e-Newspaper for Jan. 24, 2024 by The Observer Newspaper

Wednesday, 24 January 2024 n www.TheObserver.com n Volume CXXXVI, Issue No. 38

UNDER THE COVER Kearny hires seven new police officers to bring roster to proper staffing levels, as called for by Table of Organization. Page 4

BELLEVILLE n BLOOMFIELD n EAST NEWARK n HARRISON n KEARNY n LYNDHURST n NORTH ARLINGTON n NUTLEY

REMEMBERING THE FOUR l St. Stephen’s prepares to honor Chaplains killed in 1943

including Father John Washington, once stationed here. See page 3.

Nutley reinstates neighborhood watch with a modern twist Police say the program, once a living room staple, will be enhanced by use of social media By Kevin A. Canessa Jr.

kc@theobserver.com

utley Public Safety Director and Commissioner Alphonse Petracco, police Chief Thomas Strumolo and Det. Lt. Anthony Montanari unveiled plans for reinstating the township’s Neighborhood Watch Program last week at a packed meeting in the Nutley Courthouse. Montanari, who presented the majority of the night, kicked off the meet-

ing by thanking those in attendance (and on Zoom) before introducing the reinvented program (the Township’s first one was initiated in the ‘70s and would “occur,” heretofore, in people’s homes — but the watch has evolved thanks to the advent of social media.) Prior to presenting a slideshow to attendees, Montanari introduced Strumolo and Petracco. “I’m encouraged to see so many new faces,” Strumolo said. “We have a great police department and we are

very proactive, but we can’t do it without your help. You are the eyes and the ears of the community and the Neighborhood Watch program is a great way to get Petracco you to help us as well as get your neighbors involved to help better the communication between residents and the police

department. We have one of the safest communities in the area and this program will help us keep it that way. ” Petracco then took to the floor to thank police officers and laud the job that the public safety department does. “The rules have changed in our country and especially in our state,” Petracco said. “We lock them up and they are out of jail before the police See WATCH, Page 18

The Observer n www.theobserver.com

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Davie catches up with America’s first Black law dean Kearny’s Franklin School announces

arrison attorney and lifelong Kearny resident Ken Davie is seen here with former Duquesne Law School Dean Ronald Davenport at the recent annual Law Alumni dinner honoring the Class of 1973. “Dean Davenport came to Duquesne Law from Yale in 1970 at the age of 35, which was my first year of law school,” Davie said. “He was the first Black dean of any major American law school, which says a lot about the historic Spiritan emphasis on diversity and inclusion. “He constantly told us that we were as good as any law student at Yale, especially if we prepared and worked hard and I believe that to this day, especially when I try cases against anyone from the Ivies. I was especially gratified he received the Meritorious Service Award from the

Students of the Month Chevony Dyce, Mark Bond-

November 2023 Lubeck Guerra Arizaga, Zoe Jimenez Strocchia, Ayvah Quiles, Calleb Vieira, Emily Requena Da Silva, Ashley Martinez Hernandez, Zuleyka Salas, Karlyn Alcantara Furcal, Adrian Masache Soto, Jeremay Santos DeFreitas, Kassandra Padilla Moreno, Wilson Vega, Jean Aleman, Scarlett Jarmillo, Jillian Platero, Kiara Melendez Pilamunga, Isabelly Ribeiro De Paula, Rayan Ait, Bella Uruchima, Thiago Paucar Hernandez,

arenko, Flavia Verastegui, Kalel Izquierdo, Sebastian Remache Gregorio, Brizydes Martinez Hernandez, Alejandra Escalante Salhuana, Anastasia Kupiszewska, Jorge Guerra Villa, Ellena Neto, Madelyn Topor, Briana Caceda, Gabriel Esquivel Dutra, Naomi Cataleya Morocho Chunir, Onel Emil Feliz Rosario, Anabelle Garcia, Hailee Dos Santos, Matthew Feijoo, Liam Brandao, Katie Zarzuela, Diego Pilamunga.

The Observer’s correction policy

Duquesne Kline Law School, which I was previously honored to receive.” Davie was on the undefeated Duquesne Appellate Moot

Court team and is a member of the Order of the Barristers, the 1911 Centennial Fellows and the Duquesne Society.

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. 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.

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Wednesday, January 24, 2024

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Mass honoring The Four Chaplains set for first Sunday in February

1 of 4 killed in 1943, the Rev. John Washington, had been stationed at St. Stephen’s when he died By Kevin A. Canessa Jr.

kc@theobserver.com

f you’ve lived in Kearny for a while, chances are fairly solid you’ve heard the story of The Four Chaplains — four men whose lives were lost in February 1943 aboard the S.S. Dorchester. Of the 900+ on board the ship on that fateful day, only 230 were rescued. The Four Chaplains were, as fate would have it, going to be among those who survived. But because of the selfless sacrifices the men made — including the Rev. John Washington, who had been stationed at St. Stephen’s Church, Kearny, at the time of his death; George Fox, a Protestant minister; Alexander Goode, a rabbi; and Clark Polling, also a Protestant minister — four more men in uniform lived because the four gave up their life vests in one of the most heroic, collective examples of laying down one’s life for friends in American history. As has been tradition for decades, people of all faiths will gather at noon, Sunday, Feb. 4, at St. Stephen’s Church, at Kearny and Laurel avenues, for the annual Mass that celebrates the

lives of those lost that day. For the first time, the Most Rev. Elias Lorenzo, the vicar (bishop) of Union County, will be the principal celebrant of the liturgy. The Rev. Joseph Mancini, the longtime pastor of St. Stephen’s, along with Deacon Earl White and other invited clergy, will concelebrate the Mass. Worshipers from all over will be in attendance and are invited to come to remember the four. Mancini has played an enormously important role in making St. Stephen’s Church the Sanctuary to the Four Chaplains in the United States. Last week, in anticipation of the 81st anniversary, Mancini took time to reflect on the impact the chaplains made — and why to this very day, they are so fondly remembered. “One of the things that has kept coming back to me, as I reflect on the life and legacy of the Four Chaplains ... is that God doesn’t call the qualified, but He qualifies the called,” Mancini, known by his parishioners as Father Joe, said. “I know in the past we’ve mentioned that the Chaplains didn’t join the war efforts thinking they would be

heroes but that’s how it turned out. “They didn’t spring into action on the fateful morning of Feb. 3, in the minutes just after the torpedo struck the Dorchester thinking of the fame they would gain. God called them to be in that place at that time; something that, I think,

those with little or no faith can’t comprehend. “They weren’t qualified officers, they weren’t qualified to oversee a ship’s evacuation, the Chaplains simply did what they felt was the right thing to do — putting the needs of others first — as they always did as God’s servants.

“God doesn’t call the qualified but qualifies the called. The Four Chaplains were called on to set aside their own lives so that others could live.” The mass is open to the public and attendees may contact Nancy Waller at nancykwaller2@ gmail.com for any additional information.

Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration Kearny School District 172 Midland Avenue Kearny, NJ 07032 201-955-5128 The Kearny School District will be accepting O N L I N E registration for the following programs for the 2024-25 school year: • Full Day Preschool Age 4 Child must be Four years of age by October 1, 2024 • Full Day Kindergarten Age 5 Child must be Five years of age by October 1, 2024 Registration will be completed ONLINE ONLY following the schedule below. You do not need to come to the Board of Education Office. Full Day Preschool Age 4 & Full Day Kindergarten The registration link will be active beginning February 1, 2024 at 9:00AM. Students will be placed on a first come, first serve basis until all available seats are filled. Full Day Preschool Age 3 • Full Day Preschool Age 3 (Limited seats- Available by lottery) Child must be Three years of age by October 1, 2024 The link to enter the lottery will be active on March 1, 2024 at 9:00 AM until March 31, 2024 at 4:00 PM. Date and time for the lottery will be announced. All links, forms, and instructions can be found on the Kearny School District’s website www.kearnyschools.com on the main page and the Registration page. All necessary documents must be uploaded at the time of registration to avoid a delay in completing the process and securing your child’s placement.

This U.S. Coast Guard image is of the S.S. Dorchester prior to its 1943 sinking.

Current Pre-K 3 students DO NOT have to re-register for Pre-K 4, and current Pre-K 4 students DO NOT have to re-register for Kindergarten.

IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION Opinion ��Page 6

Business Directory.......................................................................................................Page 12

Sports...............................................................................................................................Page 9

Obituaries......................................................................................................................Page 13

Health & Wellness Directory.......................................................................................Page 11

Classifieds �� Pages 16-17

The Observer  www.theobserver.com

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Kearny hires seven new police officers, bringing overall roster up to par By Kevin A. Canessa Jr.

kc@theobserver.com

mid the chaos of the last Kearny Town Council meeting, one good thing, inarguably, happened. 0 Points Seven new police officers, including one who already has academy training — and three of whom are women — were hired by the governing body at a starting salary of $49,632 per year. Six of the new officers will soon head to the academy while the aforementioned officer is already on the streets under the supervision of a field-training officer. The new cops include:

Alyssa Matos, 23, of Kearny Matos is a graduate of Bergen County Community College, where she got an associate degree and is a graduate of Rutgers University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice as member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She was social worker for Mental Health Association and a bartender/server at Chili’s restaurant. The 23-year-old speaks Portuguese and is a volunteers at TSA’s dog-training program as a decoy, carrying training aides to be detected by canines at airports.

Susanna De Jesus, 34, of East Newark De Jesus has three degrees from Rutgers: a bachelor’s degrees as a double major in criminal justice and public service and a master’s degree in public administration. She was a seasonal ranger at the Passaic County Parks Department and a materials technician at Kessler Reha-

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bilitation. She also trained as wilderness first responder in Oregon. Alan Mejia, 23, of Kearny Mejia is a graduate of the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, where he earned bachelor’s degree in information technology. Before become a police officer, he worked for UPS and

is trilingual, English, Spanish and Portuguese. Andrew Mauricio, 21, of Kearny Mauricio is a coach of football and wrestling at Kearny High School. Before the academy, he worked for a photography company in See COPS, Page 15

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Wednesday, January 24, 2024

The Observer n www.theobserver.com

KPD: Two women, one from East Newark, thought they were in the UK, possessed slew of illicit drugs By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. with Det. Sgt. Mike Gontarczuk

www.theobserver.com

wo women, one from East Newark, should have stayed home one early morning recently — but because they didn’t, lots of illicit drugs were hauled off the streets, the Kearny Police Department says. On Jan. 12, at shortly after 2 a.m., Officer Anthony Oliveira was patrolling near Elm Street and Bergen Avenue when he says observed a double-parked vehicle involved in a suspicious interaction with a man who immediately walked away. The vehicle then proceeded south on Elm Street; however, the driver, apparently forgetting she was not in Great Britain, drove the car in the opposite lane of flow (against traffic),

on the left side of the street, then did not stop for a stop sign at Wilson Avenue. Officer Oliveira conducted a vehicle stop and spoke to the two occupants, Maryn L. Kaplan, 37, of Fair Lawn & Bettsy Lozada, 39, of East Newark. When he found out the driver, Lozada’s, license was suspended, he asked her to exit the vehicle (so that she could be arrested). Upon her exiting, Officer Oliveira noted drugs in plain view. He then asked the passenger to exit the vehicle, and Oliveira says Kaplan proceeded to drop a crack pipe to the ground, in front of back up Sgt. Michael Andrews. Ultimately, a search of the car and the occupants yielded a wax fold containing suspected CDS-heroin stamped “Batman and Robin” in red ink; a wax fold containing suspected

POLICE BEAT CDS-heroin stamped “John Gotti” in blue ink; four small vials containing suspected CDS-crack cocaine; used hypodermic syringes; a metal rod; a broken crack pipe; several empty wax folds containing residue of suspected CDS-heroin stamped “Final Call” in black ink; several empty vials containing residue of suspected CDS-crack cocaine; several balls of copper wool mesh; burnt spoons; two wax folds containing suspected CDS-heroin stamped “Batman and Robin” in red ink; seven vials containing suspected CDS-crack cocaine; four more crack pipes; several more empty wax folds containing suspected CDS-heroin stamped “Batman and Robin” in red ink and

“Final Call” in black in; four empty vials containing residue of suspected CDS-crack cocaine; several cut straws; large amount of copper wool mesh; and two more small metal rods. The duo were arrested and the vehicle was impounded and both were charged with possession of a schedule I-IV CDS heroin), possession of a Schedule I-IV CDS crack cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Lozada also issued summonses for driving suspended, failure to keep right, disregarding a stop sign, and operation of a vehicle while in possession of narcotic. Based on public safety assessment scores generated by the NJ Courts system, Kaplan was charged and released while Lozada was charged and sent to the Hudson County Jail.

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Wednesday, January 24, 2024

OPINION & VIEWPOINTS EDITORIAL

Nutley’s reinvented Neighborhood Watch should set the way

ast week, Nutley Police Chief Tom Strumolo, Det. Lt. Anthony Montanari, and Public Safety Commissioner Alphonse Petracco, hosted a meeting at Township Hall to reintroduce residents to the Neighborhood Watch program. Indeed, one began in the 1970s, but thanks to the work of the aforementioned three, the new program should set an example other communities will want to follow in the coming months ahead. There are a few things that differ from the original program, some more obvious than others. Perhaps the most noted is how social media will play a huge role in the watch, as it has in the world for the last decade, by allowing residents to better assist police in fighting crime. While past neighborhood watches would normally take place from the comfort of one’s home, social media reports will help the police to fight crime significantly better and quicker. Neighborhoods will be divided into zones, each with captains. Those captains will be required to relay instances of crime of which they are aware to the police. All of this will be a cooperative effort between the stakeholders, residents, and law enforcement. In fact, countless volunteers have already stepped up and have said “yes” to the call, “yes” to the notion there are fewer greater tools to fighting crime than to report what is witnessed. We take this time to commend Nutley for taking this pro-active step in light of recent incidents of car thefts, home burglaries and other crimes. It is our belief the program, devised by Montanari, Strumolo and Petracco will be one for other municipalities to learn from — and hopefully, follow. In a case like this one, there is only all to gain and absolutely nothing of significance to lose.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Zapata: Canessa, Observer get it all wrong To the Editor: In a recent article titled “Doyle in, Zapata out, as clerk to the Hudson commissioners,” Kevin Canessa presented a distorted version of events at the County Commissioners’ reorganization meeting on Jan. 2. In contrast to my previous decision to avoid engaging with such narratives, I aim to provide an unbiased account, as seen in The Jersey Journal’s article “Kearny mayor nearly doubles her salary by taking on job as clerk for Hudson County commissioners.” As the clerk to the board, my responsibility was to run the meeting until the final vote, following prior discussions with board counsel. After the vote, I promptly handed over responsibilities to the new clerk, in accordance with the resolution’s immediate effect stipulation. Despite Canessa’s claim of a “terse departure,” my actions aligned with the resolution, and

the chairman acknowledged my professionalism, ethics and principled approach throughout my tenure. Canessa’s narrative distorts the reality of the situation, focusing on soundbites rather than providing the public an impartial and transparent account. The paperwork in question was my personal checklist for the day and I instructed my deputy clerk to assist the new clerk upon my departure. Since assuming the role in August, I received no formal guidance on day-to-day responsibilities, but conducted the necessary legal research and studied my predecessor’s approach to succeed in the role. Common sense dictates that job seekers should research a role’s demands before making a claim. The rhetoric suggesting the clerk’s post belongs exclusively to Kearny’s mayor does not align with historical facts. Prior to Santos, Councilwoman Burns

In Memoriam Mary A. Tortoreti 1942-2016

Lisa M. Feorenzo lisa@theobserver.com Co-owner/Advertising Dir. Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com Editor/Broadcaster

39 Seeley Avenue n Kearny, N.J. 07032 n (201) 991-1600 Fax: (201) 991-8941 n www.theobserver.com

Tina Feorenzo Co-owner/Advertising

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

Deadlines

held the post until her retirement, several years after Santos became Mayor, succeeding former Mayor Sansone, who replaced Harrison Mayor/State Sen. Frank E. Rodgers. This assumption contributes to selective memory we are seeing of late, where we uphold certain traditions while discarding inconvenient ones. My hope is for our local newspaper to return to the informed and impartial journalistic approach I remember from growing up in Kearny. Councilman George Zapata Kearny Editor’s note: The verbiage of the The Observer’s original story reads: “The position, itself, has traditionally gone to the Kearny Mayor or that person’s designee.” This change was made by the Hudson County Democratic Organization after the mayoralty of Rodgers.

Robert P. Pezzolla gm@theobserver.com General Manager

Kimberley Pezzolla Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com kimpezzolla@theobserver.com Sales/Classifieds Sports Writer

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Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Cast announced for upcoming WHATCo show

The West Hudson Arts & Theater Co has announced the cast for its production of Agatha Christie's, “And Then There Were None,” a six-performance kicking off Feb. 16 at the Theater at WHATCo, 15 Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard S., Harrison. The cast includes Christopher Tully as Sir Lawrence Wargrave; Francesca Stokes as Emily Brent; Erica Vieira as Vera Claythorne; Matt Masiello as Philip Lombard; Don Filicetti as Dr. Armstrong; John J. Jeffords as William Blore; Robert Strauch as General Mackenzie; Daniella Heywood as Mrs. Rogers; Jonathan Rueda as Anthony Marston and Fred Narracot; and Andre’ Vieira as Rogers.

The Observer n www.theobserver.com

This classic Christie mystery is directed by Cynthia Ross with stage manager Jasmine Viera. Set design is by Brian Sullivan. “And Then There Were None” tells the story of 10 strangers summoned to a remote island accused of misdeeds. When the weather cuts them off from the mainland one by one, the guests are killed in accordance with a sinister nursery rhyme. They must find the killer if they hope to survive. Performances are set for Feb. 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 18 and 25 matinees at 2 p.m. Visit www.whatconj. org for tickets and additional information.

WHAT WINS AWARDS T

he West Hudson Arts & Theater Company has been voted “Favorite Local Theater” in the 2023 BroadwayWorld New Jersey Awards. WHATCo was also honored as Best Musical, Best Ensemble and Best Direction of a Musical for its production of “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown” last spring. The BroadwayWorld 2023 Regional Awards honor regional productions, touring shows and more who had first performances between Oct. 1, 2022 through Sept. 30, 2023.

“We are absolutely thrilled with this recognition,” WHATCo President Brandi-Leigh Miller said. “We have been working hard to establish WHATCo within our community as a welcoming venue and home for both performers and theater lovers. “On behalf of the volunteer actors, technicians and creators we have the privilege to work with, we want to thank our audiences for their outpouring of support. West Hudson Arts & Theater is proud to be your favorite local theater.”

The Dining Directory KEARNY Curiosity by Intrinsic

161 Midland Ave. • 201-458-2225 Domingo’s Bakery & Restaurant 292 Kearny Ave. • 201-428-1904 Q’Tal Bar & Grill 3 Kearny Ave. • 201-997-7825

HARRISON / E.NEWARK Pic-Nic 224 Grant Ave. • 973- 481-3646 Spanish Pavillion www.SpanishPavillion.com• 973-485-7750

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Angelo’s Ristorante 263 Ridge Rd.•201- 939-1922

N. ARLINGTON Shawn’s Crazy Saloon 350 Belleville Tpke.•201-997-4296 Lassoni Restaurant 602 Ridge Rd.•201-998-0911 The Corner Grill 114 Ridge Rd.•201-772-5631

Want to be part of our directory? Call us today at 201-991-1600

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Wednesday, January 24, 2024

HCCC & NJCU sign seamless transfer agreement Hudson County Community College and New Jersey City University have signed an historic agreement that will enable a seamless transfer experience from HCCC to NJCU as HCCC students take the next step in their academic journeys and pursue their bachelor’s degrees at NJCU, Christopher Reber and Andrés Acebo, the presidents of the two school said. The agreement facilitates the seamless transfer of credits from HCCC to NJCU, creating inclusive, visible and barrier-free transfer pathways and ensuring students do not accumulate excess credits at either institution. When students from a community college are accepted to a four-year college, they may face significant challenges and sometimes find a portion of their credits aren’t accepted, causing them to spend both time and money to retake similar courses at their new school. This new program proactively eliminates this hurdle and provides transfer students with additional resources, including a transfer counselor who will work with them to ensure support needed for success. The two Jersey City schools will also share additional resources, including but not limited to housing and childcare services at NJCU, and HCCC’s holistic-support services and programs. The schools will also establish data and information-sharing procedures among staff to share best practices and promote student success. Students will be dually-enrolled and have access to all programs and facilities at both institutions throughout their studies. While the two colleges are geographically close, they have many programmatic commonalities, including a shared focus on student success, Reber says. “We both serve large communities of traditionally underrepresented students. Many students at both institutions are the first in their families to go to college,”

Reber said. “Many of these students are navigating monumental barriers to pursue their education. When they succeed, it is life-changing for the students, their children, their families and their communities and the outcomes ripple throughout generations.” Acebo echoed this. “This historic announcement for both institutions builds upon NJCU’s nearly century-long commitment to providing a socioeconomically diverse population with access to an excellent education as a catalyst to social mobility,” Acebo said. “This is a pillar of our commitment to being one of the public anchor institutions in Hudson County and surrounding communities. NJCU recently announced the most significant overhaul of its general education program in decades. Our intentional work alongside our partners at Hudson County Community College will only further the distinction that NJCU is now the most transfer-friendly public university in the State of New Jersey. “The partnership between NJCU and HCCC provides tools to change the trajectory for students who enroll in the community college, make the transition to the four-year institution, and engage fully in the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree.” Acebo also spoke of the positive change that the event will bring to Hudson County residents. “The work we are doing lives and breathes within our community. Help doesn’t always come from the outside – the most sustained focus of our work must be rooted within the communities that we serve. You can’t be for the community if you’re not in the community,” Acebo said. There are 15 academic pathways in a variety of fields and disciplines available to HCCC students who want to begin a course of study there and continue on to NJCU after completing their associate degree.

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

The Observer  www.theobserver.com

SPORTS & HEALTH

Kearny boys basketball hopes depth leads to strong finish

a different dynamic to the lineup. Souza leads the team in steals, while also averaging Marc McCaffrey’s first 6.2 points per game season as Kearny’s boys “They both bring different basketball coach has seen its things to the game,” McCafups and downs through its frey said. “Will’s a little bit 5-6 start. But as the Kardibetter scorer. Kevin’s a little nals enter the second half of bit better at controlling the the regular season and the tempo of the game.” upcoming Hudson County Fellow juniors Luis RodTournament, he sees a team riguez and Chris Ruiz are at that has the ability go on an the other guard. Rodriguez, extended hot streak. a three-sport athlete for “I’ve seen a lot of positive the Kardinals, is averaging progression. We’re compet9.0 points per game and is ing a lot better, even in our the team’s leading 3-point losses,” said McCaffrey of his shooter. team, which currently sits Junior Jonah Menedez (7.0 fourth in the HCIAL’s Napoints per game) is another tional Division at 3-3. “We’re outside shooter at guard who competing better and playing has played significant minhard, we just need some shots utes so far. to fall our way. Our defensive The depth is also a strength effort has been really good. up front. Matheus Mullins, If we get a few more shots to a 6-foot-5 senior, leads the fall our way, I think we can team in scoring at 9.3 points start rattling off some wins.” per game and in rebounds at One of the things pointing 6.1 per contest. in Kearny’s favor the rest of Older brother William has the way is its depth. With seen his role increase as he the Kardinals’ rotation often continues his inspiring comegoing nine players deep at back from leukemia. a minimum, McCaffrey is Joining them inside is optimistic that it will keep his 6-foot-4 senior center Ameer group fresher as the season Mills. goes on. At 6-foot-0, senior forward The depth has led to Jayden Figuereo doesn’t Kearny employing several have the height of his fellow different lineups and nine forwards, but is a matchup different players averaging nightmare thanks to his physat least 4.5 points per game icality to go with his ball-hanso far. dling ability. Figuereo, who Juniors Kevin McKenna averages 8.5 points and 5.4 and Will Souza share the rebounds per game. point guard responsibility for Kearny, each bringing See KEARNY, Page 11 By Jason Bernstein

jason@theobserver.com

Photo courtesy of Christopher Heintze By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

There’s no denying that the Nutley girls basketball team has experienced plenty of growth over the last 12 months. The most tangible example of that came on Thursday night when it went to arch-rival Bloomfield and defeated the Bengals, 53-50 in overtime. Not only was it a second win over Bloomfield, a team it lost to twice a season ago, but the victory, the Maroon Raiders’ ninth of the season, exceeded the total of a year

ago. “They feel like they have something to prove and that definitely helps drive their motivation,” said first year head coach Kara McNish. “They have all these teams that they haven’t beaten in years that they’ve played against their whole life, like Bloomfield and West Essex. They kind of feel like they’re getting some redemption and that definitely helps motivate them.” Nearly the entire roster is back from last year’s tumultuous 8-15 season, a far cry from

its current 9-5 mark. “They’ve been playing together since they were young in elementary school, through middle school,” McNish said. “And most of them (have been together) on varsity since their freshman and sophomore years.” Leading the group so far has been senior Anna Green, who has emerged as one of Essex’s County better guards.Green has scored in double-figures in all, but one game this season, averaging 15.5 points per contest. See NUTLEY, Page 10

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And she’s so good defensively, she takes charges and her body falls everywhere. She Continued from Page 9 just sacrifices every time she’s “This year she’s just kind of on the floor. She’s tenacious for someone that’s only 5-1.” taking control of the game,” Grace Christie brings verMcNish said. “She’s a scoring satility and another perimeter threat, but does all the little shooter to the lineup. The things on defense. She gets everybody going. She’s just an junior 5-foot-7 is second on all-around player and it’s hard the team in 3-pointers with 18, but can also play with her to take her off the court.” back to the basket. That posiJoining Green in the backtion versatility allows McNish court is senior point guard to deploy a guard-heavy lineCynthis DePersio, who leads up with senior Riley Sebasthe team in assists with 49 tiano coming off the bench. and is an active rebounder Starting at center is 6-foot-0 and defender despite being Isabel Riccardi, who is averjust 5-foot-1. aging 8.1 points per game, but “She is so fast and athletic and she makes these moves to makes her biggest impact on the defensive end where she the basket and draws the deaverages 8.4 rebounds and 3.5 fenders and dished the ball,” said McNish. “She really con- blocks per contest. “She blocks everything trols the tempo of our game.

NUTLEY

C ELEBRATING 25 Y EARS !

EYE

that comes in into her area and when we play certain teams and I know that they rely mainly on the dribble drive, we can sit in a 2-3 zone and she’s in the middle and basically denies pretty much everything that comes her way,” said McNish, an accomplished forward at Hawthorne and Mount Saint Vincent. “Isabel runs the floor so well that a lot of time we will kick it to her on a fast break.” Both Ricardi and fellow starting forward Mina Shaw are cross country runners in the fall, allowing Nutley to play big without having to slow its pace. The 5-foot-9 senior is averaging 7.6 rebounds per game. Adding to the depth up front is freshman Kaitlyn Nellegar, who is averaging 4.3 rebounds per game and is sure to be a name to watch in the future.

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Senior Morgan Dolaghan is a key defender off the bench and sophomore Makayla Albert is a versatile athlete who can play multiple positions. McNish also gave praise to assistants Ava Mandala and Megan Ginter, who were added to the staff after McNish moved up to head coach this past summer. Nutley takes a three-game winning streak into Tuesday’s SEC - Liberty Division showdown against second place Glen Ridge. Last week the Raiders were awarded the 10th seed in the Essex County Tournament, earning a bye into the second preliminary round where they will face the winner of Livingston and Newark Collegiate on Thursday. A win on Thursday will give Nutley a matchup on Saturday at seventh-seeded Caldwell. Bloomfield also earned a

bye into the second preliminary round as an 11-seed and will host the Millburn-Arts winner on Thursday. Belleville, seeded 25th, plays 24th-seeded Science Park in a preliminary round game set for Monday afternoon after The Observer’s deadline.

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KEARNY

Continued from Page 9 “It allows us to play inside and out. It allows us to play different styles of offense and defense,” McCaffrey said about the quartet. “Having four guys that can rebound and run the floor (is huge).” Sophomore Caleb Baptista and junior Genaro Sosa bring additional depth to the rotation as will senior forward Ben Cepin when he returns from injury. Kearny begins the second half of the National Division’s double-round robin schedule on Tuesday when it hosts McNair, then goes to Ferris on Thursday. Independent games against American History and Lincoln follow, and after a

Photo courtesy of Vincent Almeida division game against University Charter, the Kardinals travel to rival Harrison for a much-anticipated Feb. 2 matchup. “I have a lot of confidence

the team is going to (go on a run),” said McCaffrey. “Playing two teams that beat us

early in the year in McNair and Ferris should give us a good indication of where

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Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Green’s a go-to scorer for resurgent Maroon Raiders By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

No one had to tell Anna Green before the season that she would need to establish herself as the go-to scorer on a Nutley team that won just eight games a year ago. “It’s kind of something that has been expected because I’ve been the one that has taken basketball more seriously,” said Green. “I’ve been playing AAU since about seventh grade. My first sport has been basketball since I started playing. So I think it was kind of expected of me and I knew that from when I started high school.” Now in her third season

scoring in double figures in 13 of her team’s 14 games so far. “She definitely has always had it in her. I think she just needed the confidence,” head coach Kara McNish said. “If she misses the first or the second shot, she finds another way to score and I think that’s something she didn’t have in the past. It was live and die by the 3-pointer.” Before this year, Green was known primarily as an outside shooter, albeit a pretty solid one who averaged a 3-pointer per game over her sophomore and junior seasons. While Green’s 3-point rate Photo by Jason Bernstein has gone up this season with Anna Green 26 in 14 games, so has all other aspects of her offensive game more than seven points more as she drives to the basket than last year. more and is on pace to set While last week was her career-highs in virtually every most productive offensively, Green has been a consistent See ATHLETE, Page 14 performer all season long,

in the Raiders’ starting lineup, Green has become one of Essex County’s top scorers and Nutley a contender in the SEC’s Liberty Division. Green is averaging 19.7 points per game during Nutley’s current three-game winning streak. She struck for a season-high 21 points in a blowout win over East Orange on Jan. 16. Then, two days later, Green had 20 points and seven rebounds in a 53-50 overtime victory at arch-rival Bloomfield. These performances have earned Green The Observer Athlete of the Week. For the season, Green is averaging 15.5 points per game,

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Kenneth T. Brown

Kenneth T. Brown, of Kearny, a Newark Police sergeant, died Jan. 21, 2024. He was 53. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. Visiting will be Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024 from 2 until 8 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to return to the funeral home Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. and the funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. in the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, 89 Ridge St. Newark. Kenny served in the United States Coast Guard and currently served 28 years as a Newark Police sergeant. He was the son of the late Ken and Maureen Brown. Beloved husband of Ann (nee Dabrowski) and loving father of Casey Brown, he is also survived by his sisters Barbara Bennington and Karen Hodge along with loving nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

George C. Giangeruso

George C. Giangeruso, 77, of Brigantine, formerly of Lyndhurst, died on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024. George was born in Passaic, spent his childhood years in Lyndhurst, then moved to Nutley with his family. He later retired to Brigantine. George was a parts assembler at Matheson Gas Products of East Rutherford for over 35

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OBITUARIES

years. He was well known for getting to know everyone and sharing his stories. He loved to be around family and friends. His love of music often had him singing to strangers in public. George was predeceased by his parents George and Frances (nee Viteritto) Giangeruso and his brother David Giangeruso. He is survived by his loving wife, Diane Giangeruso (Vaccaro-Troiano), his son, George F. Giangeruso and his daughter, Lisa Marie Cariaga and her husband, Anthony; by his cherished grandsons, Gavin, Brandon and Jalen; by his dear brothers, Robert B. Giangeruso and Laura Kopp, Carmine Giangeruso and his wife Denise and by many loving nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews and cousins. A funeral Mass for George was celebrated at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Lyndhurst. Interment was in

Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the American Kidney Foundation.

Barbara Ann McManamy (nee Doran)

Sept. 23, 1936 – Jan. 13, 2024 Barbara Ann McManamy nee Doran went to be with our Lord on Jan. 13, 2024. She was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Russell. She was born in Newark and lived in Kearny until 1987, relocating to Venice, Florida. Barbara was a long-time member of the United Methodist Church and Stephen’s minister. Over the years, she was involved in Girl Scouts, PTA Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Miracle Prayer

Dear Sacred Heart Of Jesus, in the past I have asked for many favors, this time I ask you this special one favor. Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it in your own broken heart where our Father sees it, then in his merciful eyes it will become your favor, not mine.

B.S.

Lord JESUS, by faith in your merits, I now take your precious blood and sprinkle it over myself and my family right from the crown of my head to the very soles of my feet. I claim total and complete protection for my life and my family. Lord JESUS, keep me free today from evil, sin, temptation, Satan’s attacks and afflictions, fear of darkness, fear of man, sickness, diseases, doubts, anger, all calamities and from all that is not of thy Kingdom. Fill me Lord JESUS with gift of your Holy SPIRIT and grant me the gift of wisdom, knowledge, understanding and discernment so that I will live today in your glory by doing that which is right. I praise you, Jesus. I Thank you, Jesus. I Love you, Jesus. I Adore you, Jesus.Holy Spirit, you makes me see everything, and shows me the way to reach my ideals, you who gives me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me, and you who are in all instances of my life with me, I in this short dialogue want to thank you for everything an affirm once more that I never want to be separated from you no matter how great the material desire may be. I want to be with you and my loved ones in your Perpetual Glory. (MENTION YOUR REQUEST) Thank you, Holy Spirit for your B.S. love towards me and my loved ones. AMEN.

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and a NJ Club of FL member. The biggest impact of Barbara’s life will be the legacy she is leaving to her family. She was a faithful and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was everybody’s mom; all were welcome in our home. She had an enthusiasm for life and a genuine care for others. She truly demonstrated the love of Christ to family, neighbors or a stranger who she met for the first time. She leaves behind five children, Debra (Harry), Joyce (Joe), Patti (John), Russell (KerryLee) and Christina

All obituaries must be submitted by email by 10 a.m., Mondays, to obituaries@ theobserver.com. Payment is due at submission. (Jeff ); 14 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Richard (Alma) and Thomas, sister-in-law Beth; and brother-in-law Rex; and her closest friends Barbara, Helene, Patsy and Rachael, who were all like sisters to her.

Carol O’Brien

Carol O’Brien died Jan. 19, 2024. She was 72. Visiting will be Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024 from 3 until 7 p.m. at the Armitage & Wiggins See OBITS, Page 14

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do so much more.” Opponents didn’t get a chance to see all Green could Continued from Page 12 do as just three games into statistical category both offen- last season she broke a bone in her left hand that cost her sively and defensively. “I think it’s something I really four weeks of the season. While Green was able to return for wanted to work hard for, esthe final 11 games of what was pecially since it is my senior a trying 8-15 season for the year,” Green said. “I really wanted to show everyone what Raiders. “She ended up coming back, I can do, especially our rivals but I don’t think she was ever this year. It’s a big year for us fully healed so I just don’t since it’s most of our senior year and these are the girls I’ve know that she really got to play up to her fullest potential,” said been playing with since I was McNish. “This year she’s just little. kind of taking control of the “I think I just wanted to show my team what I can do, I game. She’s a scoring threat wanted to show my coach what and everybody knows. But I can do, and I wanted to show she does all the little things on defense too. She gets everybody the other teams that I’m not going, she gets steals, when she only a 3-pointer shooter. I can

ATHLETE

gets stopped she makes good passes. She’s just an all-around player and it’s hard to take her off the court.” Green is unsure if she will play basketball in college. Whether or not this ends up being her last season, she’s proud of the progress this winter has provided both for her individually as well as her team. “It’s something I’ve been working for my whole life and for me to see how well I think I’ve been doing this season, it makes me proud of myself to see how far I’ve come since I first started playing, “ Green said. “And then as a team, it’s just exciting because we’re having a winning season so far and it’s just a good way to go out.”

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OBITS

Continued from Page 13 Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. Mass will be celebrated Thursday, Jan. 25, at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Church, Kearny and entombment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery Mausoleum in North Arlington. Carol was born in Jersey City and moved to Kearny 40 years ago. She was retired from Omgeo Financial Institution in New York City where she served as a senior director. She was the sister of Marilyn McCarthy (her late husband Jack), James O’Brien (his wife Lorraine), Joyce Skinner (her husband Raymond) and the late Donald O’Brien. Also surviving are 14 nieces and nephews. Carol was predeceased by her nephew Jimmy. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

er of Marilynn, Judy and Edward, he is also survived by his grandchildren Christopher Sylvester and Elise Tran. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to the American Heart Society or the American Diabetes Association.

Marie Balogh

Marie Balogh, (nee Confessore), 88, died Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024 at the Job Haines Home, Bloomfield. Relatives and friends visited at the Thiele-Reid Family Funeral Home, 585 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. The funeral Mass was at Our Lady of Sorrows R.C. Church, Kearny. Entombment was in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. Mrs. Balogh was born and raised in Harrison and lived there until moving to Kearny after marrying her husband, Paul J. Balogh. Marie is survived by two sons, Mark and Glenn Balogh and his wife, Beth; two sisters, Judith Gaitka (and husband Albin) and CaroWilliam Sylvester line Martorana; one brothWilliam Sylvester of er, Louis Confessore (and Kearny died Jan. 17, 2024. wife Lucille); sisters-in-law He was 85. Barbara Balogh and Gloria Visiting and a service Confessore and two grandtook place at the Armitage children, Kylie Balogh and & Wiggins Funeral Home, Cory Balogh; and also, many 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. nieces and nephews who she Cremation was private. loved so very much. Born in Newark, he lived She was predeceased by most of his life in Kearny. her husband, Paul J. Balogh, Bill served in the United her son Jeffrey Balogh; two States Army and was a membrothers, Dominick and ber of the VFW. He earned Frederick Confessore and his bachelor’s degree from one sister, Nancy Brennan. Kean University. Bill was a reIn lieu of flowers the famtired Irvington police officer. ily suggests contributions to Bill is survived by his son St. Jude Children’s Research Daniel Sylvester and his Hospital at www.stjude.org. daughter Dari Tran. Broth-

WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

KPD Continued from Page 4 New York City. He also speaks Spanish. Jamier Kerr, 23, of Belleville Kerr worked as lead carpenter at Artistic Tile and at FedEx. Kerr volunteers with Family Resource Network in Bloomfield, working with special-needs children. Juan Arenas De La Cruz, 29, of Newark

The Observer n www.theobserver.com

De La Cruz was a security supervisor at the NJ Performing Arts Center in Newark. He earned an associate degree in criminal justice from Essex Community College and speaks Spanish. Estefania Castaneda, 33, of North Bergen Castaneda, already on the job, was born in Chile and emigrated to the United States in her youth. She was an EMT for over 13 years in the Hudson County area and possesses EMT certifications that are

POLICE BEAT still active. She completed the Essex County Corrections Academy and became a Hudson County Corrections Officer. Then she completed the Bergen County Police Academy and became a Hudson County Sheriff’s Officer. She doesn’t need to attend academy again since she is already certified as police

officer and is bilingual English and Spanish.

also expressed his delight with the new class — and the town’s support of his efforts. “I’m very pleased with this group of new recruits and feel that will be a great addition to the department,” King said. “I’m also grateful to the mayor and council for their continued support of the police department and their commitment to public safety.” Observer Editor Kevin A. Canessa Jr. may be reached by email at kc@theobserver.com. Find him on Twitter or Facebook @kevincanessa.

Mayor & chief pleased “This is a wonderfully diverse class of new officers,” Mayor Carol Jean Doyle said. “We are very happy this group brings such varied backgrounds to the town and that so many speak more than one language. “I am very pleased the new hires complete the town’s table of organization for the Kearny Police Department.” Police Chief George King

BRIEFS Lyndhurst Scouts sponsor fundraiser The Lyndhurst Boy and Girl scouts sponsor a doo-wop dinner and dancing at an Early Valentine celebration at Mt. Carmel Parish Center, 146 Copeland Ave., Lyndhurst, Feb. 10, with the Forever Young (golden oldies) Band. Admission includes a pasta dinner, dessert and beverages! BYOB. There will be a special Valentine’s Day 50/50. Tables for eight and 10 may be reserved and all ages invited. Tickets are $40. Mail checks, payable to “Lyndhurst Girls’ Association” to Donna Shinnick, 617 Lake Ave., Lyndhurst, N.J. 07071 Tickets will not be sold at door. Questions? Call Donna at (201) 906-3010. UNICO’s next bus trip set for early next month Kearny UNICO’s next fundraiser bus trip to Wind Creek Casino & Resort is set for Sunday Feb. 4. The cost is $40 with $25 back in slot play. A bus will depart the American Legion, 314 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, at 9 a.m., with coffee and at 7:45 a.m. Buy tickets by sending a check to KEARNY UNICO, c/o Lou Pandolfi, 81 Thoma Ave., Maywood, N.J. 07607. Call Pandolfi at (201) 693-8504 or send him an email to lpandolfi@verizon.net for more information.

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OBSERVER CLASSIFIEDS OBSERVER CLASSIFIEDS

The Observer n www.theobserver.com

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

The Observer is not responsible for typographical errors. Error credits will not be granted. Minimal changes for multiple-week ads are $10 per instance. Refunds are not granted under any circumstances. Help-wanted ad deadline is 2 p.m., Monday, and all ads must be sent by email to classified@theobserver.com. All other classifieds are due by 3 p.m. Monday. All classifieds are pre-paid — there is no billing. Call (201-991-1600) to place an ad. While The Observer can accept public notice, we cannot accept legal advertising. The Observer is not responsible for typographical errors. Error credits will not be granted. Minimal changes for multiple-week ads are $10 per instance. Refunds are not granted under any circumstances. Help-wanted ad deadline is 2 p.m., Monday, and all ads must be sent by email to classified@theobserver.com. All other classifieds are due by 3 p.m. Monday. All classifieds are pre-paid — there is no billing. Call (201-991-1600) to place an ad. While The Observer can accept public notice, we cannot accept legal advertising.

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

HARRISON

KEARNY

LYNDHURST

HARRISON Sussex St. 1 BR, Ground Fl. Walk To PATH & NJIT. $1200 + Utilities, 1.5 months security, Parking $50.00 No Pets. Available Now (973) 687-7500 38W03

KEARNY 1st Floor. Large 1 BR loft style apartment. Featuring high ceilings, Large windows, Hardwood floors, Full ceramic tile Bath, New Kitchen w/Refrigerator & Stove, $1800 + Security & Utilities. No Pets/Smoking. Available Now (201)9916942 36W03

LYNDHURST 2nd floor. 2 BR. LR. DR, Kitchen, Granite top & Dishwasher $1950 + 1 Months security. Utilities Included. Near Train station. No Smoking/ Pets. Available Now. (201)370-3230 36W03

KEARNY KEARNY One bedroom apartment, Second floor. Nice location. Close to stores. Includes use of basement for storage. $1700.00 per month, utilities not included. Off street parking. Single or couple preferred. No smoking, no pets. Call between 10:00am and 7:00pm. 201-997-2341

KEARNY 2nd floor, 2 bedrooms, LR, DR, W/D hook-up. No Pets/Smoking. $1,750 plus + 1.5 mth security. Utilities Separate. Available February 15th (848)250-2760 38W01

Think you can’t refinance because values are down?

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BELLEVILLE Good location. One bedroom. Renovated. Easy commute to NYC, bus, light rail to PATH, 3rd floor. Conveniently location to shopping malls, houses of worship, schools, etc. Message Dorie at (973) 259-9100 or (201) 467-7754. $1700/month. Credit check required. Requires one-month security deposit an rent. Showing requires 24-hour notice 38W02

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

Wastewater Collection System Supervisor Kearny Municipal Utilities Authority (Hudson County) is seeking a Collection System Supervisor for the Authorities five pump stations, approximately 9 miles of gravity sewer, and 3 miles of force mains. Will report directly, and function under the supervision of the Executive Director. Assists with & perform daily operation, process changes, maintenance, inspections, and record keeping. Ability to troubleshoot and identify operational failures. Oversees, trains, and works with the operational staff of (4). Required to be on-call for emergencies. Intermediate computer skills are required (MS Office). Requires at least 4 years experience in pump station & collections operations and maintenance. High School diploma, NJDEP C-1 license, NJ state drivers license, and NJ CDL Class B w/Tanker required. All applicants must pass a Physical, Drug Screening, and Background Check. EOE. Applications can be found at https://www.kearnynj.org/kmua-links-notices/. Please email completed applications/resumes to JoVonn Quinones, Executive Director jquinones@kmua.org 36W04

KEARNY Arlington section 1st floor. Newly renovated. 1 BR, 1 Bath, LR, EIK $1500 + 1 months security. Utilities separate. No smoking/Pets. Available February 1st (201)892-8352 or (201)927-1049 38W03

38W03

KEARNY 1 BR. Open concept LR,DR & Kitchen $1450 + 1.5 months security. Utilities included. No Pets/smoking. Available Now (201)888-5477 36W03

CONDO FOR RENT

N. ARLINGTON N.ARLINGTON 1st. Fl. large apt, 2/3 bed with an office, LR, EIK, H/W Floors, Walking distance to schools & Supermarket, all public transportation and NY bus. New upgrade and appliances. Coin operated washer and dryer on site, storage, use of yard, street parking, pet conditional. Ave. Feb. 1. Call (917) 362 -0828 37W03

Med-Tech/Med-Asst Wanted Adult Medical Day Care (Belleville) Part Time/Full Time Driver for adult medical daycare in Essex County needed. Creole speaking a must. No nights or weekends. Competitive Salary. Call Monday thru Friday only between 10 AM and 4 PM. Call (973) 751-6000

ROOM FOR RENT KEARNY

36W03

KEARNY 2nd Floor, $650 Monthly + $325 security, Utilities included, Shared Bath & Kitchen. Available Now (201)691-4080 36W03

Come join our Children’s Studio family. We are looking to hire support teachers and caregivers who are creative, energetic and loving. Full time and part time positions available. Please email your resume to childrensstudio102@gmail.com or contact us at 973-485-5437

KEARNY 1 room with large closet near transportation. Smoking allowed. No pets. Female preferred, must be employed. Share EIK and full bath. $800 + 1 mo. security deposit. Share utility expenses. Attic storage available. Call Jennifer 201-283-2325 37W03

NORTH ARLINGTON • NJ 07031

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OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT KEARNY Office/Medical space in great location in center of town/ Kearny Ave. approx 1300 sq feet. Call for details: (201)538-1319 36W03

Retail Space For Lease !! Dental , Medical, office retail space. approx. 1300 Sqft. $2500 + 1.5 months security. North Arlington , Ridge Road location !! Call (201)966-8095 38W03

37W03

Wastewater Operator Trainee Kearny Municipal Utilities Authority (Hudson County) is seeking to hire a Full-Time Entry Level Operator Trainee for Collection & Storm Sewer Systems. Tasks include but are not limited to Jetvac & Street Sweeper Operation, Snow Plowing, Emergency Callouts, Cleaning, Landscaping, General Manual Labor, Heavy Lifting, Maintenance, Catch Basin/Manhole Repairs, and Inspections. Individuals hired for this position will be enrolled in the NJWA Apprenticeship Program which will assist with additional education and training for Collection System Operator Licensing. Minimum Requirements: 18 Years of Age, High School Diploma, Valid NJ State Driver’s License, Valid NJ CDL Class B w/Tanker or Ability to Obtain. All applicants must pass a Physical, Drug Screening, and Background Check. EOE. Applications can be found at https://www.kearnynj.org/kmua-links-notices/. Please email completed applications/resumes to JoVonn Quinones, Executive Director jquinones@kmua.org 36W04

BUSINESS FOR SALE LYNDHURST Liquor License Consumption “C” Bar or Restaurant $58,000 Contact Jim (973) 454-9062 38W03

The Observer’s office is open Monday - Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please feel free to visit us during our regular hours of operation or call (201) 991-1600

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

CDL Driver Wanted Adult Medical Day Care (Belleville) Part Time/Full Time Driver for adult medical daycare in Essex County needed. A CDL with Class B and Endorsement P preferred!!! Spanish speaking a plus. No nights or weekends. Competitive Salary. Call Monday thru Friday only between 10 AM and 4 PM. Call (973) 751-6000 36W03

Crossing Guards The Town of Kearny is currently accepting applications for future hire for part time per diem crossing guards. Applicants must be available for all shifts. Valid NJ driver’s license required. $19.38 per hr. If you applied before you must apply again. Proof of residency is required; applicants shall provide copies of the first page (only) of the last three (3) 1040 tax returns with the financial data redacted and a Government issued photo identification card (i.e. current NJ Driver’s License, Passport etc.). Applications are available at: https://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/ The Town of Kearny is an equal opportunity employer 36W03

PART TIME Looking for recently retired or recent High School graduates able to work 2 or 3 days a week to install communication cabling Please email : bradleycomm@aol.com

Shop Helper Full-time $15.05 hr. Shipping, Receiving, Sand blasting, Furnace helper, General shop maintenances (201) 991-8000 or veronica@ tempprocessing.com

38W03

PUBLIC NOTICE (We are not a legal newspaper)

Town of Kearny, N.J. Request for Proposal (RFP) Please take notice that the Town of Kearny has posted a Request for Proposal (RFP) on its municipal website (https://www.kearnynj.org/bid-notices/) to select a qualified professional consultant to prepare a Five (5) Year Zone Development Plan for the Kearny Urban Enterprise Zone (KUEZ). Proposals are due by 5:00 P.M. (EST) on February 9, 2024. Please see RFP on the Town of Kearny website for specifications and additional details. 38W02

PERSONALS New chapter in life. Early retired female, independent Kearny area. Attractive, Looking for male counter part in same category. For casual Lunch, Dinner. Just enjoy life to all its potential - call or text (201)948-6559 38W03

OBSERVER CLASSIFIEDS OBSERVER CLASSIFIEDS

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

The Observer n www.theobserver.com

The Observer is not responsible for typographical errors. Error credits will not be granted. Minimal changes for multiple-week ads are $10 per instance. Refunds are not granted under any circumstances. Help-wanted ad deadline is 2 p.m., Monday, and all ads must be sent by email to classiﬁed@theobserver.com. All other classifieds are due by 3 p.m. Monday. All classifieds are pre-paid — there is no billing. Call (201-991-1600) to place an ad. While The Observer can accept public notice, we cannot accept legal advertising. The Observer is not responsible for typographical errors. Error credits will not be granted. Minimal changes for multiple-week ads are $10 per instance. Refunds are not granted under any circumstances. Help-wanted ad deadline is 2 p.m., Monday, and all ads must be sent by email to classiﬁed@theobserver.com. All other classifieds are due by 3 p.m. Monday. All classifieds are pre-paid — there is no billing. Call (201-991-1600) to place an ad. While The Observer can accept public notice, we cannot accept legal advertising.

PAINTING & DECORATING Kevin’s affordable home improvements * Painting * Plastering * Sheet Rocking *Carpentry and more. Very neat and clean. Don’t miss out on our low prices and great service. Senior Discount Also light moving. Call (201)565-6393 References available 38W06

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CONSTRUCTION SERVICES • Concrete • Brick work • Steps • Stone Walls • Tiles • Painting • Sheetrock • Drywall • Plastering ALL types of Masonry For Free Estimates Call Edinson (973) 943-2254 38W06

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CLEANING SERVICE BLUEBIRD CLEANING Treat yourself to professional cleaning. I provide my own supplies. Responsible, Reliable and Respectful. Fair prices and great references Call Susan (973)743-2039 37W04

Find our how by calling The Observer’s Classified Department at (201) 991-1600 TODAY!

IZZA’S CLEANING Houses, Apartments & Ofﬁces Years of experience. References upon request For a free estimate contact 201-838-7698 37W03

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The Observer n www.theobserver.com

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

WATCH

Continued from Page 1

Contributed photo

Det. Lt. Anthony Montanari, Nutley PD’s public-information officer, addresses the assembled crowd, explaining how the township’s new neighborhood watch program, which will rely on the use of social media, will work. The court chamber was packed with interested residents.

PUBLIC NOTICE

are done with their paperwork. That is what we’re up against.” That is why we are bringing back the neighborhood watch. “We are going to keep the pressure on in every possible way so that these actors will not look to come to Nutley. One of the things I hear every day is that our residents don’t want to bother us when they see something suspicious. Let me tell you, you are not bothering us. You are helping us. If you see something, say something. That is how we work best to keep our community safe.” Montanari then facilitated a detailed, 45-minute presentation of the program. He explained as a members of the neighborhood watch, residents would work closely with police to determine areas and zones of town in need of closer monitoring. A group of residents in each area will be formed and a team/block captain will be assigned to oversee. The captains will maintain an active list of residents and members within their zones. This information will be shared with the Nutley Police Department’s liaison. Crime activity and information will be disseminated through the captains and the department’s neighborhood watch email. Following the meeting,

Petracco was extremely pleased with the turnout and the dozens of residents who had already signed up for the program. “Unfortunately, we live in a funny time where the good guys are being handcuffed instead of the bad guys,” he said. “And sometimes it can be very frustrating for law-enforcement professionals to do the job they were sworn in to do. “But I am greatly encouraged by everyone who came out tonight in freezing temperatures and to those who have volunteered to become part of the neighborhood watch. I have lived here all my life and Nutley has always been one of the safest towns to live in. This program allows us to be proactive so that our department, along with the community, keeps it that way. Tonight was the first step and all of us in public safety are looking forward to working together with our residents to make the Neighborhood Watch one of our most successful programs.” Montanari, meanwhile, says he was happy with the turnout for the presentation he coordinated. “Nutley has almost 30,000 residents — that’s a lot of eyes watching out for one another,” the police department’s long-time public-information officer said. Sign up to participate in the neighborhood watch program by visiting bit.ly/NutleyWatch. Questions may be directed to Petracco’s office at (973) 284-4929.

The Observer’s office is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please feel free to visit us during our regular hours of operation or call (201) 991-1600.

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

The Observer  www.theobserver.com

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Stk#24-1287, VIN#RI228171, Auto, FWD, 4-Cyl, Heated Seats, Side Curtain Airbags, OnStar, T/Gls, Keyless Entry, P/S/ABS, Backup Camera, AC, Sirius Radio, 5-door hatch, AC, Blind Zone Alert, Remote Start, Chevy Safety Assist Pkg, MSRP: $30,890. Based on a 36month closed end lease with $3,969 due at signing ($2,995 Down Payment, 1st Months Payment, $695 Bank Fee, $0 Security Deposit). Total Payments: $10,044. Residual: $18,843. Includes $1,000 Lease Loyalty or Conquest Incentive if qualified. Offer ends 1/31/24.

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Stk#24-1142, VIN# RZ139851, Auto, 4x4, 4-Cyl, Side Curtain Airbags, OnStar, T/Gls, Keyless Entry, P/S/ABS, Backup Camera, SIRIUS XM, Remote Start, AC, Trailering Pkg, MSRP: $49,550. Based on a 36-month closed end lease with $6,079 due at signing ($4,995 Down Payment, 1st Months Payment, $695 Bank Fee, $0 Security Deposit). Total Payments: $14,004. Residual: $33,694. Includes $1,500 Chevy Loyalty or Conquest Lease if qualified. Offer ends 1/31/24.

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The Observer n www.theobserver.com

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

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SERVICES • General Dentistry

• Invisalign

• Cosmetic Dentistry • Pediatric Dentistry

NEW PATIENT EXAM, CLEANING AND X-RAYS

• Implants

• Periodontics

*FOR NONINSURED PATIENTS

• Dentures

• Preventative/

• Oral Surgery

Hygiene

FREE

No insurance? No problem! Call us about our in house discount plan.

WWW.GENUINESMILESPA.COM

CONSULTATIONS (FOR IMPLANTS & INVISALIGN ONLY.

$395 IN OFFICE WHITENING Mina A. Elfar, D.M.D. General, Cosmetic, & Family Dentistry

X-RAYS NOT INCLUDED.)

GOOGLE REVIEW "This is the best dental practice I've been to by far! Professional and friendly staff. Took me in right away. Very clean and new office. I was extremely impressed. Dr. Elfar and all his staff is personable and committed to providing the best care. Will be recommending to all my friends and family! 5/5!" -Rami Alrabaa

FLEXIBLE HOURS • EARLY, LATE AND WEEKEND HOURS

NEW LOCATION! 480 CENTRAL AVE. • JERSEY CITY, NJ • T: 201.222.0002 837 KEARNY AVE. KEARNY, NJ T: 201.991.1055

2 W NORTHFIELD RD. STE 302B LIVINGSTON, NJ T: 973.758.8922

645 MAIN ST. HACKENSACK, NJ T: 201.347.5001