UNDER THE COVER
Belleville & Nutley cited for being ‘Healthy Towns’ Page 5
GRAND UNDERTAKING
Wiggins, Mara & Bocchino bask while leading 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Parade
TPhotos by Kevin A. Canessa Jr.
he 2025 United Irish Associations’ West Hudson St. Patrick’s Day Parade took place Sunday, March 16, beginning in Harrison and making its way through East Newark and into Kearny. Seen here are this year’s parade leaders. Clockwise from far left photo, is Grand Marshal Mark Wiggins, long time owner of the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home in Kearny. He is with Mayor Carol Jean Doyle. And in true Mark Wiggins fashion, he was green from head to toe. In the next photo, it’s Deputy Grand Marshal Mike Mara and his wife, Kristen. Mara is the owner of a Kearny Avenue soccer shop and a long time soccer player, coach and enthusiast. In the final photo, it’s North Arlington Councilwoman Donna Bocchino, with her family. Bocchino spent a big chunk of her life in Kearny and was involved in countless activities here — just as she is, now, in North Arlington. See more photos inside this edition on Page 18.
Several North Arlington parents get special night out
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
Laughter and meaningful conversations filled Mickey’s Bar and Grill in Lyndhurst on Feb. 22 as North Arlington Access for All hosted its first “Parents Night Out” event.
Led by Alexandra Leitao, Sheryl Lambo and Ana Merced, Access for All is a non-profit organization dedicated to hosting and promoting events to accommodate children with special needs and their families. All events are free.
The Parents Night Out brought more than 20 parents of children with special needs together to promote the group as well as foster a supportive and helpful atmosphere. Leitao said it was a memorable evening, as parents learned about the organization and its services.
“I’ve had so many calls and texts since the night out from parents asking how they can get more involved,” she said. “This organization is so near and dear to everyone who takes part, and I think we’re on track for our best year yet.”
Access for All hosts events at least once a month for children and their families. Recent highlights include a sensory-friendly pumpkin patch last fall and a Sweetheart Dance to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
NORTH ARLINGTON
In addition to organizing activities for
children with disabilities, the group provides support for their siblings through a newly launched monthly discussion group. These groups give siblings a nurturing space to share their own experiences and connect with others in similar situations.
“Access for All is a testament to the
generous spirit of North Arlington residents,” Mayor Daniel H. Pronti said. “The group fills a distinct and demonstrated need in our community. I am pleased to see the enthusiastic response to the organization’s mission and look forward to this important network continuing to grow.”
Access for All’s next major gathering is its Autism Awareness event, taking place March 29 at the North Arlington Senior Center, 10 Beaver Ave., from 1- 4 p.m. Activities include face painting, storytime and crafts.
Additionally, mark your calendar for a sensory-friendly Easter Bunny event. The program is set for April 19, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., at Fisher Field, 97 Sixth St. (weather permitting.) If there is rain, the Easter Bunny will welcome families at the North Arlington Senior Center.
Access for All is funded through community donations and other support.
To learn more, please contact Leitao at (201) 566-5608 or send an email to northarlingtonafa@gmail.com.
Passaic Prosecutor: 2 locals arrested on drug charges
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
AHarrison and a Lyndhurst man were among 23 arrested and charged with numerous drugsrelated crimes following a joint investigation conducted by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office and the police departments in Wayne, Pompton Lakes, Haledon, Clifton and Passaic, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes said.
Four women and 19 men were arrested in locations in Harrison, Lyndhurst, Paterson, Wayne, Garfield, Wanaque, Pompton Lakes, Haledon, Totowa and Passaic and charged with various controlled dangerous substance offenses relating to the distribution and/ or possession of controlled dangerous substances.
According to Valdes: The arrests were based upon a long-term investigation that originated in May 2024. The investigation targeted a cocaine and narcotics distribution network in Passaic County. During the course of the
investigation, various federal, county and local agencies provided investigative assets and assistance to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office and Wayne Police Department.
Assisting investigative agencies included the Haledon Police Department, Pompton Lakes Police Department, Wanaque Police Department,
Clifton Police Department, Passaic Police Department and the United States Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Agency-Newark.
The investigation originated with complaints to the Wayne and Pompton Lakes police departments about the sale of cocaine in Pompton Lakes and other areas in Passaic County.
As the investigation continued and various drug users and distributors were identified, the investigation expanded to include the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, Haledon Police Department, Clifton Police Department, Passaic
Delossantos, left, and Torres See PCPO, Page 8
Kearny native Kellyann Chippendale releases first book
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
Kearny native Kellyann Chippendale — who has seen her share of roles on the small and big screens — marks her publishing debut with the release of “Love and Life L’amour et la Vie” (published by Xlibris), a creation that blends poetry and art to explore the depths of love, life, healing and inspiration.
world to our existence. This unique, bilingual collection unites English and French languages, providing a worldly perspective that enriches the reader’s experience. The rhythmic nature of the prose intertwined with the simplicity of the photography gives a grounding and inspirational experience to be had.
In celebration of that milestone, Chippendale was chosen for a book signing at the Cumberland Mall through Reading Glass Book Store in Vineland March 22 and showcasing her book at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books’ 30th Anniversary at the University of Southern California April 26-27.
She was inspired by her dream of becoming an author and the desire to create a healing, creative space. Through a combination of poetic words and evocative imagery, she invites her audience on an emotional adventure filled with ups and downs of life, the fulfillment of achievement and the wonder of love.
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“This book is an art piece; a poetic, artistic and creative anthology to emote feelings, heal and inspire people to never feel alone,” Chippendale said. “I invite readers to emote and heal through their own creativity and to use writing and art to serve as a conduit for that space and time forever.”
Voted as Top 10 Poetry of 2025 by Citi of Books, attendees will have the opportunity to meet the author, discuss her work and have copies signed. The book is available for purchase through Xlibris and other book retailers and online platforms.
Belleville & Nutley are both quite healthy towns
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
Two local towns have been cited for being fairly healthy.
The Township of Belleville has again been recognized by a statewide program for its continued efforts to improve the health and wellness of residents through innovative programs in areas such as exercise, healthy eating and mental health education and awareness.
Belleville has been selected as a “2024 Healthy Town” — the highest designation awarded through the annual statewide Mayors Wellness Campaign.
The Mayors Wellness Campaign is a program of the Quality Institute in partnership with the New Jersey League of Municipalities and sponsored the designation, which represents a significant step forward for Belleville, which earned the “Healthy Town to Watch” designation in 2023. It was a busy year in Belleville for wellness.
For example, in partnership with Clara Maass Medical Center, RWJBarnabas Health and local organizations, the township provided free health screenings and vaccination clinics. In addition, a collaboration with Kean University support-
ed student mental health by integrating social-emotional learning and family resources into the community.
“The 2024 Healthy Town designation illustrates that Belleville continues to focus on programs that help keep our residents healthy and well,”
Belleville Mayor Michael Melham said. “From growing fruits and vegetables in our community garden, to promoting active lifestyles by expanding our parks and open spaces, to expanding our annual Green Fair, we remain committed to identifying ways we can help Belleville residents live healthier and happier lives.”
Each year, communities participating in the campaign complete a comprehensive Healthy Town application outlining the research they’ve done to identify their community health needs and explaining how they have organized their local campaign committee.
The application also highlights the actions the towns have taken to make their communities healthier places to live, work, age and play.
Gabrielle Bennett-Meany, the president of the Board of Education and Green Team, praised the townships Health and Wellness Committee, which is made up of dedicated municipal staff members representing the
recreation, health, police, fire and public works departments as well as the Belleville Public School District and Student Health and Wellness Department.
“This group and the interaction they have with the community and residents of all ages is a testament that the township is deeply committed to public health and safety,” she said. “We will continue initiatives to raise awareness about healthy behaviors and lifestyle choices, creating a supportive environment, community engagement, and
See HEALTHY, Page 19
Ken Davie
Hudson Law Center new address & phone number!
507 Frank Rodgers Blvd N. • Harrison (973) 482-4863 kdavieesq@gmail.com
OPINION & VIEWPOINTS
COMMENT
Our community is great because of the likes of Mark Wiggins
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
Some years, it’s brutally cold. Sometimes, it’s downright wet. But the 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Parade was tremendous, partly because of the solid weather, but also because of the honorees.
Deputy Grand Marshal Donna Bocchino has been a tremendous advocate for the residents of North Arlington in her role on the Borough Council. She spearheaded bringing Hometown Heroes banners to the borough, leading the way and causing Lyndhurst, Nutley and Kearny following suit thereafter.
Deputy Grand Marshal Mike Mara has dedicated much of his life to young people who love the game of soccer — and now has made buying soccer supplies so much easier having opened up a shop on Kearny Avenue.
But then there is the grandest of Grand Marshals Mark Wiggins, whose green suit worn on parade day found its way from his children’s imagination, to a shop in Scotland to Kearny in a short amount of time.
Indeed, the suit made the day even more memorable, more bright, but it’s what Wiggins does on a daily basis that truly makes him one of this community’s truest gems.
I’ve known Mark for 30+ years now. And yet, every week, there seems to be a reminder of something he’s done to make this community better. Whether it’s his simple presence at a party, his holding up Mayor Carol Jean Doyle at his parade dinner or any number of moments, Mark is just always there.
Lisa M. Feorenzo lisa@theobserver.com Co-owner/Advertising Dir.
Thinking of him brought me back to 2020, too. Hard as it is to remember, there was a time his funeral home had so many people who couldn’t be buried — and there was so little he could do — because of COVID.
Think of any number of funerals that have taken place at Armitage & Wiggins. Yes, sadly, it seems there have been entirely too many. But is there any doubt just how much he was born to do what he does as a chosen profession?
When people go to visit him on Belgrove Drive, they are often doing so at their absolute darkest moments. When they arrive, they are deep in sorrow. But he has this way to make them feel as if they are the only people in the world who matter at that moment.
He has this uncanny ability to make the near impossible almost enjoyable. And that is such a rare, yet equally amazing quality I am sure many reading this will be able to look back at and say, “Yeah, Mark really does do that.” When one says “Only Mark,” no one ever has to ask “Mark who?” It’s because for decades, he has made Kearny and this world such a significantly better place in truly a unique way.
It was on full display at the recent funeral for Michael D’Isa when he, knowing how much Michael loved the Beatles, went out and bought three Beatles albums to play as mourners came to pay respects. It was a unique touch that is just one of countless reasons why he is such a special human being.
I will get no arguments in saying, “There truly is no one in the world like Mark Wiggins.” And for it, each and every one of us are all so much better off.
Tina Feorenzo Co-owner/Advertising
Robert P. Pezzolla gm@theobserver.com General Manager
Giangeruso honors Shinnick
the Board
Commissioners for his nine years of dedicated service to the Lyndhurst Municipal Alliance. Shinnick served as coordinator of the organization since its inception in 2016. He stepped down from his post early last year to pursue other civic opportunities. Because of his efforts throughout the years, students, residents, seniors and veterans alike have all benefited from the drug, alcohol and mental-health awareness presentations he brought to the Lyndhurst.
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The Observer accepts letters from readers on topics relevant to our readership area. They should be no more than 250 words and all letters must be signed with a phone number for verification purposes. Anonymous letters will not be published under any circumstances. On occasion, The Observer accepts letters more than 250 words as op-eds — they are judged for publication on an individual basis. Opinion pieces are published based on space availability. We do not guarantee the publishing of any letter or op-ed. All letters should be submitted to editorial@theobserver.com.
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
Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com Sports Writer
Kimberley Pezzolla kimpezzolla@theobserver.com Sales/Classifieds
Township of Lyndhurst photo Joseph Shinnick was recognized recently by Mayor Robert B. Giangeruso and
of
WHATCo’s dinner-theater returns this month
The West Hudson Arts & Theater Company’s annual murder mystery dinner theater experience returns with the original production of “Class of 2005: A Killer Reunion,” which was written by award-winning local playwright and author Allyssa Hynes. This year’s performances of the annual WHATCo fundraiser are Friday & Saturday, March 28 and 29 at the American Legion Post 99, at 314 Belgrove Drive, Kearny.
Audiences are invited to
See ‘Mary and Eleanor’ at the American Legion Friday night
The Town of Kearny continues its month-long celebration of Women’s History with a free performance of “Mary and Eleanor,” presented by the Speranza Theatre Company, 6:30 p.m., Friday, March 21, at the American Legion, 314 Belgrove Drive. It’s the story of Jersey City’s Mary Norton, the first Democratic woman elected to Congress. She shares, in the show, her vision for a better America and the role women play in it alongside Eleanor Roosevelt.
The show is limited to 120 patrons and reservations must be made by visiting forms.office.com/r/Sxfu1vHcSV.
NA Library hosting paper-quilling workshop
The North Arlington Public Library hosts a paper quilling workshop, given by Robin
join this 20-year high school reunion as former classmates reminiscence with old friends — and enemies. When a dead body is found, former school rivals turn their competition for grades and accolades to finding clues and suspects.
Who will catch the killer first? Which person from their past is a murderer? The lighthearted murder mystery dinner show combines scripted scenes with moments of improv where actors will talk with dinner guests in character.
K. Johnson, Saturday, April 12, starting at noon. Quilling is the art of using strips of paper rolled, looped, curled, twisted, pinched and bent and then glued together to make pretty patterns. They may be used to decorate greeting cards, boxes, Easter eggs, jewelry, mobiles and more. Space at the workshop is limited. Sign up at the reference desk.
NA Knights hosting Life Line screenings
Testing company Life Line will be at the Columbian Club Hall, 194 River Road, North Arlington, on Thursday, March 27. Life Line is the nation’s leader in stroke and cardiovascular disease risk screenings (over 10 million done), which are simple and painless and recommended for those 40 and older. Screenings include carotid artery disease, atrial fibrillation, abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral
The audience will be asked to solve the murder as it unfolds throughout a three-course buffet dinner catered by Spanish Pavillion and other local eateries. Tickets are $50 per person and include a dinner buffet, soda, tea and dessert. A cash bar will be available.
“These WHATCo Murder Mystery Dinner Theater fundraisers have become a community tradition in their own right,” Hynes said. “We are excited each year to see returning audiences joined by
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artery disease and a free hypertension screening. To book your appointment, call (888) 814-0466 and use Promo Code HSCA001.
Free concert upcoming at Nutley Public Library
The North Jersey Concert
new faces.”
Tickets are being sold exclusively online at www.whatconj. org an or by phone (201) 5409428. Reserved tables of up to eight are available. Groups and organizations are welcome. Tickets will not be sold at the door for this production.
The cast features Ed Shea, Alexis Saarela, Robert Strauch, John Jesse Jeffords, Karen Koronkiewicz, Dylan Myers, Iman Abdul, Jessica Jones, Lauren Proda, Amanda Castro-Conroy, Maggie Madere,
Amanda Regan, Emily Amadeo and Jonathan Rueda. The show will be directed by Hynes, with stage manager Ashley Nichols, producers Brandi-Leigh Miller and Nilanthi Sangarabalan, costume design by Roman Koster and sound design by Jim Miller.
WHATCo’s 2024 murder mystery production, “Deadly Dessert Championship,” was the winner of the New Jersey Association of Community Theatres (NJACT) 2024 Perry Award for Best Production of an Original Play.
Band returns to the Nutley Public Library for a free outdoor concert Saturday, April 26, at 2 p.m. This concert’s theme is More Fan Favorites. The band will perform a wide variety of musical selections including popular songs, jazz arrangements, Broadway melodies and more. Please bring a lawn chair. The rain date is Saturday, May 3, at 2 p.m. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Nutley Public Library. Submit briefs by email to editorial@theobserver.com at least two weeks before event dates.
Continued from Page 3
Police Department and the United States Secret Service.
Search warrants for seven locations within Passaic and Bergen counties were executed Sept. 24, and 25, 2024 resulting in the arrests of 10 adults. In addition to the previously mentioned agencies, Garfield Police Department assisted in the execution of those warrants.
Evidence seized during the execution of the search warrants included approximately $64,104 cash, over 13 ounces of cocaine, over 2 pounds of marijuana and over 100 oxycodone pills.
The investigation then continued to expand to identify a broader source of cocaine, narcotics and other controlled substances being distributed throughout North Jersey. The focus of this phase of the investigation concentrated on narcotics suppliers.
As the investigation continued, the aforementioned agencies continued their investigation with additional assistance of the Department of
Homeland Security Investigations.
Investigators were able to identify drug-trafficking routes and their sources both in New Jersey and New York.
The investigation continued until the execution of an additional 18 search warrants Feb. 26, 2025, in locations throughout Passaic, Bergen and Hudson counties. As a result of these search warrants, an additional 13 individuals, 11 men and two women, were arrested and charged with various charges related to the distribution of controlled dangerous substances as well as various weapons offenses.
Evidence seized as result of these search warrants included approximately $244,205 in cash, approximately 4 kilos of cocaine, 1.7 pounds of heroin including 25,000 individually dosed packages as well as additional loose powder, 1.2 pounds of fentanyl, 1.7 ounces of crack cocaine, numerous prescription pills including OxyContin and Percocet, numerous packaging materials and 8 firearms and ammunition.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. More information will be
released once it becomes available.
Wayne Police Chief Joseph Rooney stated, “The Wayne Police Department is committed to vigorously and aggressively investigating all crimes and offenses that affect the quality of life and welfare of our citizens. This investigation was a combination of good old fashioned police work and 21st century high tech methods which started with a tip from a concerned resident. The Wayne Police Narcotics/ Special Operations Bureau cultivated this information and developed leads and evidence which identified
individuals at every level of the drug distribution chain. By working hand in hand with the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office and numerous other Law Enforcement agencies in Northern New Jersey this case produced the successful outcome we have presented here today. There is no doubt that these arrests and seizures will have an impact on the flow of dangerous illegal drugs into all of our neighborhoods.”
Arrested locally were:
Christian Delossantos, 34, of Harrison, who was charged with possession of CDS with intent to distribute, maintaining a CDS production facility, possession of a firearm while committing a drugs offense, several counts of conspiracy to possess a CDS with the intent to distribute it, receiving stolen property and possession of CDS paraphernalia.
The state has filed a motion to detain Delossantos. That hearing was to be heard March 7.
Elme B. Torres, 40, of Lyndhurst was charged with conspiracy to possess a CDS with intent to distribute. He was released with his case referred to a Passaic County grand jury.
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HEALTH
BIG 10 CHAMPION!
By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com
There’s little that Jacob Cardenas hasn’t accomplished during a storied wrestling career. The Kearny native can now place a new accomplishment right on the top of his resume - Big Ten champion.
Cardenas, now a graduate student at the University of Michigan, reached the top of college wrestling’s top conference on March 9 when he defeated top-seeded and previously unbeaten Stephen Buchanan of
Iowa, 4-2, in the 197 pound final of the Big Ten Championships in Evanston, Ill.
On the tournament’s first day, Cardenas, who entered the Big Ten Championships as the three seed, started his tournament run with a tech fall victory over Wisconsin’s Niccolo Colucci in the first round. He followed it up with an 8-1 decision over Northwestern’s Evan Bates in the quarterfinals.
In the semifinals, Cardenas avenged his only loss of the season when he earned a 4-1 sudden victory over Josh Barr of Penn State on a takedown with 51 sec-
onds left in the overtime period. In the final, Cardenas took the lead in the second period with a takedown of Buchanan. In the third, Buchanan quickly escaped for a point, then stopped any scoring attempts from Buchanan to seal the victory.
It is the second career conference title for Cardenas, who won the EIWA championship at 197 pounds in 2023 at Cornell.
Cardenas now takes a 20-1 record to the NCAA Championships where he’ll be the top seed in the 197 pound bracket. The NCAA Championships are scheduled for Thursday thru
Saturday at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
At Cornell, Cardenas was a two-time All-American, finishing fourth at 197 pounds last year. It will be the fourth NCAA Championships appearance for Cardenas, who took 10th at 197 pounds in 2023 as a sophomore.
Cardenas won’t be the only Kearny native competing at Wells Fargo Center on Thursday.
Virginia Tech’s Jimmy Mullen has earned the No. 11 seed in the 285 pound bracket off the heels of a strong performance at the ACC Championships on March 9 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in
Durham, N.C.
Mullen’s tournament began with a pin fall at 1:49 over Virginia’s Gabe Christenson in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, Mullen got a 11-3 major decision over Duke’s Connor Barket, to formally punch his ticket to the NCAA Championships.
In the final, Mullen’s title hopes were dashed when he lost a 4-1 sudden victory to North Carolina’s Lachlan McNeil.
It will be the first NCAA Championships appearance for Mullen, a redshirt freshman, who has a 20-5 record, including eight wins over ranked opponents.
Photo courtesy of Sam Janicki
By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com
Most people think of Bob Harbison as a baseball coach thanks to the great success Nutley had during his 18 years in the Maroon Raiders’ dugout. In truth, Harbison’s greater passion came in the winter, coaching boys basketball.
“I always thought as a basketball coach you have a little more control of what happens. Baseball you don’t have that kind of control,” Harbison said, adding there was some additional freedom from coaching a team not under the top 20 microscope that his baseball teams often faced. “You can produce things on a basketball court that could flip the odds of winning and losing based on how you play the game and how
you play together. There’s a lot more strategy and that’s a lot more that you can do (as a coach). I just found that a lot more interesting.”
After 26 seasons, Harbison decided the time had come for him to step away from the Nutley sideline. Harbison’s retirement became official following the conclusion of the Raiders’ season in the first round of the state tournament.
According to Harbison, he knew that this would be his last year before the start of the season.
“My buddy Phil Baccarella (the longtime baseball coach) from Bayonne, I remember him talking about when he retired, he said you just kind of know (when it’s time) and want to make sure you’ve given what you can,” said
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Harbison, who will also be retiring as a special education math teacher at Nutley High School. “And I thought that somebody else could probably give a little bit more at this point than I could.”
For Harbison, a 1984 graduate of Nutley, his coaching career started as an assistant basketball coach at Manchester Regional while he was still playing baseball
at Fairleigh Dickinson University. He later coached as an assistant basketball coach for Bloomfield, Cedar Grove and Bayonne before becoming the head coach at Nutley in 1999.
Harbison later became Nutley’s head baseball coach from 2004 through 2022 and was also an assistant football coach through 2021.
While boys basketball never enjoyed the success of baseball, where he went 288-195 with a Greater Newark Tournament title and made six GNT finals, Harbison looks back fondly at the times Nutley held their own against the likes of Passaic, Paterson Eastside and Kennedy, and Montclair in the old, defunct Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League.
Nutley didn’t enjoy the same level of success when realignment led to the creation of the Super Essex Conference. How-
ever there were some memorable moments, including a run to the Round of 16 in the Essex County Tournament after defeating West Orange in 2019.
“I can remember winning a game as Passaic around 2007 where I don’t think had any business beating. Or when we beat Montclair in a county game,” Harbison said. “The battles we used to have with Don Bosco where you have like eight to a team with a couple of Division 1 kids. It was the battles in basketball, more than just the wins and losses.”
This past season was one of the more successful ones in recent years as Nutley went 15-11, including 10-4 in the SEC - National Division.It also won the Charlie Dolan Holiday Tournament in Kearny with a senior-heavy roster led by Jordan Small and Ryan Ibrahim.
North Arlington baseball seeks turnaround with young core
By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com
With just four seniors on the roster, North Arlington is, by all accounts, a young team entering this upcoming baseball season.
But since many of them got at least a taste of time on varsity and several, quite more than that, it certainly isn’t an inexperienced group either. And according to veteran head coach Paul Marcantuono, that experience has given an added motivation to this group.
“We do have a young team, a lot of sophomores, but they do have game experience,” Marcantuono said. I think that was important for them last year, as freshmen, to see what the level’s
going to be like.”
Headlining the group of returnees is junior right-hander
Chris Troyano, who is once again set to be the ace of the pitching staff after going 5-3 with a 3.88 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 43.1 innings.
“He’s had some big wins on the mound already as a freshman and a sophomore,” said Marcantuono. “We’re looking at him to lead the pitching staff and lead by example through work ethic. He already has a ton of experience on the mound and he’s ready to go.”
Senior Rohan Patel, who pitched 23 ⅓ innings last season, slides in as the No. 2 starter.
See BASEBALL, Page 12
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BASEBALL
Continued from Page 11
After the two veterans, it’s a host of arms vying for spots in the rotation. Sophomores Vincent Hinojosa, Danny Higgins are set for big roles after strong JV seasons last spring, as well as sophomore Alex Zaldivar, who pitched 6 ⅓ innings on varsity last year. Juniors Matt Higgins and Sam Rosamilia, as well as sophomore TJ Roman and promising freshmen Cesar Echavarria and Ariantony Monegro are also in the mix for innings.
Whoever is on the mound, they’ll have the benefit of a veteran middle infield behind him with Luis Ramos at second base and
Julian Moya at shortstop. Ramos, a junior, is a three-year starter at second base, while Moya, a senior, has extensive starting experience at short.
With neither Ramos or Moya set to pitch, the Vikings will have its best defensive infield on the field at all times and the added benefit of the chemistry the two have built up the middle.
“It’s good to have Julian and Luis up the middle,” Marcantuono said. “They played together a lot last year so there’s a comfortability with each other.”
Adding to that continuity is Troyano at third base, where he was an All-League selection last season after hitting .400 with 19 walks and 25 runs scored. When
TTroyano is on the mound, Zaldivar and Monegro are likely to man the hot corner.
Patel is back at first base after starting a handful of games there last season with sophomore Nick Ziakos and Matt Higgins in the mix.
Sophomore Justin Tarulli takes over as the starting catcher following the graduation of threeyear starter Robert Kairys. Roman and Matt Higgins could also see time behind the plate.
“Justin knew he was going to work hard and step in for (2025),” said Marcantuono. “He had that feeling and he did. He worked very hard in the offseason, he looks pretty good and he’s ready to take that next step.”
Sophomore Alex Zaldivar, who had 10 RBI in limited time last spring, is likely to be at center field, though Nicholas Stanzione, a senior, is back after not playing last year and is a strong defender in the outfield.
Rosamilia, who had 19 hits last season, headlines the group of players battling for time in the corners along with Kevin Barrone, Hinojosa and Roman.
Marcantuono doesn’t anticipate having a steady designated hitter to start the season with the role likely to be determined on a game by game basis by who needs to be rested after pitching the previous game.
North Arlington begins its regular season on March 31 against
The Observer’s correction policy
Waldwick at home before hosting Elmwood Park the next day. The Vikings begin division play on Friday, April 4 at Lyndhurst.
After going 9-16 a year ago, Marcantuono sees a group that feels it has something to prove this spring.
“They’re not happy with last year and I always tell them to get your name out there, you got to compete and they know that,” Marcantuono said. “If you look at our record, we lost some tough games last year, but I think getting off to a better start is going to open some eyes and give us confidence.
“They’re a close knit group that wants to win and they’re showing it every day at practice.”
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.
Raymond J. Skinner
Raymond J. Skinner of Kearny died March 13, 2025. He was 80.
Visiting will be Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. Mass will be celebrated the following morning at 10 at St. Stephen’s Church, Kearny. Entombment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.
Ray served in the United States Army from 1963 to 1965. He was a retired electrician and member of
OBITUARIES
I.B.E.W. Local no. 164.
He was the husband of Joyce (nee O’Brien) and father of Michael Skinner (his wife Lauren) and Jeff Skinner (his wife Leigh). He was the brother of Grace Cuttingham, Robert Skinner and the late Eugene Skinner, Sally Canzano, Helen O’Brien, Rosemary Murphy and James Skinner. Also surviving are his grandchildren Haleigh, Ava, Ryan, Shane and Madison. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to Sloan Kettering.
Marco A. Lozada
Marco A. Lozada died March 6, 2025.
He was 82.
Born in Peru, he had lived in Kearny for many years.
Visiting was at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.
Marco was the son of Constanza and the late Antonio Lozada. Brother of Marcia, Tano and Sergio, he is also survived by nieces, nephews and their families.
Fernando Castillo Rojas
Fernando Castillo Rojas died March 10, 2025.
He was 86
All obituaries must be submitted by email by 10 a.m., Mondays, to obituaries@ theobserver.com. Payment is due at submission.
Born in Cañete, Perú, he lived in Kearny for over 30 years.
He was recognized as the second best accompany guitar of Perú, playing for the “Six Big and Best,” Peruvian criollo music singers of the ‘60s: Eloisa Angulo, Esther Granados, Alicia Lizárraga, Delia Vallejos, Jesús Vásquez and Teresa Velásquez.
He performed at important places such as the Waldorf Astoria
and Machupicchu Restaurant (New York) along with other Latin American and Peruvian performers such as Olimpo Cárdenas, Justo Betancourt, Yayo el Indio, Julio Jaramillo Sara Van, Wara Wara, Rómulo Varillas, Julio Mori, Rufino Ortiz Avaro Pérez, Mariela Valencia, Pablo Canela and Liliana Pérez
He is survived by two sons and two grand-daughters
The Peruvian community of NJ and NU has lost a humble, great artist.
HCPO: Second arrest made in Kearny crash that seriously injured Pa. man
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
AJersey City woman who authorities say was involved in a motor-vehicle crash Nov. 15 on Newark-Jersey City Turnpike, Kearny, that left a Pennsylvania man with serious injures has been arrested by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, that office says.
According to HC Prosecutor Esther Suarez, the Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit arrested a driver, Maria Molesky, 34, of Jersey City, and charged her with aggravated assault and assault by auto
She was taken into custody at the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office in Secaucus Thursday, March 13, 2025, and transported to the Hudson County Jail, South Kearny, pending her first court appearance.
She was released, however, by court order, as of March 17, jail records indicate.
At approximately 12:30 a.m., Nov. 15, 2024, the Ke -
arny Police Department was notified of a collision in the area of Newark-Jersey City Turnpike and Fish House Road. Responding officers located a Jeep Compass, driven by Molesky, which had struck a Ford F-150.
The driver of the Ford, a 56-year-old Pennsylvania
A Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary (Never Known to Fail)
O Most Beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me show me herein You are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succor me in this necessity: There are none that can withstand your power. Oh show me herein you are my Mother. Oh Mary conceived without sin pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 Times) Holy Mother, place this cause in your hands. (3 Times). Holy Spirit who will solve all problems, light all roads so that I can attain my goal. You that I never want to be separated from, you in eternal glory. Thank you for your mercy to me and mine. Amen. The person must say this prayer for three consecutive days. After three days prayer will be granted. This prayer must be published after the favor is granted.
V.A.N.
HUDSON PROSECUTOR
man, suffered serious injuries. During a preliminary investigation, the Kearny PD arrested Molesky and issued motor vehicle summons -
Novena to St. Jude
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. Please grant my request. Say this prayer 9 times a day. By the 9th day your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised. Thank you Saint Jude.
AMulligan 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 973-481-4333 visit us at: www.mulliganfh.com
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.
Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home
• Kearny, NJ 07032 (201) 991-0657
Robert Ciecwisz SILVER
Maria Gomes SILVER
Paola Merizalde BRONZE
Nicole Poncio Maureen Mulligan
Aldina Da Costa BRONZE
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
COUNTY OF HUDSON REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that Qualifications will be received by the County of Hudson, State of New Jersey, at the Administration Building Annex, Purchasing Department, 567 Pavonia Avenue, 3rd Floor, Jersey City, New Jersey 07306 on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. prevailing time, and at that time and place shall be publicly opened and the names of Respondents read for the following:
QUALIFICATION STATEMENTS FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT OF MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL REPAIRS TO THE JOINT HUDSON/ESSEX COUNTY BRIDGES
This Request for Qualification (RFQ) is being publicly advertised and any firm or person licensed in the State of New Jersey may reply with a Qualification Statement. Requests for Qualifications may be viewed and obtained through the Hudson County Purchasing Department website, hudsoncountynjprocure.org. Applicants must register on the Purchasing Portal in order to download the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and to receive Addenda, if issued. All RFQ Addenda will be posted on the Purchasing Portal/Website. Therefore, all interested Respondents should check the Purchasing Portal Website from now through the RFQ opening. It is the sole responsibility of the Respondent to be knowledgeable of all Addenda related to this procurement. Proposals shall be submitted in accordance with the specifications contained in the Request for Qualifications (RFQ).
Qualifications may be submitted in person or by courier service. Though Qualification Statements may be sent by courier service, the County takes no responsibility for the loss, non-delivery or physical condition of the Qualification Statements so sent.
The Qualification Statements should consist of one original and three (3) bound copies sealed and labeled CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT OF MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL REPAIRS TO THE JOINT HUDSON/ESSEX COUNTY BRIDGES. Consultant selection will be based on the qualifications of the firm, key staff assigned to the County and on the firm’s ability to understand the purposes, goals and objectives of the County and establish appropriate work activities by task to produce recommendations needed.
Qualifications shall be detailed (for the consultant and its sub-consultants) and shall include a statement of qualifications, detailed experience and expertise, description of relevant work, and resumes of key personnel. Resumes of each employee should be limited to no more than two pages each. All Respondents deemed qualified will be asked to submit a Cost Proposal for specified services. Please do not submit a Cost Proposal at this time.
Issued by: Christine Moro, Esq., Q.P.A., Purchasing Agent For: Craig Guy, County Executive
Denise C. D’Alessandro ,Director, Department of Roads & Public Property
Thomas Malavasi, PE, PP, CME, CPWM, County Engineer
($37.00)
PUBLIC NOTICE
RESCHEDULING OF MEETING
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Education of the Borough of East Newark, County of Hudson, State of New Jersey, will be rescheduling its regular meeting originally set for March 11, 2025. The meeting will now take place on March 17, 2025, at the East Newark Public School, located at 501-11 North Third Street, East Newark, New Jersey. The session will begin at 7:00 p.m.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF
EDUCATION OF THE BOROUGH OF EAST NEWARK
Karen Rivadeneira
Confidential Secretary to the Business Office / Pro-Tempore Board Secretary ($9.50)
PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD & PUBLIC MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT HUDSON COUNTY PROGRAM YEAR 2023-2024
CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a draft of the PY2023-2024 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for Hudson County has been completed. It will be available for a 15-day public review period from March 14, 2025, to March 29, 2025. The CAPER details the accomplishments and expenditures of the County’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) as required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the 2023 program year, which runs from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. In PY 2023, the following amounts were allocated: $2,017,843 for the CDBG program, $2,862,156 for the HOME program, and $183,328 for the ESG program.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: Citizens are invited to review and provide comments on the draft CAPER. The draft will be available for fifteen days. It can be viewed at the Hudson County Division of Housing & Community Development, located at 830 Bergen Avenue, Suite 5A, Jersey City, NJ, from Monday to Friday during regular business hours, which are 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. For more information, please email Heather Hanks, CDBG Program Manager, at hhanks@hcnj.us. Comments can be submitted by mail to the address above or via email to gserio@hcnj.us.
Accessibility: Hudson County does not discriminate based on age, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its federally assisted programs or activities. Assistance will be provided to accommodate the special needs of disabled persons.
Translation Assistance: Hudson County will make efforts to provide translation assistance for public program information. If translation assistance is needed for viewing the draft CAPER, please contact the Housing & Community Development office at least 48 hours in advance. To request assistance, please call 201-369-4520. ($30.50)
Superior Court of New Jersey Chancery Division
Hudson County
Docket Number: F-001790-25 NOTICE TO ABSENT DEFENDANTS (L.S.) STATE OF NEW JERSEY TO: 1476 Myrtle Ave New LLC
YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED AND REQUIRED to serve upon Friedman Vartolo LLP, Attorneys for Plaintiff, whose address is 1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 160, Garden City, NY 11530, an answer to the Complaint in Foreclosure, Amended Complaint and Amendment(s) and Order(s), if any, filed in a Civil Action, in which WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VERUS SECURITIZATION TRUST 2021-R3 is Plaintiff and 1476 MYRTLE AVE NEW LLC, et al., are Defendants, pending in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, Hudson County, under Docket Number: F-001790-25, within thirty-five (35) days after the date of publication of this notice, exclusive of the date of service. If you fail to do so, judgment by default may be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint,
amended complaint, amendment(s), order(s), if any. You shall file your answer and proof of service in duplicate with the Clerk of the Superior Court of New Jersey, Hughes Justice Complex, 25 West Market Street, Trenton, New Jersey 08625, in accordance with the Rules of Civil Practice and Procedure. This action has been commenced and is pending to foreclose a mortgage and recover possession of certain lands and premises, as follows: The mortgage being foreclosed is dated November 27, 2018, and made by 1476 Myrtle Ave New LLC, as Mortgagors, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc., (“MERS”), as Nominee for FM Home Loans, LLC, which mortgage was recorded on December 5, 2018 in Hudson County, in Book 19293 of Mortgages for said County on Page 757 et seq. The lands and premises affected by this action and for which possession is sought are commonly known as 273-275 Bergen Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07305, and also known as Lot 13 F/K/A 8.99 in Block 22403 F/K/A 1783.
If you are unable to obtain an attorney, you may communicate with the New Jersey State Bar Association by calling (732) 249-5000. You may also contact the lawyer referral services of the County of Venue by calling (856) 482-0618. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may communicate with the Legal Services Office of the County of Venue by calling (856) 964-2010.
You, 1476 Myrtle Ave New LLC, are hereby made a party defendant to the foreclosure action because you have or may claim to have some right, title, lien or other interest affecting the real estate being foreclosed, by virtue of ownership, inheritance, descent, intestacy, devise, dower, curtsey, mortgage, deed, or conveyance, enter of judgment or other legal or lawful right. The nature of which and the reason that you and each of you are joined as defendants is set forth with particularity in the Complaint, Amended Complaint, Amendment(s), Order(s), if any, a copy of which will be furnished to you on request addressed to the attorneys for the plaintiff at the above mentioned address.
MICHELLE M. SMITH
Clerk of the Superior Court ($329.80)
Take notice that Stellar Importing Company, LLC has applied to the Director of the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control for a Limited Wholesale License for the premises situated at 14-34 150 Street, Suite 3, Whitestone, NY 11357. Objections, if any, should be made immediately in writing to the Director of the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control, PO Box 087, Trenton NJ 08625-0087. The application has been filed by Sam Catechis and Stella Catechis (166-23 17 Road, Whitestone, NY 11357).
(3/19/25,03/26/25 $126.10)
Take notice that in accordance with N.J.S.A. 39:-16*, application has been made to the Chief Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission, Trenton, New Jersey, to receive title papers authorizing and the issuance of a New Jersey certification of ownership for, Make Toyota Year 2009, Vin/Hull identification Number 2T1BU40E69C023219 Objections, if any, should be made in writing, immediately in writing to the Chief Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission, Special Title Unit, P.O. Box 017, Trenton, New Jersey, 08666-0017
(3/19/25,3/26/25,4/02/25 $18.00)
TOWN OF KEARNY
PUBLIC NOTICE
2025-(O)-12
Ordinance Adding Section 7-32 to the Town Code Establishing Permit Parking on Certain Streets (Affects Sandford Avenue, Radley Street, Ann Street and Ogden Avenue)
THE ABOVE ORDINANCE WAS INTRODUCED AND PASSED ON FIRST READING AT A REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF KEARNY, NEW JERSEY HELD MARCH 11, 2025. THE ORDINANCE WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR SECOND READING AND
FINAL PASSAGE AT A REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL TO BE HELD ON MARCH 25, 2025, AT 7:00 P.M., IN THE TOWN OF KEARNY, KEARNY TOWN HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBER, 402 KEARNY AVENUE, KEARNY, NJ 07032. A FULL COPY OF THE ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE OFFICE OF THE TOWN CLERK.
PATRICIA CARPENTER TOWN CLERK ($14.50)
TOWN OF KEARNY
PUBLIC NOTICE
2025-(O)-08
Ordinance Vacating Handicapped Parking Spaces at 46-48 Columbia Avenue, 612 Elm Street, 639 Elm Street, and 681 Forest Street
DURING A REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF KEARNY HELD MARCH 11, 2025, THE FOREGOING ORDINANCE WAS PASSED ON SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE ORDERED SIGNED BY THE MAYOR, ATTESTED TO BY THE TOWN CLERK, ENGROSSED IN THE ORDINANCE BOOK AND PUBLISHED ACCORDING TO LAW.
A FULL COPY IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION IN THE TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE.
PATRICIA CARPENTER TOWN CLERK
($11.00)
TOWN OF KEARNY
PUBLIC NOTICE
2025-(O)-09
Ordinance Establishing Handicapped Parking Spaces at 17 Maple Street and 25 Grove Street
DURING A REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF KEARNY HELD MARCH 11, 2025, THE FOREGOING ORDINANCE WAS PASSED ON SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE ORDERED SIGNED BY THE MAYOR, ATTESTED TO BY THE TOWN CLERK, ENGROSSED IN THE ORDINANCE BOOK AND PUBLISHED ACCORDING TO LAW.
A FULL COPY IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION IN THE TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE.
PATRICIA CARPENTER TOWN CLERK
($11.50)
TOWN OF KEARNY
PUBLIC NOTICE
2025-(O)-10
Ordinance Amending Chapter XXII (Water) of the Town Code
DURING A REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF KEARNY HELD MARCH 11, 2025, THE FOREGOING ORDINANCE WAS PASSED ON SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE ORDERED SIGNED BY THE MAYOR, ATTESTED TO BY THE TOWN CLERK, ENGROSSED IN THE ORDINANCE BOOK AND PUBLISHED ACCORDING TO LAW.
A FULL COPY IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION IN THE TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE.
($10.50)
TOWN OF KEARNY
PUBLIC NOTICE
2025-(O)-11
An Ordinance to Further Amend and Supplement Chapter 3, Article 1 of An Ordinance Entitled “Police Department and Fire Department” (Amendment of the Table of Organization)
DURING A REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF KEARNY HELD MARCH 11, 2025, THE FOREGOING ORDINANCE WAS PASSED ON SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE ORDERED SIGNED BY THE MAYOR, ATTESTED TO BY THE TOWN CLERK, ENGROSSED IN THE ORDINANCE BOOK AND PUBLISHED ACCORDING TO LAW. A FULL COPY IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION IN THE TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE.
PATRICIA CARPENTER
TOWN CLERK ($13.00)
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that bid proposals will be received from Bidders classified under N.J.S.A. 27:735.2 via the Internet until 10:00:59 A.M. on 4/10/25, downloaded, and publicly opened and read, in the CONFERENCE ROOM-A, 1st Floor F & A Building, New Jersey Department of Transportation, 1035 Parkway Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08625; for:
Maintenance Roadway Contract N322, NJ 22 and I-280 in Union and Hudson Counties and Various Locations in Warren, Sussex, Bergen and Hudson Counties
100% State Funded DP No: 25403
Bidders are required to comply with the requirements of N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 (P.L 1975, c. 127); N.J.A.C. 17:27.
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.19, contractors must provide a Certification and Disclosure of Political Contribution Form prior to contract award.
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:32-44, contractor must submit the Department of Treasury, Division of Revenue Business Registration of the contractor and any named subcontractors prior to contract award or authorization.
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 34:11-56.51, contractors must be registered with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of Wage and Hour Compliance at the time of bid.
Plans, specifications, and bidding information for the proposed work are available at Bid Express website www.bidx.com. You must subscribe to use this service. To subscribe, follow the instructions on the web site. Fees apply to downloading documents and plans and bidding access. The fee schedule is available on the web site. All fees are directly payable to Bid Express. Plans, specifications, and bidding information may be inspected (BUT NOT OBTAINED) by contracting organizations at our Design Field Offices at the following locations: 200 Stierli Court
One Executive Campus Rt. 70 West Mt. Arlington, NJ 07856 Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 Phone: 973-601-6690 Phone: 856-486-6623
New Jersey Department of Transportation Division of Procurement Bureau of Construction Services 1035 Parkway Avenue PO Box 600 Trenton, NJ 08625 (3/19/25,3/26/25,4/02/25 $97.50)
The Observer Live! now broadcasts each and every Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 ET. Viewers may share their opinions on topics covered in the newspaper or anything else by beaming in using a phone, tablet or computer. Be sure to tune in and let your voice be heard!
BELLEVILLE Mod-
ern 2 BR Apt. C/A & H/T, Laundry room. 1 parking space. $2,100 +1.5 months security. Utilities separate. No Smoking/Pets. Avl. Now (201) 463-6684 45W03
BELLEVILLE 1st floor
Newly renovated Spacious 1 BR, Full kitchen & Bath $1300 + 1.5 months security
Utilities included No Pets/Smoking Single person preferred or couple Available Now (973)902-4515 46W03
HARRISON 2nd floor
Modern 2 bdrm 1
bath,LR, DR laundry in Unit access to patio $2250 + 1.5 months security Utilities not included. Close Trans No Smoking/Pets call Available now(732)4299372 44W03
HARRISON 1st floor 2 BR, with 1 Bath, LR.DR. Newly remodeled kitchen with granite tops & refinished floors. No Pets $2600 + 1.5 months security. Utilitues separate. Laundry in basement. Garage & driveway parking. Available April 1st (201)3767464 46W03
HARRISON 2nd floor, 2 BR, LR, DR, EIK $1,800 + 1 month security. Utilities not included Walking distance to PATH. No pets. No smoking. Avl. Now (973) 4200139 46W03
OBSERVER CLASSIFIEDS
HARRISON Newly renovated 2nd floor 3 BR’s, LR, DR, EIK $2600 + 1.5 months security Utilities separate No Pets/ Smoking Close to transportation Availabe April 1st (973)536-6559 46W03
HARRISON 2nd floor 2 BR, with 1 Bath, LR. DR. Newly remodeled kitchen with granite tops & refinished floors. No Pets $2200 + 1.5 months security. Utilitues separate. Available April 1st (201)376-7464 46W03
HARRISON 2nd fl, Two 1 bedrooms available, kitchen, bath and living room. 1.5 months security, 1 year lease required. Utilities separate, no pets no smoking. Walk to PATH. Call for appointment (646)544-4912 46W03
HARRISON Sussex St. 2 BR w/large closets, Large LR, DR w/extra closet space, Kitchen, Bath. Close to PATH. No pets/Smoking. Avl. Now. Se habla español (201) 719-0714 or (973)454-9483 46W03
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 Now (973)838-1662 44W06
KEARNY
Arlington section. 1st Floor, Large LR, Large Formal DR, Large EIK, 2 small BR’s. $2400 + 1 mo. sec. Utilities separate No Pets/Smoking Call (732) 859-9957 44W03
KEARNY Large 3 BR apartment, fully renovated, brand new eat-in-kitchen with new appliances, new hardwood flooring throughout apartment and freshly painted. 1 Parking Space included. Rent: $2500 Security: 1.5 months rent Utilities are separate, Landlord pays for Cold Water No Pets No Smoking Available April 1st Contact: 201-693-3480 44W03
KEARNY 1st floor. Newly renovated. 2 BR. LR. EIK. Bath. $1900 + 1 1/2 months security. Utilities separate. No Pets/Smoking. Available 04/01. (201)4914174 45W03
KEARNY 1st floor. Beautiful 1BR, LR, EIK, $1,950 + 1.5 months security. Heat/HW incl. Washer/dryer hook-up in apartment no pets/ smoking. Single or couple preferred quiet home. Available May 1st 551-655-2492 45W03
KEARNY Newly remodeled 2nd Floor 2 BR’s, LR, EIK, Laundry in apartment $2400 + 1.5 months security, Utilities separate, 1 Car parking No Pets/ Smoking References a must Available Now (862)368-7760 45W03
KEARNY 3 BR’s, EIK. $2200 + 1.5 months security. Utilities separate. No pets/Smoking Available Now (201)772-9965 45W03
KEARNY 5 rooms. Close to schools and transportation. 1.5 months security. separate utilities. No Smoking/Pets (201)997-3757 45W03
KEARNY Arlington Section Recently Renovated 2 BR, LR , EIK, 2nd Floor Apartment. No Pets / No Smoking. Heat and Hot Water Supplied. $2100 + 1 months Security. Available May 1st. Call or Text After 3:00 p.m. 973809-6987 45W03
1st Fl. 1 BR, Close to shops. $1,700 + 1 1/2 months security. No smoking. No dogs. Credit check. Available Now, 2025 (973)838-1662 42W06
N.ARLINGTON Large 2 BR apartment, fully renovated with new eat in kitchen, large living rooms and bedrooms. Rent: $1950 Security: 1.5 months rent Utilities are separate, Landlord pays for Cold Water No Pets No Smoking Available April 1st Contact: 201-693-3480 44W03
N. ARLINGTON
LYNDHURST 2nd Floor. 1 BR, LR, EIK, Hardwood floors. Full Bath, $1,700 + 1 month security. Utilities Separate. No pets, No smoking, Walk to Train/Bus. Aval April 1st. (201) 655-4663/4664 call between 9am-5pm. 45W03
1 bedroom in an apartment complex. Excellent location, near stores and transportation. $1850.00 per month, one month security. Heat and hot water provided. Laundry on premises Storage in basement. No smoking and no pets. Adults preferred. Available March 1st Please call between 10:00am and 7:00pm: 201-997-2341 46W03
BELLEVILLE Room for rent. 1 or 2 people reasonable price. Everything included. Private Bath. Shared Kitchen. Laundry room Available now. Please Call (973)536-6559 46W03
HARRISON For single person. Everything included. Close to Path & Stadium. Available Now. (973)536-6559 46W03
Want your ad to stand out from the rest?
Try adding some c o l o r
Find our how by calling The observer’s classified Department at (201) 991-1600 ToDAY!
KEARNY 3rd Floor 40 Highland Ave 2 BR’s, LR, EIK 1.5 months security, Utilities separate, credit required No Pets/ Smoking Available Now (201)998-0509 44W03
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 45W03
KEARNY 1 BR apt. HT/ HW included also Hardwood floors , $1,450 + 1.5 months security. No pets/smoking. Available Now. For more Info Call 201-306-2994 46W03
4 bd 1ba 42 Halstead Street Kearny, NJ 07032 Showing 3/19/2025 @6pm $2700.00 a/month 973-753-2818 46W01
Floor 1 bedroom and small kitchen with Living room. Close to transportation. Heat included. No Pets. Perfect for couple Available April 1st Call between Noon7pm (973)202-5103 or (973)477-0925 44W03
N.ARLINGTON Large updated 1 bedroom apartment, eat in kitchen, plenty of closet space. First floor of garden apartment building. Off street parking and laundry facilities. $1,700 plus utilities, no pets. Available 4/1. No fee Call super: 862-2378661 46W03
Application Section or by calling the HHA’s office (973-483-1488) to make an appointment to pick up an application. Interested individuals may submit an employment application via email to rlucas@harrisonhousing.com or by dropping it off at the HHA’s office. The HHA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 46W02
HARRISON
N.NEWARK 2ND
HARRISON
BELLEVILLE
OBSERVER CLASSIFIEDS
PAINTING & DECORATING
6
7.
G & R BUILDERS Roofing, Siding, Windows/ Doors, Decks, Gutter Cleaning Painting, Tiles & Masonry, Sheet Rock. All types of Carpentry FREE ESTIMATES 20% Senior Citizen Discounts (201) 893-0656
Reading to Kennedy School children
Representatives from the School Development Authority (SDA) visited Kennedy Elementary School in Harrison during Read Across America week. SDA CEO Manuel Da Silva read to students in kindergarten and first-grade. Students enjoyed the time with Da Silva, who participated in the week’s festivities by wearing a Dr. Seuss Lorax-inspired headband.
Photo by Laura Comppen
Cthat
Then, that’s Sean
and
Leah, who was the Irish Miss of 2025. And finally, there’s North Arlington Mayor Daniel H. ‘O’Pronti.’ The North Arlington contingent of the parade has grown significantly under Pronti’s mayoralty — including the first time a current North Arlington councilwoman (Donna Bocchino) served as a deputy grand marshal of the annual parade this year..
Photos by Kevin A. Canessa Jr.
lockwise from top left, that’s Kearny resident Christian Moya with Kearny Mayor Carol Jean Doyle. Moya surprised the mayor with this great jacket with Doyle’s likeness on the back,
Moya hand painted himself.
McDonald
daughter,
HEALTHY
Continued from Page 5
a focus on preventative health measures, all while addressing the needs of our diverse population and promoting sustainable practices across the town.”
In addition to a record-breaking 32 Healthy Town winners, another 16 towns were designated as 2024 Healthy Town to Watch and seven were desig-
nated as a “2024 Healthy Town Up-and-Coming.”
“It’s incredible to see the Mayors Wellness Campaign Healthy Town designations keep growing year after year,” said Mike Cerra, executive director of the New Jersey League of Municipalities.
“It’s proof that New Jersey’s community leaders aren’t just talking about health and wellness; they’re making it. From small towns to big cities, these leaders are showing up
for their residents and building healthier, more vibrant communities.”
Meanwhile, Nutley has been named a “Healthy Town Upand-Coming.”
In addition to a record-breaking 32 Healthy Town winners, another 16 towns were designated as a 2024 “Healthy Town to Watch” and Nutley was one of seven designated as a 2024 “Healthy Town Up-and-Coming.”
The designation also allows
BUSINESS
for additional avenues for the Township to be eligible for grants and funding for programs focused on health and wellness.
“As Mayor of Nutley, I am proud to announce that we have achieved a Healthy Town Up-and-Coming designation for 2024,” Nutley Mayor John V. Kelly III said. “This designation showcases our commitment to enhancing health and wellness for all Nutley residents through various ini-
tiatives supporting mental and physical health, community blood drives, health screenings, veterans mental and physical health, addiction recovery resources, resources for combating domestic violence, and economic stability for veterans and individuals with disabilities, just to name a few. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with local stakeholders and the MWC for future Healthy Town designations in the years to come.”
-Rami Alrabaa
