e-Newspaper for March 5, 2025 by The Observer Newspaper

ON YOUR MARKS ... GO!

Kearny Town Administrator leaving to take same position in Montclair

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

earny’s huge recent loss has become Montclair’s significant gain.

In a unanimous vote, the Montclair Township Council voted Feb. 25 to hire Stephen B. Marks as its township manager, with a start date of April 1, 2025. Marks has served in the same capacity for Kearny since 2020, having taken office just as the Coronavirus pandemic broke out. Prior to that, he served in similar capacities, including in Hoboken from

2016 to 2020.

Marks’s salary in Kearny is approximately $200,000 per year. When he starts in Montclair, he will be paid $235,000 per year. The council there is expected to adopt a new salary ordinance to reflect that salary later this month.

Montclair embarked on a massive, nationwide search to find its new manager. Initially, that town got 34 resumes that

See MARKS, Page 4

Kearny adopts ordinance to change parking hours at Town Hall lot

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

An ordinance that will change the hours the public may park in the lot behind Kearny Town Hall off Chestnut Street was unanimously adopted at the Feb. 25 meeting of the governing body.

Under the new law, which has already taken effect, residents will now have to wait until 8 p.m. weekdays before parking in the lot. The changes do not affect weekends.

First Ward Councilman George Zapata, the chairman of the council’s Ordinance Committee, says the change in time became necessary based on comments made to him and Mayor Carol Jean Doyle by volunteers who serve on various boards and organizations that

meet at Town Hall.

“We knew there were plenty of volunteers who serve on boards who have difficulty finding parking on meeting days,” Zapata said. “When members come to

See PARKING, Page 15

IKPD: Man driving with open beer cans had ketamine

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

t just never really ends well when one drives around at a fast rate of speed and without headlights — especially on the hills of Second Ward of Kearny.

On Wednesday, Feb 26,

2025, Officers Travis Witt and Khonsura Allen (currently in field training) were patrolling around 11 p.m. when they reportedly observed a Hyundai Kona driving at a high rate of speed on Devon Terrace. The vehicle had no headlights on despite it being dark outside. An MV stop was conducted.

When interacting the the driver, Francisco A. Baiz, 48, of Kearny, officers say they observed signs of impairment, including bloodshot, watery eyes and a strong odor of alcohol. Further, an open can of Coors Light was next to him.

After Officer Witt administered sobriety tests, on which

the suspected drunk performed poorly, Baiz was arrested and his vehicle impounded. During a search incident to arrest, two bags of suspected ketamine were located in Baiz’s pocket.

Officers had to bring Baiz to the North Arlington Police Department in order to use their Alcotest machine, which provided Baiz some additional time to sober up; however, he still blew over the legal limit.

After returning to the Kearny Police Department, Baiz was charged with: CDS/possession of ketamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, operation of motor vehicle while in possession, of an open container, operating under influence, careless driving and vehicle headlamps required.

With no one available to take custody of Baiz, he was subjected to a 12-hour hold, per John’s Law, at KPD quarters and was

to be released at roughly 11 a.m. on Feb. 27.

Meanwhile, on Feb. 17, Officers Sosa and Andrew Mauricio, along with Sgt. Plaugic, responded to a motor-vehicle crash on Magnolia Avenue, near Passaic Avenue. There, they encountered one of the drivers, Viviana J. Aldaz Zumarraga, 27, of North Arlington, who was slurring her words and unable to stand.

She performed very poorly on the field tests and was ultimately arrested for DWI.

Officers’ investigation led them to believe she was impaired on narcotics, thus, a Drug Recognition Expert was called in to conduct various tests, the results of which are still pending.

Zumarraga was released after being charged with DWI and reckless driving.

Wiggins & deputies honored by state

Kearny Library/Museum hosting genealogy event

The Kearny Library Museum hosts “An Intro to Genealogy,” a 90-minute presentation with Steven Gabai, of the Bergen County Genealogical Society that will explain what one

NEWS BRIEFS

would learn from researching a family history, Saturday, March 22, at 11 a.m. The event is free to the public Use the elevator to get to the second floor.

Knights hosting CERT breakfast

The Queen of Peace Knights of Columbus sponsor a Sunday

OPEN HOUSE

morning benefit breakfast for the North Arlington CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Sunday, March 16, at 10 a.m. All proceeds will be donated to the CERT. Reservations must be made by Wednesday, March 12, by calling (201) 988-0183.

NJ Assembly and Senate recently honored Mark Wiggins, Donna Bocchino and Michael Mara, the 2025 West Hudson St. Patrick’s Day Parade Honorees. Seen here is a joint proclamation presented to Wiggins (all three received one.)

MARKS

Continued from Page 1

were dwindled down to nine semi-finalists. But Montclair Mayor Renee Baskerville was certain to note Marks immediately stood out and things remained that way throughout the hiring process. She cited several of Marks’s accomplishments in his time in Kearny, including a comprehensive update to the town’s master plan, the successful negotiation of seven collective-bargaining agreements with municipal unions, updates to public facilities including along Passaic Avenue and the acquisition of the new

Recreation and Community Center on Oakwood Avenue and the jump of two Moody’s bond rating classifications from A-3 to A-1.

Meanwhile, Marks, who has lived in Kearny for most of his life, said the opportunity to work in Montclair was too good to pass, though he wasn’t seeking the job at first — he was found by a headhunter. He spoke at the meeting in Montclair once the vote was finalized and glowingly noted how the town holds a special place in his heart and that of his wife, Rosemary Martins Marks.

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as township manager,” Marks said. “I hope this isn’t a deal breaker, but my entire family

are Yankees’ fans. My all-time favorite player is Derek Jeter, the captain. He had 3,465 career hits. 1,923 runs, 1,311 RBI, a .310 batting average and no drama. My professional approach is a lot like Derek Jeter’s MLB record. I would rather consistently get hits every day than swing for the bleachers and strike out.

“Small incremental accomplishments consistently made over time add up to big results. My wife and I live less than five miles away from here. We have two adult children and one new beautiful baby grandson. Montclair is one of our favorite destinations. Our second date 37 years ago was at the Wellmont Theater. Our first date was to a Yankees game. And we’ve been coming back ever since.

“In fact, we recently celebrated our 32nd wedding anniversary at one of our favorite local restaurants. Montclair is already a great town and I look forward to working with municipal officials, residents and businesses to make it an even better place to live, work and visit. Thank you very much.”

Though he still had several years remaining on his contract,

Kearny Mayor Carol Jean Doyle said she felt it was the right decision to let Marks out of the contract. He was, Doyle noted, fully above board throughout the entire process, keeping her abreast to what was occurring.

At first, she said it didn’t appear Marks would be offered a salary better than what Kearny had to offer. But once Montclair far surpassed what Kearny was paying Marks, Doyle said she know, for him, it was the right call to move on.

Now, the question that remains is who will replace Marks come April 1?

Doyle says she has candidates in mind, but she is not yet ready to offer specific names. She will do so, however, “when the time is right.”

Video from Marks’s being hired in Montclair may be found at www.youtube.com/ theobservernj.com.

Estate

AVOIDING PRIVATE MORTGAGE INSURANCE

Most mortgage loans require a 20% down payment. Many homebuyers don’t have that much cash, so they must secure private mortgage insurance (PMI) to qualify for their loan.

While this helps buyers that wouldn’t otherwise qualify, it increases their monthly payments and decreases the amount they qualify for overall to stay within limits on debt-to-income ratios. Fortunately, there are a few ways to get around paying PMI when you don’t have 20% down. Some lenders offer lender-paid mortgage insurance in exchange for a higher interest rate. A piggyback mortgage allows the buyer to obtain a second loan to cover part of the down pay-

ment. And some lenders have their own loan products that don’t require PMI at all.

Our mission is to be the leading real estate agency in the greater New York/New Jersey area by providing the best possible service to our clients and customers. This includes not only being knowledgeable about all aspects of buying and selling real estate –PMIs, down payments, mortgages, timing, pricing, and negotiating—but also by being vigilant about bringing the right buyers together with the right sellers. We’ve done it for hundreds of happy homeowners, let us do it for you, too. “Our success has been built one satisfied customer at a time.”

Doyle

March 5, 2025

9AM - 2PM (RAIN OR SHINE)

HCIA SPRING SHREDDING

Saturday, March 8

Red Bull Arena (North Parking Lot)

DPW (217 71st Street)

Saturday, March 22

Union City Kearny

Saturday, March 15

Secaucus

HS Parking Lot (11 Millridge Road)

Harrison North Bergen Guttenberg

Jose Marti School (1812 Summit Ave.Field Parking Lot)

West Hudson Park (Duck Pond Parking Lot)

CLOTHING DROP OFF

Gently Used Reusable Bags, Documents WHAT TO BRING:

Saturday, March 29

Braddock Park (Picnic Area)

CLOTHING DROP OFF

WHAT NOT TO BRING:

Newspapers & Magazines, Binders, Books, Cardboard, Binder Clips

CLOTHING DROP OFF

Bring shoes, clothes, and household linens to noted locations ONLY.

This is a free event. Documents will be commercially shredded safely, privately and properly by trained, licensed and bonded document destruction specialists. Please limit your documents to no more than 40 lbs. Residents may bring documents in whatever type of container they wish. Open to Hudson County residents only. Businesses are not eligible to participate. For further information visit hcia.org or call (201) 324-6222 ext. 3257

FOR MORE EVENTS, VISIT HCIA.ORG

Hudson County Executive Craig Guy & The Board of County Commissioners

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Harrison East Newark Elks help out the Lions

COUNTY OF HUDSON

NOTICE TO RESPONDENTS

ADDENDUM NO. 1

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES IN THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT OF THE REHABILITATION OF THE BERGEN BRIDGE OVER THE HUDSON -BERGEN LIGHT RAIL IN CITY OF JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY

A number of clarifications and/or revisions have been made on the above stated RFP, which is due on March 13, 2025 at 11:00 A.M.

Anyone requiring a copy of said clarification and/or revisions can download the information by registering on the County’s website at hhtp://www.hudsoncountynjprocure.org.

By: Christine Moro Purchasing Agent

For: Cheryl Fuller, Director

Department of Finance & Administration ($15.00)

Notice of Meeting

Please take note that the Hudson County Workforce Development Board will hold a meeting via Zoom on Monday, March 10, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85980467298?pwd=phN7IRfKU9NzL4OzLtvlvaHuXdpHqk.1

Meeting ID: 859 8046 7298 Passcode: 743208

Dial in +1 929 436 2866

Meeting ID: 859 8046 7298 Passcode: 743208

In accordance with the NJ Open Public Meeting Act - N.J.S.A. 10:-4- 10, the meetings of the HCWDB are advertised and made public through the organization’s website. It establishes the right of all citizens to have adequate advance notice of all public meetings and the right to attend meetings at which any business affecting the public is discussed or acted upon. All meeting minutes are also made public. ($13.50)

COUNTY OF HUDSON

NOTICE TO RESPONDENTS

ADDENDUM NO. 2

FOR THE POCUREMENT OF A THIRD-PARTY ADMINISTRATOR CONSULTANT FOR HEALTHCARE REIMBURSEMENT ACCOUNT FOR THE COUNTY MEDICAL/RX PROGRAM

A number of clarifications and/or revisions have been

made on the above stated RFP, which is now due on March 13, 2025 at 11:00 A.M.

Anyone requiring a copy of said clarification and/or revisions can download the information by registering on the County’s website at hhtp://www.hudsoncountynjprocure.org.

By:Christine Moro

Purchasing Agent

For:Cheryl Fuller, Director Department of Finance & Administration ($14.00)

Town of Kearny, Zoning Board of Adjustment hereby notices that the following resolution was adopted at a regular meeting of the Kearny Zoning Board of Adjustment held 02-06-25: #2025.04 – Variance Appl., 50 Midland Avenue, Owner/Applicant: 50 Midland Company LLC, To convert a commercial space unit into a residential unit thereby creating a mixed-use building housing one (1) residential unit and three (3) commercial units. Approved.

By: Jennifer Diaz, Zoning Board Secretary ($6.00) 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

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 FEBRUARY 25, 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 11, 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

($15.00)

TOWN OF KEARNY

PUBLIC NOTICE

2025-(O)-09

Ordinance Establishing Handicapped Parking Spaces at 17 Maple Street and 25 Grove Street

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 FEBRUARY 25, 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

11, 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

($15.00)

TOWN OF KEARNY

PUBLIC NOTICE

2025-(O)-10

Ordinance Amending Chapter XXII (Water) of the Town Code

PATRICIA CARPENTER

TOWN CLERK

($13.50)

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)

PATRICIA CARPENTER

TOWN CLERK

($12.50)

TOWN OF KEARNY

PUBLIC NOTICE

2025-(O)-05

NEWS

WCA EMD hosting cuisine night later this month

The Evening Membership Division of the Woman’s Club of Arlington hosts a community cuisine night featuring food from local restaurants March 29 at 6 p.m. at the Henrietta Benstead, 60 Columbia Ave., Kearny.

Anthony Duke Claus will provide entertainment. The cost is $40 per person.

For more details or to reserve a spot, call Debbie at (201) 9702435 or Kathy at (201) 341-5145.

Ordinance Vacating Handicapped Parking Space at 257 Laurel Avenue

DURING A REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF KEARNY HELD FEBRUARY 25, 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 ($9.50)

TOWN OF KEARNY

PUBLIC NOTICE

2025-(O)-06

Ordinance Rescinding Ordinance 2024-07 Regarding Council Agenda Meetings

PATRICIA CARPENTER

TOWN CLERK ($12.50)

TOWN OF KEARNY

PUBLIC NOTICE

2025-(O)-07

Ordinance Amending Section 7-37.1(b) Regarding Public Parking Behind Town Hall

PATRICIA CARPENTER

TOWN CLERK ($12.50)

Superior Court of New Jersey Chancery Division Hudson County Docket Number: F-009395-24

BRIEFS

NAPL hosting AI seminar

The North Arlington Public Library hosts “Artificial Intelligence: the Good, the Bad the Scary,” by Eddi Khaytman, Saturday, March 8, at 1:15 p.m. Khaytman will discuss the social and ethical implications of AI, scams, deepfakes, and other underhanded uses of cutting-edge technology. Khaytman is the founder and CEO a company that assists small businesses with online marketing and promotional strategies. Space at the program is limited.

NOTICE TO ABSENT DEFENDANTS (L.S.) STATE OF NEW JERSEY TO: Antwaun Stuart 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 U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF FIDELITY & GUARANTY LIFE MORTGAGE TRUST 2018-1 is Plaintiff and FUSION SIGHTS LLC; et al., are Defendants, pending in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, Hudson County, under Docket Number: F-009395-24, 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 March 4, 2022, and made by Fusion Sights LLC, as Mortgagor, to ABL RPC Residential Credit Acquisition, LLC, which mortgage was recorded on March 18, 2022 in Hudson County, in Book 20231 of Mortgages for said County on Page 137 et seq. The lands and premises affected by this action and for which possession is sought are commonly known as 42 Bryant Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306, and also known as Lot 3 in Block 10401.

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, Antwaun Stuart, 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 $354.05)

The Harrison-East Newark Elks recently made a large donation to the Lions Club so the Lions could purchase eyeglasses for the needy. The effort was spearheaded by Larry Bennett and Nick Landy.

March 5, 2025

HEALTH

& BACK FROM NEAR EXTINCTION

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

It was only a few years ago that the North Arlington girls bowling program was on the verge of extinction due to low numbers in the first two seasons after the start of Covid.

Not only did the program, which is now in its seventh season, manage to survive, it can now call themselves champions.

On Tuesday at Bowlero in New Brunswick, the Vikings made history when it won the program’s first ever state sectional championship when it defeated Dumont, 2-0, in the NJSIAA North Jersey, Group 1 title game.

While North Arlington’s dream of a state title came up short later that day in the Group 1 final against New Egypt, the defeat certainly doesn’t diminish a season, which not too long ago must have seemed impossible.

“There were countless things that made this season great,” head coach Paul Marcantuono said. “But they’re really happy that it’s represented with a state sectional title and they deserve that. They worked very hard. That was their goal all year. How many seasons go by where a team goal doesn’t happen and it’s magical when it does happen.”

It was a season that saw North Arlington go 19-5, finish in the top eight in the Bergen County Tournament and win the Vince Albrecht Tournament on Jan. 22.

Individually, Mia Da Silva and Alexa Palacios became the first North Arlington bowlers to qualify for the Bergen County individual tournament.

Da Silva, a senior, capped off the season by qualifying for this past Thursday’s NJSIAA State Individual Tournament, then became one of just 18 to advance to the second round after rolling a 553 three game series.

According to Marcantuono, Da Silva was just the second North Arlington girl in 20 years to finish in the top 18.

For the season, Da Silva rolled a 159.95 average, which included a 353 two game series in the sectional final.

“She was our anchor for the last two years, but she was used to the pressure,” said Marcantuono. “I didn’t have to worry about her if the match was close and she needed a couple of big shots. She came through a lot.”

Palacios, a junior, gave the Vikings a stellar one-two combination thanks to a 156.08 average, an improvement of more than 17 pins than the season before.

“Alexa was phenomenal this year,” said Marcantuono. “It was kind of like we had

two anchors. She was an anchor at the third spot and you had an anchor in the fourth spot with Mia.”

Junior Jacklyn Burbach was a standout in the leadoff spot, averaging 149.85 for the season. Burbach especially raised her game late, raising her average to 157.1 in the state tournament.

“She is a perfect lead off,” Marcantuono said. “ She’s always ready and her nerves are always calm. She did a great job keeping her composure all year and starting us off.”

The fourth full-time starter, Theo Major (136.75), made the most significant strides.

A first-year starter, Major struggled early but turned things around to be an impact bowler in the postseason, rolling a 145.7 average in the state tournament, highlighted by a 381 two game series in a second round win over Hoboken.

“In the beginning of the year, the nerves set in about being on the varsity team,” said Marcantuono. I knew Theo would come around late. Theo picked it up quickly and did a great job raising the average 35 pins from last year which is phenomenal.”

While most of North Arlington’s regular season dual matches have four bowlers roll per team, the state tournament uses five bowler lineups. Fortunately for the

Vikings, they had two solid options in juniors Skyler McCool and Skyler Crudele for the last spot.

McCool, in particular, seized the moment in recent weeks, rolling a 146.5 average during the state tournament. Her 322 two game series in the final against Dumont was the second best for North Arlington and highlighted the huge advantage the Vikings had in terms of its depth.

“That’s something we preached all year, that anyone can have a big day,” Marcantuono said. “And they did a really good job picking each other up when someone wasn’t having a great day, and when they all clicked together, we had a great day.”

No better example of that was Tuesday morning. After taking the first game 708-669, North Arlington clinched with a dominant 822-629 second game to clinch the title as all five bowlers rolled a 135 or better, led by Da Silva’s 213.

As a result, the accomplishments of this team will be remembered for generations to come.

“I think they realized it when they walked into school the next day and it was a big deal to everybody,” said Marcantuono. “They’re the first in history to do it. That’ll never be taken away from them. They set this for teams to come.”

Photo courtesy of Joe Ciofﬁ

Nutley wrestlers DellaVolpe, Rotbaum are AC bound

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

Due to their similar size and skill, Aidan Rotbaum and Louis DellaVolpe went head-to-head during every Nutley wrestling practice as well as in summer workouts together.

The two practice partners will once again be competing together this coming weekend, only this time it will be on New Jersey’s biggest stage for wrestling - Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City for the NJSIAA State Wrestling Championships

They’ll be joined by Bloomfield heavyweight Gabreil McCulloch, who took fourth place to earn his third consecutive trip to Atlantic City.

Nutley’s Carina Rivera and

Cataracts and glaucoma are two of the most common eye diseases, and the risk for both increases as we age. Many people are diagnosed with both conditions, and doctors may suggest treating them at the same time. People with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma may be candidates for minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS), which can be combined with cataract surgery by using the same incision to relieve the pressure caused by glaucoma. In addition to the benefits of having one surgery and recovery period instead of two, a person who opts for this combined surgery may be able to decrease or stop taking glaucoma medications. MIGS also have lower risks than traditional

Michelle Gavilanes, as well as the Bloomfield quintet of Saharia Quamina, Madelyn McLaughlin, Leanna Noel, Reno Prochillo and Lesly Sanchez qualified pfor the NJSIAA State Girls Wrestling Championship, with their performances last weekend’s regional championships.

“That’s my partner in the room every day,” said Rotbaum, a sophomore. “We started working out in the summer. We did everything together and to know that we’re going to be in Atlantic City together is a good feeling.”

Both Rotbaum and DellaVolpe

punched their tickets to Atlantic City after strong performances during the Region 3 Championships this past Friday and Saturday in West Orange. DellaVolpe took second place at 150 pounds, while Rotbaum took fourth at 157 pounds.

“We’ve been training a lot together for this,” said DellaVolpe, a freshman. “Our goal was to both make it down here and make some noise so we’re really excited.”

DellaVolpe (38-4), who was seeded second among the 11 wrestlers at 150 earned a first round bye before defeating Hanover Park’s Joey Tantawi by decision, 8-7, in the quarterfinals on Friday night.

The next morning, DellaVolpe clinched his spot with a 13-8 decision over Pope John’s Lukas Katsigiannis in the semifinals.

While DellaVolpe’s day ended on a down note, a tech fall defeat to Delbarton’s Jayden James in the final, it was a weekend which saw DellaVolpe reach his biggest goal in what has been one of the finest rookie seasons in Nutley history.

“This was the main goal,” DellaVolpe said. “I accomplished

the main goal. I really wanted to make it down here and I think I can make some noise. My goal is to place.”

“He’s had a great season,” said head coach Mike DiPiano. “One of the best freshman seasons in Nutley history. We’re very proud of him and we know his dad (Marc DellaVolpe, a long-time Nutley assistant who passed away in October) is looking down, proud of him as well.”

Rotbaum had to take a longer path to earn his spot.

Making his first appearance in the regions, Rotbaum (36-8) earned a first round bye, then pinned Hanover Park’s Nando Ott at 5:36 in the quarterfinals on Friday.

Rotbaum’s Saturday started with a tech fall loss to Brayden Lombreglia of Pope John in the semifinals. Roughly an hour later, Rotbaum officially clinched his spot, when in the wrestleback semifinals, better known as the ‘blood round’ he defeated Caldwell’s Ben Lattimer by a 15-5 major decision.

“I only had really an hour (before the next match against Lattimer),” Rotbaum said. “As soon as I lost (to Lombreglia), me and my coaches talked and I had five minutes

glaucoma surgeries.

If you have glaucoma and you need cataract surgery, your doctor will do a full evaluation, including details about the type of glaucoma you have, the stage of the disease, and the best IOP (intraocular pressure) for you to achieve your target pressure. If you have the most common type, primary open-angle glaucoma, then you could be a candidate for MIGS. To schedule an exam, please call 201-896-0096. Our office is located at 20 Park Avenue, Lyndhurst. To reach our optical shop, call 201-896-0007. We accept most insurance.

P.S. Even if eye pressure is low at the time of cataract removal, MIGS can provide better pressure control post-surgery.

Doris A. Satulla

Doris A. Satulla of Kearny died Feb. 28, 2025. She was 89. At Doris’s wishes, her funeral will be private through the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny.

Doris was a retired bookkeeper from F&R Industrial Supply Company in Kenilworth. She was active with the Friendship Club, AARP, St. Stephen’s Seniors, Kearny Seniors and the Harmony Club of Kearny. She was a life member of the Polish American Citizens Club of Lyndhurst.

Daughter of the late John and Bertha Satulla and sister of the late John Satulla, she is survived by her sister-inlaw Dorothy Bricker, niece Cynthia Lenehan and nephew Thomas Satulla along with their families.

Alexander J. MacDonald

Alexander J. MacDonald, 84, of Harrison died Feb. 27, 2025. Relatives and friends attended a visitation for Alexander at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. A funeral Mass was celebrated at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Lyndhurst. Interment was in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. Born in Jersey City, Alexander was a longtime resident before moving to Harrison. He was a warehouseman for the US Postal Service in Kearny for many years prior to his retirement.

A dedicated volunteer for the Special Olympics New Jersey, Alexander was a selfless man who enjoyed helping others succeed. He was an avid collector of trains and stamps and cherished time spent as a swim instructor at the YMCA in Jersey City and traveling to different wineries.

Alexander was the devoted brother of the late George MacDonald, Louis MacDonald and Adele Diana. He is survived

by his dear nieces and nephews

Adele Mackin and her husband Joseph, Angelo Diana and his wife Mary Ellen and Robert Smullen and his wife Diane; great-nieces and nephews Angelo Diana and his wife Jennifer, Noelle Hunter and her husband Matthew, Kara Mackin and her spouse Angela, Janie Mackin and Madison Smullen. He is also survived by his dear friend Brian, and by many other extended family members. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Special Olympics New Jersey, 1 Eunice Kennedy Shriver Way Lawrenceville, N.J. 08648.

Patricia Poplaski

Patricia Poplaski (nee Burke), 89, of Toms River died Friday, Feb. 21, 2025. She was born in Newark and raised in Harrison.

Patricia worked in the title insurance industry for many years before retiring in 1995. Her passions were her

OBITUARIES

faith and family. A talented seamstress, she made matching outfits for her young children every Christmas.

Patricia was a parishioner of St. Justin RC Church in Toms River.

She was pre-deceased by her son Joseph, and is survived by her husband Jack, daughter Deborah, sons John and his wife Sonya, Michael and his wife Joy, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her sisters — Maureen Battagliese, Margaret Walstrom and Eileen Ricciardelli.

Condolences may be sent to www.ryanfuneralhome.com.

A celebration of Patricia’s life will take place at a later date

Frances Kaletka

Frances Kaletka (nee Tunkavige) died Feb. 25, 2025. She was 99. Visiting was at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny. Mass was celebrated at

Shaw-Buyus

St. Stephen’s Church, Kearny. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.

Frances was the wife of the late John Joseph Kaletka and sister of the late Helen Steinis and Casey Tunkavige. She is survived by loving nieces and nephews and their families. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the charity of your own choice in her memory.

Ann R. Stewart

Ann R. Stewart (nee White), 86, of Kearny, died Feb. 24, 2025.

Relatives and friends are invited visited for Ann at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. A funeral Mass was

celebrated at St. Stephen’s Church in Kearny. Interment was in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.

Born in New York, Ann lived in Wood-Ridge before moving to Kearny 56 years ago. She was a teller at Valley National Bank in Kearny prior to her retirement.

Ann was the beloved wife of the late Walter R. Stewart; loving mother of Walter R. Stewart, Jr., Gerald T. Stewart, Daniel P. Stewart and his wife Roberta and Colleen Ann Natosi and her husband Gregg. She was the dear grandmother of Caitlyn, Carley and Ava, and the cherished sister of Joseph White, Stephen White, Sheila

See OBITUARIES, Page 14

Mulligan Funeral Home

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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

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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.

Belleville’s Cook ends HS career with milestones

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

Connor Cook admits that this season was the most challenging of his high school career as Belleville struggled to replace the loss of several key veterans.

And while Cook’s tenure didn’t end in the state tournament as he had hoped, the Bucs’ star guard finished his time at Belleville in incredible fashion.

On Feb. 20, Belleville’s next to last game of the season, Cook scored his 1,000th career point in a win over Passaic Tech.

Five days later, after being

honored for the milestone in a pregame ceremony, Cook erupted for a career-high 46 points in Belleville’s season finale against Roselle Park.

Cook’s final performances makes him The Observer Athlete of the Week.

The 6-foot-1 guard concludes his career with 1,053 points.

“(When I scored my 1,000th point) there was a little bit of a weight off my shoulder, but at the end of the day, I didn’t want to put my mind on it too much,” Cook said. “I just really wanted to just win some games, finish the season out

strong, and have a decent record. But unfortunately, 7-19 isn’t the best. But I mean, it’s what it is.”

“I felt for him all year,” Belleville head coach Jim Catalano said. “I wish I could have done more, but when you have people that just have no experience at the high school level at all, there was only so much we could do.

this winter.

When it became clear how young an inexperienced Belleville was going to be, Catalano met with Cook and explained how his role was going to have to change significantly.

“There wasn’t much positivity. So for him to at least get some individual awards, I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Dr. Carla Domingues

Belleville was initially expecting to return four of its top five scorers from a season ago, but due to injuries, players focusing on other sports or jobs, Cook was the only one from that group to suit up for the Bucs

“He was going to have to take on such a load offensively where he needed to switch his game from being almost exclusively a 3-point shooter into a more all around offensive player,” said Catalano. “He did that throughout the year. Little by little he became more adept at getting to the basket and the short-range jump shot became more of a threat for him.”

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Because of the unique mixture of symptoms in each child, severity can sometimes be difficult to determine. It’s generally based on the level of impairments and how they impact the ability to function. To schedule an appointment, please call PREMIER CARE ASSOCIATES OF WEST HUDSON at 201-998-7474. We are available at 512 Kearny Ave., Suite B, where walk-in patients are always welcome 7 days a week.

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Premier Care Associates of West Hudson is available on a walk-in or appointment basis for your primary healthcare needs.

Dr. Prakash J. Doshi

Dr. Hector Aguilar

WRESTLING

Continued from Page 8

minutes to think about that match and get it out my head before I had the next match

“In the region you have to have a short memory because you are wrestling again so quickly in the wrestlebacks and it’s high stakes, in a hot gym where everybody’s excited,” said DiPiano. “Aiden did a great job at taking five minutes, throwing the loss in the backseat and moving forward with it. He was ready, he was prepared, and he wrestled a great match to get to Atlantic City.”

While it will be their first time down there as competitors, both Rotbaum and DellaVolpe have experienced the state championships at Atlantic City. Last year, Rotbaum was selected to room with Brandon Toranzo when the then-senior heavyweight took third place in the state, an experience Rotbaum said further motivated him this season.

ATHLETE

Continued from Page 10

Cook, who averaged 13.8 points per game as a junior, eclipsed that total in 22 of 25 games this season as he went on to average 21.5 points his senior year.

In the month of February, his offensive game continued to improve as he averaged 26.8 points per game in nine contests. In six of those games, he eclipsed his previous career-high of 25 points.

Needing 17 points to reach 1,000 before the Passaic Tech game, Cook went off for 16 in the first half, then hit the milestone with a 3-pointer in the early moments of the third quarter.

Cook had 15 relatives in the stands on Tuesday against Roselle Park for his final game and the pregame ceremony for scoring his 1,000th point. He said it was the most family he’s ever had come see him play, which served as an added motivation to end his career with a statement.

DellaVolpe remembers going to the state championships every year since he was 4 with his father Marc and got to accompany him for several team events throughout the weekend.

“Yeah (it will feel different since I’ll be on the mat when we’re out there,” DellaVolpe said. “The other years I was just watching. I’ll be a little nervous, but I’ll be alright.”

DellaVolpe and Rotbaum were the only Observer-area athletes to qualify for the state championships, but they were not the only ones to have notable performances during the Region 3 Championships.

Kearny’s Matthew Pagan took fifth place at 106 pound, concluding a surprising run as the 10th seed. Lyndhurst-North Arlington’s Nate Boyd finished fifth at 126 pounds and Nutley’s Antonio Maiden was 5th at 144.

Finishing in sixth place at their respective weight classes were Nutley’s Christopher Cifelli (126 pounds) and the Bloomfield tandem of Aidan Matias (120) and Alejandro Valencia (190).

“My mindset was that I got to put on a show,” Cook said. “It’s my last game. I got to showcase what I got to the best of my abilities.

“A lot of my (family members) live pretty far away, so if they’re driving 30, 40 minutes to come see me, I have to put on a show.”

Cook was in a groove right from the start. In the first half alone, he had 28 points, just one shy of his previous career high of 29, which was set earlier in the month.

“It was just one of those nights where almost everything was falling and you just hope that it continues until the game is over.”

Cook hopes to continue his playing career in college, but despite being one of the state’s top scorers has received minimal interest so far. The 6-foot-1, 155-pound guard is trying to set up plans for playing in the spring in hopes of getting more attention.

Said Cook, “I’m just hoping that a college coach is willing to take a chance on me and see what I can really do.”

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OBSERVER CLASSIFIEDS

Cifelli Association Irishman of the Year

Each year, the

The Observer strives to bring our readers the best and the most accurate news.

However, from time to time, there may be mistakes in what we report. As such, we take our obligation to report errors seriously. So, if you believe we’ve made an error, please send an e-mail to editorial@theobserver.com, indicating what is to be corrected.

We will ensure a correction is noted (if necessary) in a future print edition — and online. If access to e-mail is not possible, please call us at (201) 991-1600.

Al Cifelli Association honors an Irishman of the Year when the West Hudson St. Patrick’s Day Parade comes along. This year, the honoree is Harrison Police Lt. Matt Murphy, who is seen here at the Cifelli law office.

‘Mamma Mia’ kicks off at KHS with free dinner and show for senior citizens March 11

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

The Kearny High School performing arts department’s spring play “Mamma Mia” kicks off with a special presentation for the town’s senior citizens Tuesday, March 11 — and then resumes with performances March 13, 14 and 15. Curtain time is 7 p.m. for the regular shows and the senior performance begins at 5 p.m. with a special dinner catered by the Kearny HS Culinary Arts students in the school’s atrium.

Many should be familiar with the music from “Mamma Mia,” even if one has never seen the show — it comes mostly from the 70s group Abba.

Donna Sheridan will be played by Haley Felix; Sophie Sheridan will be played by Maleah Clauberg; Tanya will be played by Arianny Alvarez; Rosie will be played by

Jenson Bonilla; Lisa will be played by Gia Kaminski; Ali will be played by Rossy Ramirez; Sam Carmichael will be played by Miguel Pinero; Harry Bright will be played by Luis Refosco Medina; Bill Austin will be played by Gianluca Sanchez; Sky will be played by Erick De lima; Pepper will be played by Jayden X. Rodriguez; Eddie will be played by Cesar Ceron and Father Alexandrios will be played by Victor Lebron on March 11 and 13; Mauricio Gomez on March 14 and Harold Rodriguez on March 15. When not playing Father Alexandrios, those actors will move to the ensemble.

The ensemble includes Josephine Brizuela, Dayna “Knox” Dajer, Theresa Dimase, Sarah Fonseca, Rebecca Fontes, Amanda Garcia, Jocelyn Garcia, Lizkarla Garriga, Gabriella Gomez, Margaret Kelly, Ariana Landro, Chloe Latona, Kendra Lopes, Midori Mataro, Brooke Lynn Pulcine,

Allany Quinones, Phaedra Rodrigues, Valerie Rosales, Emma Sabados, Robert Sabados, Jasmine Santamassino, Olenka Tineo Mejia, Kaira Vazquez, Carlie Vega and Ayanna Delgado.

John Joseph Friel and Jason Rivera will play the guitar; Amanda Waters plays bass; Owen Seaver, Antonio Aquino, Scott Burzynski and Kyle Cao will play the keyboard; Daniel Zapata is on percussion and Sanjay Pamaar will perform the drum set.

The Stage Manager is Madelyne Pichardo; volunteers include Tanya Batista, Nicolle Gongorra and Luis Limao; the Stage Crew includes Mickey Bradow (assistant stage manager), Camila Bedoya, Barbara Calienes, Elizabeth Fontan-Pallares, Aric Kryzanowski and Sharon Ponce Flores.

The Scenery Crew includes Jasmine Viera, Bryanna Albino, Sharon Ponce-Flores, Samantha Abadal

See MAMMA, Page 15

Continued from Page 9

White, and the late John White, James White, Timothy White, Maureen Hover and William White. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made at www.copdfoundation.org.

Elizabeth M. Frank

Elizabeth “Betty” M. (nee Riley) Frank, 84, died peacefully at her home in Kearny on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025 with her loving family by her side.

She was born in Newark where she resided until settling in Kearny in 1965.

Betty was a CMA and unit secretary at West Hudson Hospital in Kearny for 23 years, retiring in 2002. She also worked at Kearny High School from 1974-1982.

Wife of the late Robert J. Frank, she was the devoted and loving mother of Patricia Frank, Robert W. Frank and his wife Patricia and William J. Frank and his wife Jacqueline; dear sister of Helen Barr and the late Kathleen Raybeck, Jeanne Flett and Tom Riley; she is also survived by her eight grand-children and 10 great-grandchildren.

The Funeral for Elizabeth was at the Shaw-Buyus Home for Services, 138 Davis Ave., Kearny. A funeral Mass was celebrated at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Kearny. Interment was in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.

Please visit www.buyusfuneralhome.com

PARKING

Continued from Page 1

meetings and they’re impeded from finding a place to park, it deters that volunteer spirit that so many of our resident have. So we knew we had to do something to change this.”

Zapata says he, Doyle and Town Attorney Jim Bruno tossed around several times at which to begin allowing the parking. The thought was 7 p.m. was a bit too early — and 9 p.m. was a bit too late — so the consensus was to go with 8 p.m., for now, and to see how it works out. Most town meetings begin no later than 7:30 p.m.

Now, the next important part of the new law will be how it is enforced and how the public will be made aware of the new adjustments. One way

MAMMA

Continued from Page 14

Ventura and Alexandra Rosas

The Lighting Crew includes Noemi Suarez, Cecelia Rodriguez, Jeanelle Peralta, Mateo Santiago and Nicolas Libanori. Behind the scenes on the faculty: Milagros Gonzalez is the stage director and choreographer; Owen Seaver is the vocal coach; Danny Conde is the instrumental music director and is in charge of the lighting design.

Also, Ian Costello is in the charge of the set design; Dave Caravella is the sound engineer; Kathleen Astrella is the business manager and Joe Domalewski designed the show’s program.

Reservations for the free senior citizen performance March 11 are required and may be made by calling Tammy Munro at (201) 955-5048. The show will be rescheduled for March 12 at 5 p.m. in case of inclement weather.

Tickets for the general performances are $10 and $8 for senior citizens and students.

All shows will take place in the Kearny HS auditorium.

is through this very story. But Zapata says more is needed and says he believes physical signs in prominent spots in the lot, fliers on windows of cars parked in the lot at night, one of the town’s mobile-digital signs or a combination of all of those will be needed.

“We are working with Chief Scott Macfie to decide the best route to take,” Zapata said.

Zapata also says it is his hope those who violate the new parking regulation don’t end up having their vehicles towed.

Instead, he suggests warnings, initially, then summonses for repeat offenders. He also suggested Town Hall’s internal security officers be responsible for monitoring the lot for enforcement purposes.

In the past, when the spots were needed for meetings, cones would be put up to block residents from entry into the lot from Chestnut Street. But often, folks would simply move the cones to park. With the new law in effect, the hope is folks will comply without the need

for punitive measures.

Another update to the Kearny e-bike ordinance?

Meanwhile, Zapata says he is working with the aforementioned Doyle, Macfie, Bruno and others to further extend the town’s new e-bike ordinance that took effect Jan. 1, 2025.

Zapata says the big issue now is what to do with confiscated bikes — and there have been quite a few since the new law took effect. The councilman says he’s been looking

at best-practice ordinances from all over the country and so far, the best one he’s seen was either in Virginia or West Virginia.

The most important aspect of all of this is how to store the bikes and how to dispose of the often-dangerous lithium batteries that power the e-bikes.

“We want to do what’s environmentally responsible and safe,” Zapata said, noting currently, the bikes are stored on Arlington Avenue, outdoors, at Moran Towing.

-Rami Alrabaa