A LOOK AT THE 10 MOST READ STORIES ON THEOBSERVER.COM IN
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
Since its inception in 1996, when former Observer owner Anthony Tortoreti was at the forefront of what the Web would turn into, www. theobserver.com has grown each year in succession. But no year was as strong as 2024, as readers from the area, North Jersey, the rest of the state, the country and the globe continued to read what was happening here in West Hudson, South Bergen and parts of Essex counties.
While people move away from here, there’s still that interest in what is going on here.
And so, as we enter 2025, here’s a look back at the 10 most read stories of 2024 on www.theobserver.com
10) 2 die following fire on Hamilton Avenue in Kearny
This was, without question, the most
tragic story of the last year. The Dec. 6 blaze at 56 Hamilton Ave., Kearny, claimed the lives of two people, a couple: Mary Beth Guenther, 58, and Martin Wilson, 61.
A preliminary investigation revealed the fire originated in the home’s basement, though the specific cause has not yet been
identified. Foul play is not suspected, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. The Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force and Kearny Fire Department continue to jointly investigate the fire and anyone with information on the fire is asked to call the HCPO at (201) 915-1345.
9) Kearny man, 49, threatens to kill 3, headbutts cop, goes on racist tirade, gets sprung, re-arrested and may be out (again) by weekend
A Kearny man who threatened to kill several people — and who even had a conversation with someone where he detailed who he’d murder and how he’d kill them — was back out of jail the very next day, where he went on a second spree of utter destruction, the Kearny Police Department said, and while he is now behind bars at the Hudson County Jail in South Kearny, some police officers have surmised he will be out before the weekend, where he could do just about anything.
According to the Kearny Police Department:
On June 9, 2024, a concerned caller reported Brian Chesney, 49, of Kearny, was
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The aftermath of fire at 56 Hamilton Ave., Kearny, last month.
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outside his residence with a baseball bat, threatening to smash out his windows and kill him. Kearny police units responded and found vehicles with windows smashed, but the actor gone. Units also responded to a business where Chesney had reportedly looked for the man he intended to harm.
He was released from jail the next day and then, the day after that, he was behind bars again.
During the course of all the action, he allegedly spit on an officer, calling him racial slurs and continued similar behaviors throughout the interaction. The incident rose to the level of being reported as a bias-intimidation incident, requiring notification to Bias Crimes Unit at DCJ, the NJSP, the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness and the Hudson County Prosecutor. Chesney also refused to submit to live-scan fingerprinting procedures and continued his violent, incensed and racist tirade. Ultimately, the 49-year-old Kearny resident was charged with contempt of court for the restraining order violation, making terroristic threats, five counts of aggravated assault, three counts throwing bodily fluids, three
counts of resisting arrest, bias intimidation, harassment, refusal to submit for prints and a violation of the town ordinance prohibiting the possession of an open container of alcohol in public.
8) Man breaks into Kearny home, takes dump in back seat of KPD cruiser en route to jail: police
For whatever the reason, whenever a police brief involves defecation, people read.
Such was the case on March 9, On March 9, 2024, when a young girl awoke her father, having sensed something was wrong in their Chestnut Street home. The father investigated, noticing a suspicious odor and noises coming from the basement of the residence. Police say the resident feared for the safety of his young children and began to search his home while armed with his legally-owned handgun.
When the dad found an intruder inside his home, a physical confrontation of pushes and strikes ensued. Despite the intruder punching the father in the ribs several times, the father was able to strike the intruder in the head with his
TOWN OF KEARNY PUBLIC NOTICE
The 2025 Tax List of the Town of Kearny will be open for inspection in the office of the Tax Assessor, 402 Kearny Avenue, on January 2 through January 9 of 2025, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Jessica Reyes Tax Assessor
handgun (probably exercising more restraint than was legally required) then held him down while police rushed to the home to assist.
Officers Jean Paul Duran, Angel Martinez, (now Sgt.) Mat Lopez and Janitza Aquino were first to arrive and when they did, they encountered a rather chaotic scene, with children yelling and running out of the home. They immediately made entry and were able to take the uncooperative intruder — later identified as Dwayne T. Whaley, 49, with no known home — into custody.
Whaley was also found to be a NCIC wanted person out of the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office.
Later that day, as very unfortunate units were dutifully transporting Whaley to the
Hudson County Jail in South Kearny, he became frustrated with officers and the sally port of the jail not opening quickly enough for his liking, so without notice, he took a dump in the rear of the police vehicle. Such a nice fellow, eh? Additional charges of criminal mischief and indecent, lewd conduct were then generated for Whaley.
7) Former Mets GM Omar Minaya’s wife found dead in bathroom of her Bergen County home
This was one of the stories that did not appear in the printed pages of The Observer.
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office was investigating the death the wife of former
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New York Mets general manager and current New York Yankees executive Omar Minaya, though it did not appear the death was suspicious in nature, the prosecutor’s office said.
Prosecutor Mark Musella said a death investigation is underway in Harrington Park, and it is being conducted by his office and the Harrington Park Police Department.
On Saturday, July 20, 2024, at approximately 3:32 p.m., the Harrington Park PD responded to a 911 call reporting an unconscious and unresponsive woman had been discovered in the bathroom of a private residence.
Upon arrival, first responders located 55-year-old Rachel Minaya and attempted to
resuscitate her. Mrs. Minaya was transported via ambulance to Hackensack Meridian Health Pascack Valley Medical Center in Westwood, but was pronounced deceased at 4:26 p.m.
6) All she had to do was move her double-parked Tesla; instead, she gets arrested, her car sent to the pound
The moral of the story in this incident — do what the police say, and it will save you a lot of heartache.
On March 3, at noon, Sgt. Jason Ward observed a red Tesla, double parked on a busy stretch of Kearny Avenue, impeding the flow of traffic. Recently, this ongoing problem has driven frustrated citizens to lodge repeated complaints. Sgt. Ward used the police
car’s loud speaker to ask the woman to move the vehicle into a parking space so that other drivers could use the lane of travel; however, she argued and blatantly refused, forcing other motorists to alternate traffic around her majesty.
After patiently waiting 30 seconds for the woman to perhaps change her mind and move, Sgt. Ward began using his overhead lights and sounding his sirens. In response, the woman stuck her head out of the window and reaffirmed — she wasn’t moving.
A heretofore extremely patient Sgt. Ward then initiated a motor-vehicle stop. He approached her vehicle and requested her license, registration and insurance. Shocking in no one’s mind, the woman called him a “jerk” and
refused to provide the required documents.
As Sgt. Ward explained her compliance is legally required, she finally decided to get the car out of the way by putting it into “drive” as she took off from the stop. (Thing is, one can’t do that.) She didn’t get far though, as she was found parking in yet another prohibited parking zone, some two blocks down the road.
Sgt. Ward then advised her she would now be arrested. The woman was combative, argumentative and resisted arrest by pulling her hands and arms away so as to avoid being handcuffed. Sgt. Ward was able to overcome her resistance, however, but then she then refused to sit into the back of the police car and had to be forced.
Oh, and since the Tesla was not parked legally, it was impounded.
Heather Rodriguez, 34, of Manhattan, was charged criminally with eluding, obstructing administration of law and resisting arrest. She was also issued traffic summonses for failure to display a license when required, failure to display registration when required, failure to display insurance when required and (obviously) doubleparking.
5) 5 teens, savagely beat teenage couple on Kearny Ave.
On Jan. 3, between 4 and 5 p.m., the five malcontents — three from Kearny and one each from East Newark and Harrison — aged between 14 and 16, confronted a juvenile couple walking on Kearny Avenue. The couple attempted to flee; however, they were attacked viciously. At least three of the five are confirmed to be in the Venn Diagram gang (BSK/COB).
One of the actors, a girl, reportedly assaulted a female victim, while the four other male actors beat the boy unconscious, then dragged him across a street as they continued to beat him. Both victims were taken to hospital where the girl was diagnosed with a broken nose, swollen black and blue eyes and other injuries and the boy sustained serious injuries, necessitating reconstructive surgery to bones in his face and medical intervention to his eyes and other body parts. Ultimately, after some brave witness interviews and a review of many cameras, all five actors were identified and arrested, charged with aggravated assault, conspiracy and theft.
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4) The Observer mourns the loss of Christine Jablonski, who died yesterday aged 53
The Observer and the most in the community were devastated to learn Christine Jablonski, one of Kearny’s most noted and active citizens, died on a Utah ski slope on March 6. Following her tragic death, the Kearny Branch Library was ultimately renamed in her memory.
Hundreds of mourners attended her funeral Mass of Christian burial at St. Stephen’s Church, Kearny, where the Rev. Joseph Mancini, the pastor of the church, delivered a remarkably poignant homily about Christine’s love for her family, her church, her community and the Jesuits.
3) 1 dead, several others injured in crash on Rt. 508
A crash on the Newark-Jersey City Turnpike claimed a life and left several others severely injured, the Kearny Police Department said.
On Saturday, March 16, 2024, at approximately 7 a.m., the Kearny Police Department says it received a call on a motor vehicle crash Rt. 508 involving
Tentrapped motorists and possible severe injuries.
Initial officers arriving on scene — including Officer Richard Pawlowski of the Traffic Bureau — observed what appeared to be a five-vehicle crash, including a one-vehicle roll over.
One passenger, a man, was pronounced dead at the scene, and several others involved sustained serious bodily injuries.
2) COMMENTARY — Video of teens beating up other teens is disgusting
This commentary, written by Kevin Canessa, was about disturbing videos that emerged in Harrison of teenagers beating up other teens — students from Washington Middle School and Harrison High School.
Some of the videos included vicious sneak attacks on kids. One of the videos was captioned by a man who proudly boasted the culprit was his son.
The Observer debated whether to air these clips, but decided to do so, 100% uncensored, with the hopes parents would become more aware of what was happening.
The person whose site the videos came from did messaged
us, saying this was “old news,” but old or new, it was still very serious — and we forwarded that note to police.
Every parent deserved to know it has happened — and likely could happen again (though we were told some of the videos were not recent.)
1) Keep your home’s doors locked, call police if you suspect anything out of sorts
This single story amounted to 25% of all traffic www.theobserver.com received in 2024 — and the most-viewed single story in the website’s history. It all began when Kearny Police Chief Scott Macfie had a conversation with Canessa and asked that The Observer remind residents to keep doors locked at all times after an attempted burglary.
Early the morning of June 19, a group of four males, one with a crowbar, were believe to be about to attempt to break into a home in the Manor section.
However, a police officer fortunately drove up on the scene and the quartet took off, but not before police observed one had a crowbar.
No home was actually burgled.
The Observer’s correction policy
he Observer strives to bring our readers the best and the most accurate news. However, from time to time, there may be mistakes in what we report. As such, we take our obligation to report errors seriously. If you believe we’ve made an error, please send an e-mail to editorial@theobserver.com, indicating what is to be corrected. We will ensure a correction is noted (if necessary) in a future print edition — and online.
Estate
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In the darker months, consider adding some aesthetic lighting to cheer up the property at night.
It’s no secret that curb appeal helps sell houses. But what if you need to sell your home and the exterior is not especially attractive? Some quick and affordable projects can significantly improve your home’s curb appeal. Mow tall grass and weeds and consider adding bark mulch to any unsightly ground space around the house. Add flowers in brightly colored pots. Pressure wash the house and roof if they’re dirty or mossy. Create an inviting front entry by painting the door a bright color and decorating with seasonal items such as wreaths. Add comfortable seating where the owner can relax and enjoy the yard.
From outside curb appeal to inside staging, we can advise you on many ways to make your home as appealing as possible to potential buyers. When it comes time to sell, we will put all of our training, expertise, and experience to good use to get you the price you are looking for. There’s no need to go through the selling/buying process alone, not when we are close by. Dreams come true when you call us for help with your real estate needs. “Our success has been built one satisfied customer at a time.”
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Screenshot of fight in Harrison.
OPINION & VIEWPOINTS
COMMENT
It’s time for our annual New Year wish list and predictions
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
How is it 2025? I can’t be the only one who has said this more than one time in recent days. It seems like a minute ago we were worrying whether computers would work when the clock struck midnight on Jan. 1, 2000. Yet here we are and as we begin the new year, let’s throw out some wishes and wild predictions for the New Year.
n In Kearny, there will be at least 15 candidates for municipal office in the June primary.
For mayor, expect incumbent Carol Jean Doyle to square off against a Democrat — who will it be though? The name we’re most hearing is George Zapata.
Then, in November, that winner will square off against Sydney J. Ferreira again for a fouryear term. Or will Leo Vartan pull an 11thhour about-face and decide to run for the first time since he lost to Peter J. McIntyre in 1997.
Perhaps the biggest unknown is whether incumbent Richard Konopka (hope we spelled that correctly, Rich) will seek another term? Regardless, expect him to face a primary.
The other three incumbents, Marytrine DeCastro, Fred Esteves and Jerry Ficeto, will also likely be primaried.
However, we expect that triumvirate to be on the ballot, again, in November, regardless of who they might face.
n In North Arlington, expect to see
Lisa M. Feorenzo lisa@theobserver.com Co-owner/Advertising Dir.
tremendous and noticeable progress on the new senior citizen housing complex. This will be the culmination of years of preparation by Mayor Daniel H. Pronti and the Borough Council and the greatest accomplishment for all involved.
n East Newark Mayor Dina Grilo’s decision to promote Junior Fiori and Billy Erezuma to sergeant will lead to incredible progress for the East Newark Police Department. And, the new civilian director of the department will see tremendous success in a borough that is seeing progress at rates never before seen.
n Lyndhurst Mayor Robert B. Giangeruso will give more thought to the closure and the Ridge Road NJ Transit station. With new apartments coming across the street, the reevaluation of supporting the closure will be consequential for all involved.
n Harrison Councilman Larry Bennett will finally announce his run for mayor. He’s been thinking about it for a long time and it would be the culmination of a storied career, both as a civilian and as an elected official. What remains to-be-determined — will Mayor James A. Fife also run, again, for the seat?
n Belleville Mayor Michael A. Melham will continue to make waves — locally, across the state, around the country and globally.
And he will continue to oversee Belleville’s strongest renaissance in decades, making the township a most desirable place to live and raise a family.
The opinions expressed herein are solely those of the writer.
Tina Feorenzo Co-owner/Advertising
Robert P. Pezzolla gm@theobserver.com General Manager
BHS lays wreaths across the area
The Belleville High School Junior Army ROTC Color Guard laid wreaths Dec. 14 at St. Peter’s Church, Belleville, and at Glendale Cemetery, Bloomfield. A generous donation of wreaths Farms View Roadstand in Wayne enabled the Belleville Historical Society to place additional wreaths at more than two dozen locations. In all, 500 wreaths were laid on the graves of local veterans including more than 150 KIA and Medal of Honor recipients.
Geunthers say thank you
Mayor Doyle:
As you are aware, there was a two-alarm fire on the morning of Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. The fire was at 56 Hamilton Ave. That home belonged to my aunt Mary Beth, who she shared with her longtime boyfriend Martin Wilson.
Unfortunately, both persons were victims to the fire and the house that has been in our family for over 60 years appears to have severe structural damage and will more than likely have to razed.
This event has been a crushing blow to our family, friends and other citizens from the Town of Kearny where Mary Beth has lived her whole life.
n Classifieds: 3 p.m., Monday n Obituaries: 10 a.m., Monday n Display/Real Estate: noon, Thursday
n Help Wanted: Noon, Monday — all ads must be sent to classified@theobserver.com.
Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com Editor/Broadcaster Michelle Rybeck advertising@theobserver.com Graphic Artist/Real Estate
It is on that note that it would not be fitting to take a moment to thank the Town of Kearny.
The Kearny Police Department, the Kearny Fire Department and all others involved in trying their absolute hardest to extinguish the fire and save the residents of “56” should not go unnoticed.
During this trying time in our lives, every member of these departments have treated us with sympathy and respect.
We appreciate the valiant efforts these men and women exhausted that early morning into early afternoon to do all they could.
With deep gratitude & respect, The Guenther Family
Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com Sports Writer
Kimberley Pezzolla kimpezzolla@theobserver.com Sales/Classifieds
Mike Perrone photo
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
OFF TO A FAST START
By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com
With seven experienced seniors combined with a move to the Super Essex Conference’s National Division, the pieces were in place for Nutley’s boys basketball team to do quite a bit more winning than it did a season ago.
But even with that in mind, eyebrows were raised when veteran head coach Bob Harbison told his team that he thought the Maroon Raiders could win 20 games.
“I told our kids before the season, and I exaggerated, but I said, ‘listen, we can win 20 games,’ and my assistant coach just looked at me and said we’re now going to win 20 games,” recalled Harbison about the conversation he had with his team, that has won just 12 games over the past two seasons. “But what I’m saying is, we can win a lot of games.
There’s a lot of winnable games here.”
Embellished or not, Harbison’s prediction suddenly seems a lot less crazy.
In just two weeks, Nutley has matched last season’s win total and, after defeating Kearny for the Charlie Dolan Holiday Tournament title on Saturday, the Maroon Raiders are 5-0.
“I think they’re just maturing,” Harbison said. “As long as they don’t look out for themselves too much and continue to enjoy winning together, I think we will continue to win.
“When you’re winning, kids listen more, they buy in a little bit more. Hopefully it will continue.”
Leading the way has been senior guard Jordan Small, who was named Tournament MVP after going for 17 points in the first round against Morristown on Friday and 16 the next day against Kearny. Small was joined on the All-Tournament Team by Nutley teammates Ryan Ibrahim
and Tim Gordon.
The 5-foot-11 Small leads the Raiders in scoring at 17,4 points per game, but has been so much more than just a scorer.
“Jordan Small is having a great year,” Harbison said. “He’s averaging 17 points per game, but it’s the most quiet scoring that I’ve had in that he doesn’t try to do anything he’s not supposed to do. He’s just making shots when he’s supposed to. He covers the other team’s best player. He’s matured a heck of a lot. He just keeps us on track.”
Joining Small in the backcourt for the third season in a row is point guard Will Llanza, who came alive for 11 points in the win over Kearny.
“He’s very talented and lets me do things that we haven’t been able to do before because I know I got a guy who can handle the ball against pressure,” said Harbison. “He’s a three-year starter and he’s starting to figure it out.”
The 6-foot-7 Ibrahim is
another veteran, who has made significant strides this season. Ibrahim, a senior, is averaging 11.4 points per game, highlighted by back-to-back 13-point efforts against Morristown and Kearny.
The face-up forward has started receiving interest from multiple NJAC schools.
“He’s figuring out how important it is to play with energy and to be a little more assertive,” said Harbison. Each game he seems to be getting better.”
Joining the veterans in the starting lineup are a pair of very promising sophomores in Gordon and Sean Fealey.
Gordon, who starts at linebacker in the fall, has immense potential as a wing, while Fealey, a 6-foot-3 center, is good around the rim, while developing his defensive game.
One thing Nutley has plenty of, more than perhaps any team Harbison has had, is shooting. In addition to all five starters, Michael Misner, Noah Riley and
Gian Duan are all dangerous shooters off the bench. Misner, a junior, made three 3-pointers against Morristown.
“We let it fly. The rule is if you see it and you have space, you shoot it,” Harbison said.
“Throughout the game, we don’t take a lot of bad shots and they’re getting much better at getting themselves free (for open looks).”
Noah Smith, last year’s starting center, is a strong defender off the bench, He and forward Justin Figueroa can both shoot it, while Drew Slomkowski, a Seton Hall commit for baseball, brings added athleticism up front after missing all of last year due to injury. Senior Nick Gallo and sophomore Noah Tan bring added depth off the bench.
Nutley begins the new year with its most challenging week of the young season as it travels to Glen Ridge on Friday before home games with Belleville and Weequahic.
Photo courtesy of Rob Porrino
Kearny girls win Charlie Dolan tournament
jason@theobserver.com
Starting the season with back-to-back matchups against state-ranked teams like Hudson Catholic and Bayonne might not have been an ideal way for the Kearny girls basketball team to begin its season.
And while the Kardinals started 0-2, veteran head coach Jody Hill saw enough positives that there was a confidence that better days were to come for Kearny.
“It’s tough to bounce back if you just look at it as a negative thing,” said Hill. “But we didn’t,
we tried to find all the positives from it and we knew the games coming up after that were all going to be competitive and winnable games.
“We’re just moving on from it and looking for the positive things to come.”
The second week of the season brought plenty of positivity as Kearny responded with three consecutive wins. The last two coming as part of the annual Charlie Dolan Holiday Tournament, Kearny hosts. After defeating Weehawken in the first round, the Kardinals delivered its most impressive performance of the young season, a 62-35 victory
over Passaic Tech in the title game on Saturday.
“We’re off to a really good start when it comes to sharing the basketball,” Hill said. “We’re su-
Photo courtesy of Vincent Almeida
per proud of how we’re making the unselfish pass. We have the concept of ‘one more,’ where if there’s one more pass to be made, somebody’s more open than you and the girls are really unselfishly making that pass.”
Leading the way for Kearny
has been sophomore Makayla David, who is currently averaging 20.0 points per game and rapidly establishing herself as one of the top guards in North Jersey. David erupted for a career-high 36 points in a Dec. 23 victory over North Star Academy, then was named MVP of the Charlie Dolan Holiday Tournament after averaging 20.5 points in the two games, making four 3-pointers in each win.
“Makayla’s a very talented shooter and she has put in a tremendous amount of time to become a great shooter,” said Hill. “But what makes her difficult to defend is she knows how to move without the ball and she’s
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Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Lyndhurst girls basketball off to strong start despite injuries
By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com
It would be completely understandable if the Lyndhurst girls basketball team was still trying to establish chemistry on the court as we head into the new year. The weeks leading up to the start of the season saw the Golden Bears lose two project starters due to injury, then had a coaching change in late-October when Dan Kesack took over following Christian Boyce’s departure to take over as the boys coach at North Arlington.
Despite all the sudden changes both on the court and on the bench, Lyndhurst finds itself at 4-2 and coming off victories over Paramus and Midland Park during last week’s New Milford Winter Classic.
“I feel like the girls have responded nicely, sitting at 4-2 right now,” said Kesack, who coached many of the girls either as the JV coach from
Photo by Jason Bernstein
Senior captain Asya Akar, head coach Dan Kesack and senior captain Sam Mayer.
2018-2022, or in flag football where he is the head coach. “I feel that we’ve shown that we can win a close game. But I feel like our best basketball is ahead of us. My goal is, as we get later into the season, for us to get better as a team each week, each game.”
Leading the way offensively
for Lyndhurst has once again been 5-foot-11 senior Asya Akar, who has averaged 17.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals per game so far this season.
“It really just comes natural to her. When she’s out there on the court and she’s locked in, she’s a different type of athlete,” Kesack said.”She’s got to deal
with the fact that every time she goes on the court, teams are developing a plan to stop her. And she’s still averaging 17 a game and doing the things that she needs to do for the team to be successful.”
More focus has been directed towards Akar with 6-foot-1 junior Brooke Harper sidelined indefinitely due to an offseason injury. While the loss of Harper, who averaged 11 points and 7.9 rebounds last season, leaves a huge void, the blow has been softened by the emergence of senior Jolie Paz-Garcia (8.2 points, 6.3 rebounds per game).
The 6-foot-1 Paz-Garcia has been limited by knee injuries the past two seasons, but is now healthy and playing the
best basketball of her career. Paz-Garcia scored a career-high 18 points to go with eight rebounds in Friday’s win over Midland Park.
“The biggest thing for her is staying healthy and staying on the court because when she’s out there, she’s a force, she’s a presence and she’s getting better,” said Kesack. “She’s strong down low, she finishes, she can rebound and I think it’s not going to take that long for teams to realize that she’s a player to be worried about.”
Lyndhurst took another big loss in the fall when its best perimeter defender, Kyla Marino suffered a torn ACL during the soccer season. In Marino’s
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Continued from Page 8
also great off the dribble. She has a nice floater, she has a nice pullup jumper. So it’s not that she can only hit wide open shots, she’s going to create for herself as well.”
Another returning starter in the back court is Mariel Ruiz, who is averaging 12.2 points per game. Ruiz, a junior, was named
to the All-Tournament along with Olivia Covello, after scoring 16 points in the title game against Passaic Tech.
“When both (Mariel and Makayla) are hitting shots, we are very, very dangerous,” Hill said. “Mariel has a beautiful three point shot, but could also get to the rim and she’s a great passer for us.”
Covello, a senior committed to play soccer at Iona, is another veteran at guard, who does a little bit of everything on the court
DIRECTORY BUSINESS BASKETBALL
as shown in the final when she had six points, seven rebounds, four assists and four steals.
Kearny fourth starting guard, senior Krystel Gomez has emerged as the team’s lead defender and is averaging three steals per game at the top of the full-court press that has long been a staple for the Kardinals.
Kearny’s lack of size has pushed 5-foot-8 soccer standout Mason Gryckiewicz into a role where she’s often defending the other team’s top forward and has
to be a presence as a rebounder. It’s a task she’s taken on, while also being a highly skilled passer as well.
Senior Johanna Escalante is the top forward off the bench and a source of rebounding and defense. Johanna’s younger sister freshman Joli Escalante is expected to bolster the front line when the 5-foot-10 sophomore returns in the upcoming days from a torn ACL suffered last January.
Senior Briana Reyes is another
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
source of rebounding off the bench, while senior captain Jordan Bailey is an offensive spark plug and shooter.
Senior Jiante Ferreira and sophomores Casey Crown and Vanessa Ruiz bring added depth off the bench.
Kearny looks to continue its winning ways on Friday when it travels to Jersey City for a division matchup with St. Dominic before facing two more big tests with a home game against Union City on Jan. 7 and a road trip to Snyder on Jan. 9.
LYNDHURST
Continued from Page 9
place, junior Gianna Lembo has emerged as the Bears’ defensive stopper.
“She doesn’t care about stats, she doesn’t care about points,” Kesack said. “She just wants to do whatever she has to do on her end to help us win.”
At point guard is Sam Mayer, a four-year starter. Mayer is 9.7 points, 4.2 assists and 2.7 steals per game, while leading the team in 3-pointers, but those numbers only give a glimpse of the veteran’s impact.
“I can’t say enough good things about Sam. She’s a dream player for a coach,” Kesack said. “She’s a great leader and she’s vocal. We put a lot on her plate and she handles it with grace. She’s the straw that stirs the drink for us for sure.”
The other guard spot is currently a rotation with senior Alexia Marmorato and juniors Gabriella Bojarski and Juliana Gonzalez all vying for the starting role. Promising freshman Alexa Gibbons could also force her way into the mix as well.
Junior guards Mylah Campbell and Zeynep Celik as well as senior forwards Dayanah Campbell and Alejandra Ramirez are also in the mix for minutes off the bench.
Lyndhurst looks to continue to ride the positive momentum on Jan. 3 when it goes to Weehawken for a division matchup before returning home to face North Arlington on Jan. 6.
Maryann Triano
Ms. Maryann Triano, 79, died peacefully on Dec. 24, 2024, at her home in Hillsborough, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Newark, she lived most of her life in Kearny before relocating with family to Hillsborough in her later years to care for her mother and grandchildren. A 1963 graduate of Kearny
OBITUARIES
High School, Maryann later earned accounting certifications from Hudson County Community College. Her career began as an accounting clerk at Congoleum, followed by a position at Wedgwood. She concluded her working years as the purchasing agent for the Town of Kearny.
Maryann was known for her unwavering faith in angels and
her passion for the New York Giants. She found joy in solving word puzzles on her phone, watching crime TV shows and game shows. Above all, she cherished the time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her father, Frank (2007), and her mother, Estelle (2019). Maryann
is survived by her son, Stephen Triano, and daughter-in-law, Aimee; grandchildren, Ariston and Stellah; siblings Thomas Triano, Frank (Bonnie) Triano, Denise Veltri (Doug), Theresa Hulse (late Richard), and Gary (Michele) Triano; her uncle Lawrence Vannucci; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
obituaries must be submitted by email by 10 a.m., Mondays, to obituaries@ theobserver.com. Payment is due at submission.
A funeral service took place at the Hillsborough Funeral Home, Hillsborough. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Maryann’s name to the Deborah Hospital Foundation (Deborah Heart and Lung Center) at www.deborahfoundation.org/ways-to-give/#memorial-honor-contributions.
7 winter activities that are perfect for seniors
It’s a proven fact: enjoying the fresh air and sunshine in winter is good for your spirits — and your health. Are you looking for stimulating activities to motivate you to get outdoors despite the cold? These suggestions may inspire you.
1. Walking. Whether meandering in your neighbourhood or a public space, walk at your own pace while observing your surroundings.
2. Snowshoeing. Rent, borrow or buy lightweight snowshoes to explore otherwise inaccessible areas in nature.
3. Cross-country skiing. Cross-country skiing is a great way to strengthen your heart and exercise every muscle in your body.
4. Wildlife watching. Birds and animals that are active in winter are easier to spot against a snowy white backdrop. What species will you discover?
5. Photography. Winter is a great time to take stunning photos. Sunsets, frosty plants and your grandchildren playing in the snow make great images. You have endless subject matter
to choose from!
6. Snow sculpting. If the snow is sticky, unleash your childhood spirit by creating a fun little snowman or an all-white castle.
7. Dog sledding. Do you love animals and the great outdoors? A dogsled ride is sure to please.
Schuyler School names Students of the Month
Valerie Iacono, principal of Schuyler School in Kearny, has announced the school’s November Students of the Month:
Lucas Alexander Moreira, Bryan Robledo, Alice Martins, Axiel Caycho, Ethan Solis, Ivan Martinez, Vittoria Neto, Lucas Galeano Padin, Mateo Martinez, Gabriela Ochoa Barrios, Lucas Gomes, David Caceres, Ethan Solis, Lorena Alcantara Gama, Moises Moreno, Mason Rivera, Sarah Arias, Yamilet Chumbiriza Pomalia, Francisco Chang Cardenas, Carmelo Rojas and Valentina Oliver.
Elks share joy
The North Central District Elks SC Committee hosted its annual Christmas party for the students of the First Cerebral Palsy Center in Belleville. They have been doing this for over 20 years. Each student received a Target gift card, a candy cane and a ty beanie baby. Olaf came to entertain and dance with the kids and is seen with member Kelly Skolar.
Newark - NEW CONSTRUCTION! Two 1 Family Homes - $1,100,385 & $1,100,389 - Luxurious, brand new colonials - 5 bedrooms and 5 1/2 baths, multitude of amenities.Open floor plan. 1st floor: generously-sized kitchen: walkin pantry, SS appliances,functional island. Dine/room, fam/room, and lounge area. Ensuite flex/bed with a f/bath,1/2 bath. Rear deck, Backyard. 2nd floor - 2 primary beds with full baths and walk-in clsts, along with two adjl 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.
$625,000 Large home located in the highly sought after area of NorthEnd Kearny- Currently used as a two family, town approval required to obtain 2 family CO. Features lg yard, driveway. Being Sold “ As is” . Great opportunity for both investors and those seeking multi-generational living arrangements.
Newark$315,000
Condo -
Ownership opportunity in the heart of Iron Bound2 bdrms- 2 bathsopen floor concept2 car garage.
E.NEWARK Newly ren-
ovated 3 BR’s, LR, Kitchen & Bath $2100 + 1.5 months security, Utilities not included, No
Pets/smoking Available Now (201)334-8526 35W03
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PUBLIC NOTICES
(We are not a legal newspaper)
HARRISON 1st floor & ground floor. 2 Br, 2 LR, 2 bathroom, washer dryer hook up. One car garage and driveway , plus backyard. $2800 + 1.5 month security deposit. Utilities not included Available now, call (973) 978-6421
33W03
HARRISON 2nd fl, 1 bed room, kitchen, bath and living room. $1400 + 1.5 months security, 1 year lease required. Utilities separate, no pets no smoking. Walk to PATH. Call for appointment (646)544-4912
HARRISON 1st floor 1 BR, 1 Bath Kitchenette $1700 + 1.5 months security All utilities included No Pets/Smoking Close to Transportation Available Now (732)429-9372 33W03
2 BR. LR, EIK, H/W floors, $1,800 + 1.5 month security. 1 yr. lease. No pets/smoking Avl. January 1st (973) 207-5229 34W03
HARRISON 2nd Floor. 2 BR’s, EIK, LR,DR 1.5 months security. Utilities separate, Heating included. No Pets/ Smoking Available Now (973)351-5512 35W03
HARRISON 2nd floor 4 BR’s, 1 Bath, Large EIK, No Pets/Smoking, Available Now (973)7142368 or (201)463-6303 35W03
KEARNY 3rd floor in a quit family oriented home. LR, BR, Bath, kitchenette, “Micro & Refrigerator No stove”. Utilities included no pets/smoking $1200 + 1.5 months security (973)668-8305 35W03
HARRISON 1st floor
3 BR’s, LR, EIK, 1 Bath 1 months security Utilities separate, No Pets/ No Smoking Available Now (973)714-2368 or (201)463-6303 35W03
HARRISON Studio Close to PATH train and NJIT. $1400 + 1 months security. Utilities included. Available Now (551)229-6989 35W03
KEARNY
Recently renovated 2 BR First floor apartment. LR, DR, EIK. Washer/dry hook up. No Pets/Smoking. Credit report. $2100 + 1.5 months security. Utilities separate. Near Transportation. Available January 1st (973)838-1662 32W06
KEARNY Stewart Ave, 1st Floor, Spacious LR, Eat-in-kitchen, 3 bedrooms, Bath, Offstreet Parking, Storage, Backyard, No Pets/smoking, $2150+ Utilities, Security Deposit. Available now (908)-771-0762 35W03
KEARNY 1st Floor 3 BR’s, Kitchen, DR & family room, Washer/Dryer
hook-up closed porch
Space for car parking access to Small yard $2700 + 1 months security Utilities separate No Pets/smoking Available Now (862)2736541 35W03
KEARNY 2nd fl. 3 BR, LR combined with DR , 2 bathrooms, no pets/ smoking, no Parking, laundry inside apartment, C/A $2500 + 1 1/2 months security
Utilities not included Avl. Now (201) 2064845 35W03
N.ARLINGTON 2nd Floor 3 BR’s, LR, DR, Kitchen Utilities separate. $2200 + 1.5 months security. No Pets/Smoking Avl. February 1st (201) 8894843 or (201) 889-4847 34W03
N.ARLINGTON One bedroom in an apartment complex. Excellent location, near stores and transportation.$1825.00 per month, one month security. Heat and hot water provided. Laundry on premises Storage in basement. No smoking and no pets. Adults preferred. Please call between 10:00am and 7:00pm: 201-997-2341 35W03
NORTH ARLINGTON
1 bedroom, 1 bath, HW floors, Newly painted. $1,600 + 1.5 mth security. 1 year lease.
H/HW included. No Pets Available February 1st No weekends Call
(732)237-4682 35W03
HARRISON Room for rent, $600 + 1 month security. Kitchen, Cable & Light included. Single Male or Couple preferred Avl. Now (201) 726-8136 Se habla español 35W03
Boost Mobile is proposing to install new wireless antennas on an existing Non-tower Structure located at 14 Ridge Road, North Arlington, Bergen County, New Jersey 07031. The new facility will consist of the collocation of antennas at a top height of 46-feet 6-inches atop a 36-foot 6-inch building. Any interested party wishing to submit comments regarding the potential effects the proposed facility may have on any historic property may do so by sending comments to:
Project 036513-PR - C.M., EBI Consulting, 21 B Street, Burlington, MA 01803, or at 916-217-3831 35W01
ASSISTANCE BOOKKEEPER & WAREHOUSE WORKER APPLY IN PERSON : 260 Schuyler Ave Kearny,NJ,07032 33W03
KEARNY 3 BR’s, EIK. $2300 + 1.5 months security. Utilities separate. No pets/Smoking Available Now (201)772-9965 33W03
LYNDHURST 2nd floor 2 BR, LR, EIK $1900 + 1.5 months security Utilities separate 2 Car parking in driveway, Washer/Dryer in basement No Pets/Smoking Available January 1st (201)994-6469 33W03
PRIVATE CAREGIVER Available, immediately over 20 yrs experience. Excellent references. Call Pam At, (973) 583-4066 32W09
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Mammography in Motion mobile unit returning to Kearny
The Town of Kearny will again host Mammography the in Motion Mobile Unit Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, at Kearny Town Hall, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The program was launched in Kearny for the first time in December through the efforts of Ava DeCastro Lawdanski, a Kearny resident and senior Girl Scout ambassador in partnership with the Town of Kearny, University Hospital, the Rutgers Cancer Center of New Jersey and Minette's Angels.
The event will include a slide show presentation and education session on breast cancer awareness highlighting the importance of saving lives through early detection, self-exams and mammogram screenings.
The Mammography in Motion van is
40-foot vehicle equipped and staffed to offer breast cancer screening services to women aged 40 and older who haven’t undergone a mammogram in the past year. University Hospital provides cutting-edge, high-quality digital 3D mammography technology known as digital breast tomosynthesis.
Mammography in Motion at University Hospital accepts insurances, Medicare and Medicaid and has community partnerships to cover uninsured or underinsured persons (must meet eligibility requirement).
Early detection saves lives and that’s something the Mammography in Motion program emphasizes to the community.
Kearny residents may visit www. kearnynj.org to register and schedule an appointment, which are required.
LPD: What a grinch! Man attempts to steal toys donated to cancer foundation kids
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
Well this guy’s a total grinch for sure.
Jose Reyes, 41, of Paterson, has been charged with theft after taking toys from a toy drive donation box located inside of the Lyndhurst Municipal Building, Det. Lt. Vincent Auteri, the Lyndhurst Police Department’s public-information officers said. According to Auteri:
On Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, at approximately 2 p.m., Reyes was inside the Lyndhurst Municipal Building when Capt. John Mazure, who had been monitoring the building surveillance video at the time, observed a man removing packages from a donation box located inside the foyer of the Lyndhurst Municipal Building, which is also adjacent to the entrance to the Lyndhurst Police Department.
Capt. Mazure was able to track the suspect and observed him enter a Chevy pickup truck before leaving the area. Reyes removed as many as five toys from the donation box.
Det. Nick Abruscato subsequently reviewed surveillance video and immediately recognized the suspect to be Reyes from a prior arrest on Sept. 1, 2024.
Det. Abruscato learned Reyes was expected to return to the municipal building on Dec. 17. Upon his return, Det. Abruscato served Reyes with a complaint summons charging him with theft before he was released with an appearance date in municipal court.
Reyes claimed he would return the toys but as of this date he had yet to do so. The toys were being collected by the Positive Actions to Conquer Cancer Foundation and set to be given to children battling cancer over the holidays — not to be given to some guy who was already in hot water as it is.
-Rami Alrabaa
