Kearny is preparing to give a big meadows tenant the boot.
Letters have gone back and forth between the town and its tenant, the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority, about whether to extend the multiyear lease for the 100-acre Keegan landfill which ends this year with an option for renewal through June 30, 2016.
“We don’t want it,” Mayor Alberto Santos said last week.
The mayor said the town was led to believe it could expect to see down the road, not only a capped landfill but also the prospect for converting the dump – which accepts construction and demolition debris – into a future public recreation space.
But a year ago, the NJSEA’s predecessor, the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission, amended its solid waste management plan to provide additional capacity at the Keegan site by elevating the site from 60 to 100 feet.
“If we allow it to go to 100 feet,” Santos said, “[the recreation use] won’t happen.”
The mayor acknowledged that the meadows agency has provided a cap and a pump to remove leachate from the landfill as part of an ongoing
By Karen Zautyk Observer Correspondent
diplomas as proud graduates of the Kearny Police Department’s Junior Police Academy Class of 2015. Organized by the Community Policing (COP) Unit, this marked the sev-
enth year for the summer program, which continues to grow in popularity. In previous years, the average number of enrollees was 30. This time, as noted, there were half-a-hundred -- and
By Ron Leir Observer Correspondent
KEARNY –
Town officials are seeing
red around the Kearny Fire Department but it’s not flames that have their attention.
KFD is awash in red ink: Seems the department has exceeded its budgeted allocation of overtime anticipated for 2015.
The issue was slated for discussion during a closed cau-
cus at the Aug. 11 meeting of the mayor and Town Council.
Mayor Alberto Santos said last week that, “We do have an issue with how we maintain five fire companies with minimum staffing of 15 per shift for the next three months.”
While
That is the case, Santos said, because “we have expended all Fire Department overtime allotted for this year.”
Town CFO Shuaib Firozvi confirmed that the $925,000
FedEx Freight pitched for Porete Ave.
By Ron Leir Observer Correspondent
NORTH ARLINGTON –
The long vacant Bethlehem Steel site on Porete Ave. is targeted for development as a FedEx Freight distribution center, it was disclosed at last Thursday’s meeting of the mayor and Borough Council.
The governing body took the first step in the process of making that happen by voting to authorize borough attorney Randy Pearce and planning consultant Susan Gruel to prepare amendments to the Porete Ave. Redevelopment Plan to accommodate the proposed plant for the council to formally consider when it meets next month.
Then, Pearce said, the amended redevelopment plan will be submitted to the borough Planning Board for its input in October. And, ultimately, it would fall to the Planning Board to judge the merits of the FedEx Freight venture when a “full-blown application” for the project is submitted, he said.
Last Thursday, Jersey City attorney Ronald Shaljian, representing the property lessee Porete Development LLC and principal Moishe Mana, reminded the mayor and council that the owner Meadowlands Ventures had previously pitched a deal with FedEx for the 44-acre Bethlehem Steel site but after “negotiations didn’t work out,” his client signed a ground lease for the property in May 2014.
As a sign of good faith, Shaljian said that because the project site is in a redevelopment zone, his client -- who proposes to redevelop the property with the borough and lease it to FedEx Freight -- would be entitled to ask for a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) deal but he said his client has opted to pay the normal property taxes for the land and improvements.
Additionally, Shaljian said, the developer welcomes “the opportunity to be a good neighbor” by sacrificing 1.5 acres of the project site to develop – at a cost projected at $3 million – a two-way roadway dedicated to public access to connect to the
Belleville Turnpike as a safer alternative to the current passage from Porete to the Pike.
As things stand now, noted Daniel Miola of Langan Engineering, the project’s consulting engineer, “Trucks wanting to go south on the Belleville Turnpike [coming up the hill from Porete] have to go onto Schuyler Ave. and make a Uturn to come back around.”
At full buildout, the project should generate “150 jobs initially,” Shaljian said, but there will be many more as the facility “matures” and expands.
Miola said plans called for a 139,000 square foot trucking distribution terminal for FedEx Freight with 167 dock doors plus a 23,000 square foot secondary building dedicated to truck maintenance and repair, a 10,000 square foot office building and parking for up to 215 employees and five visitors.
To the north, west and east of the project site, the developer would install a storm water management system including runoff basins, Miola said.
But, Miola added, this won’t be an easy build because of topographical and regulatory challenges.
Because the site sits on 50foot deep “very compressible” clay soil, those conditions “will require the buildings to be pile-supported to depths of over 100 feet” and that work alone will likely add $5 million to the overall project cost, Miola said, “but we’re able to stomach that.”
And because the project site “sits in a flood plain,” there will likely have to be some elevation of the land involved, particularly to ensure that the public access road is not subsumed by excess storm water, he said.
Another hurdle that Miola said the project must overcome is an time-consuming government permit process which includes approvals from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the state Department of Environmental Protection and the state Department of Transportation – a process that could take many months to a year.
Kevin Kiernan, representing FedEx as a project manager, said that the proposed opera-
tion would run “24/7” and, as the enterprise expands, “there is an opportunity for just south of 3,000 jobs” over a period of 15 years.
In a prepared statement released after Thursday’s
meeting, Mayor Joseph Bianchi said he welcomed news of the venture. “We have kept our promise to increase our tax base which has been in trouble for the last 10 years. We have not seen new de-
velopment in this town for a long, long time. More importantly, it is a ratable which has a minimum impact on municipal services and that maximizes the tax return to the town.”
Forget longer school day, educator says
By Ron Leir Observer Correspondent
LYNDHURST –
Local educator Dan-
ielle R. Sammarone is committed to improving performance outcomes for her students – but she’s not convinced that a longer school day is the way to that goal.
A fifth-grade science and math teacher at Jefferson School, Sammarone said she came to that conclusion after completing two years of research leading to a successful defense of her Seton Hall University Ed.D. dissertation in educational management, administration and policy about a year ago.
In recognition of her newly
published work, she received the Morphet Outstanding Dissertation Award at the annual National Council of Educational Administration held Aug. 3-7 in Arlington, Va.
For the record, her thesis was: “The Influence of the Length of the School Day on the Percentage of Proficient and Advanced Proficient
Scores on the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJASK) for Grades 6, 7 and 8.”
Coincidentally, at the time she entered the doctoral program, the concept of a lengthening the school day – especially among urban school districts – “became a hot topic of the education world, despite the lack of quantitative statistical research to back up the initiative,” Sammarone said.
So – with help from her Seton Hall advisor, Professor Christopher Tienken, she set out to explore whether there was “statistically significant” evidence to support the theory that the more time a student spends in school, the better chance he/she has of improving his/her academic performance on state tests.
After collecting students’ scores on the 2010-2011 NJASK test from more than 600 public schools for each grade level and subject in the Garden State (charter, vocational and magnet schools were excluded from her study), Sammarone said she aimed to determine what variables actually made a difference in student test scores in New Jersey for grades six, seven and eight.
She said that her statistical findings support the conclusion that socio-economic status (as reflected among schools with large populations of students on free-or-reduced lunch) and
attendance are the strongest predictors of performance on state tests and not the length of the school day.
Sammarone said the study’s results provides policy makers and administrators with information and data that can be utilized to create effective policy regarding the length of the school day, save on state and district resources and alter the structure of schools to increase student achievement.
As a prospective school administrator, Sammarone said her goal would be “to promote and use data-driven research to formulate policy to benefit school children.”
Even as an adolescent growing up in Blairstown, Sammarone said she always had an affinity for younger children and the feeling was reciprocal. When serving as a counselor for the YMCA Day Camp in Hardwick, she recalled that, “kids always flocked to me.”
Initially, she figured she could best help kids as a pediatrician so, she enrolled at Monmouth University as a pre-med. But after doing some volunteer work with kids, Sammarone switched her major to elementary education.
“My parents told me that, ‘instead of saving lives, I could build lives,’ ’’ she said. She got her degree in 2007 and a year after that, she landed a job in Lyndhurst, teaching fourth- and fifthgrade math and science at Columbus School and was later assigned to Jefferson, where she has remained. At the same time, she resumed her own education, acquiring a master’s degree in special education from Montclair University in 2009.
Then, as she put it, “the education bug bit me again and I started on my doctorate at Seton Hall.”
“I still have a passion for lifelong learning,” Sammarone said. “We’re there for the kids and, as a future administrator, I want to make a difference.”
A32-year-old man was arrested last week after he allegedly accosted a 14-year-old girl on Kearny Ave. and then followed her into her apartment building.
KPD Chief John Dowie said Jonathan Guerrero of Kearny entered through the front door of the building, but the girl managed to shut and lock the vestibule door before he could get through that.
Police were alerted to the incident at 2:15 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 9, and Sgt. Scott Traynor and Officer Jose Resua took the report from the teen in the presence of her father.
The girl said she had been on the 300 block of Kearny Ave. when an adult man approached her and asked for her phone number, police
Jonathan Guerrero
reported. The girl ignored him and took refuge in a restaurant, but the man waited outside, and when she exited, he confronted her again and told her she was beautiful, police said.
She walked south on the avenue, and he allegedly followed, right into the front hallway of the building where she lived, but she was able to
get the inner door closed.
Det. Ray Lopez checked for security cameras in the area and obtained some still images of the suspect from the videos. He canvassed the neighborhood with these, “and people were able to furnish some information,” Dowie told The Observer. Lopez got a first name for the man and was told that he might have formerly worked in a Harrison restaurant.
In Harrison, the detective was able to learn the suspect’s full name and obtain a phone number. Lopez and Det. Michael Gonzalez located Guerrero and brought him to headquarters for questioning. He was subsequently charged with harassment and burglary (for entering the apartment building).
His bail was set at $10,000.
Nutley Library accepts Ippolito oil painting
Let’s Talk Real Estate
Presented by Jarlynn Hyde Broker/Owner
THE VIEW FROM HERE
After great swings in the real estate market over the past decade, relative calm has returned. Nationwide, the National Association of Realtors expects home prices to rise an average 4.9% this year, which is closer to the long-term average of 3.3% than we have seen lately. Since the median sales price of a home dipped to $152,000 in 2012, speculators have largely disappeared, and the number of homes that have been purchased with the sole intent of making a quick sale and profit has dropped for the second year in a row. In addition, the rate of foreclosure is half of what it was two years ago. This time of relative stability is good for both buyers and sellers.
Selling your home can be an emotional process, so you’ll want to prepare yourself before listing your property. Begin viewing your house as an investment and a HYPERLINK “http://www.today.com/home/realestate-advice-what-know-about-buying-or-selling-home-1D80406951” business transaction. No matter how well your home is advertised, it it’s not priced right, it won’t sell. Also, try not to take suggestions from your realtor personally. It will make the process much easier and more enjoyable. If you are considering selling your home, please call us today to arrange an initial consultation. “Our success has been built one satisfied customer at a time.”
Nutley artist Dr. Lori R. Ippolito donated her oil painting of the Nutley Public Library to the library which has placed it on display in the circulation area. Attending a presentation ceremony, from l., are Jack Szura, owner of Franklin Framery; Barbara Hirsch; Ippolito; library director Maria LaBadia; and Assemblyman Ralph Caputo.
thoughts&views
include the writer’s
lisher@theobserver.com or mailed to 39
Brother, can you spare a billion?
By Ron Leir
Puerto Rico is $70 billion in the hole and Greece is seeking approval from the European Union and the IMF for a $129 billion rescue deal.
The Obama administration is on record as saying Uncle Sam cannot offer the Caribbean island state a bailout, nor can the island default, because of the unique tax laws under which Puerto Rico operates.
While the local governments in both places ponder their next move, it is their
CORRECTION
ordinary citizens who suffer with inflated prices, stagnant wages, high unemployment.
And, in Greece, if the so-called “austerity” conditions demanded by European creditors are adopted by the Greek Parliament – a highly unlikely prospect – conditions are sure to get worse before they improve.
Blame the bankers and bondholders, blame the residents and businesses who avoid paying taxes, blame the bureaucrats for turning a blind eye to the crisis as it grew. May the gods bring down a curse on all of them.
Can it be that Athens –considered by historians to be the cradle of democracy –is now reduced to the status of chief beggar of the world?
Nikos Kazantzakis’ literary creation Zorba must be laughing and dancing up a storm as he recognizes the unbridled passion by which the Greeks are throwing themselves into the storm and, at the same time, the utter futility of the whole campaign.
I suppose that if a Greek from, say, Delphi or Thessaloniki, simply had enough of the situation, he could
simply take a ferry to one of the islands in the Sea of Crete or the Aegian to dodge the tax collector, the wrath of Chancellor Merkel, or Zeus, whoever comes first.
Pursue an adventure, the riskier the better, collect a pile of drachmas – er, make that euros, at least for now –and spend it while you can. Have a Socratic dialogue with yourself, consume a bottle of ouzo, with a slice of melopita and settle back on your favorite sandy beach.
That’s the way to enjoy the end of summer … before the bill comes due.
When my creditors come looking for me, I will have decamped, possibly to the island of Mikinos or Paros – or maybe to Luquillo Beach in San Juan or collecting water from the rain forest before the forces of climate change and/or deforestation extract the last drop of moisture. If all else fails, look for me in the Kearny Marsh, Frank’s Creek or the Keegan landfill … at the end of the trail of my credit card receipts.
Because my friend, at the end of the day, we’ve all got to pay the piper or face the music.
A story in The Observer’s Aug. 5 issue about the Techniques of Alcohol Management training program for the owners of bars and liquor stores in Harrison should have made clear that the training is a collaborative effort between the Harrison Police ABC unit and the Hudson County Coalition for a Drug-Free Community. Also: Partners In Prevention was established in 1988 as a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. The Observer regrets the error.
CORRECTION
A story in The Observer’s Aug. 12 issue about local school board filings failed to mention that Erika Jacho is a candidate for election to the Belleville Board of Education. A 25-year Belleville resident, Jacho has degrees in criminal justice and English from Seton Hall University and is a health benefits coordinator for Xerox State Healthcare LLC. She is a member of the Belleville Ecuadorian Civic Association and Ecuadorian Civic Committee of N.J.
Don’t forget to check www.theobserver.com for news that didn’t make it into this week’s paper
academy -- such as a visit from the N.J. State Police Northstar helicopter (it landed at Gunnell Oval) and a chance to watch the Newark PD Mounted Unit in action -- even those had a serious purpose: To introduce the kids to all manner of law enforcement -- local, county, state and federal.
This is the sort of police outreach program that could stand as a model for communities across the country.
As in a boot camp, the cadets begin learning discipline on the very first morning, Aug. 3. They learned to march and to drill, they learned to obey orders, to be quiet when told to, to answer “SIR! YES, SIR!” when spoken to. And they learned to challenge themselves through daily phys-ed training.
Most days started at 8:30 a.m. and ended at 3:30 p.m.
And, except for lunch hour, every minute was filled with law-enforcement educational opportunities. Seminars and/or demonstrations (most held at Lincoln School) were provided by representatives from the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, the state Attorney General’s Office, the Hudson County Corrections Department, the Medical Examiner, the state Fire Marshal, the Kearny Fire Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the State Police, the
FBI’s SWAT team, the ATF, the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Marshals’ Service, the Jersey City PD Bomb Squad and the N.J. Division of Fish & Wildlife (see separate story on that on p. 12).
On Thursday morning, the cadets were taken to the 9/11 tribute museum on the former World Trade Center site. (We’ll have a story on that next week.)
Back in Kearny, they had a one-hour written exam
Top: Left to right: Michelle Reis, Analyse Liger, Melanie Rodrigues, Hailey Goncalves, Izabella Heller Bottom: Left to right: Jessica Branco, Sarah Costa Not pictured: Ashley Bernal, Caitlyn Irwin, Viannah Rivera
TOP: Learning what it feels like to be an FBI SWAT officer. CENTER: At the Bergen County Police Academy in Mahwah. BOTTOM: Kearny firefighters visit Academy.
earmarked for O.T. for 2015 is used up but noted that the town was able to apply “some savings” resulting from KFD retirements to stretch out the OT a bit.
How did it happen?
Fire Chief Steve Dyl told The Observer last week that, “We had an unprecedented 18
retirements in one year and one of our new recruits left us for the police department. That has caused severe strain on our manpower.”
For those wondering about similar strains that may have arisen in the Kearny Police Department, Firozvi said that $1.2 million had been budgeted for police O.T. this year.
Asked where the KPD stood, Firozvi said the town appeared to be “on target” with those expenditures.
As for the KFD, the mayor said he anticipated convening a special council meeting later this month to deal with the crisis. Until then, he said, the town’s administrative personnel, including the chief,
would sit with KFD’s union representatives on possible remedies.
Under a worst-case scenario, Santos said the department may have to resort to implementing a “reduction from five to four active companies with a reduced minimum staffing from 15 to 12 [per shift].”
Asked about that possibility, Dyl maintained that, “I am not supporting the closing of a company or the reduction of manpower [on KFD rigs]. We already did that in May 2012 and that ladder company on Midland [Ave.] is still closed. As of now, we have four pumpers and one ladder active. We’ll re-evaluate the situation as we go along as our manpower levels settle.”
Given that the number of calls for service continues to rise each year, Dyl said he’s been hard-pressed to keep up.
of four additional firefighters, effective Sept. 8, who will also be paid exclusively with municipal funds. Each will earn a starting salary of $33,000 a year.
The council also approved the promotion of Firefighter Richard Lowinger to the rank of captain at $103,637, effective Sept. 1. Lowinger, hired in April 2005, has received commendations for his work during Super Storm Sandy in 2012 and for aiding in the rescue of an injured construction worker who fell off a barge in the Hackensack River in 2013.
The new firefighters are:
Claudio Chaves of Kearny and Newark residents Christopher Morales, Daniel Neves and Samuel DeJesus Jr.
Chaves, 31, is a Kearny High School graduate who attended classes at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, Pa., and Montclair University to qualify for a degree in English. He worked previously as a customer service representative for W.B. Mason office supplies in Secaucus.
Morales, 25, earned a degree in business from Penn State University and is now pursuing an associate science degree in accounting at Essex County College. He worked previously for Samuel Klein & Co., Newark.
Still, despite the high turnover levels in the department, the town’s governing body has not been unresponsive. It encouraged Dyl to petition the federal government – for a fourth time – for funding under the SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) grant program and, this year, finally hit pay day when the U.S. Homeland Security agency, through FEMA, awarded Kearny $1,595,844 over two years to fill 12 firefighter slots vacated through retirements.
Before that, the Town Council – with permission from the state monitor – authorized the hiring of 10 firefighters – for which the town must absorb the full costs – who are expected to graduate from the fire training academy by midto late November.
And last Tuesday – also with the monitor’s blessing –the council cleared the hiring
Neves, 29, attended Union County College and is now going for a business degree at Kean University. He worked as a material handler for Johnstone Supply Co., Kenilworth.
DeJesus Jr., 26, received certification as an auto technician from Lincoln Technical Institute, Union, and served as a car inspector for NJ Transit in North Bergen.
Dyl said these recruits – assuming they pass their training – should be ready for duty by December.
By Kevin Canessa Jr. Observer Correspondent
If you’ve been a long-time reader of this newspaper, you’ve no doubt, at one point or another, read a story about Graham Davie of Kearny. In fact, back in 2006, I wrote one of the stories when Davie landed a role on the famed/for-
Simply put, he’s home for good, he’s never returning to the Middle East — and he’s pissed about the whole ordeal of serving in Iraq.
“JT really accepts his fate and he’s trying to force Danny to do the same,” Davie said. “But Danny denies it. No more Marines. He wants to move away from it all and pretend it never
mer ABC soap opera “One Life to Live.”
In addition to that, Davie has had a role on one of the longestrunning TV shows on the air right now, NBC’s “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” And he’s had numerous other roles in plays. But now, after a break from acting for three-plus years, Davie has landed a role he says is the biggest one yet for him.
This play’s called “Gray Horse,” and it takes place Aug. 25 to Aug. 28 at the famed Cherry Lane Theatre in Manhattan. The theater is one that has seen its share of big-name actors in the past — and some well-known stars performing there now and soon, including comedian Colin Quinn and “Daily Show” correspondent Hassan Minhaj.
The play has just two characters: Davie plays Danny and his co-star and the show’s writer, John Faughnan, plays JT.
They’re cousins, both of whom have just returned from a tour in Iraq. JT is coming off his fourth. Davie’s character Danny is coming off his first — and now that he’s home, Danny wants nothing to do, whatsoever, with the United States Marines, with whom he and JT served, and he wants nothing to do with anything remotely connected to Iraq.
And it’s a role Davie, 25, says is the biggest he’s ever had.
“This is by far the best role I’ve ever had,” he said. “It will be emotionally demanding, a roller coaster. It’s a complex process, but it’s one I am extremely excited about.”
The High Tech High School alum says he just so happened to land the role by pure chance. His friend knew the writer, Faughnan, who had just days earlier been lamenting over
how difficult it was to cast Danny’s role. The friend showed Faughnan Davie’s photo — and he wanted to meet him quickly because after he saw the photo, he was convinced he had his man so long as he could act.
And we know, by now, Graham Davie can act.
“We had coffee and said, ‘Let’s do this,’ and I had the role,” he said. “Pure chance. But I couldn’t be happier about it.”
The show runs Aug. 25 to
Aug. 28 at the Cherry Lane Theatre, 38 Commerce St., in Manhattan. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. each night and tickets are available for $29. The show contains very strong language, so the theater suggests it may not be appropriate for anyone younger than 18. Buy tickets — and you should buy tickets — at www.CherryLaneTheatre.org or by calling Ovation Tix at 866-811-4111.
happened. But that causes him to snap at JT, and let’s just say there’s some ‘turbulence’ between the two of them.”
As such, the play deals squarely with how a service member deals with the PostTraumatic Stress Disorder that often results in a return Stateside after a tour or more overseas, especially in the Middle East.
“This was the driving force for John, when he wrote the play,” Davie said. “You just don’t hear, every day, about the PTSD these guys experience — but it’s something people need to know about. One person can come back from serving and be fine — another can come back and be a complete mess. People need to be aware of this and they need to know how to handle it.”
But that’s what separates Danny from many other servicemen and women. When he comes home, his only support system is JT. He has no one else, no place else to turn. In essence, he’s all alone.
“And to get into the role, I’ve done a lot of research,” Davie said. “I’ve watched documentaries, news clips, I’ve talked to some people who have been there — and it’s going to help me to take on this role.”
Graham Davie
aroundtown
Belleville
Belleville Elks Lodge 1123, 254 Washington Ave., hosts a blood drive on Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 5 to 9 p.m. Donors must be at least age 17, weigh at least 120 pounds, bring a signed form of ID and know their social security number. For more information, call Community Blood Services at 201-444-2900.
East Newark
West Hudson Brave Women Fighting Breast Cancer meets the last Friday of every month, 7 to 9 p.m., at the East Newark Senior Center, 37 President St. For more information, call Emma at 201-998-6828, Rosa at 201-246-7750, Fatima at 973485-4236 or email emidura2@ yahoo.com.
Harrison
The Town of Harrison celebrates 175 years of history beginning with a 6 p.m. Mass at Holy Cross Church on Friday, Sept. 18 and gala dinner at
the Holy Cross School gymnasium at 7 p.m. the same night. On Saturday, Sept. 19 and Sunday, Sept. 20, the festivities continue with a street fair that includes craft and retail vendors, food, entertainment, children’s rides and more, a Saturday evening family movie night and Saturday afternoon multicultural parade that steps off at noon.
Anyone interested in becoming involved in this event including vendors (craft, antique, and retail) interested in having a space at the Saturday/ Sunday street festival event, and any business that would like to receive direct publicity as part of a sponsorship for the event are invited to contact Robin at 201-321-2756.
Kearny
Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 136 Davis Ave., commemorates its 100th anniversary of serving Kearny and the surrounding areas on Sept. 13. The event begins with a
Mass at noon followed by a buffet dinner at 2 p.m. at the Lithuanian Catholic Community Center, 6 Davis Ave. Tickets are $25. For information and tickets, call Jean at 201-991-4732 or the rectory at 201-998-4616. Cash bar will be available.
West Hudson Hospital 15year reunion, open to all West Hudson Hospital medical/ nursing staff, employees and volunteers, is set for Saturday, Sept. 12. For more information, contact Irene Kirst at 201-4242589 or Sharon Lautenbacher at 201-401-9655.
Lyndhurst
Lyndhurst Public Library, 355 Valley Brook Ave., hosts an under the sea mobile craft event, open to grades 1 to 4, on Monday, Aug. 24, from 2:30 to 3:15 pm.
Registration is required. To register or for more information, call the library at 201-8042478.
American Legion Post 139 Rehabilitation Committee holds a ward party for veterans at Chestnut Hill Extended Care Facility, Passaic, Aug. 25, at 2:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Ronald and Cynthia Settembrino family in memory of Cynthia’s father Michael Liparulo, a highly decorated U.S. Marine who fought in the Pacific area in World War II. Also at the party will be resident Emil Kuldlack who just celebrated his 100th birthday on Aug. 1. Post members play games of chance with hospitalized veterans and distribute treats to them. Anyone interested in sponsoring a ward party is invited to call John Deveney at 201-438-2255.
North Arlington
Helping Exceptional People (HEP) sponsors a flea market on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Columbian Club Hall, 194 River Road, North Arlington.
Anyone interested in renting a table may contact Maureen at 201-446-2280 or at maureenmetzinger@gmail.com. Tables inside the hall cost $25 while those outside cost $15. The event will include food and a 50-50 sale and drawing every two hours. Direct all questions to Maureen.
Senior Harmony Club of North Arlington sponsors a trip to Resorts on Sept. 10. The cost is $25 and participants receive $25 in slot play at the casino. Call Florence for details and reservations at 201-991-3173.
North Arlington Mayor and Borough Council sponsor a summer concert performance by the Cameos Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. in Riverside Park. The Cameos will perform hits of the ‘50’s, ‘60’s and ‘70’s. Patrons should use the park entrance at Jauncey Avenue and River Road. Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Refreshments will be available.
FEMA: File Sandy flood claims by Sept. 15
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is reminding National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders who filed a claim as a result of Hurricane Sandy that there are four weeks remaining to request a review if they believe their claims were underpaid for any reason. FEMA set a Sept. 15 deadline for policyholders to request a review.
FEMA sent letters to approximately 142,000 NFIP policyholders who filed claims resulting from Hurricane Sandy, offering them an opportunity to have their files reviewed. To date, more than 10,000 policyholders have entered the process. Additional payments will be made to policyholders when
warranted.
To be eligible for the review, policyholders must have experienced flood damage between Oct. 27, 2012 and Nov. 6, 2012 as a result of Hurricane Sandy. Policyholders can call the NFIP’s Hurricane Sandy claims center at 866-337-4262 to request a review. Alternately, policyholders can go online to www. fema.gov/hurricane-sandynfip-claims<https://www. fema.gov/hurricane-sandynfip-claims> to download a form requesting a review. The downloaded form may be filled out and emailed to FEMA-sandyclaimsreview@ fema.dhs.gov<mailto:femasandyclaimsreview@fema. dhs.gov> to start the review process.
For individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and use 711 or VRS, please call 866-3374262 to facilitate the filing of their claim review. For individuals using a TTY, please call 800-462-7585 to begin the review process.
Before contacting the claims center, policyholders are asked to have the policyholder’s name, their flood insurance carrier name, policy number that was in effect at the time of the loss, and the address of the damaged property. For security purposes, you will be asked to provide some information to verify your identity. Policyholders will be asked a series of questions to determine whether they qualify for review. Once
qualified, they will be called by an adjuster to begin the review. The timing of this call may be affected by the volume of requests for review. Most reviews can be concluded within 90 days.
Files will be assigned to an NFIP-certified adjuster who will review the claim file. Adjusters will contact policyholders to guide them through the review process.
Policyholders who have already requested their review can call 866-337-4262 if they have questions or need more information.
Establishing this review is just one step in the plan to ensure that the NFIP is customer-focused and helps policyholders recover from flooding in a fair, transpar-
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site cleanup, “but we should be focusing on the property’s future use, not creating a 100-foot-high mountain that you can’t re-use like the mounds you see along the Belleville Turnpike.”
While the town has benefitted from the lease revenues – which have ranged from $1 million and $1.5 million a year – that it has collected since 2009, Santos said that if the lease is discontinued, “We’re hoping redevelopment will continue and, as it occurs, some revenues will be made up.”
Given that the landfill site is “1,000 feet from [Edward] Russo’s [residential] development [at Bergen and Schuyler Aves.], 500 feet from the Walmart and Wawa, and borders on the Kearny Marsh, the largest freshwater site in New Jersey,” it’s all the more reason why the town should be focused on making the area more attractive to prospective redevelopers, the mayor said.
In fact, Santos said, “we’re going to look at putting out
an RFP (Request For Proposals) for redeveloper interest along Bergen,” with the intent of reserving some acreage for public recreation as well.
In the meantime, he said, trucks going in and out of the landfill along Bergen, “the busiest road in Kearny,” are tearing up the asphalt and dragging dirt and debris “that are backing up our sewers.”
On another meadows front, Santos said the town is still waiting for the first two installments of its annual meadowlands tax sharing payments from the NJSEA that were due May 15 and Aug. 15.
“So far, we’ve only received $500,000 so, come Monday (Aug. 17), we’ll be short $2 million,” Santos said. The town is owed a combined total of $3.8 million for the year and the third installment is due Nov. 15, he said.
Over the past year, the state dissolved the old funding formula in favor of a tax on meadows hotels.
According to Santos, the state needs to raise a total of $7 million to pay designated “receiving” communities –such as Kearny and North Arlington – in the meadowlands district.
Area students named to FDU honor groups
Fairleigh Dickinson University students have been inducted into FDU’s Phi Zeta Kappa and Phi Omega Epsilon honor societies for the Spring 2015 semester.
The following students have been inducted into Phi Zeta Kappa, the university’s junior honor society: Christopher Milo, Traudi Lacunza and Adriana Strama, all of Belleville; Selena Hart of North Arlington; Kristen Stankus of Kearny and Grace Anne Gigante and Kristina Glancy, both of Lyndhurst.
Eligibility for membership in the university’s junior honor society is established by completing at least the first 60 credits toward an undergraduate degree. Of these, 44 must have been earned at Fairleigh Dickinson and a CGPR of 3.20 must have been maintained for all of them. All the preceding requirements must have been fulfilled prior to the accumulation of 80 credits toward the undergraduate degree.
The following students were inducted into Phi Omega Epsilon, the university’s senior honor society: Marc DeBlasi, Jamie Bono, Kristy Bono and Theresa Murante, all of Belleville.
Eligibility for membership in the university’s senior honor society is established by completing at least 90 earned credits toward an undergraduate degree with a CGPR of 3.50. Of these 90 credits, the last 58 must have been taken at the University, and a CGPR of 3.20 must have been maintained for all of them. All the preceding requirements must have been fulfilled prior to the accumulation of 112 credits. Transfer students who are unable to fulfill the prerequisite 58-credit requirement will be able to establish eligibility if they have taken at least 32 credits prior to the accumulation of 112 credits and if they have maintained a CGPR of 3.50 during their entire career at Fairleigh Dickinson.
like to thank ShopRite of Kearny for giving me a full time job for 28 years. Also to my coworkers, thank you so much for a beautiful dinner. I will miss working with you all. I am looking forward to enjoying my retirement.
Observer file photo
Entrance to Keegan landfill off Bergen Ave.
covering the seminars and a one-hour physical exam -both of which they had to pass if they wanted that diploma. They had every reason to be proud of their accomplishment.
Reason for pride also belongs to the COP Unit personnel who put the whole thing together: Sgt. Adrian Marques and Officers Jack Grimm, Kevin Canaley and Steve Montanino. The logistics, the scheduling, were beyond daunting.
Case in point: On the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 11, the youngsters were to be bused to Jersey City for an
N.Y.C. Harbor cruise aboard an N.J. State Police Marine Unit boat -- a highlight of each year’s academy.
But on the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 11, it rained. Not a little rain -- a deluge, with strong winds. The boat cruise had to be cancelled at the last minute. But the COP cops would not be discouraged. They arranged for the cadets to visit an actual police academy -- the Bergen County Academy in Mahwah.
Speaking for the COP unit, Canaley praised the Bergen County officers for their help and hospitality. He also thanked Applebee’s, Arlington Pizza, the Bagel House,
Bella Re’s Pizza, the Fire Pit and ShopRite for providing lunches for the kids. “WalMart was fantastic, too,” he added, noting that it had provided all the notebooks, pens and other school supplies for the academy.
And when we spoke to him Thursday afternoon before the awarding of diplomas, he had yet another thank you. The FBI SWAT officers who were guest speakers the previous week had sent a huge Domingo’s Bakery sheet cake, enough to feed 100 people, to the school as a surprise treat for the grads.
“And we didn’t even ask for it!” Canaley said.
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By Karen Zautyk
1. Which of these animals is NOT native to New Jersey?
A. Muskrat
B. Bobcat
C. Coyote
D. Mink
2. If you want a mother bear to foster an orphan cub, what should you do?
A. Bribe her with honey
B. Sneak the cub into her den and hope she doesn’t notice
C. Introduce the orphan to the other cubs first
D. Smear Vicks VapoRub on her nose
3. After drugs and guns, what is the third most profitable crime in N.J.?
A. Car thefts
B. Insurance fraud
C. Bank robberies
D. Illegal trade in wildlife
Did you pick coyote or bobcat in question 1? Wrong. All those animals are Jersey natives. The answer to question 3 is, surprisingly D. As for the mother bear, Vicks VapoRub is the correct response. (More on that in a bit.)
We learned all these things and much, much more last week from N.J. Division of Fish & Wildlife Conservation Officer Joe Kuechler, who presented a fascinating, and educational, program to the
Kearny Junior Police Academy cadets at Lincoln School. He even brought along the deer pictured above. It was amazingly docile. But then, its electronics weren't working. Kuechler was a font of information, his lecture ranging from history to biology to hunting/fishing laws to animal behavior. And human behavior.
The aforementioned deer is a life-size decoy, which is placed in the wild to catch those "hunters" who don't respect the law. Its head turns, its tail wags, its eyes light up at night (think "deer in the headlights"). There it will sit, minding its own business, and some armed dork will come along and shoot it from a car. Not very sporting. Or they will shoot it out of season. In either case, they'll get busted. And hopefully learn their lesson.
Illegal hunting has always been with us, and Kuechler explained that enforcement of game regulations dates all the way back to the "forest law" of 13th century Europe. In North America, the first hunting regs were introduced in the 17th century. Fish and game control officers “represent the oldest form of law enforcement in the Western Hemisphere,” he noted.
“We’re also the most assaulted law enforcement officers per capita in the United States," he said. Think about it. Conservation officers are
Observer Correspondent
KEARNY –Pop quiz:
Photo by Karen Zautyk
the all-time greats sports&recreation
SPORTS VIEW
COnTaCT JIm aT OgSmaR@aOl.COm
Former Kearny resident Oyola pens book about faith
James Oyola cherishes the time he spent growing up in Kearny.
“We moved to Kearny from New York when I was in fifth grade,” said Oyola, now an accomplished published author. “I first went to Franklin School and then I transferred to Lincoln School. I have great memories of Kearny, playing Little League baseball at the Gunnell Oval and playing football with the Kearny Generals.”
Oyola said that he played both freshman basketball and freshman football at Kearny High, before his mother put on her traveling shoes once again and the family moved to Miami.
“Some of my very close friends live in Kearny,” Oyola said. “I have family that still lives in Kearny. I remember going with my Dad to play basketball. I have a lot of memories just hanging out with my friends.”
After moving to Miami, he was spotted at a camp by a football coach who thought Oyola had the makings of being a top-flight college football player.
“I didn’t want to leave Kearny and stayed one more year with my
Lyndhurst’s Kesack gets QB tutorial
from one of
Giants Super Bowl MVP Simms works with local standout
uncle while my mother moved the family to Florida,” Oyola said.
“Then I got curious. I decided to give Florida a try, but then I did well at the camp and I moved to Massachusetts.”
Oyola finished up at Framingham High School in Massachusetts, thinking he was earmarked for Boston College. But Oyola got into a host of trouble during his days in Framingham and his grades suffered. He ended up at Ferrum College in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
“I guess I was comfortable with the instability and moving around,” Oyola said.
“But I really couldn’t do the country living, so I transferred to Florida Atlantic.”
Oyola played for the legendary Howard Schnellenberger at Florida Atlantic for one season, the joined a fraternity, then got a job and came back to Kearny for two years, doing sales for communication companies.
However, at the same time, Oyola started dabbling in writing.
“I always loved writing,” Oyola said. “It
By Jim Hague Observer Sports Writer
When Danny Kesack returned to the Wesley College football team in Delaware last week, the Lyndhurst native had a little bit of an advantage over the other quarterbacks in the Wesley camp – namely Kesack’s personal tutor.
For two nights a week for the past two months, Kesack traveled to northern Bergen County to get lessons from one of the all-time greats, namely New York Giants Super Bowl Most Valuable Player and current CBS top football analyst Phil Simms. Kesack was introduced to
Simms a few years ago when Kesack was still playing at Lyndhurst High School. At the time, Simms invited Kesack to come and work out together –and the two have continued the training sessions ever since.
“Our relationship is closer now that I’m older,” said Kesack, who will begin his sophomore year at Wesley this fall. “I’ve known him for so long. He’s not just my coach, but my friend. He tells me how I’m throwing and how my footwork is going, the whole process of being a quarterback. We also stay in touch about three times a week.”
Kesack goes to a field near Simms’ home in Wycoff with his own personal receivers,
namely Wesley teammate Andrew Monaghan of Wayne Hills and former St. Peter’s Prep and current Seton Hall University baseball pitcher Anthony Porcillo, one of the top hurlers in the Big East Conference last spring.
“Anthony has been my best friend since second grade,” Kesack said. “He just finished up pitching in the Cape Cod League and he came with me to catch some passes.”
In fact, just recently after a workout, Simms took off his polo shirt and gave it to Porcillo.
“We get into the three-step and five-step drops,” Kesack
Photo courtesy Rich Tuero
Lyndhurst’s Danny Kesack (r.) spent the summer getting quarterback lessons from New York Giants Super Bowl MVP Phil Simms (c.). Lyndhurst head football coach Rich Tuero (l.) also took part in the training sessions.
said. “We work on the short game. I feel like I’ve gotten about 10 times better this year. We’re working on things that Aaron Rodgers does, Tom Brady, Drew Brees. Of course, I’m not like them. He does a lot of teaching. It’s really a lot of fun. As we go on, it gets better. He’s teaching for the whole two hours.”
Current Lyndhurst head football coach Rich Tuero also goes for the experience of the Simms-Kesack tutorials.
“I went up originally with Danny when he was in high
school,” Tuero said. “And it was just incredible.”
For Tuero, it was like a dream come true, because he’s a lifelong Giants fan.
“When I first met him, it really was incredible,” Tuero said. “Now we’re all learning from Phil. I’m getting things that I can bring back to my team. He talks out loud and makes you get involved. He makes me run drills. It’s just like I’m getting a free quarterback clinic. It’s really awesome. He tells great stories about what he did when he was playing.
Added Tuero, “I was first in awe and now I actually text the guy regularly. And he answers me. I told him that I hope to bring my quarterback from Lyndhurst in the future and he said sure. It’s priceless the way he takes care of the kids. It’s really an honor for me to be there. I feel so privileged. It’s an experience like nothing else. He’s telling stories of his playing days and it’s all pretty cool. I get a text from him and my wife looks down at the phone and she says, ‘Oh, look, it’s Phil Simms.’ ”
Both Kesack and Tuero agree
on one thing – that Simms is a down-to-earth nice guy.
“He’s just so real,” Tuero said.
One recent workout, Simms and his two quarterback sons, namely Chris (now retired and working for the CBS Sports Network) and Matt (now with the Buffalo Bills) were all together.
“It was surreal having all three there together,” Tuero said.
Kesack was never fortunate enough to see Simms play.
year.
“I’m a backup, but I hope to get some time this year,” Kesack said. “Then we’ll see what will happen my junior and senior year. Hopefully, I’ll be the guy. I’m just comfortable and confident now.”
Kesack has been hard at work training at the Varsity House Gym in Old Tappan.
“I’ve been working out and throwing,” Kesack said.
And throwing with a local legend.
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“But I did my research,” Kesack said. “I know who he is. He’s a busy guy, but he always finds the time to work with me. He can’t throw right now, because he just had back surgery, but I can’t say enough about what he means to me. He’s my idol. I hope to be like him one day. I don’t look at him as being the all-time great Giant. He’s just an athletic guy who loves football and loves teaching. For those two hours, it’s all work. But I’m really lucky to have this opportunity.”
“At first, I was really shy around him, but now, we have a great relationship,” Kesack said. “I don’t look at him as being the Giants’ Super Bowl MVP anymore. He’s just Phil. I’m glad he has taken such an interest in me. I’m very lucky for that. I love every second of every minute. Whenever I’m there, I’m in it 100% and there to get better.”
How much has Kesack become comfortable with Simms?
“Well, I’ll crack a joke and he’ll say, ‘That’s a good one, Danny,’” Kesack said. “I can’t put this into words. It’s a great experience.”
Except for one glaring problem.
Kesack will head to Wesley this week ready for the upcoming season. He will be No. 2 on the depth chart behind threeyear starter Joe Callahan, who threw for an astounding 4,190 yards and 46 touchdowns last
“Well, I’m a Jets fan,” Kesack said. “But I do root for the Giants.”
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was always in the mix the whole time. I took writing classes at Ferrum, then Florida Atlantic. I knew it was something I could do.”
While Oyola took sports writing jobs at CBS International and later, the popular high school sports website called Max Preps, he started to write a book, entitled “Get Out of Your Own Way.”
decisions in my life,” Oyola said. “I always knew that there was more to me than the mistakes I kept making. I became addicted to drugs, smoking weed and hanging out with women. I had to make the right decisions and wanted to learn the root of my bad decisions.”
Oyola said that it took him about three years to complete his book.
“I want to be able to encour-
a top writing/public relations firm in Miami.
He handles print and online media clients, public speaking, content development, creative writing, grant writing and more.
Through his incredible faith, he has served as a chaplain for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He is finishing up his educational obligations with the Theological Institute at the Tabernacle of Christian Church in Hollywood, Florida, under the leadership of Pastor Fernando Miranda.
“The bad decisions could have been my downfall,” Oyola said. “I realized that the only thing standing in my way was myself. My production wasn’t up to par. I had to go somewhere. God set me free from addiction and helped me grow as a man.”
After several years of working odd jobs, then entering the local role of journalist, Oyola is a member of the community who chose to go on a long road helping others recover from the evils of addictions.
In a way, Oyola’s first book
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is basically a self-help book with some assistance from a higher power. Oyola received assistance in doing the book from Fort Lauderdale native Wesly Giordany, who provided the art work for the book.
“I’m encouraging people to please take the time to read the book,” Oyola said.
The book can be purchased via amazon.com and through Oyola’s website at www.purposeoverself.com
“The response to the book has been amazing,” Oyola said. “It’s done amazingly well.”
Oyola also worked for a stint as a writer for a production company that covered the Miami Heat during their NBA championship run, doing game programs and yearbooks.
“I made some good and bad
age others,” Oyola said. “It’s a testament to my life. I needed encouragement in my life. This book is a testament to my life.”
Oyola said that he found the strength to form his own company, Imago Dei Productions,
– Joan Lunden
Lisa Engersgaard
Mary Massey
Photo courtesy of James Oyola. Former Kearny resident James Oyola, who carved his niche as a sportswriter in Florida, has written his first book “Get Out of Your Own Way,” which is available through
or via Oyola’s website,
By Jim Hague Observer Sports Writer
Christian Boyce has pretty much spent his entire life at Queen of Peace, first as a student and
standout athlete, then later as a highly respected coach and administrator, before stepping away four years ago to concentrate on his family life and his career in the heating and air conditioning business.
So when Tom Maguire stepped down as the QP head boys’ basketball coach a few months ago, the school’s administration didn’t have to look very far to find Maguire’s replacement – namely Boyce
once again.
Queen of Peace Principal John Tonero announced recently that Boyce will return to the Golden Griffins’ sidelines for the 2015-16 campaign beginning this fall.
Boyce was previously the head coach from 2007 through 2011, posting a 58-46 record.
Boyce was the head coach when the Golden Griffins posted undefeated records in BCSL American play for two straight seasons and ran a program that spent most of that time ranked among the very best in New Jersey. In 2008, Boyce led the Golden Griffins to the Bergen County Jamboree semifinals.
Boyce was also an assistant coach from 2002 through 2004 as well as the 2006-07 season, before taking over as head coach.
Boyce first returned as a part-time assistant coach last season under good friend Maguire.
“When I left in 2011, I went back to school to better my career,” Boyce said. “I stayed away from basketball for a while, then I was in constant contact with Tommy to go over things. It was hard for me to stay away, but he had to become his own coach. I got my feet wet last year again
continued next page
Photo by Jim Hague
Christian Boyce has returned to his alma mater Queen of Peace to serve once again as the head boys’ basketball coach. Boyce held the position from 2007
to the Bergen County Jamboree semifinals.
and realized how much I missed it and liked it.”
Boyce knows now that his family and work commitments are not the same, thus the reason for the return.
“I have more time,” Boyce said. “My time is much more flexible now. I’m an alumnus of the school. My heart has always been in the right place. I was waiting to see what the situation with the coaching position was. Mr. Tonero brought me in. We talked about it for a while and I agreed to it.”
Boyce knows that a lot has changed at QP in the four years that he’s been away. The school has undergone another administration switch, with Kearny resident Tonero taking over as principal last year.
“Things are a little different and the school’s a little different,” Boyce said. “But the expectations are always the same.”
The Golden Griffins posted a 14-13 record last year in Maguire’s final campaign, but the team returns standout Jeremy Joseph, who averaged almost 19 points and 10 rebounds per game last season and became the latest member of the Grif-
fins’ 1,000-point club.
“Jeremy and I developed a good relationship last year,” Boyce said. “The other kids know me. I’m someone that they can rely on already. I think I have a positive influence on them.”
But the remainder of the Griffins’ roster should be filled with newcomers.
“That’s definitely a big thing,” Boyce said. “I’m going to have basically a new start this time. I’m excited about it. It’s a good thing to have someone like Jeremy here to help me through the time with the newcomers. Now I just need to implement a system and get that going.”
Boyce said that the Griffins will feature some talented freshmen, as well as some transfers who will make a major impact right away.
“I think we’re going to be pretty good,” Boyce said. “We have a good freshman class coming in and a couple of transfers that I’m excited about. I think we’re going to be a little inexperienced, but that’s good. We will all grow together.”
Boyce also believes that the entire program will grow
in the fall, as he promises to field teams on all three levels – freshman, junior varsity and varsity – for the first time in several years.
“It’s definitely happening this year,” Boyce said. “I’m definitely happy. It’s a new challenge and a different challenge, but I’m energized by it all. I’m energized by the new principal and the way the school is moving.”
Queen of Peace will have several new coaches this school year, including veteran Jim Kelly as the new football coach, former Kearny grid coach Nick Edwards as the new baseball coach and Jio Fontan as the new girls’ basketball coach.
Fontan has totally revamped the girls’ basketball program, including securing the services of some of the top-rated players in northern New Jersey.
Boyce is also a part-time assistant in the school’s admissions office, so he has his finger on the pulse. Of all the changes that the school has made in the athletic department, Boyce is the one who is certainly home grown – and has come back home once again.
Soccer campers will get trophies this week
The Harrison Recreation Department ran a free sixweek soccer camp for Harrison children in grades 1 to 6. Over 125 children registered and enjoyed a great summer soccer program.
The children received Harrison “Summer in the City” T-shirts donated by Councilman Mike Dolaghan. The Recreation Department Chairman and Councilman Larry Bennett will hand out trophies to all children who attended
the soccer camp and has special trophies for the 12 most improved players from the summer program on Friday, Aug. 21.
Pictured with the children, back row, from l., are Councilman Michael Dolaghan, Recreation staff members Matt Williams, Larry Kelly, John Ferriero, Vinny Yoshimoto, David Inahuavo, Edgar Orellana and Recreation Chairman and Councilman Larry Bennett.
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N.A. public schools re-open Sept. 9
The first day of classes for North Arlington Public Schools for the 2015-2016 school year will be Wednesday, Sept. 9. Four-hour session days will be held Sept. 9 to 11. Elementary Schools – Sept. 9, 10 and 11: Students are in class from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30
p.m. (Lunch will not be served on these half days.) Beginning Sept. 14 regular hours will be from 8:30 a.m. till 3 p.m. Lunchtime is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Students may be assigned by their teachers to remedial class and/or homework labs which will be conducted from 3 to 3:30 p.m.
Children should not arrive at school earlier than five minutes prior to the bell.
The North Arlington Middle School - Sept. 9, 10 and 11: Students in grades 6 to 8 will be in class from 7:50 a.m. until 11:50 a.m. (Lunch will not be served on these half days.) Students should not report to school earlier than 10 minutes before the bell. Beginning Sept. 14, the morning bell at the Middle School will ring at 7:50 a.m. and the dismissal bell at 2:20 p.m. Students may be assigned by their teachers to extra help and/or study groups which will be conducted from 2:20 to 2:50 p.m. High School - Sept. 9, 10 and 11: On Sept. 9, students will report to their homeroom at 7:40 a.m. where they will pick up their schedules for the year. On Sept. 10 and 11, students will report directly to their first period class. Students will attend classes from 7:40 a.m. until dismissal at 12 p.m. (Lunch will not be served on these half days.) Starting Sept. 14 (first full day) - 7:40 a.m. first bell rings: end of day is 2:15 p.m.
Any new student who has not yet enrolled should check the district website www. narlington.k12.nj.us (registration) for all required paperwork. To schedule an appointment to register, contact: Elementary School (grades K-5) 201-991-6800, ext. 2053 Middle School (grades 6-8) 201-991-6800, ext. 2200 High School Guidance (grades 9-12) 201-991-6800, ext. 2053
Pyridoxial-5-Phosphate
THINK YOU CAN’T REFINANCE BECAUSE VALUES ARE DOWN? THINK AGAIN!!!
STARTING MARCH 2012, HARP 2.0, a new program presented by the Federal Government, allows homeowners to refinance regardless of the equity they currently have in their
(even if you are
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have adopted changes to Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) and you may be eligible to take advantage of these changes.
If your mortgage is either owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, you may be eligible to refinance your mortgage under the enhanced and expanded provisions of HARP You can determine if your mortgage is owned by either Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac by checking the following websites:
For Fannie Mae: www.fanniemae.com/loanlookup
For Freddie Mac: www.freddiemac.com/mymortgage
ARLINGTON • NJ 07031
Great travel ideas for wine lovers
Oliveira Realtor/Associate
201-600-3587 www.sirlenesellshomes. com
If you’re searching for inspiration for a trip that encompasses sightseeing, local cuisine and outdoor experiences, start with one of your passions: wine.
Consider these travel ideas from the expert winemakers of The Seeker, a global brand with wines from the most popular grape-producing regions worldwide.
Argentina Mendoza, a province renowned for its Malbec, is an up-and-coming destination for wine loving travelers, and has also long-attracted a mixed crowd of outdoor enthusiasts. Whether mountaineering, horseback riding or rafting is your pleasure, the Mendoza province of Argentina makes a beautiful backdrop.
After a day of discovering majestic scenery, travelers can fill evenings with good company, an authentic meal and a smooth, spicy Malbec.
Over the years Mendoza has been influenced by Spanish and Italian cultures, creating an infusion of colorful and flavorful local fare.
Many meals begin with fresh warm bread and a sample of olive oil, another specialty of the region.
Main courses are consistent with the region’s Creole culture, featuring
various cured and grilled meat dishes, such as the “patitas aliñadas,” baked veal served with chimichurri sauce that pairs well with a glass of The Seeker Malbec, a bottle of which will typically cost about $14 in the U.S.
France
If you’re looking for a trip that is a bit more technical, the volcanoes at the Auvergne Regional Park, located in Auvergne Rhône Valley of France, will be sure to please.
Take a guided hiking tour to the peak of a volcano to learn about the region. You may find yourself becoming a wine connoisseur while learning about the rich volcanic soils and its power to grow prosperous crops. The region produces five quality grape varietals in the terroir.
The Pinot Noir varietal, in production since the 11th century, is the oldest. Today, wineries such as The Seeker make the most of the region’s warm days and cool nights, along with its mineral-rich soil to grow delicate, finessed grapes for its Pinot Noir wines.
Travelers can enjoy breathtaking natural wonders by day and bask in their experiences by night with wine and local cheese, or a traditional potée auvergnate, a rich specialty combin-
ing tangy cabbage with the finesse of French pork meat.
New Zealand
If you’ve always longed to visit New Zealand, now is the time. Plan to see the Marlborough region for an outdoor adventure and refreshing, fruity, acidic Sauvignon Blanc, the region’s specialty.
In the 1970s, Marlborough began the modern wine movement; over the years Sauvignon Blanc wines have become its front running grape varietal.
Satiate your appetite with a glass of the Seeker’s Sauvignon Blanc (priced typically at about $14 a bottle) and other local cuisine such as the local fresh, green-lipped mussels, a delicacy well-known for its health benefits.
Marlborough has much to offer travelers who love the outdoors. There are gorgeous nature trails through varied landscapes for hiking and photographing. Another option would be to mountain bike down the 70 kilometer scenic Queen Charlotte Track. Plan your next international wine journey with one great formula: seek out top reliable, quality wines, delightful regional meals and breathtaking outdoor adventures.
NORTH
Kearny UNICO nets 3 national awards
Kearny UNICO received three awards at the 93rd Annual UNICO National Convention held in Newport Beach, Calif. UNICO National President Ricky D’Arminio (l.), presents Celeste and Lou Pandolfi of Kearny UNICO with the Honor Chapter Award for the chapter’s Exceptional Project; Wheels for Vic, which, under the direction of Joe Sgalia, raised over $20,000 to purchase a van for Victor Muniz, who was paralyzed when a tree branch fell on him during a storm. The van is being converted to make it drivable by Vic. The Kearny Chapter was also named Second Place Model Chapter in the nation and the chapter’s entry in the scrapbook competition won in the Small Chapter Category.
usually out alone in the forests and mountains, and when they confront lawbreakers "we're usually outnumbered." And those lawbreakers are all armed.
“Not too many people know what I do,” he told the rapt audience. “I’m not not a park ranger. I'm not an animal control officer. I deal only with wildlife, not domestic animals."
He and his N.J. cohorts enforce hunting, fishing and trapping laws, investigate hunting accidents, do routine daily inspections, check that hunters have proper gear, and also act as CSI detectives who can determine the cause/time of death when an animal or bird meets an odd demise or when there is a fish kill in a
body of water (did the fish die of disease or of some pollutant in the water?).
All the N.J. conservation officers have degrees in biology. "I'm basically a biologist who carries a gun and a nightstick," he commented.
They also investigate illegal trafficking in wildlife, and Kuechler told stories, and showed photos, of some cases he had handled. One of which involved a Hudson County man who was trapping songbirds, cardinals and blue jays and selling them, at a nifty price, to a man in Brazil. Who was likely selling them for an even niftier price since, in Brazil, these would be "exotic" birds.
Then there are the cases involving wild creatures being kept illegally as pets. Kuechler cited two, one of which in-
volved a man who was keeping a cobra in a cage at the foot of the crib in which his 3-monthold son slept.
Another man had "rescued" an orphaned fawn, thought it would make a nice pet, and was raising it in his home. At night, it slept on the sofa with the guy's labrador retriever. Sounds cute, but a deer is not suited for domestic life. It is a wild creature.
The advice to any animal lover who finds some ostensibly "orphaned" wild critter and is tempted to adopt and try to domesticate it: "If you care, leave it there!"
Which brings us to the mother bear adopting an orphaned cub. The conservation officers often use bear mamas for this purpose, and they even have their favorites -- ones
that have fostered cubs in the past and have been good mothers.
When such a cub is found, it is brought to the den of a female that has her own brood. The mother is sedated and Vicks is smeared on her snout. The cubs -- her own and the orphan -- have their fur smeared with Vicks. When mama wakes up, she has one more cub, but since they all smell alike, it is welcomed to the family.
By the way, N.J. mama bears have the biggest litters in the U.S. -- four to five cubs, compared with the average two or three in other states.
Our state also is home to some of the biggest black bears in the country, said Kuechler, citing N.J. bruins that have weighed in at 800 pounds.
(And you still wonder why I don't like the outdoors.)
All this is only a smidgen of Kuechler's lecture. We all also learned about illegal net fishing in the Passaic (why anyone would fish in the polluted Passaic is beyond me); illegal clamming; the fact that there are blue-claw crabs in Kearny waters off Rt. 7 but you'd better steer clear since the waters are condemned due to heavymetal contamination; the northern border-to-Delaware Bay and Hudson-to-Delaware River range of the conservation officers' jurisdiction; and much more.
If you'd like additional information on the Division of Fish & Wildife and the amazing work conservation officers do, visit www.njfishandwildlife. com.
Kudos to local collegians for merit
The following residents in The Observer’s coverage area achieved academic honors at the following schools: Fairleigh Dickinson University, Metropolitan Campus, Madison: The following students have all been named to the Honor’s List: Nicholas Vinci, Joshua Molino, Monica Bobila, Natasha Rodriguez and Louis
Petronico, all of Nutley; Robert Solano, Stephanie Canal, Kristina Glancey, Mayuri Feijoo-Torres, John Chevres, Mariah Jenkins-Mcneil and Jasmine Antunez, all of Lynd-
PASSAIC VALLEY WATER COMMISSION NOTICE TO NORTH ARLINGTON CUSTOMERS
The Passaic Valley Water Commission is committed to providing our customers with high quality water and service. As part of our on-going improvement program, we are cleaning, lining, testing and disinfecting approximately 2,600 linear feet of 6-inch diameter water mains along Bond Pl, Belmont Ave, Union Pl, Renner Pl, and Stratford Pl. Work will begin on or around September 8 and will be completed by December 2015. Please note that parking and access may be restricted for limited times at these locations.
We will make every effort to maintain your normal water service at all times. If your property is connected to the water main being replaced, you will receive water service through a temporary main.
Water service to all customers will be maintained throughout the project and will be safe for use. There may be, however, some unavoidable water discoloration and low pressure at any time during the project period. Customers are therefore cautioned to determine if the water is clear before washing clothes (or any other processing) as staining may occur.
PLEASE WATCH YOUR STEP
Our Contractor must dig in the street in order to install the underground water mains. Temporary mains will also be run along the curb. Please watch your step and ask your children not to play in the work areas.
INCONVENIENCE IS TEMPORARY – IMPROVEMENT IS PERMANENT
We understand that this project may cause some inconvenience. We will make every effort to minimize the disturbance and will work closely with local police and officials to reduce traffic problems.
IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS
Please call our customer service number at (973) 340-4300 during regular working hours. During off hours and on the weekends, please call our contractor’s emergency contact number at 201-983-2299.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation. These improvements will help us to continue to give you dependable water service.
hurst; Ethan Evanchick, Amelia Burbano, Kristen Stankus and Melissa Pineda, all of Kearny; Allison Van Sluytman, Matthew Glarner, Norman Lopez, Anthony Mitchell and Jazmin Pacheco, all of North Arlington; Theresa Murante, Angeli Mae Celestial, Adriana Strama, Jamie Bono, Kristy Bono, Paola Aguirre, Joanne Vieira, Eric Saenz and Nicholas Sales, all of Belleville and Jennifer Galvao and Yoshua Cotto, both of Harrison.
The following students made the Dean’s List at FDU’s Metropolitan Campus: Ngoc Lam, Paul Rivas, Brianne Carey, Sabrina Sanfilippo and Andrea Tejeda, all of Kearny; Moises Rodriguez and Traudi Lacunza, both of Belleville; Mayelin Pena and Ligia Solano, both of Nutley and Grace Anne Gigante and Alexsandra Espinoza, both of Lyndhurst.
St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, Pa.: Amy Dougher of Harrison made the Dean’s List.
Felician College, Ruther-
ford: The following students were all named to the Dean’s List: Daniel Gonzalez, Magdalena Kulesza, Talin Leister and Reema Sethi, all of North Arlington; Adrian Canarte, Darryl Gino, Katie Heflin, Elizabeth Lyman and Nicole Stankus, all of Kearny; Erwin Aquino, Vanessa Deluca, Melissa Gallo, Jianna Ingenito, Amanda Nowak and Christian Rodriguez, all of Lyndhurst; Christopher Bunay, Carmen Figueroa, Ariana Jasarevic, Dalissa Lopez, Anastacia Lopez, Aniyah McNeal, Michelle Nguyen, Zeneida Ramirez, Reuben Sarmiento, William Steimel and Stephanie Steimel, all of Belleville and Lianne Rossi and Frank Sasso, both of Nutley.
Berkeley College: Susy Araujo, Susan Lourenco, Thais Rocha, Diana Talaver and Raymond Williams, all of Kearny, made the President’s List. Jessica Goden, Anabell Gonzalez and Jaime Robles, all of Kearny, were named to the Dean’s List.
Deadline for obituaries: Monday by 10 AM
Arthur J. Matson
Arthur J. Matson, 78, of Brick, and formerly of Point Pleasant, passed away peacefully on Monday, Aug. 10, at Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood.
Mr. Matson owned and operated Matson Dental Labs
in Kearny and North Arlington for many years before his retirement. Mr. Matson was a certified dental technician and master dental technologist. He was a former president and treasurer of the N.J. Dental Lab Association and a member of the National Association of Dental Laboratories.
Mr. Matson was born in East Orange, on Jan. 10, 1937, and grew up in North Arlington with parents Sven and Emily. He spent every summer with his grandparents in Beachwood. A graduate of North Arlington High School’s Class of 1955 where basketball was his passion,
he earned the title of AllState and All-County in Basketball in 1954 and 1955. He served in the U.S. Army, where he perfected his future career in dental technology at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, D.C. Art also lived in West Caldwell and Point Pleasant since 1985, before moving to Brick two years ago.
Art was an avid boating and fishing enthusiast, enjoying boats from a young age. Fishing in and offshore from Manasquan to Montauk L.I., he participated in many canyon trips and shark tournaments. His prized catch, a 583-pound Tiger shark
caught off Montauk, is one we will always remember. He spent many hours running a boat, finding the fish, catching them and bringing them home. He was a life member of the N.J. Museum of Boating in Bay Head.
Surviving are his loving wife of 25 years, Anne Hughes Matson; son, Joseph Matson of Washington; daughter and son-in-law, Barbara Pelusio – Biase and Perry Biase and grandchildren, Frank and Nicole of Pt. Pleasant Beach. He was predeceased by his former wife, and mother of his children, Frances C. Matson, in 2002.
Affectionately known as
Artie or “Pop Pop” to all who loved him, he will be sorely missed by his family, extended family and friends. A celebration of Arthur’s life will be held 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, at the O’Brien Funeral Home, 505 Burnt Tavern Road, Brick. A prayer service and military honors will be conducted at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Donations may be made in his name to the N.J. Museum of Boating , 1800 Bay Blvd., Point Pleasant, N.J. 08742. For more information or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.obrienfuneralhome.com
Are you prepared for a financial emergency?
Financial stability means more than just being able to cover your monthly expenses. It means having resources to make it through the unexpected.
According to a “Special Report: Measuring Optimism, Outlook and Direction (M.O.O.D.) of America on Employee Benefits” study, conducted by Lincoln Financial Group in 2015, 86% of employees are confident they can afford today’s health care expenses -- a number that drops significantly to 74% for the years ahead.
While those numbers may sound optimistic, only 18% of those polled feel very confident they could cover their current expenses in the event of a major injury or illness. And when faced with out-ofpocket expenses not covered by a medical program, workers say they would dip into savings or checking accounts, credit cards and even their 401(k).
Some non-medical benefits can help bridge the gap between today’s confidence and tomorrow’s concerns.
“Fortunately, many employers offer important non-med-
ical benefits that can help alleviate the need to incur debt or dip into savings and retirement accounts in the event of a major illness or injury,” says Eric Reisenwitz, senior vice president of group protection operations and product for Lincoln Financial Group. “Enrolling in these benefits can help you face medical expenses with confidence.”
Reisenwitz says that some important non-medical benefits include:
• Disability: Disability coverage -- both short- and long-term -- can help replace a portion of lost wages during recovery from injury or illness. Benefits are paid weekly or monthly and you decide how the benefits are used, just as you would with a regular paycheck. Partial disability benefits are also an option if you’re only able to perform part of your job or return to work part time.
• Accident Insurance: Accidents happen. And even with medical insurance, you still have deductibles and copayments. Accident insurance can help you bounce back by providing funds to help pay for expenses other insurance
may not cover.
• Critical Illness Insurance: Treatment and recovery from such illnesses as heart attacks, strokes and cancer takes time. Critical illness insurance helps you recover financially while you recover your health, by providing a lump-sum benefit to pay for medical or living expenses that other insurance may not cover.
• Life Insurance: A life insurance policy can pay cash to your beneficiaries in the event that you die unexpectedly, helping them cope with burial expenses and the loss of your income, ensuring they are left financially protected. Life insurance benefits can help protect your loved ones no matter your stage of life, covering student loans, credit card debt, home payments, college savings, the cost of a mortgage, and even financing retirement.
• Vision and Dental Insurance: Good dental health is important, as doctors have found links between gum disease and serious medical conditions. Dental insurance assists in the payment of dental care fees. A vision plan
can help your family reduce out-of-pocket expenses on regular check-ups and corrective lenses.
More information can be found at www.lfg.com/GPEmployeeBenefits.
It’s important to take charge of your financial future, and a good place to start is by exploring your employer’s non-medical benefits plan. – StatePoint
smoking No pets Available Sept 1st please call (973) 489-2995 (973) 580-5218 Se habla espanol
HARRISON 2nd floor, 2 bedrooms, bath, LR, kitchen, balcony Separate utilities Newly painted Security Available Sept 1st (201) 803-9148
HARRISON 3 BR's in three family house, $1400/month + utilities No pets Near PATH Avail Sept 1st 973-687-9266
KEARNY 3 rooms, HT/HW included Elevated building Laundry facility on premises $975/month 4 rooms, $1200/month Call Sofia after 3pm 201-998-3516 or see super after 3pm 654 Elm St Apt Basement 1
KEARNY 2 BR, Large LR, Large Kitchen, 1 Bath C/A, Dead end St easy to park
$1,200/month (201) 376-7179
KEARNY 2 bedrooms, 5 rooms, LR, DR/kitchen combo, central AC/HT
$1250/month, 2 month
security Separate utilities Available September 1st (201) 519-4737 after 3:30pm (201) 290-0589
KEARNY Arlington Section 1st Fl 3 BR LR/DR EIK HT included 1 1/2 months security 1 car parking Avl September 1st or 15t 551-697-4235 After 5pm
KEARNY
Studio apt in nice location HT/HW included No pets $785/month 1-1/2 months security contact Joanne (973) 699-3146
KEARNY Large 1 BR apt Loft style Featuring open floor plan, high ceiling, large windows, H/W floor throughout, New ceramic tile in bath New kitchen, Ceiling fans in each room
$1200/month + security & utilities No pets (201) 991-6942
KEARNY Ivy St Studio apt All utilities included $750/month 1 month security No pets Available now (973) 820-8338
KEARNY 2 large BR apt Excellent Location, Belgrove Dr $1500/mo + utilities 1-½ months security W/D hook-up, CA, no pets Close to Transportation (201) 991-4904 (201) 745-2438
KEARNY Kearny Ave 2 bedrooms
$1,150/month No pets Separate utilities 1-1/2 months security Available Now (201) 893-1955
KEARNY Kitchen, Bath, LR, DR, 1 large & 1 Small BR, Roosevelt school, Avl 9/1/15 No pets Security Call Pat (201) 870-5140
KEARNY 2nd Fl 2 BR, $1,350/month HT/HW Supplied Refrigerator, 1 1/2 months security No pets Avl now 201-991-5968
KEARNY Newly renovated 2nd floor 3 BR’s, Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Utilities not included No pets No Smoking Available September 1st $1200/month (201) 998-2153 or 201-951-2868
KEARNY Beautiful Big 3 BR, LR, DR, Kitchen Close to school & Bus stop Nice area $1,400/month 1 month security Avl Oct 1st (201) 456-1226
LYNDHURST 3 room, 1 BR, Newly renovated, HT, HW cooking gas included, parking, 2nf fl w/balcony $1125/mo 1 month security Laundry on premises, close to public transportation Please call after 9am 201-991-6056
KEARNY Newer 2 BR, LR kitchen, no pets Separate utilities 1 1/2 months security Central Air (973) 380-9007 BELLEVILLE Furnished room for rent $460/month Half month security Call (973) 450-9457 after 5:00pm Se Habla Español/Ingles N ARLINGTON $248,000 2 Family, 1 BR each floor 1 car garage Full basement Separate Utilities Call owner (973) 284-1056
948-6161
Attention: single females 20’s-50’s who can appreciate a good man, single male, Rutherford Green eyes, trim beard, athletic. Seeking single female. Non smoker. Long hair, intelligent, affectionate for monogamous relationship (727) 492-8164
LYNDHURST Spacious 1 BR renovated apt on 4th fl of classic building in residential neighborhood No elevator EIK w/wood cabinets stove, refridg & ceramic Tile floor H/W throughout rest of apt Laundry in building No pets No smoking 1 block to NYC commuter Train/Bus Mins by car to access cosmopolitan area $990/month
ARLINGTON Totally renovated 2 bedroom, DR, LR, new kitchen and bath, garage, washer/dryer hook-up Available September 1st $1500/month Call
N ARLINGTON 1 & 2 BR’s HT/HW included Parking space No pets (201) 342-2206 N ARLINGTON
Lovely 4 room apt 2 large BR’s H/W floors W/D Hook-up Off street parking No pets $1225/month (908) 310-9068
Newly renovated, 1 BR $950/mo Vailsburg/ Near Seton Hall HT/HW included Safe/Secure Brick Historic Bldg H/W Floors Refrigerator, Ceiling Fans 1 month security Section 8 ok No fees No pets 973-216-9470 N ARLINGTON 2 room apartment, all utilities included $850/month plus security No pets Available September 1st Call 201-246-8687
Leather interior, automatic temperature control, rear window defroster – Air Bags, Alarm, AM/FM cassette player, sunroof, garage kept 143,600 miles $3,000 or B O Call Maria 862-944-6141
BUSINESS FOR SALE
(646)675-5113
Whippany, NJ (973) 585-6900
Advance Food Store, 285 Main St , Belleville State fair shopping center
COMPANY IN HILLSIDE IS HIRING PEOPLE WITH EXPERIENCE TO
WITH
AND PACKAGING FOR TWO SHIFTS, CALL 908-258-0456 COMPANIA EN HILLSIDE NECESITA DE PERSONAL CON EXPERIENCIA PARA TRABAJAR CON PINTURA EN AEROSOL Y EMBALAJE PARA DOS TURNOS, LLAMAR 908-258-0456
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 a MUST!!! Spanish speaking a plus No nights or weekends
Competitive Salary Call Monday thru Friday only between 10 AM and 5 PM Call 973-751-6000 or Fax resume to 973-751-1190
RIS, seeking for experience welders (tig/ mig/ stick) industrial mechanics with 5+ years of experience with a valid Diver License Salary base on experience Please call at (732) 662-8833
CLEANING SERVICES
Brick Steps
• Sidewalks • Wood Steps • Oil Tanks Removal • Pavers • Decks General Home Repair Call (201) 280-0600
FENIELLO CONTRACTING LLC BASEMENT RENOVATIONS NO MORE WASTED SPACE Baths, Kitchens, Deck, Painting All types of Home Improvement Quality work Fair prices Fully insured Lic# 13vh03006100 (201)
FGLC Contracting
Interior Stone Tile & Paint Hardwood Flooring 201-962-0032
FM
Harrison police seek bank robbery suspect
HARRISON –
Police are seeking a man who pulled off a bank robbery in Harrison last Wednesday.
Harrison Police Det. Sgt. Dave Doyle said the incident occurred at about 10 a.m. at the Kearny Bank, 534 Harrison Ave.
Doyle said the suspect walked in the bank’s front entrance, presented a teller with a note -- apparently written in the bank – demanding cash, warning the teller that he had a gun.
After the teller handed him approximately $1,300 in cash, the
suspect instructed the teller to return the note – which she did –according to Doyle.
The suspect then left the bank through the front entrance, Doyle said.
Doyle said that workers in the area reported seeing a
cream-colored SUV exit the bank parking lot from the entrance driveway but it could not be confirmed that the suspect was in the vehicle.
Images of the suspect were captured on the bank’s closed circuit video.
The suspect was described as black, about 6-foot-3, with a full beard and wearing a navy blue baseball cap, light blue, longsleeved dress shirt (untucked), blue jeans and dark shoes.
Marginal agents biggest threat to real estate: report
Marginal agents are the biggest threat to the real-estate industry, according to the National Association of Realtors’ recently released “Danger Report.”
And while Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Coccia Realty’s Owner and President Jan R. Kwapniewski agrees with the report’s findings, he says his company constantly works to buck that trend — and he can do so because of the training programs he and his brand partner Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate offer.
“Marginal agents, or unskilled salespeople, represent a
threat to the consumer and the integrity of the real-estate industry because, without proper training, even the most well intentioned agent could lack the experience to consult buyers and sellers,” Kwapniewski said. “We place a priority on skill building and encourage both new and seasoned agents to participate in our ‘Seeds of Success’ program and offer both in-house training and online webinars to further our agents’ knowledge and competency.
“BHGRE Coccia Realty also provides on-site seminars led by professionals from our local MLS, the Federal Fair Hous-
ing and New Jersey Division of Consumer Rights to ensure our agents have the tools necessary to properly serve our clients.”
Still, the report is alarming for the industry in general, Kwapniewski says.
“In New Jersey, to become a licensed agent, a trainee only needs 75 hours of instructional learning,” Kwapniewski said. “We train our doctors for almost a decade and then there’s considerable continuing education — even for the best doctors. Lawyers spend spend several years in the classroom before we put them in a courtroom and then they all take part
in continuing education as well since the law is ever-evolving.
“And yet, in our field, which evolves just as much as the law, in New Jersey, we send agents to a 75-hour training course, we throw them right into the fire and continuing education, though required, is often an afterthought at most agencies. But not with my company.”
Each renewal period, agents are required to have 12 hours of continuing education on ethics, Fair Housing and New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination, broker and salesperson’s statutes and regulations, state and federal environmental
real-estate law and the law on escrow money and financial record-keeping.
So when the state requirements are combined with BHGRE’s continuing-education opportunities, Kwapniewski is confident saying his agents are the best trained in the region.
“We’ve never been content with doing just the minimum,” he said. “By offering these additional opportunities to our agents, I’m confident in saying that the local home buyer or home seller will find our agents get it — and like our motto says, when it comes to a transaction, we do ‘Real Estate, Just Better.’”
— Ron Leir
Real Estate, Just Better SM
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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectet uer adipiscing elit. Quisque sed nisi ac quam tincidunt molestie. Curabitur ut t urpis. Donec ultrices dui in erat. Integer
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectet uer adipiscing elit. Quisque sed nisi ac quam tincidunt molestie. Curabitur ut t urpis. Donec ultrices dui in erat. Integer ultricies, mi et pharetra cursus, sem arc u consectetuer neque, eget interdum
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectet uer adipiscing elit. Quisque sed nisi ac quam tincidunt molestie. Curabitur ut t urpis. Donec ultrices dui in erat. Integer ultricies, mi et pharetra cursus, sem arc u consectetuer neque, eget interdum
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectet uer adipiscing elit. Quisque sed nisi ac quam tincidunt molestie. Curabitur ut t urpis. Donec ultrices dui in erat. Integer ultricies, mi et pharetra cursus, sem arc u consectetuer neque, eget interdum
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectet uer adipiscing elit. Quisque sed nisi ac quam tincidunt molestie. Curabitur ut t urpis. Donec ultrices dui in erat. Integer ultricies, mi et pharetra cursus, sem arc u consectetuer neque, eget interdum
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectet uer adipiscing elit. Quisque sed nisi ac quam tincidunt molestie. Curabitur ut t urpis. Donec ultrices dui in erat. Integer ultricies, mi et pharetra cursus, sem arc u consectetuer neque, eget interdum
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectet uer adipiscing elit. Quisque sed nisi ac quam tincidunt molestie. Curabitur ut t urpis. Donec ultrices dui in erat. Integer
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectet uer adipiscing elit. Quisque sed nisi ac quam tincidunt molestie. Curabitur ut t urpis. Donec ultrices dui in erat. Integer ultricies, mi et pharetra cursus, sem arc u consectetuer neque, eget interdum
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectet uer adipiscing elit. Quisque sed nisi ac quam tincidunt molestie. Curabitur ut t urpis. Donec ultrices dui in erat. Integer
uer adipiscing elit. Quisque sed nisi ac quam tincidunt molestie. Curabitur ut t urpis. Donec ultrices dui in erat. Integer ultricies, mi et pharetra cursus, sem arc u consectetuer neque, eget interdum
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectet uer adipiscing elit. Quisque sed nisi ac quam tincidunt molestie. Curabitur ut t urpis. Donec ultrices dui in erat. Integer ultricies, mi et pharetra cursus, sem arc u consectetuer neque, eget interdum
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectet uer adipiscing elit. Quisque sed nisi ac quam tincidunt molestie. Curabitur ut t urpis. Donec ultrices dui in erat. Integer ultricies, mi et pharetra cursus, sem arc u consectetuer neque, eget interdum
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectet uer adipiscing elit. Quisque sed nisi ac quam tincidunt molestie. Curabitur ut t urpis. Donec ultrices dui in erat. Integer ultricies, mi et pharetra cursus, sem arc u consectetuer neque, eget interdum
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectet uer adipiscing elit. Quisque sed nisi ac quam tincidunt molestie. Curabitur ut t urpis. Donec ultrices dui in erat. Integer ultricies, mi et pharetra cursus, sem arc u consectetuer neque, eget interdum
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectet uer adipiscing elit. Quisque sed nisi ac quam tincidunt molestie. Curabitur ut t urpis. Donec ultrices dui in erat. Integer ultricies, mi et pharetra cursus, sem arc u consectetuer neque, eget interdum
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectet uer adipiscing elit. Quisque sed nisi ac quam tincidunt molestie. Curabitur ut t urpis. Donec ultrices dui in erat. Integer ultricies, mi et pharetra cursus, sem arc u consectetuer neque, eget interdum
uer adipiscing elit. Quisque sed nisi ac quam tincidunt molestie. Curabitur ut t urpis. Donec ultrices dui in erat. Integer