINGSCHOOL@ hotmail.com or call (201)246-8000 20W03

FULL TIME Now hiring Auto parts salesperson

Monday - Saturday 8AM - 5PM Bib’s Auto Parts (201)725-7060 20W03

Health Officer The Town of Kearny is accepting applications for a full time Assistant Health Officer that reports directly to the Health Officer and assists in overseeing the personnel operations, environmental services, clinical services, public health nursing and communicable disease investigations, health education, and administrative duties. The applicant must hold a valid New Jersey Health Officer license and a valid New Jersey driver’s licenses. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, assisting with planning and executing Department programs and services, evaluating all Department activities, ensuring compliance with public health statutes and regulations and the ability to provide assistance to the Health Officer in the daily functions of the office. The applicant must have excellent communication and customer services skills as well as be dependable, self-motivated, and a team player. Salary is negotiable, commensurate with qualifications and experience. An application for employment can be found at: https://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/ 19W03

Part-Time Court Attendant to support judge by maintaining order and security in the courtroom, making official announcements, assisting with court proceedings, and may assist with apprehension, arrest, and conviction of offenders against the law; Key responsibilities include administering oaths, serving court documents, directing litigants and attorneys, executing court orders, including bench warrants when required. The role involves record-keeping and various administrative tasks. Appointees must have knowledge of court practices and procedures, proficiency in English communication, ability to follow oral directives and learn quickly, and strong interpersonal skills. $22.00 - $28.00 per hour. Download an application at https://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/ Completed applications and resumes must be submitted to the Personnel Department at 410 Kearny Avenue, Kearny, NJ 07032 21W03

KEARNY

N. ARLINGTON

ROOM FOR RENT

N.NEWARK

Kearny Fire Department open house is Oct. 3

The Kearny Fire Department’s annual open house is set for Thursday, Oct. 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. at headquarters, 109 Midland Avenue.

There will be vehicle-extraction and sprinkler demonstrations and youngsters will be able to use a departmental fire hose.

Light refreshments will be served.

Belleville church hosting monthly food pantry

Wesley Methodist Church and Gosen Church at 225 Washington Ave., Belleville, opens its food pantry from 9 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday of each month.

The public is welcome to attend. Donations of non-perishable food are being accepted, including canned goods, pancake mix and syrup, hygiene

items, paper towels and toilet paper, instant coffee, oatmeal, bottled juice, individual snacks, boxes of cereal, peanut butter and jelly and mac and cheese.

For more information, contact Dana (201) 706-1104 (English) or Pastor Michael (551) 399-9931 (Español.)

Patrons from all communities are welcome. ID is not required.

Friends of NA Library hosting Thanksgiving basket giveaway

The Friends of the North Arlington Public Library sponsor a Thanksgiving basket giveaway, starting on Oct. 21. Each $1 donation buys a chance to

fall goodies, as well as a $25 gift card. The winner will be announced Nov. 22. All proceeds will go toward helping the library serve the community.

RACE

Continued from Page 5

and diverse. We had lodges from all over including Jamesburg, Princeton, people who just

wanted to see what it was all about — and because of it, we had a hugely successful day.”

On top of the aforementioned, Pasquarelli says the unwavering support she gets from the Kearny PBA, FMBA and various

other community groups were more reasons why the annual affair is so successful. Also, there were around a dozen food trucks lining Belgrove Drive, as well as numerous merchants selling things from honey to

coasters to jewelry. Bands played on the great lawn of the VFW all day long, thanks to Ficeto’s coordination.

But what’s it all for? Who benefits from the race?

so much more. Since the lodge is connected to Belleville now, too, Thanksgiving baskets are distributed on that side of the Passaic River.

“First, it’s veterans,” Pasquarelli says. “The purpose is to give back to the local Kearny community, and that includes schools and the youth of town. For example, each year, we donate $1,000 to Project Graduation. We offer a scholarship each year through the Kearny Board of Education. We sponsor peer leadership, which offers a leadership path for younger people. We sponsor (special needs) Camp Moore each year. We support Wounded Warriors. And so much more.”

What separates what Pasquarelli and the Elks do from many other charitable organizations is that 100% of the funds raised go to helping others. There are no overhead or administrative costs. So when people bought chances for their ducks the day of the race, all of that money raised goes right back into the community — never into the pockets of administrators or executives.

Some of the other things the Elks do includes retrofitting homes for veterans, assisting the homeless, donating more than 500 turkeys each year to the Kearny Food Pantry Network and St. Stephen’s Church and

Pasquarelli says since 2020 and the onset of COVID-19, the requests she’s received have grown and have become much more diverse, but as she says, “If there’s a need, we’ll do what we can to solve those issues.”

That’s Pasquarelli and the Elks in a nutshell. The lodge is happening. It’s always doing things for others. Membership continues to grow. Events like the duck race bring thousands of neighbors together — and it all benefits those who need it most — right here in Kearny and nearby.

And, 51 weeks from now, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025 to be precise, the race will return for its fifth year.

“It’s no small task to pull this all together,” Pasquarelli says. But she’s already sending out agreements for vendors and food trucks for next year’s affair.

“It takes 365 days to do this,” she says. “But we’re always open to ideas and suggestions to make the duck race bigger and better.”

And something tells us that’s exactly how the 2025 race will turn out — bigger and better than ever before. And we can all thank Pasquarelli for bringing this concept to life and to incredible success.

Pasquarelli & Stamato.

HCIA FALL 2024 HHW DAYS

Sunday, October 6 Saturday, October 19

Bayonne

Gregg Park (Parking Lot #1)

Jersey City

Municipal Complex (13-15 Linden Ave)

DPW (1500 Jefferson Street) FREE! • 9AM - 1PM (RAIN OR SHINE)

Kearny

DPW (357 Bergen Ave)

Hoboken

WHAT TO BRING:

Tires, Antifreeze, Latex Paint, Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs

ELECTRONIC WASTE RECYCLING: Items such as computers, TV’s, printers, tablets, smart phones, monitors, gaming systems and keyboards can also be recycled.