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January 4, 2017 • www.theobserver.com • Vol CXXIX, No. 30 Visit our

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COVERING: BELLEVILLE • BLOOMFIELD

Page 26

• EAST NEWARK • HARRISON • KEARNY • LYNDHURST • NORTH ARLINGTON • NUTLEY By Ron Leir Observer Correspondent

Dawn of a new Wittpenn D

KEARNY –

on’t expect to see planes taking off and landing on the new Wittpenn (Rt. 7) Bridge, but its steel deck – still under construction – will be “similar to U.S. battleship decks.” So says the state Department of Transportation which is supervising the building of an entirely new span just north of the existing 1930 bridge that, in the interim, continues in serve as a Jersey City-Kearny link over the Hackensack River. Ultimately, the old bridge – already overshadowed by its partlyassembled towering neighbor – is to be demolished after its replacement structure is in place. The $480 million project, which will include a realigned approach to Fish House Road in South

Photo by Kevin Canessa Jr.

A massive crane readies placement of another beam in place on the Kearny side of the new Wittpenn Bridge.

see BRIDGE page

Attack victim, 25, succombs to injuries

The 25-year-old Kearny woman who was brutally attacked by an East Rutherford man Dec. 17 has succumbed to her injuries and the accused’s charges have been upgraded, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office announced last week.

Monet Thomas, of Kearny, died (from injuries sustained 11 days earlier) at Hackensack University Medical Center on Dec. 28, the BCPO said. Francis Tattoli, who was arrested Dec. 18 by the BCPO’s Major Crimes Unit’s Homicide Squad, now stands

accused of murder, felony murder and kidnapping, the prosecutor’s office said. Tattoli was originally charged with attempted murder. Tattoli is being held at the Bergen County Jail on $5 million bail, with no 10% cash option. His first appearance

on the new charges is 9 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 3, in Room 412 at the Bergen County Court House, Hackensack. Tattoli had previously pleaded not guilty to the attempted-murder charges. The BCPO offered the following account of what

happened with Tattoli and Thomas: On Saturday, Dec. 17, the BCPO said it received information from the East Rutherford Police Department that a woman had been attacked at see MURDER page

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

Only bidder will fix firehouse West Hudson Publishing Company’s Fastest Growing Free Weekly Newspaper Established 1887 Family Owned & Operated

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job. Dyl said the contract specifications call for repairs to the roof of the 115-year-old buildKEARNY – ing – the No. 1 priority – to t was the lone bid submitted but the town went with be completed within 60 days, once work begins. it. “After that,” the chief said, At long last, Kearny will, “the other stuff should be able presumably, get to see its to be done after we occupy the shaky Davis Ave. firehouse building.” fixed – some seven months Its complement of 16 after the town construction offi refi ghters and the engine fice ordered it shut as unsafe. assigned to the 3,000-square That will happen because, at foot Station 1 facility have a special meeting Dec. 20, the been temporarily relocated to municipal governing body votfi re headquarters (on Midland ed to award a repair contract Ave.) during the shutdown. to George Koustas Painting The building was ordered & Construction LLC of West closed May 27, one day after Long Branch for $347,000. workers from Bower & Co. And that price fell within roofi ng who were replacing the parameters of the town’s gutters on the firehouse dispreliminary estimate of what covered that a portion of the the job should cost, according wooden plate just below the to town CFO Shuaib Firozvi. roofl ine was bulging out on Mayor Alberto Santos said the Devon Terrace side. that the company “has done As Dyl explained at the time, work for other government the building’s construction in entities in New Jersey and 1901 did not include “collar New York” and that its “refties,” whose absence resulted erences came back as very in the roof joists pushing the good.” plates out of alignment. “We’re hoping the work will Other parts of the job to be start [this month],” he added. done, once the roof is secured, Fire Chief Steven Dyl said include restoring the facia last week he expected to board below the roof line, fixschedule a pre-construction ing drainage systems, leaders meeting with the contractor and gutters, to properly route shortly to learn how soon he water around the building, will be available to begin the By Ron Leir Observer Correspondent

And, in development-related matters, the governing body cleared the way for the town Zoning Board of Adjustment to review plans by 1416 Harrison LLC to build a three-story, six-unit residential structure at Harrison Ave. and Ann St. in the Schuyler Ave. Redevelopment Area to replace a former bar/restaurant previously destroyed by fire. However, the council stipulated that the firm’s designation as redeveloper can be withdrawn “if the owner has not commenced construction of the improvements by Nov. 30, 2017, or is not diligently pursuing completion of construction thereafter.” But the council tabled to its February meeting consideration of a plan by Ridge Crossing LLC for a 112-unit, fivestory/49-foot-tall apartment building at 682-686 Schuyler Ave. off Laurel Ave. The project would involve granting the developer a waiver from a town height restriction limiting such buildings in this redevelopment area to no more than four stories/45 feet. Santos said the governing body had concerns about the project “encroaching on neighboring properties and the impact of that encroachment on storm drainage.”

Kearny kids are ‘fired up’ to help others Kearny kids are making a difference in Newark in a new way at an outreach they called “Christmas Eve at the Park” a few weeks ago. The group is made up of 6th-, 7th and 8th-grade kids in a service group called “FireSquadNJ,” a faith-based group empowering kids to make a difference in their

39 Seeley Ave. Kearny, N.J. 07032 Phone: 201-991-1600 Fax: 201-991-8941 www.theobserver.com

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repointing of brick in the rear of the building and repairing the floor in the section not occupied by the engine, Dyl said. In other business, the mayor and council approved a total of $970,466 in emergency appropriations to the 2016 municipal budget, all of which must be carried over to the 2017 budget. These items included: $365,000 in police overtime and $110,000 in firefighter overtime, all of which was incurred before each department was beefed up with new hirings; $175,000 in Fire Department operating expenses for vehicle repairs and for Academy training for new hires; $300,000 in water utility operating expenses for water main repairs exceeding the amount budgeted and prior to the utility’s takeover by Suez Water; and $20,466 for the Consolidated Police/Fire Retirement Fund, as explained by Santos and Firozvi. By itself, Firozvi said, the emergency appropriation total to be carried over to 2017 accounts for 2.3% of the current $41.6 million municipal levy, but that added expense should be more than offset by what Santos characterized as a $2 million drop in 2017 municipal debt service.

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Inside Opinion ................................. 06 Around Town....................... 12 Sports .................................... 15 Real Estate........................... 20 Obituaries ............................ 23 Classiﬁeds............................ 24 Business Directory ........... 26

lives and in the communities around them … to set the world on fire, one kind act at a time. The kids served over 240 cups of pasta to the less fortunate in Newark. They also collected and handed out 170 blankets donated by generous people of Kearny and neighboring towns.

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

New librarian at the helm

By Ron Leir Observer Correspondent

BELLEVILLE – somewhat circuitous path brought Michelle Malone to the Belleville Public Library in July 2016 but, once settled in, she set a steady course. “She’s proved herself in a very short time,” was how newly retired library director Joan Taub assessed Malone’s capabilities last month. And, as of Jan. 3, Malone – who was head of the library’s children’s department – has now risen to the top rank at the library. Of 15 applicants for the position, seven were interviewed by a library board committee, Taub said, and Malone “presented herself very well.” During her initial tenure at the library, Malone “coordinated our summer youth reading program, created some new education programs, updated our children’s collections,” Taub said. “And she showed she had good ideas for the library’s future.” In an interview last week, Malone said that as early as she can remember, she consistently had her nose in a book, concentrating on picking up new information. “Since I was little,” she quipped, “I’ve always been an encyclopedia of useless information.” Malone recalled how her mom, an immigrant from South America, used to regularly take her brother to the library in her hometown of Hazlet. “She loved reading,” Malone

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Michelle Malone

said. And she wanted to contribute to her community so, to that end, “she volunteered her time in the senior center.” Part of the attraction of the library for Malone is interacting with her clients. “I like hearing people’s stories,” she said. After getting a bachelor’s degree in literature from William Paterson University, Malone was admitted to Long Island University’s C.W. Post campus for library studies at the Palmer School. “I was focusing on rare books, special collections and records management,” she said. At the same time, Malone worked part-time at the Metropolitan Museum of New York’s costume institute department, archiving old issues of Vogue and Vanity Fair

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ing for the Red Bank Public Library through Pro Libra Associates, a temp agency geared to students and young professional. She also put in time at Princeton Theological Library’s archives collections. After completing her MLIS (master’s in library and information science) in 2009, Malone began testing the job market and landed a new opportunity – and huge challenge – when she was hired by St. Paul’s University’s Nursing & Applied Health School in Staten Island as its first-ever librarian. “I had to build a library by myself,” she said. Three years later, Malone said she was undergoing some “transitioning” in her life and decided to go in a “corporate” direction, accepting an offer from IMS Health in Parsippany to work as a data analyst. IMS Health provides information, services and technol-

magazines. Her first actual field work at a library came while continuing classes at night as she spent daytime hours work-

ogy for the healthcare industry and is the largest vendor of U.S. physician-prescribing data. In that role, she said, “I dealt with logistics issues involving shipping,” for example, finding and correcting inconsistencies in data reports from pharmaceutical companies. That three-year venture was “a great learning experience,” Malone said, but at the same time she found herself yearning to return to her first love – libraries. Spotting a posting for a part-time children’s librarian in Belleville, she applied and came aboard in July. Shortly afterward, that turned into a full-time job. “The library was at the tail end of the construction work (restoration of the original Carnegie building) and a lot of stuff had backed up,” Malone recalled. “No one had had see LIBRARIAN page

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

KPD: From one lockup to another

ack on Sept. 2, Kearny police were called to a Bergen Ave. apartment complex on a report of a burglary into and theft from a 2014 Mitsubishi. Currency had been stolen and there was an unsuccessful attempt to disconnect a dashboardmounted camera. Officer Jordenson Jean took the initial report, KPD detectives did a forensics in-

vestigation, and certain items were sent to the State Police for further analysis. Eventually, a 22-yearold Newark man, Robert Lilly, was developed as the prime suspect, police reported. Conveniently, Lilly had been arrested in Essex County in the interim [for what, we don’t know] and was incarcerated in its cor-

rectional facility. So, on Dec. 22, Kearny police picked him up there, brought him to headquarters and booked him on the local charges of burglary and theft. As of last week, he was in the Hudson County Jail. ••• Other recent reports from the Kearny police blotter included the following:

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Dec. 22 At 7:20 p.m., Sgt Brian Wisely was travelling east on Bergen Ave. near Schuyler Ave. when he observed a heavily-damaged westbound 2003 BMW approaching on three wheels -- its right front tire missing. Stopping the car, he queried driver Sohail Sharifsuliman, 31, of Kearny, who reportedly explained that he had struck a highway median on Rt. 280. Following field sobriety tests and an Alcotest, Sharifsuliman was arrested for DWI, failure to report an accident and leaving the scene of an accident. ••• Officers Victor Girdwood, Jason Rodrigues and Sean Podolski responded at 11:30 p.m. to a Maple St. address where, police said, an apparently intoxicated tenant had broken the door of another resident’s apartment. Alleged culprit James Vandyk, 51, was arrested without incident in his own flat, charged with criminal mischief and taken to the county jail. Dec. 23 On patrol at 7 p.m., Officer Tim Castle spotted a 2008 Saturn parked on Bergen Ave., just outside the Modell’s lot, with its brake lights on and its driver apparently asleep at the wheel. When Castle parked behind the auto and exited his patrol car, police said, the brake lights went off and the Saturn rolled backward. Castle was not hit, but the patrol car was. To make matters messier, the Saturn driver then leaned out the window and upchucked. The kind officer called Kearny EMS to evaluate the man, who was interviewed by back-up Officers Ben Wuelfing and Chris Manolis. After an Alcotest, Richard Garcia Sotomayor, 33, of Kearny, was charged with DWI and careless driving.

shoplifters had just fled across Passaic Ave. after one of them assaulted a security guard. Despite their flight, the quartet, who allegedly had stolen clothing, were rounded up by the cops and ID’d by security, police said. Arrested were: 1) Mercy Adofo, 27, of Newark, charged with conspiracy, shoplifting, receiving stolen property, and possession of an anti-shoplifting/ inventory control device (a foil-lined shopping bag designed to circumvent security devices). 2) Kamillyah Fleary, 25, of Morristown: conspiracy, receiving stolen property, and robbery (she was the one who allegedly hit the guard). 3) Tierra Lagland, 25, of Newark: conspiracy, shoplifting, receiving stolen property and on a $250 Newark MV warrant. 4) Shonique Johnson, 25, of Newark: conspiracy, shoplifting, receiving stolen property, hindering (for allegedly giving a false name) and on two Newark MV warrants, $550 and $350. Adofo was released on a summons. The others were released after posting various amounts of bail.

Dec. 28 Sgt. Charles Smith and Officers Rodrigues, Manolis and Richard Poplaski, responding to a 10 p.m. report of a dispute on Franklin Place, encountered Noel Wessigk, 29, of Kearny, and arrested him on three warrants: Newark, resisting arrest, $1,000; Newark, MV, $1,000; Metuchen, MV, $500. The two jurisdictions were notified. ••• Officers Bush and Dowie, on South Kearny patrol at 11:30 p.m., conducted an MV stop on Rt. 1/9 and reportedly saw marijuana residue strewn throughout the 2003 Nissan, along with a plastic bag of the drug on the Dec. 24 driver’s seat. Driver Nelson What would Christmas Valentin, 30, of Elizabeth, Eve be without a shoplifting? was charged with possession Shortly before 9:30 p.m., of pot/paraphernalia, driving Officers Rodrigues, Manolis, while suspended, careless Jonathan Dowie and David driving and operating an Bush were called to Kmart MV in possession of a CDS. on a report that four female – Karen Zautyk

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

Panel: Keegan’s worth $7.88 million By Ron Leir Observer Correspondent KEARNY –

ere’s a holiday fable that’s guaranteed to knock you for a loop. Remember the Keegan landfill in Kearny? Just a dump, right? A place where contractors haul construction and demolition debris. Where equipment monitors for the presence of methane gas as a precaution. Well, not so for three wise men who visited the place and apparently came away inspired – to what extent, dear reader, will soon be revealed. The trio – Fairfield lawyer Gary Potters, Jersey City attorney Anthony J. DeSalvo and Union City realtor Carl J. Mucciolo – were assigned by Hudson County Superior Court Judge Peter Bariso Jr. to appraise the 104.6-acre property. The New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority (succes-

sor to the N.J. Meadowlands Commission), which has leased the dump from Kearny, wants to hold onto the property. When its lease ran out June 30, Kearny tried to kick them out but, instead, NJSEA countered with a move to take the land via eminent domain. Kearny challenged that in court, alleging that the state agency welched on a prior commitment to release the land so the town could convert it to recreational use. Sorry, Kearny, ruled Judge Bariso, who found that the NJSEA was justified in the taking because it proposed to continue the land’s use for a legitimate “public purpose,” namely, as a place to receive construction trash. Kearny is taking its case to the Appellate Court. That brings us back to the issue of deciding how much the Keegan dump is worth – if it comes down to the NJSEA actually taking the land and

Needless to say, the NJSEA immediately appealed that figure and both parties are due back before Judge Bariso, sitting in Jersey City, on Jan. 6. At that hearing, Bruno said, the court will confine the discussion solely to the issue of the value of the landfill. Assessing the actual worth of the real estate is likely Photo by Ron Leir complicated by several factors: its prior use, years ago, Mounds of construction trash continue to pile up at the Keegan landﬁll. as an unregulated dumping ground – before the NJMC paying Kearny for it. substantially invested in Earlier this year, as the a cleanup effort – and its lawyers for both sides were current use as a receptacle haggling over prices, the NJfor commercial trash and SEA came up with a projected its irregular contour, given value of about $1,880,000 for the various mounds of dirtthe property, according to covered trash spread over the James Bruno, attorney for the parcel of varying elevations of town. up to 60 feet. But the three condemnation Before and during its commissioners dispatched eminent domain filing, NJSEA by the court to fix a fair price proposed to extend the elevafor the parcel came up with tions to as high as 100 feet on $7,880,000, Bruno told The the assumption that the life Observer. of the landfill would continue

and possibly grow. At one point, Kearny had high hopes of converting the site to accommodate municipal recreational space for golf and/or ballfields. A worst-case scenario now envisioned – if the town could still end up in possession of the site – is that the parcel could still be salvaged for passive recreation or possibly solar farms, said Mayor Alberto Santos. If Kearny loses the land, it also stands to lose more than $1 million a year it receives as a landfill “host” fee from the NJSEA, thereby leaving a big hole in the municipal budget. Also, a still-open question is whether the NJSEA has put away enough money from tipping fees collected from haulers to pay for state-mandated closure costs associated with the shutting of a licensed landfill or whether it will look to Kearny to provide assistance to meet those costs.

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thoughts&views The contents of letters do not reflect the opinion of The Observer staff. Letters must be kept to a maximum of 250 words. Any letters that exceed the maximum will be edited, at the discretion of the publisher, who reserves the right at any time to reject or edit the letters for space. Letters must include the writer’s name, address, and telephone number for verification purposes. The deadline for letters is Thursday at 5 p.m. Any letters that arrive after deadline will not be considered for the upcoming publication. Letters can be sent by e-mail to publisher@theobserver.com or mailed to 39 Seeley Ave., Kearny, N.J. 07032. Anonymous letters will not be published under any circumstances.

For the umpteenth time ... ! By Karen Zautyk

he other day, having parked my car in an out-of-town supermarket lot, I noticed that the vehicle next to mine was a “puffer.” These are cars left running, and unoccupied, so the engine can warm up on a cold day. The term “puffer” comes from the puffs emitted from the exhaust pipe. These smoke signals easily attract car thieves, who even prowl the streets looking for them. I have seen puffers in residential areas and outside convenience stores, but never in the middle of a supermarket parking lot. My presumption was that this driver had (stupidly) decided to leave his/her vehicle running while he/she dashed inside “for just a few minutes” (the usual explanation when filing the theft report). When I came back out about 45 minutes later, the car was still there, and still puffing. Whether it was still there when the owner returned is not known. (I even called the local constabulary to find out if the thing could possibly be a “bait car.” It was not.) In any case, warming up the engine is apparently

no longer necessary. Do some web research, and you’ll find such advice as this: “Modern engines only need to warm up for 30 seconds on cold days. ... The best approach is to only idle for 30 seconds, and then just drive gently for the first few miles.” (But are New Jerseyans capable of driving gently?) Still, not all puffers are being warmed up. Some simply belong to simpleminded and/or lazy people who cannot be bothered to turn off the ignition while running an errand. They fall into the same category as those who, despite con-

stant warnings from law enforcement, continue to leave their cars unlocked. For them, I have no sympathy at all. My critics will likely once again brand me a callous creature with no concern for my misguided fellow humans. This is true. If I were a cop and were called to a report of a car theft or break-in and learned that the vehicle had not been locked, I’d tell the owner, “Tough whatever,” and go back to doing important stuff. Which is why I am not a cop. That and the fact that I cannot be trusted with firearms.

Don’t forget to check www.theobserver.com for news that didn’t make it into this week’s newspaper

law enforcement cautions to drivers, this one from Nutley Police Chief Thomas Strumolo, whose community has been plagued by car thefts/ burglaries. The NPD, he notes “continues to warn residents to SECURE and LOCK their vehicles. Unlocked vehicles have contributed to many thefts over the past several months, all of which could have been prevented if doors were locked. ... Also never leave valuables in a car where they can be observed.” Strumolo also offered some other advice of major At the very least, the import that you might not “victim” should get a sumhave heard before: “If you mons. In some states, observe that your vehicle they would. A Washington State law, for instance, reads: has been entered, DO NOT touch anything, and call “No person driving or in police.” charge of a motor vehicle The chief explained, “It is shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping important that the vehicle the engine, locking the igni- remain undisturbed for investigators, no matter how tion, removing the key and little was disturbed or stoeffectively setting the brake len. Evidence left by the acthereon.” tor may lead to prosecution New Jersey, believe it or for their vehicle [burglary] not, has something vaguely similar but IMHO so wimpy and many others burglarized in recent weeks.” I am not going to quote it. So: Lock your cars. Always. Along with the aforementioned puffer, today’s column Everywhere. Got it? was prompted by yet anFinally? other of the aforementioned

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

Passaic River park projected By Ron Leir Observer Correspondent HARRISON –

here may be another municipal park in Harrison’s future. The “Cape May St. Park,” as it has been tentatively labeled, is targeted for a section of the town’s Passaic River waterfront redevelopment area. Susan Gruel, a planning consultant for Harrison, said the town “is pursuing a grant from the Hudson County Open Space, Recreation & Historic Preservation Trust Fund to assist with the acquisition and development of a park on Cape May St. across from the Red Bull Arena in order to create and enhance public access and enjoyment of waterfront resources to the Passaic River.” And, Gruel said, “Specifically, the town wants to incorporate the site into the Waterfront Park/Walkway. The proposed Waterfront Cape May St. Waterfront Park/ Walkway will become a destination as part of the Harrison Waterfront Park/Walkway along the river.” It is anticipated that the new park would accommodate fitness stations (similar to those found in the northern end of Liberty State Park in Jersey City), a dog run, soccer fields, scenic overlooks, a food truck plaza, wetlands creation and interpretive signage relating to the ecology of the Passaic River waterfront and wetlands, Gruel said. However, no marina or boat ramp is included in the plans, according to Harrison Mayor

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James Fife. The Harrison park project is listed as one of the beneficiaries of a 2014 settlement of a suit filed by the state against companies accused of polluting the Passaic in prior years through untreated discharges of industrial and chemical wastes by riverfront industries. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reckons it will need to spend more than $1 billion to clean up the lower eight miles of the river, which are considered the most severely tainted. In the meantime, New Jersey Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno recently announced that $53 million realized from the 2014 settlement would be applied to projects designed to improve public access to the Passaic at 12 sites along the river. An additional $14 million from the settlement will fund restoration projects in and around Newark Bay, according to N.J. Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin. From the $53 million pot of money, Harrison is to get two grants: one for $1.8 million to go toward the acquisition of a 6.7-acre site to create public access to the waterfront and another for $3 million to finance the development of the proposed 12.5-acre Cape May St. Park. At the same time, Harrison has applied to the Hudson County Open Space Fund for two grants: one for $1 million to help finance acquisition costs associated with the new park/walkway and a second for $500,000 to help with actual development expenses.

Additionally, the town is hoping that one of its waterfront redevelopers will be “putting some money into the project,” Fife said. The town has yet to project

an overall cost for the project. “We own a piece [of land targeted for the park] by the Jackson St. Bridge,” the mayor said. “PSE&G owns the rest. They’ve cleaned that property

and they’re going to do some fill.” Fife offered no timetable for how long it might take to fulfill the prophecy of the new riverfront park.

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

State offers cameras to detect home-care abuse TRENTON –

lous home health-care providtate Attorney General ers. Christopher S. Porrino The Safe Care Cam program and the Division of Con- makes micro-surveillance sumer Affairs have launched cameras available for free a security-camera program to 30-day loans to anyone who assist New Jersey residents suspects their loved one is bewho fear that their loved ones ing mistreated or neglected by are being abused by unscrupu- health aides or other in-home

caregivers. The footage captured by the easily hidden device can either quell people’s fears or provide them with proof that immediate protective intervention is necessary, authorities said. The mission of Safe Care Cam is “to address the grow-

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ing concern about caregiver abuse” as more and more consumers choose in-home care as a more-affordable alternative to placing elderly, disabled or infirm family members in long-term facilities, the AG’s office explained. Authorities also noted that while “the vast majority” of N.J.’s state-certified home health aides provide compassionate, appropriate care, “data indicate that incidents of disciplinary actions against them have been rising.” “Our Safe Care Cam program will empower consumers to become their lovedones’ front-line protectors against abuse and neglect,” said Steve Lee, Consumer Affairs director. “At the first sign of trouble, they can immediately remove their loved one from harm and report the caregiver to the proper authorities.” Individuals seeking to participate in Safe Care Cam must provide contact and resi-

dence information, a copy of their driver’s license or other identification, and personally pick up the camera after undergoing a brief training by Consumer Affairs Division investigators. Cameras will be available at Division offices in Newark and Cherry Hill and will be loaned for up to 30 days, unless a reasonable request for additional time is made, the state said. Once the cameras are in place, it will be up to participants to review the recorded footage, which can be played on a television or computer with adapters provided by the Division. It is also up to the participant to decide to report any issues of concern to the Division or other appropriate authorities. Those who wish to participate should call 973-504-6375 and leave a message in a voice mailbox that will be monitored by Division staff. Messages also can be left via the toll-free line (1-800-242-5846).

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Celebrating the blues

If so, it is crucial that you contact an experienced accident lawyer immediately. Only a skilled lawyer can help you achieve compensation by identifying the best method of recovery in such cases. The attorneys at Brady, Brady & Reilly are currently handling all claims against New Jersey Transit. Call and make an appointment for a free consultation! Statute of limitation for ANY CLAIMS against NJ TRANSIT: Notice of your intention to file a claim against NJ TRANSIT must be sent to the claims department within 90 days of the accident in which you were injured or you will be forever barred from filing a lawsuit. Contact our law firm immediately after an accident so that we can send your notice and begin investigating your claim. Kathleen M. Reilly and Lawrence P. Brady are experienced personal injury lawyers who handle claims against New Jersey Transit. Upon representation, Brady, Brady & Reilly, LLC will timely notify New Jersey Transit Operations of your claim and begin investigating your case. For a free legal consultation, call us at 201-997-0030.

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Members of the Nutley Police Department were recognized for outstanding police work at a Dec. 8 ceremony. Chief Thomas Strumolo presented officers commendations for various jobs throughout the year. Police Director Alphonse Petracco attended along with Commissioner Mauro Tucci, who each paid tribute to the outstanding accomplishments of the commended officers. Strumolo said extraordinary efforts are put forth every day by Nutley’s men and women in blue. Those recognized were, bottom row from l., Officer Peter Sandomenico, Det. Sgt. Anthony Montanari, Det. Daniel Schettino, Det. Robert McDermott, Det. James Baunhuber, Captain John Rhein, Det. Thomas Perrota, Director Alphonse Petracco, Chief Thomas Strumolo, Commissioner Mauro Tucci and Det. Sgt. Jeffrey Luberto. Also, top row from l., Capt. Robert Irwin, Lt. Nicholas Neri, Officer John Mecka, Officer Ryan Mulligan, Officer Joseph O’Halloran and Lt. Robert Kordas.

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

Tips on keeping cars from being vandalized LYNDHURST/ NORTH ARLINGTON – ven in the wintertime, Riverside County Park – stretching along the banks of the Passaic in both Lyndhurst and North Arlington – continues to attract visitors. Recently, however, some of those visitors have been members of an “organized car burglary crew” known as the Felony Lane Gang. Warning about their activity came in a public advisory issued recently by Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal, who cited an increase in thefts from cars throughout the county. Prime targets have been vehicles left unattended at parks, gyms/fitness centers, YMCAs, daycare centers and similar establishments. According to a map of the crime sites, most appear to have occurred in northern Bergen, but River-

side Park in Lyndhurst was included. As of press time, The Observer had not been able to obtain from Grewal’s office the dates or other specifics of the local incidents. The prosecutor’s advisory noted that the thieves “break into unattended vehicles and steal identification and financial documents (credit cards and checkbooks) whether in bags, purses or wallets or otherwise stored in the vehicles.” And, Grewal warned, the culprits can be “gone in 30 seconds.” “They then immediately attempt to use the stolen information to attempt to withdraw money from their victims’ bank accounts or to incur unauthorized charges on their victims’ credit cards, using their stolen identification cards to facilitate their activities,” Grewal said. He offered the following advice (which, we note, has been offered by law enforce-

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ment multiple times before but apparently continues to be ignored): 1. Do not leave your purse or other valuable property (cell phones, tablets, laptops, cash or jewelry) visible in your car, at any time. We encourage you to take your valuables with you, or if you must, lock them in your glove box (out of plain view). Please also close your car windows and lock your doors. 2. Be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious vehicles or people at these locations. If you see something that looks out of the ordinary, say something by calling your local police department. And please heed this warning: Do not approach suspicious vehicles or persons on your own. Call the police! – Karen Zautyk

And no partridge in a pear tree, either By Karen Zautyk Observer Correspondent KEARNY – A 26-year-old Kearny man spent Christmas in the Hudson County Jail, and unless Santa showed up with 10% of $70,000 bail, he is likely still there. Authorities said this Yuletide story began Dec. 14, when, shortly after 5 p.m., a man entered a restaurant on the 200 block of Kearny Ave. and placed an order to go. When the food was ready, the customer advised the proprietor that he would pay for it on Friday. (Dec. 14 was a Wednesday.) Told that this was not acceptable, police said the customer became hostile, at first verbally, then with punches and kicks. Ultimately, police said, the patron hurled a full pot of hot coffee at the owner, burning the victim’s head and upper back. As other employees rushed to their boss’ rescue,

the perp ran out the door. KPD Officer John Donovan gathered the initial information, and Det. Bryant Obie conducted the follow-up investigation, developing as a suspect Kearny resident Crosby Salas-Perez. Police said he was identified by the victim and warrants were drawn up on charges including aggravated assault and criminal mischief. At 3 a.m. on Christmas Eve, all was not calm and bright on the 200 block of Chestnut St., where Officers Jason Rodrigues, David Bush and Jonathan Dowie were called to a dispute at a residence. One of the parties turned out to be Salas-Perez, who was promptly arrested on the two Kearny warrants ($35,000/10% each), along with a $1,000 (full) warrant from Harrison on a criminal-trespass charge. Salas-Perez was booked and taken to the county jail. (Do inmates get coal in the stockings?)

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

Banner year for Ciampaglia with Coccia LYNDHURST –

If you were to judge Ray Ciampaglia on his accomplishments in real estate, you’d probably think he’s been in the field for decades. Truth is, though, he’s only been in business for a few years. But in that time, he’s demonstrated that as a partner with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate | Coccia Realty, he has accomplished more than some agents have accomplished in a lifetime. Now that’s not a knock on other agents, either, mind you. It’s just that Ray – Ray is that good. And it all comes back to a few credos that Ciampaglia lives by that have made him one of the top agents in Bergen and Hud-

son counties over the past few years. “I believe in three key principles of success,” Ciampaglia said. “First, love what you do. Second, be the best at what you do. Third, surround yourself with successful people. I incorporate these principles into my everyday activities and I am a strong believer in karma. You simply cannot become successful without helping and being kind others.” So just how has Ciampaglia accomplished this? He pointed to one transaction in 2016 that didn’t have a highearning potential. Despite this, he treated the transaction as he does every single one he deals with – as if it’s the most impor-

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“That was the most important thing,” he said. “Others may have looked at that first transaction with disdain. I didn’t – and never do. The karma was immense and it led to so many other bigger deals. By treating everyone the same way, it leads to greater, bigger and better things.” Highly decorated In his career, Ciampaglia has Ray Ciampaglia been the recipient of many real estate-related awards, includtant he’ll ever see. His client was looking to rent ing one of the most prestigious a New Jersey realtor can win: a small commercial property. the New Jersey Association And because he treated the of Realtor’s Circle of Excelclient with great care and conlence Award, Bronze Level, in cern, it led to several other 2015. Though the awards for transactions worth millions in 2016 won’t be announced until sales volume in the same year. February, Ciampaglia predicts “an ever better showing” for the current year. In Ciampaglia’s first year, he was also nominated for performance awards, including Rookie of the Year and in his second year nominated for The Rising Star Award. He continues to educate himself through the National Association of Realtors accredited learning institutions, most recently receiving his (PSA) or Pricing Strategy Advisor Certification.

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What sets Ray apart? Ciampaglia believes transparency is critical to success as a real estate agent. From the get go, he lets his clients know exactly what they need to know. He listens to their concerns, their budgets, their desires in a new home … and he sets out to make the home buying (or selling) process an easy one. He points to his use of technology as an example. In the home-buying and home-selling process, technology is critical, he says. No longer can an agent expect to sell homes without it. When a home goes up for sale, it takes him up to 30 days

to prepare a listing. Whether it’s setting a reasonable price, taking professional photos of a home – or a myriad of other factors, Ciampaglia works diligently to ensure every one of his listings are superbly done. It benefits both the buyer and the seller. Still, it all comes down to this, Ciampaglia says, as to why he’s had as strong a 2016 as he has. “You simply must be passionate about what you are doing,” he said. “Do it with passion or don’t do it at all.” And indeed, when Ray does things, his passion is very hard to match. Otherwise he wouldn’t have gained this phrase from his colleagues. “Sell today with Ray.” Meanwhile, Jan R. Kwapniewski, who owns and is the President of BHGRE | Coccia Realty, says his company’s partnership with Ray has been one of the best he’s forged in a long time. “We knew back in 2014 that when Ray came on board, something special was going to happen,” Kwapniewski said.“ “From the beginning, he’s been one of our most aggressive agents. He’s had a wonderful 2015 and 2016 – and I am certain he’ll be off the charts in 2017.” Ray is a member of the Eastern Bergen County Board of Realtors (EBCBOR), the New Jersey Association of Realtors (NJAR), the National Association of Realtors (NAR), and the Real Estate Politics and Advocacy Group (RPAC), the New Jersey Multiple Listing Service (NJMLS), the Garden State Multiple Listing Service (GSMLS) and the Hudson County Multiple Listing Service (HCMLS). Interested in buying or selling with Ray Ciampaglia? Call him at 201-456-4839 or send him an email to RealtorRayNJ@ gmail.com.

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

BHS essayist acclaimed for work BELLEVILLE – he’s just a high school freshman but Belleville’s Jazailis Gual is a precocious literary lion. Jazailis was named a finalist in the 2016 Altice USA Hispanic Heritage student essay contest for her composition, “Superheroes Don’t Always Wear Capes,” a tribute to her Cuban-born grandmother. The competition is open to middle-school students (grades 6 to 8) and high school students who attend school in communities served by Altice USA via its Optimum WiFi and Suddenlink TV, internet and phone systems. In this year’s event, students were asked to: “Name a Latino, past or present, with

whom you would choose to spend a day and explain why.” In her essay, Jazailis recounts the efforts of her grandmother, Gladis Garcia, to adjust to life in her new country and her appreciation of her fortitude. “I’m proud to have my grandmother be honored in such an amazing way,” the Belleville High student said during an award ceremony – filmed at the BHS production studio by Altice USA – that aired locally on WBHS and Channel 34/39 this past weekend and was BHS to be streamed off the Altice website. Jazailis Gual (c.) holds her prize and accepts kudos for her accomplishment. “The essay came from my From l., are BHS Principal Russell Pagano, her social studies teacher Gary Klotzheart and I’m delighted to kin, Gual, Allison Aylward, public affairs manager of Optimum Community/ know the judges were able to Altice USA; and Superintendent of Schools Richard Tomko.

Kearny UNICO hosts holiday party

understand that. I would like to thank my parents, my siblings and Principal [Russell] Pagano for this wonderful opportunity, and most importantly, my grandmother,” said Jazailis. The freshman won an iPad for her runner-up finish in the contest. Pagano praised her achievement, saying, “I am really proud of Jazailis. She represents Belleville High School at its finest. Her writing skills are fantastic. Congratulations to her!” At the ceremony, BHS students had a chance to intermingle with the Altice USA production crew and also film their own version of the ceremony. – Ron Leir

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Santa and his helpers enjoy a photo-op. Seated (from l.): Santa (Tom Gregory) and Ida Nigro. Standing (from l.): Allan Focarino, Unico NJ VII District governor, Angela Varano, Judy Hyde, Laura Sgalia, Celeste Pandolfi, Joe Sgalia, Jim Pecora, Theresa Trucillo, Pearl Yaszczemski, Anthony DeLuca of Kearny Bank and Lou Pandolfi.

Kearny UNICO hosted a Christmas party for mentally and physically challenged individuals from Pathways to Independence at the Lithuanian Catholic Community Center (LCCC) on Dec. 9. Working with Pathways, Kearny UNICO and the Kearny Ladies of UNICO provided 150 guests with food, music and gifts. Chapter members decorated the hall, served food to the guests and served as Santa’s helpers. Kimberly Camacho, Sandra DaSilva, Alyssa Hodnett

and Stephanie Vieira of Kearny High School and Michael Rozzelle of Bloomfield College assisted the chapter with the party. LCCC members Carol Manley, Sandy Hodnett and Margaret Alday volunteered to help serve guests at the party and assisted in running the party. Chapter President Joe Sgalia welcomed everyone to the party. Mayor Alberto Santos along with councilmembers Albino Cardoso, Marytrine DeCastro and Susan McCurrie also attended.

Contact your media representative today! 201-991-1600

aroundtown THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

Belleville

The Belleville Health Department has free flu vaccine available for township residents. For an appointment, call 973-450-3394. ••• The Belleville Public Library, 221 Washington Ave., has the following programs on tap for the coming week: • Folded Book Art, Thursday, Jan. 5, 10 a.m. to noon. • Adult Coloring Club, Friday, Jan. 6, 10 a.m. to noon. • LVA, Saturday, Jan. 7, 10 a.m. to noon. • Movie Monday, featuring “The Intern” on Monday, Jan. 9, at noon. • Yoga: Mommy & Me, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 10 to 11 a.m.. • Crochet Club, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 11 a.m. to noon.

Kearny

The Kearny Public Library,

at 318 Kearny Ave., offers the following upcoming programs: • Instructor Martina Nevado returns to lead a children’s cooking winter workshop for grades 3 to 6 on Saturday, Jan. 14, at 11 a.m., and for pre-K through grade 2 on Saturday, Jan. 21, at 11 a.m. There will be a celebration of January holidays Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Winnie the Pooh Day, which will include cupcakes, cookies and healthy smoothies. Classes meet in the lower level kitchen at the main library, at 318 Kearny Ave. Recipes offered take food allergies into consideration. Each free class runs about 90 minutes. Classes are limited to no more than 15 on a first-come, firstserved basis. Call the library at 201-998-2666 to register or

for more information. • Touch the Music offers an interactive presentation of the classic story “The Nutcracker” on Saturday, Jan. 11, at 11 a.m. It’s a hands-on music program that introduces children ages 3 to 11 to the world of musical instruments and gives them the chance to try some of them out. Seating is limited and will be first-come, first-served. Call 201-998-2666 to register. ••• Kearny UNICO sponsors a fundraising bus trip to the Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City on Sunday, Jan. 29. Refreshments will be served at 7:30 a.m. and a bus will depart at 8:30 a.m. from American Legion Post 99 on Belgrove Drive. The cost is $30 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets, call Lou Pandolfi at

201-368-2409. Note: There are no NFL playoff games this day. Proceeds benefit the chapter’s scholarship fund and other local charities. ••• The Woman’s Club of Arlington Evening Membership Department meets Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Henrietta Benstead Center, 60 Columbia Ave., Kearny. David Mach will speak on the CANStruction Project. Board members will convene at 6:30 p.m. The hostesses for the evening are Elena Nakrosis, chairwoman, assisted by Kellie Fitzpatrick and Virginia Romano. The public is welcome. ••• St. Stephen’s Seniors, 676 Kearny Ave., meet every first and third Tuesday of the month in Hedges Hall. Refreshments are served at noon. After the 1 p.m. meet-

ing, there’s a 50/50 drawing and then bingo. New members are always welcome. For more information, call club president Allan Henderson at 201-991-4771.

Lyndhurst

Lyndhurst Public Library patrons are invited to sample the Mango Languages online language-learning system at no cost. More than 40 foreign language courses and 16 English as a Second Language (ESL) courses are available. Mango Languages can be accessed through www.lyndhurstlibrary.org. Log in with a valid Lyndhurst library card number. Patrons can access this service from home. For more information, call Library Director Donna Romeo at 201-804-2478, ext. 7, or email romeo@lyndhurst. bccls.org.

New year, new health resolutions? A new year is an excellent opportunity to assess your health and resolve to make positive lifestyle changes. “Many people work hard to establish healthy habits at the beginning of the year. But for those with busy schedules and tight budgets, maintaining these habits over time can be a challenge,” says Jill Turner-Mitchael, senior vice president of Sam’s Club, Consumables and Health and Wellness. To help people prioritize and maintain their health in 2017, Turner-Mitchael and Sam’s Club pharmacists are offering tips that are practical and affordable. • Secure Regular Screenings: It is important to get regular health screenings to keep track of the state of your health. Routine tests are often the first to get postponed when people get busy, but they are crucial for ensuring any potential medical issues are identified and addressed as early as possible. Resist the urge to let cost or time constraints prevent

you from getting regular check-ups. For example, free health screenings are often available at Sam’s Club, which offers a full suite of affordable health care offerings. These screenings are open to both members and the public at no cost, covering a wide range of tests to assess various health factors. Don’t forget regular vision and hearing tests, as well. • Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek out advice for improving your health. One easily accessible professional resource that is often overlooked is your local pharmacist. Before visiting the pharmacy, consider whether you have any health questions and jot them down. Pharmacists are eager to help people understand their medications and health, and you don’t need to go through the hassle of making an appointment. • Focus on Fresh Foods: Incorporating fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and legumes into your meals can help

you maintain a healthy weight, while also building your immunity and muscles. Smoothies, leafy green salads, vegetable stews and grilled fish are all great choices. You can also boost flavor with low-calorie ingredients that offer nutritional benefits, such as garlic, onion, spices and herbs. Some retailers today make it easy for shoppers to identify nutritious items. For example, Sam’s Club highlights healthy, organic foods with green tags.

age. • Enjoy Winter Workouts: You don’t have to become a world class body builder or competitive triathlete to reap the health benefits of exercise. Exercise can help everyone boost immunity, improve cardiovascular fitness and speed up metabolism. Even just committing to a midday walk or opting to take the stairs can make a big difference. Some people find they are more likely to stick to a workout plan if they enlist • Select Supplements: Even friends or coworkers to join the best diet can fall short them. Many people also of nutritional guidelines. find it helpful to track their Consider consulting with fitness goals and progress your healthcare professional using wearable technology about boosting your diet and smart scales, which can with a daily multivitamin or provide information on evesupplement tailored to your rything from your heart rate individual health needs. to your body mass index. • Verify Your Vaccinations: For more tips and inforImmunizations can help pre- mation about affordable vent illness and save lives. health care services and free Make sure you are current screenings, visit SamsClub. on all necessary vaccinacom. tions. Talk to your pharmaStart 2017 off right by comcist about what vaccines you mitting to better health. might need, which varies by – StatePoint

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

Shot by police, he now faces charges BELLEVILLE –

Belleville man is in police custody in connection with a shooting incident that happened two weeks ago in the township. In a Dec. 28 press release, Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray said Cesar Delgado, 30, has been charged with two counts of second-degree aggravated assault upon his arrest on Dec. 28. Delgado was also charged with two counts of fourthdegree unlawful possession of a weapon – a stick and a knife – plus two counts of third-degree possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, harass-

ment and contempt “following a police-involved shooting.” “Due to an ongoing domestic dispute on Dec. 21, at approximately 6 p.m., Belleville police were asked to escort a relative to a home in the 300 block of Joralemon St.,” Murray said in a statement. “The person was looking to retrieve personal property. When police arrived, they encountered Delgado.” At the time of the incident, Murray’s office issued a statement saying, in part, that during the ensuing incident, “No police officers were injured but one male suspect suffered a gunshot wound. The suspect is currently in serious condi-

tion at University Hospital in Newark.” The Dec. 28 release appears to identify Delgado as that suspect since it states that, “Delgado remains hospitalized in intensive care.” The release goes on to note that, “The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Critical Incident Response Team is investigating the police-involved shooting as per the Attorney General guidelines.” No mention is made of the officer(s) involved in the shooting. Efforts to learn additional details from the Belleville Police Department were unsuccessful.

MURDER from 258 Summer St., a multiunit dwelling in East Rutherford. The victim, Thomas, was found unresponsive and was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center where, until Dec. 28, she had been in critical condition. An investigation by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Squad and the East Rutherford Police Department revealed that on Saturday, Dec. 17, Thomas had visited an acquaintance in a different apartment at 258 Summer St. Shortly after 9 p.m. that night, Thomas left that apartment. Upon her return a short time later, Tattoli reportedly attacked her, includ-

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Francis Tattoli

ing with a knife. Her body was later discovered just inside the doorway of Tattoli’s first-floor apartment. Tattoli reportedly then fled his apartment, but was soon apprehended by East Rutherford police a short distance from his home.

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

BRIDGE from Kearny, began in 2011 and is due for completion by 2020, DOT spokesman Stephen Schapiro said. Members of the media were recently granted access to the construction site and briefed on the project by Schapiro and DOT staffers. Motorists straining to keep within the confines of 10-footwide lanes (on the current bridge) – there are two in each direction – with no median or shoulder on the existing bridge will have more maneuvering room with its replacement. On the new bridge, they’ll still have two lanes each way but each lane will be 12 feet wide, with 8-to10-foot-wide shoulders, one 12-foot-wide auxiliary lane, an 8-foot-wide median barrier and 6-foot-wide sidewalk that can accommodate pedestrians and cyclists. Like the current bridge, the new one will be equipped with a vertical lift to open for ves-

box girders that are 325 feet long and run longitudinally (same direction as traffic) and two-end floor beams that are nearly 124 feet long and run transversely (perpendicular to traffic) that the box girders are attached to. “There are 27 floor beams that are 110 feet long that run transversely and 46 trapezoidalshaped ribs that curve at the bottom that are also 110 feet long and run longitudinally. The deck plate is 325 feet long, 110 feet wide and three-quarters of Photos by Kevin Canessa Jr. an inch thick. LEFT: The Kearny side of the new Wittpenn Bridge, looking toward the Jersey City side. RIGHT: A massive Weeks crane “The total estimated weight that is used to raise beams into place. Distance from boom to lifting point is 225 feet. of the lift-span is nearly 4.9 million pounds.” sels passing underneath but designed as “orthotropic” – the Whitestone Bridges, a DOT There are 15 bridge piers that the new one will have a vertifirst of its kind, Schapiro says, fact sheet says, along with the support the deck and are made cal clearance of 70 feet when to be built in New Jersey – to Golden State with a deck reof concrete and reinforced with closed – double the clearance be made of a thinner structural placement in 1985 and Tacoma steel. These range in height of the present bridge – allowing steel and lighter weight with a Narrows in Washington. from about 29 feet to 70 feet. larger ships to pass and causing series of longitudinal “ribs” and Although it tends to be more Schapiro said the new bridge fewer disruptions of traffic. The floor beams supported by floor costly to build, DOT contends is expected to open “70% less existing 135 feet vertical clearbeams and girders. the added expense is justified than the current bridge” and ance when raised will remain Similar construction was by less maintenance required should take a bit less time – four the same. used for the decks on the for this type deck and a projectminutes vs. the current five The new bridge deck is being Verrazano-Narrows and Bronx- ed 100-year life expectancy. minutes – to open. The deck is being prefabriOn an average, the current cated by Oregon Iron Works/ bridge is opened for ship traffic Vigor just outside Portland and between 220 and 228 times a is to be shipped in five sections year. by boat, via the Panama Canal, To date, contractors have and, ultimately, by barge along installed the river piers, fender the Hackensack to the construcsystem and east approach tion site where it’s expected to spans for the new bridge while be assembled in two weeks. the west approach spans, Fish More specifically, as outHouse Road pump station, lined by Schapiro, “The main advance utilities, embankment, lift-span portion of the bridge, new vertical lift-span and towthe orthotropic deck, is to be ers are underway. constructed with three main

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Chuck Kerr (c.), outgoing Pathways to Independence board president, accepts plaque in recognition of his leadership from Alvin Cox, Pathways executive director; and Kelly Lindenfelser, incoming board president.

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

sports&recreation It’s a Buccaneer bonanza

SPORTS VIEW CONTACT JIM AT OGSMAR@AOL.COM

Belleville’s girls off to best start in ages

Nutley girls truly miss star Watson

It’s taken the first few weeks of the high school basketball season for Nutley head girls’ basketball coach Larry Mitschow to realize one thing. “It just goes to show you how one player could change an entire team,” Mitschow said. “We didn’t realize how much Blair Watson did for Nutley girls’ basketball. It’s like a 50-point turnaround without her. We realize just how good she was and how she made everyone around her better.” Watson isn’t in Nutley any longer. She’s playing for the University of Maryland and the nationally-ranked Terrapins. Watson, who earned McDonald’s All-American status last season, graduated and left a gaping hole in the middle of the Maroon Raiders’ lineup. “We have practically everyone back from last year except Blair,” Mitschow said. “And yet, we’re struggling.” The Maroon Raiders participated in the Westwood Christmas Tournament and had three games. They lost all three, including the final one to Midland Park. “It’s definitely a transition year, a rebuilding year,” Mitschow said

after his team dropped to 1-5 in the early going. “This team has to realize that Blair Watson isn’t here anymore,” Mitschow said. “That’s the biggest challenge. We have a young team that keeps making youthful mistakes. In the past, they had someone to rely upon. They don’t have that person anymore. I think this team will learn from their mistakes as the season goes on.” Leading the way is 5-foot-6 sophomore guard Courtney Wilde. “She’s usually good at getting to the basket,” Mitschow said. “She’s a decent 3-point shooter. She should be our leading scorer. We were expecting to get so much more from her.” Needless to say, the potential is there for Wilde to step it up. Jenny Callaghan is the lone senior on the team. The 5-foot-4 Callaghan, headed to NJIT to play soccer in the fall, is the team’s captain and floor general. “She’s our best defender on the ball,” Mitschow said. “She’s tireless and is the hardest worker we have. She just works so hard.” Sophomore Rebecca see VIEW page

Photo by Jim Hague

LEFT: Junior Emani Hill is a fine two-way performer for the Belleville girls’ basketball team. RIGHT: Senior Gianna Benacquista is the leading scorer for the Belleville girls’ basketball team, averaging 17 points per game.

By Jim Hague Observer Sports Writer

eteran Belleville High School girls’ basketball coach Liz Ramirez knew that she had the makings of a good team during preseason. “We had a lot of talent back from last year,” Ramirez said. “Plus, the SEC (Super Essex Conference) dropped us from the Independence Division to the Freedom Division. I didn’t know if I liked it or disliked it, but it is what it is.” Ramirez learned one thing about being in the Freedom Division. “We’re extremely competitive in this league,” Ramirez said. “We’re just playing the cards that were dealt to us.” Well, the Buccaneers were dealt a royal flush, because they’re enjoying the best start

to a season that any Belleville girls’ basketball team had in ages. “It’s the best start since I’ve been here,” said Ramirez of the Buccaneers’ 4-1 start over the first three weeks of the new season. “We’re thrilled. I told the kids that I was ecstatic about everything that’s going on right now. I’m super proud of them.” The Buccaneers have defeated North Star Academy, St. Vincent Academy of Newark, Lacordaire Academy and People’s Prep, while the lone loss was at the hands of Bloomfield. “We were extremely competitive,” Ramirez said of the Bloomfield loss. “They’re two divisions ahead of us. We’re doing a really good job.” One of the main reasons for the Buccaneers’ success has been the play of sophomore

point guard Jehann Davon. The 5-foot-3 Davon has been running the show for the Bucs. “She does pretty much everything for us,” Ramirez said. “She controls the tempo. She has a lot more confidence than she had last year. She knows what she has to do and orchestrates the fast break very well.” Another key is 5-foot-1 senior shooting guard Najalis Gual. “She’s just a seasoned player who understands the plays,” Ramirez said. “She is a very good defensive player.” Sydney Gomez is the Bucs’ starter at small forward. The 5-foot-4 junior is another solid defender. “She’s definitely our best defensive player,” Ramirez see BUCCANEERS next page

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

cific plays where we use our size to our advantage. Flores said. “She shut down Bloom- can also shoot the 3-ball. We field’s best player well. She’s capitalize on that.” our best defensive threat.” Fiorella Samaniego is a 5-1 Junior Emani Hill is a 6-0 freshman guard. She’s the junior, but she’s more of a third Samaniego sister to finesse player, according to play for Ramirez. Ramirez. “I think having sisters in “She’s learned a lot about the program really helped the game over the last two her confidence coming in,” years,” Ramirez said. “She’s Ramirez said. “Her confimastered the high-low with dence level is off the roof. her teammates.” She’s been doing pretty The one teammate that Hill well.” runs a lot of the high-low Samaniego can play point sets with is senior Gianna guard to spell Davon when Benacquista, who is the necessary. team’s best player. Helena Dropic is a 5-foot-4 The 6-foot-1 Benacquista is junior guard who Ramirez is averaging 17 points and five working with to improve her rebounds per game and has outside touch. even been displaying a shot “We’ve talked to her about from 3-point range. becoming more of a 3-point “She can do it all,” Ramirez shooter,” Ramirez said. “The said of Benacquista. “She other day against Bloomfield, answers the call every game. we put her in and she hit a She’s definitely our team three right away.” leader.” The Buccaneers face Yancyzka Flores is a 5-foot- Christ the King of Newark 10 sophomore forward off on Thursday, Jan. 5 to resume the bench. their season. “She’s the first player off “It’s a great start, but we the bench,” Ramirez said. have to keep it going,” Ram“She has the amazing ability irez said. “I think they’ll be to find the ball. We have spe- able to do it.” BUCCANEERS from

LMS cites SOM for October Robert Zika, principal of Lincoln Middle School, Kearny, announces the following Students of the Month for October: Abdallah Abada, Ofelia Alves, Emily Borja, Thomas

Robert C. Zika Sr., principal of Lincoln Middle School, Kearny, announces the following Students of the Month for November: Abdallah Abada, Estellsy Acuahuitl, Carlos Ascensao, Gab-

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

VIEW from

Granata is a 5-foot-5 bundle of energy. “She’s our best outside threat,” Mitschow said. “We’re hoping to get her to regularly make those 3s. She can make them.” Junior Sydney Kunz is a power forward and a threeyear starter for Mitschow at the position. “When she gets the ball, she makes things happen,” Mitschow said. “She goes after the ball hard. She’s our leading rebounder.” Freshman Abby Scheidel is the starting point guard. The 5-foot-6 Scheidel is the team’s leading scorer in the early going of the season. “She has a great future ahead of her,” Mitschow said. “She has good basketball instincts. She’s really going to be a good player for us.” Alaina Feister is a 5-foot-10 sophomore who gives the Maroon Raiders some strength up front. Mackenzie Moraski is another 5-foot-10 sophomore

Photos by Jim Hague

Courtney Wilde (l.) and Rebecca Granata (r.) are two of the standout players on the Nutley girls’ basketball team that have yet to get into gear. The Maroon Raiders own a 1-5 record in the early going.

coming off the bench. “We have some good inside players,” Mitschow said. “Moraski has been starting a little lately for us.” Giavanna Modica is a 5-foot-

8 junior who is trying hard to get playing time. “She’s finding her way right now,” Mitschow said. So is Mitschow and his entire team. It’s been an unchar-

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acteristic start for the Maroon Raiders, but then again, it’s the first time in four years that the team is without Watson, the all-time leading scorer in school’s history.

“We’re going to have to find a way to get things going without Blair,” Mitschow said. “So far, it hasn’t been easy.” No one ever said it was going to be.

Treats from Woman’s Club Some 50 senior residents of Alaris Health on Belgrove Drive in Kearny got some treats, courtesy of the Woman’s Club of Arlington. Members decorated large plastic bibs and wrapped them in bags with an easy-to-grip plastic sippy cup. Co-Corresponding Secretaries Darlene Kulish and Carol Taylor, together with Director Patricia Magistro, recently presented a gift basket with the donation to a staff member on behalf of the club. This fall-themed craft is one of the many hands-on service projects sponsored by the Woman’s Club of Arlington to make a positive difference in the Kearny community.

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

Kearny’s Jackson coming of age at right time

By Jim Hague Observer Sports Writer

he wasn’t happy with the way I was acting. I knew I had to change things in order to play fter spending a few years my senior year. He wanted me at Church Farm School, to be more about the people a private all-boys institu- around me, not just myself. I tion in Pennsylvania, Javon had to adapt to his way. It was Jackson wanted to come back tough to do and it took me a home. whole year, but I started to However, home for his family understand.” was now Kearny, having moved Jackson became more of a from Newark. team player and that pleased “I only knew a few people McDonnell. when I transferred to Kearny “He played over the summer (High School),” Jackson said. “I and into the fall,” McDonnell was going from a small school said. “He started to become the to a big school. It was a little dif- leader that I thought he could ferent for me.” be. He became a better team Apparently, so was the brand player, helping the younger of basketball that is played at players. I had a good idea of Kearny, under head coach Bob what he could do.” McDonnell. As soon as Jackson turned his “He had a bit of an attitude game around, both on and off problem when he got here,” the court, he began to see the McDonnell said. “He had to light. accept that he was joining a “I realized it wasn’t as hard as program and had to do things I thought it would be,” Jackson the right way. If he did that, said. “I knew that I could have a then he could be eligible to play, good year if I did the things he but not before.” wanted.” “I was hoping to play when I It’s been a revelation for got here,” Jackson said. “I met the Kardinals, who have a 3-2 with Coach McDonnell and record in the early going of the

T:11.5”

Kearny senior guard Javon Jackson.

season, including a win over Nutley in the consolation of the Charlie Dolan Holiday Tournament Thursday afternoon.

T:10.5”

“I’m happy because he’s given the team a new dimension,” McDonnell said. “He’s picked up the tempo and the team’s intensity tremendously. He helps everyone now, including the coaching staff. He has a great outside shot and can get to the basket. He’s been dishing the ball off and playing good defense. He’s really picked up his game.” Jackson said that it just took some time for him to get accustomed to his new surroundings. “Coming from a small school like Church Farm to a big school like Kearny was a little tough,” Jackson said. “But it feels really good to have it happen. It took a little while, in this case a whole year, but it’s been worth the wait.” Jackson said that he has been working hard on his game. “I’ve been focusing on my jump shot,” Jackson said. “It Photo by Jim Hague gives me a little bit of an advantage and the confidence I need Jackson has been a godsend to know that I can make the to the Kards, averaging better shots. Everything is going well.” than double digits per game. McDonnell admitted that he He scored 12 points against didn’t think a change was posNorth Bergen, added 18 points sible. against Ferris, had 19 points “No, I didn’t see this coming, against Memorial in the opennot when I first met him,” Mcing round of the Charlie Dolan Donnell said. “But he realized tourney and tallied 17 in the win that he is an exceptional athlete. over Nutley. The 6-foot Jackson He turned things around.” also grabbed four rebounds in Jackson is hoping to play in each of the aforementioned college, much like his friend games. from high school at Church For his efforts, Jackson has Farm, Tyler Ofray, the leading been selected as The Observer scorer at Rutgers-Newark. Athlete of the Week for the past “He’s like my big brother,” week. He is the first honoree Jackson said. “I’d love to play in in the winter scholastic sports college.” season and the first honoree in If Jackson stays the course the 2017. rest of the way, there’s no doubt McDonnell is more than he could play on the next level. pleased with Jackson’s contriHe’s made the right decision by butions. listening to his coaches.

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

FMBA aids Pop Warner

Job Haines ‘got talent’

Residents from Job Haines assisted living participated in the fourth annual “Seniors Who’s Got Talent Show” at the Montclair Art Museum. They were awarded a trophy and they were granted a wish by the Twilight Wish Foundation. Job Haines Home is located at 250 Bloomfield Ave., Bloomfield. For more information, visit www.job-haines.org or call 973-743-0792. The Harrison Fire Department Union FMBA (Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association) Local 22, recently voted to donate an ice machine to the local Pop Warner League, thereby providing coaches with a device to store ice packs to treat player’s minor injuries and water jugs for thirsty players. Pop Warner Coach/Firefighters Jason Drennan said the machine will be available for both home and away games. League representatives recently took delivery of the unit. Pictured are: Firefighter Kevin Dagetano, Coach Julio Blanco, Coach Mike Oeckel, Coach Craig Mandalio and son Logan, Coach/Firefighter James Drennan and son JJ and Local 22 President Eric Hausmann.

See SOLUTIONS Page 26

FAMOUS INVENTIONS ACROSS 1. The Mamas & the ____ 6. Clingy plant 9. Half of Brangelina 13. Poem at a funeral 14. 2nd largest bird in the world 15. Palm grease 16. Abraham’s original name 17. *Columbia introduced the 33 1/3 ___ record 18. Painting support 19. *Originally known as safety cushion assembly 21. *Penny Farthing, e.g. 23. G in music 24. Damp and musty 25. Teacher org. 28. Locus, pl. 30. Opposite of cantata 35. Tiny leftovers 37. Jimmy Kimmel, e.g. 39. Fat cat in the Orient 40. *You can do this from afar with a telescope 41. Certain saxes 43. Org. headquartered in Brussels 44. Not Doric nor Corinthian 46. Novice 47. Ponzi scheme, e.g. 48. “____ ____! This is the police!” 50. Trunk extension 52. Priestly garb 53. Sound of a bell 55. Deadeye’s forte 57. *Aid for the blind 61. Inquirers 64. Soup dispenser 65. ____ of war 67. Homeric epic 69. Like Tower of Pisa 70. North American country 71. Incessantly 72. Risky business, pl. 73. p in mph 74. Coastal feature Down 1. “The Princess and the ____” fairy tale 2. “Fantastic Four” actress 3. ____wig or ____winkle 4. Petri dish jellies 5. It can be a mark, sign or word 6. Cause of Titanic’s demise 7. Strike caller 8. Cuban dance 9. Donkey cry 10. Reduced Instruction Set Computer

11. Cain’s unfortunate brother 12. Mark for omission 15. Call with a wave 20. Hello in 50th state 22. Deporting agency 24. Make moonshine, e.g. 25. *Jonas Salk’s conquest 26. Group of apes 27. Do penitence 29. *Early gun maker 31. Grannies 32. Manila hemp 33. Bottom line 34. *Manhattan Project invention 36. Largest organ of human body 38. Reality TV’s Spelling 42. Technical term for human bodies

45. Veal serving 49. Neighbor of Ger. 51. *Clothing named after a site of Abomb testing 54. Reduce pressure 56. Cantaloupe, e.g. 57. Spill the beans 58. Relative speed of change 59. Miners’ passage 60. Misfortunes 61. #4 Down, sing. 62. Cambodian currency 63. Not loony 66. Put into service 68. *Nobel Prize-winning insecticidal, now banned

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

means we can move forward as the true hub time to manage the of the Belleville comcollections in the chilmunity,” she said. dren’s department.” Malone said there’s So, with the library a misapprehension board’s consent, “I hired that libraries are old Shaun Terria Owens as hat, “that people aren’t my assistant in Septem- reading anymore. But ber and together, we up- that’s not true – people dated the collections.” are still reading but just With Taub’s anin a different way, with nouncement of her anything digital.” And pending departure and the library does offer the board’s advertisedigital material. ment for a replacement, But, still, she said, Malone figured she’d there are plenty of “throw my hat in the other folks “who still ring” for the director’s desire to have someposition. thing tangible – print And now she’s in acmaterial – to read. And tion to meet her newest we’re bringing the two challenge. together.” “I’m really excited. Aside from keepThere’s so much poing an eye on the tential here. I know the collections, Malone public wants to have its said she hopes to be library back and having “implementing more our construction done programs” for all ages,

LIBRARIAN from

beginning with a January yoga series for new moms to be offered Tuesdays. “We’re also looking into classes for our Teen Room, continuing Story Times for the younger ones; ‘Our Kids Academy’ where children will learn to replicate classic paintings; and ‘Maker’ Activities where kids will learn to apply STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills. “We also have a bilingual Spanish Story Time for children through age 5 that is led by a volunteer.” For this coming year, Malone will also be doing research to learn what, if any, outside grants may be available to subsidize additional programs.

/theobservernj

Neno-Rosa Agency

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NUTLEY

NEW LISTING!

Nutley - 2 Family - 1st Floor w/ Foyer, Living Rm, Dining Rm, Large Eat in Kitchen, 2 Bedrooms, Ceramic Tile Bath & Den. 2nd Floor w/ Living Rm/Dining Rm Combo, Bedroom, Modern Eat in Kitchen, Ceramic Tile Bath, Den & 2 Additional Rooms on 3rd Floor. Fire Damage on 3rd Floor & Water Damage inside. Great Potential. Asking $299,900

LYNDHURST

NEW LISTING!

Nutley - 1 Family - Large Colonial. 1st Floor w/Open Front Porch, Entrance Foyer, Living Rm, Dining Rm, Modern Eat in Kitchen & Half Bath. 2nd Floor w/ 3 Good Size Bedrooms, Den & Classic Bath w/ Tub. Walk Up Finished Attic w/ Full Bath. Full Open Unfinished Basement & Large Private Yard. Parking for 2 Cars at Street Level. Asking $362,000

Lyndhurst - 1 Family - Colonial w/ 1st Floor Master Bedroom, Large Kitchen, Dining Rm, Living Rm, Bath & Entrance Foyer. 2nd Floor w/ 3 Bedrooms & Ceramic Tile Bath. Hardwood Flooring, Steam Heat & Private Yard. One Block from Ridge Road. Asking $315,000

BLOOMFIELD

HARRISON

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BLOOMFIELD

UNDER CONTRACT

Kearny - 1 Family - Colonial w/ 3 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths, Sun Porch, Living Rm, Dining Rm & Eat in Kitchen. Unfinished Basement w/ Laundry Area. Newer Gas Furnace, Hot Water Tank & Windows. Private Driveway & 1 Car Garage. Asking $255,000

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STANDS ABOVE THE REST – Best Location –Top of the hill in the Kearny Manor. Best Construction – 100% Brick. Best Amenities – 5 bedrooms, 2 full baths (deceivingly large). Best Lot – Huge 50x150 level lot. Best Bonus – 3 car garage. Best Price $345,000. Nothing else compares. Do not buy until you see this home.

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12.

CLASSIC GOOD LOOKS – This charming Cape Cod sits on a 45x90 lot and features a living room, dining room, bedroom, modern eat in kitchen and full tile bath on the first floor. The second floor contains two additional bedrooms. The large basement could easily be finished. Nothing compares at only $245,000.

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Kearny - 1 Family - First floor w/ Living Rm, Kitchen & Full Bath. 2nd Floor w/ 2 Bedrooms. Full Unfinished Basement w/ Half Bath & Laundry Area. Pulldown Attic. House Renovated Early 2014. Central Air & Forced Air Heating. Asking $239,000

14.

REDUCED!

KEARNY

Kearny - 1 Family - Nice 1 Family w/ Good Sized Living Rm, Dining Rm & Eat in Kitchen on 1st Floor. 2nd Floor has 2 Bedrooms & Full Bath. Central Air & Unfinished Basement. Close to Transportation-Bus Stop on Corner. Asking $239,900

15.

UNDER CONTRACT

Lyndhurst - 1 Family - Colonial w/ 2 Bedrooms, Living Rm, Dining Rm, Modern Eat in Kitchen, Foyer & 1.5 Baths. Unfinished Basement. Driveway for 2 Cars. Above Ground Pool Motor is Broken. Oil Tank is Above Ground in Backyard. Asking $292,000

16.

KEARNY

REDUCED!

Kearny - Well Kept Single Family - First Floor w/ Living Rm, Dining Rm, Modern Eat in Kitchen & Full Bath. Second Floor w/ 3 Bedrooms & Full Bath. Finished Attic & Central Air. Finished Basement w/ Office Space, Laundry Rm & Bath. All Remodeled in 1999. New Roof, New Electric, New Hardwood Floors, New Siding & New Garage. Asking $355,000

13.

KEARNY

Kearny - 1 Family - 1st Floor Has Foyer, Living Rm w/ Front Porch, Full Dining Rm, Den & Eat in Kitchen. 2nd Floor Has 3 Bedrooms & Ceramic Tiled Bathroom. Finished Walk Up Attic. Full Semi-Finished Basement & Detached 1 Car Garage. Wood Floors & Oil Heat (Tank in Ground). Asking $241,250

REDUCED!

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BELLEVILLE

Belleville - 2 Family - 1st Floor w/ Living Rm, Dining Rm, Kitchen, Full Bath, Bedroom & Laundry Area. 2nd Floor w/ Living Rm, Dining Rm, Kitchen, Full Bath, 1 Bedroom & 2 Extra Bedrooms on 3rd Floor. Finished Basement & Extra Large Lot w/ 2 Car Detached Garage. Asking $309,900

REDUCED!

Bloomfield - 2 Family - 1st Floor w/ Living Rm, Dining Rm, 2 Bedrooms, Kitchen & Bath. 2nd Floor w/ Living Rm, Dining Rm, 2 Bedrooms, Kitchen, Bath & Extra 2 Bedrooms & Bath on 3rd Floor. Semi-Finished Basement. Central Air & Many Updates. Close to Transportation. Asking $289,900

KEARNY

UNDER CONTRACT

Harrison - 3 Family - Apartments on 1st & 2nd Floor w/ Living Rm, 3 Bedrooms, Kitchen & Bath. 3rd Floor w/ Living Rm, Bedroom, Kitchen & Bath. Thermal Windows & Small Paved Yard. Short Walk to Path Train. All Apartments Fully Rented. Asking $449,000

Bloomfield - 1 Family - 1st Floor w/ Living Rm, Dining Rm, Kitchen & Sun Room. 2nd Floor w/ 3 Bedrooms & Bath. Walk-up Attic on 3rd Floor. Full Partially Finished Basement. Private Driveway & Detached Garage. Centrally Located. Asking $199,900

10.

NUTLEY

Broker/Owner

Kearny - 1 Family - Left side of Duplex w/ Foyer, Living Rm, Dining Rm & Eat in Kitchen on 1st Floor. 2nd Floor w/ 2 Bedrooms & Tiled Bath. Wide Driveway and Backyard. High SemiFinished Basement. Easy Walk to West Hudson Park and Local Shopping. Asking $174,900

KEARNY

17.

KEARNY

REDUCED! Kearny - Heather Glenn Condo - Second floor Condo w/ 2 Bedrooms, Living Rm, Modern Eat in Kitchen, Modern Bath, Laundry & Parking for 1 car. Balcony off Living Rm. Asking $189,000

18.

KEARNY

UNDER CONTRACT

KEARNY MANOR – 4 bedrooms , 2 baths. Natural trim and a 50x 100 lot. Needs TLC. Asking $285,000

FIRST TIME OFFERED - Our ofﬁce has just listed this three bedroom Colonial on a 37.5X86 lot, in the Arlington Section of Kearny.This house is only one block from Schuyler School and includes a driveway. Asking $289,000.

Kearny - 2 Family - 1st Floor w/ 2 Bedrooms, Living Rm, Eat-in-Kitchen & Bath. 2nd Floor w/ Bedroom, Living Rm, Eat-in-Kitchen, Den & Bath. Semi-Finished Basement w/ Rec Rm, Utility/Laundry Rm, Den & Bath. Asking $279,000

Kearny - 1 Family – Updated Cape w/ 3 Bedrooms, Dining Rm, 2 Full Baths, Kitchen & Nice Deck. Hardwood Floors, Central Air & 2 Car Garage. Basement w/ Large Rec Room & Laundry Rm. Asking $310,000

Kearny - 2 Family – 1st Floor w/ Living Rm, Dining Rm, Kitchen, 2 Bedrooms & Bath. 2nd Floor w/ Living Rm, Large Eat in Kitchen, 3 Bedrooms, Bath & Additional 4 Rooms & Bath on 3rd Floor. Full Unfinished Basement w/ Laundry Area. Separate Utilities. Home Sold “As Is”. Asking $275,000

$500 CLOSING COST CREDIT AT CLOSING! This offer is for Veterans, Police Officers, Firefighters, Teachers & Union Employees.

WWW.ROSAAGENCYHOMES.COM

BEAUTIFUL RENOVATION – This 3/4 bedroom Kearny Colonial contains a brand new kitchen, 3 1/2 new baths, a new finished basement, finished third floor, 2 central air units. Driveway + 2 car garage. This is the whole package. UNBELIEVABLE AT $399,900.

SOLD!

Tel: (201) 997-7860

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

The write stuff Fernando G. Semiao BROKER/OWNER

Semiao & Associates

To see all of our listings, visit us at www.century21semiao.com

201-991-1300

201-460-8000

KEARNY OFFICE 213 Kearny Ave, Kearny, New Jersey

LYNDHURST OFFICE 761 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst, New Jersey

#1 LISTING AND SELLING OFFICE IN 2016! BASED ON NJMLS, KEARNY, NORTH ARLINGTON, LYNDHURST, HARRISON, EAST NEWARK 1.

Photo courtesy Bill Mackey

The Queen of Peace Knights of Columbus Council of North Arlington recently conducted its 2016 essay contest on the theme of ‘The Importance of Religious Freedom.’ Accepting awards from grand knight Bill Mackey are, from l., Connor Glynn (second place), Christopher Green (first place). Green’s essay will be entered in the International Knights of Columbus Essay Contest.

To place a classified ad, please call

201.991.1600

WELCOME HOME with Karen DeRose

Broker Sales Associate

New Year... Call me today if you’re looking for a new beginning for a “Complimentary Complimentary Market Analysis” Analysis of your property. Contact Karen DeRose, a Coldwell Banker Real Estate Professional, and I will show you how much your property is worth in today’s marketplace. 789 Clifton Ave., Clifton, NJ 07013 Ofﬁce: (973)778-4500 Cell: (973)580-6445 Email: karen.derose@cbmoves.com

Web: www.KarenDeRose.com

LISTED NEWLY KEARNY: 1 FAM, COLONIAL, 4 BR, 3 FULL BATH, LONG DRIVEWAY & 2 CAR DETACHED GARAGE, FULL FINISHED BASEMENT, HARDWOOD FLOORS, GREAT DECK OFF LIVING ROOM

KEARNY: 1 FAM, COLONIAL, 3 BEDROOMS, 1.5 BATH, NEW GAS HEATING! LOCATED ON A DEAD END, NICE LARGE BACKYARD! ONE CAR GARAGE!

KEARNY: 1 FAM, 5 BR, 4 FULL BATH, 1 HALF BATH, FULL FINISHED BASEMENT, HARDWOOD FLOORS, DETACHED 1 CAR GARAGE, CLOSE TO TRANSPORTATION

HARRISON: MODERN APARTMENT

ON 2ND FLOOR, HARDWOOD FLOORS, CLOSE TO PATH TRAIN AND OTHER TRANSPORTATION, NO PETS, NO SMOKING

LISTED NEWLY

LYNDHURST: 1 FAM, 4 BR, 2 FULL BATH, GAS HEAT, CENTRAL AIR, HARDWOOD FLOORS AND CARPETING, 1 CAR DETACHED GARAGE, CLOSE TO TRANSPORTATION

LYNDHURST: 1 FAM, COLONIAL, 3 BR, 2 FULL BATH, 1 HALF BATH, FULL UNFINISHED BASEMENT, 2 CAR GARAGE WITH LONG DRIVEWAY, CLOSE TO NYC TRANSPORTATION

KEARNY: 1 FAM, COLONIAL, 3 BR, 1 FULL BATH, 2 HALF BATHS, OPEN FLOOR PLAN, HARDWOOD FLOORS, NEWER ROOF AND WINDOWS, LOCATED NEAR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

KEARNY: 1 FAM, CENTER HALL

10.

11.

12.

COLONIAL, 3 BR, 1 FULL BATH, 2 HALF BATH, LARGE ROOMS, HARDWOOD FLOORS, CENTRAL A/C, & FULL FINISHED BASEMENT. LONG DRIVEWAY FOR PLENTY OF PARKING!

LISTED NEWLY LYNDHURST: 1 FAM, COLONIAL, 2 BR, 1 FULL BATH, MODERN EAT IN KITCHEN WITH GRANITE COUNTERTOPS, FULL FINISHED BASEMENT, HARDWOOD FLOORS, LONG DRIVEWAY

13.

ING AL LIST MMERCI NEW CO

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS: FLAT ROOF, 5,000 SQ. FT. BUILDING, 20,473 SQ. FT. LOT, ZONED COMMERCIAL, CAN BE RETAIL PROPERTY, AVAILABLE FOR 5 YR LEASE WITH OPTION TO BUY

NORTH ARLINGTON: 2 FAM,

4 BR, 3 FULL BATH, HARDWOOD FLOORS, FINISHED BASEMENT, 2 CAR GARAGE PLUS DRIVEWAY FOR 6 CARS, CLOSE TO TRANSPORTATION

ROCHELLE PARK: 1 FAM, RANCH, 3 BR, 2 FULL BATH, FULL FINISHED BASEMENT, HARDWOOD FLOORS, 2 CAR DETACHED GARAGE, FULLY FINISHED CARRIAGE HOUSE, CLOSE TO SCHOOLS & PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

KEARNY: 1 FAM, COLONIAL, 3

14.

15.

16.

LISTED NEWLY LYNDHURST: 1 FAM, CAPE COD,

3 BR, 2 FULL BATH, HARDWOOD FLOORS, FULL PARTIALLY FINISHED BASEMENT, 1 CAR GARAGE AND DRIVEWAY

BR, 3 FULL BATH, ALL REMOLDED, CENTRAL A/C, HARDWOOD FLOOR, 2 CAR DETACHED GARAGE, CLOSE TO TRANSPORTATION

LISTED NEWLY NORTH ARLINGTON: 2 FAM, 7

BR, 5 FULL BATH, FULL FINISHED BASEMENT, CENTRAL AIR, SEPARATE UTILITIES, TWO CAR ATTACHED GARAGE, CLOSE TO TRANSPORTATION

BELLEVILLE: 3 FAM, SEPARATE UTILITIES, WALKING DISTANCE TO NYC BUS, BIG LOT, 5 CAR PARKING, BIG YARD, IN THE CENTER OF TOWN

© 2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned and Operated by NRT LLC.

EACH OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED.

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

Think you can’t refinance because values are down?

NORTH ARLINGTON • NJ 07031

RATES AT HISTORIC LOWS!

FREE

THINK AGAIN!

Scouts donate candy to Jersey’s veterans

Analysis for Purchase & Refinance!

ROB PEZZOLLA • NMLS# 266181 • ROB@KEYPOINTMORTGAGE.COM

TEL: 201.998.9050 • FAX: 201.820.0505

Real Estate

DIRECTORY

To advertise in this directory CALL 201-991-1600 761 Ridge Rd. Lyndhurst, NJ 201-460-8000

Semiao & Associates

213 Kearny Ave, Kearny, NJ 201-991-1300 572 Kearny Avenue Kearny, New Jersey 07032 Ph: (201)991-5719 F: (201)991-8860 www.midrealty.com

MID-REALTY, INC. Jarlynn Hyde Broker/Owner

“OUR SUCCESS HAS BEEN BUILT ONE SATISFIED CUSTOMER AT A TIME...”

The Bixler Group

Real Estate & Insurance Since 1891 758 Kearny Ave., Kearny 201.991.0032 BixlerEST1891.com

LLC

Keypoint Mortgage

North Arlington, NJ 201-998-9050 Rob@keypointmortgage.com

Arlington Real Estate Owned & Operated by the Capobianco family since 1924

201.991.0905

636 Kearny Ave., Kearny • 201-997-7000 424 Valley Brook Ave. Lyndhurst • 201-939-8900 info@cocciarealty.com

SCHUYLER SAVINGS BANK

Schuyler Savings Bank Mortgage Loan Dept. 20 Davis Ave. Kearny • 201-991-6078

The Cub and Boy Scouts of Kearny’s Pack and Troop 305 collected leftover Halloween candy to donate to soldiers and veterans in New Jersey to thank them for their active service to the country. This volunteer service project is part of the “Treats for Troops” program of the Soldiers’ Angels organization. The Scouts plan to participate in the program next year. Active volunteering

is central to Scouting, because it teaches and reinforces the tenets of the Scout Law. Scouts are to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. Kearny’s Troop/Pack 305 was organized in 1933 and continues to provide youth leadership training to boys and young men in Kearny, Harrison, East Newark and surrounding towns.

Boy Scout meetings (for grades 6 and up) are Thursdays at 7 p.m. Cub Scout meetings (kindergarten through grade 5) are Fridays at 7 p.m. All Kearny Unit 305 Scouts meet in Hedges Hall in the lower level of St. Stephen’s Church, Kearny. For more information or to join, contact the Cub Scoutmaster through the website www.KearnyScouts. com.

Don’t forget to follow The Observer on

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

To submit an obituary: fax: 201-991-8941

obituaries@theobserver.com Ralph J. Confessore Was Kearny icon Ralph J. Confessore of Kearny died Dec. 28. He was 86. Visiting will be held at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, on Monday, Jan. 2, and Tuesday, Jan. 3, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Anthony Church in East Newark on Wednesday, Jan. 4, at 10 a.m. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. Born in East Newark, Ralph lived in Kearny since 1957. After serving in the Air Force, Ralph earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Seton Hall University, and then a master’s degree in physics from NJIT. Mr. Confessore was a longtime science teacher in Kearny, later serving as a truancy officer for 20 years. He was also a talented actor and model, studying at HB Studio in New York City. Ralph was also a member of Kearny UNICO and the Disabled American Veterans. Mr. Confessore is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years Leta (nee Henderson); loving children Lisa ConfessoreMcGuire, Aleta Confessore and her husband Darrell Austin, and Ruth Confessore; dear grandchildren Alexa Marques and her fiancé Jeffrey Fantacone, Grant McGuire, Melanie McGuire, Bobby McGuire and Spencer Austin. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ralph’s memory may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, www.dav.org/ donate. John Philip ‘Sonny’ Lennon John Philip “Sonny” Lennon, 82, a lifelong resident of North Arlington, died Dec. 22 at Alaris Health at Belgrove in Kearny. He was greeted at the gates of heaven by his late granddaughter Jaclyn Rose Severino. He worked at the Pfizer Corporation in Lyndhurst from 1993 to 1998. Previously he worked for the Monsanto Corporation in Kearny as a chemical operator for 30 years, before retiring in 1990. John served in the United

obituaries

States Army from 1955 to 1957. He is the cherished son of the late Catherine (nee Hibbits) and John J. Lennon; the adored father of Patricia Lennon, Eileen Simonetty and her husband Joe, Catherine Severino, John P. Lennon and his wife MaryAnn and Marianne Pita and her husband Fred. He was also the loving grandfather of Cathie Rizzolo, Joseph, Linda and Thomas Marasco, Michael and Christopher Simonetty, Alison Kelly, Pat Severino Jr., Daniel, Megan and Nicole Severino, Kyle and Kelly Lennon and Bryannah, Zachary and Brooke Pita. The dear brother of Margaret (Peggy) Yocuis and Eileen Wagner, he was also the loving uncle of many nieces and nephews. The funeral was from the Parow Funeral Home, North Arlington, on Tuesday, Dec. 27. A funeral Mass was celebrated at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, North Arlington. Interment was in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society, 20 Mercer St., Hackensack, N.J. 07601. George E. Durning George E. Durning of Kearny entered into eternal rest peacefully at home on Wednesday, Dec. 21. He was 65. Funeral services were under the direction of the Mulligan Funeral Home, 331 Cleveland Ave., Harrison, where a funeral service took place. Cremation was private. To send condolences to his family, visit www.mulliganfh. com. Born in Glasgow, Scotland,

his family moved to Kearny when he was 6. Most recently, George worked as a custodial engineer at Kearny High School for 25+ years. Prior to that, he worked for Channel Hardware, Kearny, and Morris Hardware Store, Kearny, for 20+ years until it closed in the 1980s. An avid sports fan, George was a fan of the N.Y. Giants and the N.J. Devils. George is survived by his loving children Melissa M. Durning-Kuru and Jack Thyfault, and his cherished grandsons Devon and Max. He was predeceased by his wife Theresa Durning (Sirimarco).

William A. Ormazabal William A. Ormazabal, of Harrison, died Thursday, Dec. 22. He was 46. A memorial service was held at the Mulligan Funeral Home, 331 Cleveland Ave., Harrison, on Friday, Dec. 30. His cremation was private. To send condolences to his family, visit www.mulliganfh. com. William was born in Santiago, Chile. His family moved to Harrison when he was 8. He

Novena to St. Jude May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. Please grant my request. Say this prayer 9 times a day. By the 9th day your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised. R.I.

Thomas M. McLaughlin SOLDIER BOY

1.9.46 – 11.14.16

You were my ﬁrst love And you’ll be my last love. Judy, your wife forever Missing you also, the family.

To submit an obituary: fax: 201-991-8941

obituaries@theobserver.com

worked for CDL, New York, as a dispatcher. Prior to that, he was the owner/operator of Chilly Willy’s Sub Shop, Kearny. Prior to Chilly Willy’s, he worked at his family-owned sub shop, 105 Subs, Harrison, for many years. William is survived by his loving parents Rene and Maria Tome Ormazabal; his dear sister Alexandra Lagos and her husband Claudio; his cherished nephews Claudio A. and Rene A. Lagos; and his beloved grandmother Adorila Reyes. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a charity of your choice, in care of the funeral home, in loving memory of William. Harold ‘Harry’ F. Fearon Harold “Harry” F. Fearon died Dec. 26 at home. He was 76. Born in Jersey City, he lived most of his life in Kearny before moving to North Arlington 18 years ago. Visiting was Thursday, Dec. 29, at the Armitage & Wiggins

Funeral Home, Kearny. Mass was Friday, Dec. 30, at St. Cecilia’s Church, Kearny. Cremation was private. Harry worked for the Department of Public Works in Kearny. Husband of Ida (nee Butler), he is survived by his children and their spouses Cheryl Parillo (Anthony), Harry Fearon (Lois), Michele Ceraso (Gerard), Keith Fearon (Mary), Kimberly McGirr (Danny) and Pamela Jones (Lee). Brother of Kevin Fearon, he is also survived by his grandchildren Anthony, Melissa, Sarah, Alison, Jeremy, Briana, William, Ryan, Joseph, Jared and Morgan. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Jon ‘Jackie’ Haberthur Jon “Jackie” Haberthur died suddenly at home on Dec. 19. He was 63. Born in Kearny, he lived

see OBITS page

Shaw-Buyus Home for Services

Mario Teixeira, IV, Manager, NJ Lic. #3757

Mario Teixeira, Jr. Director, NJ Lic. #2542 • Monique Teixeira, Director, NJ Lic. #4048 Newly renovated family owned and operated funeral home with multiple locations. Fluent in Portuguese and Spanish. Handicapped Accessible.

138 DAVIS AVE. • KEARNY, NJ 07032

(201) 991-2265 www.buyusfuneralhome.com

WILFRED ARMITAGE & WIGGINS FUNERAL HOME Mark G. Wiggins, Manager N.J. Lic. #3916

You will feel as if friends of family have taken over when you entrust funeral arrangements to the Wilfred Armitage Funeral Home. The family-owned firm has been in business for 100 years, serving generations in West Hudson and South Bergen. Its beautiful facilities, in a setting reminiscent of a colonial mansion, reflect the graciousness and tact of its understanding personnel.

Wilfred Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home

596 Belgrove Dr. • Kearny, NJ 07032 (201) 991-0657

THEOBSERVER OBSERVER||WEDNESDAY, WEDNESDAY,JANUARY SEPTEMBER 2, 2015 THE 4, 2017

www.theobserver.com

The Observer Observer is is not not responsible responsible for for typographical typographical The errors. Credit for errors willbe not be granted errors. Credit for errors will not granted after the afterpublication. the next week’s publication. next week’s No changes or refunds. $10 fee for for classifieds changes. No Deadline is refunds.or Monday byCredits. 3:00 PM. Deadline for classifieds is Monday by 3:00 PM.

THE OBSERVER

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

CLASSIFIEDS APARTMENTS FOR RENT KEARNY

To place a classified, call The Observer @ (201) 991-1600

KEARNY Newly renovated, hardwood floors. Laundry onsite. HT/HW included. 2 BR start at $1,200. 1 BR start at $975. Jr. 1 BR start at $925. (201) 289-7096

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT

LYNDHURST 1 BR, LR, DR, Kitchen. $1,400/ month. Pets Welcomed. No Laundry. Avl. now. (201) 933-1695.

KEARNY office/retail, center of town, ground level $650/month. Call for details. (201) 997-2341 or (201) 538-1319.

E. NEWARK

HARRISON 1 Large BR condo, w/parking & laundry. HT/HW included. $1,400/month. 1 1/2 months security deposit. Avl. Now. (973) 7151941.

E.NEWARK/HARRISON New 2 Family Home, 3 BR, 2 Bath, LR/DR, Kitchen. W/D Hook-up. 1 car garage, 1 parking space. separate utilities. 1 1/2 months security deposit. No pets. Avl. Jan 1st. (201) HARRISON 2 BR, 2 bath, 725-1212. 1 parking space. Brand new 2 family house. No HARRISON pets. Near PATH. Avl. now. Please call HARRISON 1st fl 4 (646) 675-5113 rooms, no pets, No smoking. $1,050/month + utilities. 1 1/2 months security. Ref. req. (973) HARRISON 2 BR, LR, 482-9786. DR, Brand New kitchen. $1,600/month. 1 1/2 month security. HT/HW HARRISON 2 & 3 BR’s, included. Walking dis1st & 2nd Fl. Avl. Jan.1st tance to PATH. No pets. Call John (973) 714-2368. No smoking. Avl. Immediately. (973) 420-0139

Pre-pay and take advantage of these deals:

KEARNY Kearny Ave. 2 BR apt. 2nd fl. $950/ month. Pay own utilities. 1 month security. No pets. CALL BTW 10AM7PM (201) 997-2341

KEARNY 2 BR, 2 Bath, newly renovated. Hardwood Floors, granite countertops. $1,450/ month + utilities. 1 1/2 months security. Avl. Now. In Nice section of Kearny. Call (201) 7047821.

W.ORANGE

W.ORANGE Studio, Comfortable room, RETAIL SPACE $1,000/month. Private Bathroom & Kitchen. EveFOR RENT rything included. 1 1/2 months security. Parking in driveway. Walking dis- Kearny prime corner tance to transportation. location on Schuyler Ave. (973) 715-6904 2500sq.ft. off street parking. can be used for retail, repair or detail shop. on ROOM ground floor call FOR RENT 973-985-3286 HARRISON Large room for rent, AC included. Family oriented. $700/ month Avl. Now. (201) 772-2197

E. NEWARK Room for rent. Male preferred. All utilities included. Avl now. 1st.(551) 655-9547 KEARNY 1 BR apt. in Ar- (973) 868-7999. lington Section. LR, Kit. 1 1/2 months security. No dogs. $900/month + BELLEVILLE Nice area utilities. Leave Message. Room for rent. $420/ (201) 998-1095. month. 1 month security. Call after 4:00pm. Avl. Now. (973) 336-5335 (862) 215-9440. KEARNY 6 rooms, supply own utilities. no pets. (201) 997-8867. FURNISHED ROOM

FOR RENT

HELP WANTED: Pay first week, get second week 50% off! CLASSIFIEDS: Items for sale, RFR, AFR, parking, house for sale. Pay 2 weeks, get the third free! Agencies: Please call for pricing. Add color for a small charge. Call (201) 991-1600

N.ARLINGTON Prime location on Ridge rd., 2,500sq. ft. Can be used. Retail/office/medical space. On Ground floor. Off street parking call for detail (201) 538-1319 or (201) 997-2341

BELLEVILLE Clean nice KEARNY 2nd fl. 2 BR, LR, furnished room for rent kitchen, C/A, 1 month sein my home. No smoking. curity. Avl. Jan. 1st. (201) Shared kitchen & Bath. 259-0689 call after 3pm. Laundry. A/C. Light cooking. Utilities supplied. Parking. $850/month (negotiable). 1 month LYNDHURST security. Nice Neighborhood. (201) 687-0580 LYNDHURST Newly Leave message. Renovated 2 BR, LR, DR, Kitchen w/Granite counBUSINESS tertop. $1,800/month. FOR SALE 1 month security. W/D. Dishwasher. H/W floors. AC. Close to NJ/NY Transportation. Avl. jan 1st. HARRISON BBQ restaurant for sale 30,000 (973) 234-3323 or Call (201) 878-1762. (201) 719-0883.

Hall Available Mid week special. Price Break-Call Parties, Business Meeeting, & Functions (201) 991-9865 (201) 893-2280 Max 80 people.

REFLEXOLOGY

THE LOTUS Spa & Tea

by Lemarx Specializing in Traditional Eastern • Foot Reflexology • Deep Massage Aromatic Herbal Teas 613 Bloomfield Ave. Verona, NJ 07044

PARKING SPACE FOR RENT

(973) 559-1193

BELLEVILLE 3 car garage for rent. 25x19. $500/ month. 1 month security. Available Now. Good for parking cars, storage, boats, contractors. Safe location. (973) 951-6315

ITEMS FOR SALE

TRUCK PARKING FOR RENT

ITEMS FOR SALE

54 white male, retired, Looking for young lady 42-99 Long term relationship. Drama free, respectful & trustworthy. Expect the same. will not answer blocked calls. (862) 900-5835 Thank you and Happy Holidays. 8 Parakeets, toys, food, complete cage 62x30x18, Moving need good home, $180. (973) 216-1146.

www.THELOTUSSPATEA.COM

New Dryer/Washer $300 & 50 gallon Model Fish Tank w/equipment & Fish $50. (201) 772-7792 leave message.

Lets make a new start. White male, 49 personality +, smoker. Looking for female 38-58 Brunette, Full Figure smoker. (201) 377-8118.

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

Roofers & Carpenters needed. Must have experience installing shingles & Flat roof. Must not be afraid of heights. Call 973-481-9319

Drain Cleaner, Pluming, Heating must have good clean record. Weekdays or Weekend shift (973) 844-1300

$$ NOW HIRING! $$ Property Inspectors FT/PT in your area. Free training provided. msangelabove@ comcast.net. (732)766-4425

What an ad on Craigslist gets you ... • A free ad | • No-shows | • HEADACHES | • People from other regions of NJ | • SCAMMERS

ADVERTISE

What an OBSERVER CLASSIFIED gets you ...

Call us @ 201991-1600

Daycare in Kearny Looking for a fulltime Teaching Assistant who loves children for our Toddler classroom. Must have daycare experience. Apply at 545 Kearny Ave.

King size Bedroom set, Couches, Dining room set, Best offer. Please call btw. 12pm-4pm. (201) 9972078.

Truck Parking in Belleville, secure lot. Fenced in for 10 trucks. Avl. immediately. (201) 310-4433

... with The Observer & reach more than 32,000 readers each week.

PERSONALS

Perfumes, Christmas doll & doll collectibles , pocket books, furniture, Bar Table w/2 chairs, Clothes and much more, all at reasonable price. (973) 5834298 (862) 888-1641

LYNDHURST 2 BR $1495 Section A OK . HT/HW included. (973) 760-4877

KEARNY 2nd fl. LR, Kitchen, 2 Br’s $1,200/ month + utilities. 1 NEWARK month security. No pets. Avl. Immediately. Se NEWARK 1 BR, LR, Kitchhabla espanol. (908) 764en, Bathroom. $900/ 0610 or (732) 597-1960. month + 1 month security. HT included. Avl. Jan. 1st. (973) 477-0925 or KEARNY 1st fl. Large (973) 202-5103. modern 1 BR, 1 LR, Brand new kitchen & Bath. H/W floors. $1,100/month. HT/HW included. Call Carlos (201) 988-7536.

HALL FOR RENT

To place place an an ad ad call: call: To 201-991-1600 201-991-1600 classified@theobserver.com classified@theobserver.com

• Local readership | • Local buyers | • Access to thousands of people who support our advertisers | • Placement in a 129-year-old newspaper (and on our website) that people still read loyally each and every week. Truth is, nothing can compare to our Classified Section. Why take the risk with Craigslist? Try The Observer’s Classifieds ... and see results right away. Call us today to place your ad.

(201) 991-1600

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2015

CLASSIFIEDS

A.A.

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

LANDSCAPING & DESIGN

PAINTING & DECORATING

A.A. Drinking Problem? We can Help? Call A.A. 24 Hours. 1-800-245-1377

25 years experience Twin Electric Quality Work. Good affordable prices. Senior discounts. Fully Insured. Bonded. Lic.#16158 (973) 715-4150 (201) 562-5985

G & R Builders

MARIO ESPOSITO LANDSCAPING LLC Clean-Up Lawn maintenance Top Soil • Mulch Free Estimates

Painting & Decorating Andreas Painting

CLEANING SERVICES Annie’s cleaning service

Homes, Ofﬁces. Move In-out cleaning. Avl. also to clean up your next party or event. Gift Certiﬁcate Avail. Excellent references. 973-667-6739 862-210-0681

Fatima Cleaning Services Apartments, Houses, Ofﬁce. References Avail. • Efﬁcient • Reliable •Affordable. Free Estimates (201) 428-7147

SUSAN CLEANS

I am available to clean Saturdays and Sundays. I provide own supplies and equipment. Reasonable rate and great references. Call Susan any day at (973) 743-2039.

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From l., John Macartney, elder at First Presbyterian Church of Arlington; Anthony DeLuca, assistant vice president and Kearny branch manager of Kearny Bank; and Lucia Diana, head teller at Kearny Bank’s Kearny office.

The Kearny Bank in Kearny recently hosted its holiday food drive, benefiting the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington. Over the past few months, the branch collected non-perishable food to

help local families in need. “Running a food drive to help fight hunger would not be possible without the support of our community and everyone who generously contributed,”

said Anthony DeLuca, Kearny Bank’s Kearny branch manager. “As winter and the holidays approach, the pantry shelves will be stocked and ready to assist residents with food insufficiencies.”

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As part of the celebration of its 50-year reunion, the North Arlington High School Class of 1965 donated an enlarged sign reading, “Vikings Value,” symbolizing a reminder of the positive attributes towards which NAHS students and alums strive. It was presented as part of a schoolwide initiative to improve school culture and reduce instances of harassment, Intimidation and bullying. Smaller versions of the sign hang in every classroom. The donated sign hangs in the main hallway. Displaying sign, from l., are Assistant Principal Dennis J. Kenny, Janet Wollmann, Eugene Szura, Carol Robb, class committee members, and Principal Christopher Mingoia.

SOLUTIONS from Page 19

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

age & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny. there many years before movBorn in Belfast, Ireland, ing to Florida 13 years ago. James was a Kearny resident Visiting was Thursday, Dec. since 1960. He worked as a 29, at the Armitage & Wiggins printer at Blue Dog Graphics Funeral Home, Kearny. Mass in Hackensack for many years was celebrated Friday, Dec. until his retirement in 2015. 30, at St. Stephen’s Church, James had a wonderful sense Kearny. Cremation was priof humor, and was an avid vate. reader and philosopher. Jack, a proud Vietnam James is survived by his veteran, served in the United beloved life partner Sarah States Navy from 1971 to 1973. Mangan, a brother Al CanaHe was a retired Kearny firevan and by many nieces and fighter. nephews. Son of the late Jack and Lorraine (nee Wiggins) HaberJean Ann Vitaliano thur, he is survived by his Jean Ann Vitaliano of Harsister Barbara Lynch-Blosse rison died Dec. 20. and brothers Tom Haberthur She was 74. and Bill Haberthur along with Memorial visitation was loving nieces and nephews. Tuesday, Dec. 27, at the He is also survived by WigArmitage & Wiggins Funeral gins-, Hubert- and TigheHome, Kearny. Cremation family relatives. was private. In lieu of flowers, kindly Jean is survived by her consider a donation to the daughter Tina Kelly (and Wounded Warrior Project. Tina’s husband Ron). She is also survived her grandchilJames Canavan dren Eric and Ashlee Kelly. James Canavan, 72, of In lieu of flowers, kindly Kearny, died Dec. 17. consider a donation to St. A Memorial Mass was Jude Children’s Hospital. celebrated at St. Stephen’s Church, Kearny, on WednesJohn J. ‘Jack’ Clark day, Dec. 28. Arrangements John J. “Jack” Clark, of New were entrusted to the ArmitPort Richie, Fla., died Dec. OBITS from

13, under the care of Gulfside Hospice, surrounded by his loving family. He was 76. John was born to John J. Clark and Clair Dillon on Nov. 8, 1940, in Kearny. He served proudly in the National Guard. He moved to Florida in 1999 after retiring from his position as a manufacturing comptroller. An avid traveler, gardener and pool player for the APA League, Jack’s real and abiding passion were for his family and his friends. Jack was known for his entertaining storytelling, his memorable laugh and his generosity. Everyone seemed to know him wherever he went, because of his welcoming nature, natural warmth and charisma. His optimism and happiness made him a wonderful person to spend time with. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend.

home on Wednesday at 11 a.m.. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. Born in Kearny, Edna was a longtime resident before moving to North Arlington, and finally retiring to Pennsylvania and Florida in 1991. She worked as a key punch operator for ASM, Inc. in Nutley for many years before her retirement, and was also a member of the Eastern Star. Edna was the beloved wife of 58 years to Frederick; loving mother of Frederick (Rick) Hemsley and Susan Hemsley-Cicala and her husband Peter. She was the dear grandmother of ChrisEdna Hemsley topher and Jennifer Hemsley, Edna Hemsley (nee Rainey), 84 of Greentown, Pa., and Alexander, Daniel, Logan and Sean Cicala. She is also passed away on Dec. 27. survived by her sister Joan Visiting will be held at Slavik. the Armitage & Wiggins In lieu of flowers, donaFuneral Home, 596 Belgrove Dr. Kearny on Tuesday from tions in her memory may be 4-8 p.m. A funeral service made to the National Kidney Foundation. will be held in the funeral Aside from his parents, Jack was also preceded in death by his brother Harry Joseph Clark. He is survived by Patricia, his beloved wife of 47 years, his son John J. Clark, his daughter Susan Montgomery (Jason), his niece Lauren Ross, his granddaughters Olivia and Kaitlyn Montgomery, his sister-in-law Joanne Clark and many more loving family members and dear friends. Please consider a contribution in Jack’s name to Gulfside Hospice, 7210 Beacon Woods Drive, Hudson, Fla. 34667.

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Roosevelt honors listed Steven G. Way, principal of Roosevelt School, Kearny, announces that the following students have attained Principal’s honors or honors for the first marking period of the 2016-2017 school year: Principal’s Honors – Grade 4: Eugene Lim, Sofia Matos, EvanTorres, Jordan Bailey, Isabella Fernandes-Santinho, Kevin McKenna and Eva Ruan. Grade 5: David Lopes, Gabriel Castillo, Charlotte Leadbeater, Miya Menscher, Gianluca Porto, Maeve Weber, Michael Florczak and Sara Rego. Grade 6: Renata Bystrowski, Amanda Choffo, Alexandra Colon, Maci Covello, Nico Duarte, Emma Fernandes-Santinho, David Gavilanez, Eliot Jablonski, Gabriel Koby, Nicolas Londono, Jack Mara, Mikalah Merizalde, Katelyn Murdoch, Ronnie Navas and Marisa Teixeira. Honors – Grade 4: Basma Alami, Kacper Glazewski, Raymond Lin, Jonah Menendez, Ava Nasert, Nadia

Ramon, Gabriella Rodgers, Camilla Vera Coello, Christopher Brooks, Colin Capobianco, Debbie Liviapoma, Landon Pinho, Sanii Price, Charlie Pumarol, Emma Smits, Jonathan Solinski, Lana Vasquez, Jonathan Fernandez, Carolina Nocelotl, Olivia Covello, Kendra Lopes, Adam Ramadan and Dylan Sullivan. Grade 5: Matthew Branco, Adrian DaSilva, LeAnn Pinto, Sara Santos, Cailey Torres, Leonel Velaquez, Aylene Carrera, Benjamin Cepin, Kiro DeMatos-Kastner, Francesca Gomez-Montejano, Eleni Nunez, Carolina Rodriguez, Alexis Sadowski, Shayla Torres, Kyle Watson, Daniel Whitehead, Sofia Disbrow, Ashley Guevara and Joseph Hurtado. Grade 6: Daniel Almanzar, Tianna Antunes, Michael Charney, Maria Correa Quezada, Beatrice Crespo, Raquel Cunhya, Pharell Gary, David Lignowski, Ricky Lin, Lee Mara, Kimberly Munayco, Andrew Parra, Deborah Pinheiro and Joseph Rocco.

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

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uer adipiscing elit. Quisque sed nisi ac quam tincidunt molestie. Curabitur ut t urpis. Donec ultrices dui in erat. Integer Kearnymi et pharetra cursus,$425,000 ultricies, sem arc 2 family with 4 car garage & driveway! Spacious rooms, u wood consectetuer eget interdum Lorem sit amet, consectet floors. Eachipsum unitneque, has dolor its own Central air system, pos-

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NJMLS Residential Sales Stats from 1/1/15 to 12/31/15*

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NENO-ROSA AGENCY 159 NJMLS Residential Sales Stats from 1/1/15 to 12/31/15* ERA JUSTIN REALTY 135 Zoraida Alonso Nina Amorim George Rosko Oscar Cajiao 201-736-4712 551-689-8052 201-218-0841 201-899-6599 MID-REALTY, INC. 108 Brokerage Company # of Closed Transactions EXIT GOLDEN BHGRE Coccia REALTY Realty GROUP 356 88 ELITESEMIAO REALTY& GROUP C.21 ASSOC. NENO-ROSA AGENCY SAVINO AGENCY ERA JUSTINWHITE REALTY RE/MAX HOUSE MID-REALTY, INC. HARRISON REALTY EXIT GOLDEN REAL REALTY GROUP ARLINGTON ESTATE ELITE REALTY GROUP THE BIXLER GROUP SAVINO AGENCY Kearny $264,500 RE/MAX Spacious, youngWHITE 2 story condoHOUSE w/ 2 Bedrm, 1.5 bath, Living & Dining Room, updated Eat-in-Kitchen, attached Garage. Central HARRISON REALTY A/C. Low carrying costs. Near public transportation, shopping & parks. ARLINGTON REAL ESTATE THE BIXLER GROUP

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245 87 159 84 135 64 108 33 88 26 87 23 84 East Rutherford $750,000 64bath home boasting approx. Brand New 4 bedrm, 3.5 3135 sq.ft of well-appointed 33 living space 2 car garage, 48’ x 100’lot. Master bedroom/sliders to balcony, full bath 26systems; gas forced air heat & & walk in closet. 2 HVAC central air systems. 23

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quam tincidunt molestie. Curabitur ut t urpis. Donec ultrices duiKearny in erat. Integer 65 Forest St., ultricies, mi et pharetra cursus, sem arc Listed: $349,500 • Days on Market: 51 u consectetuer neque, eget interdum

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! Lorem ipsum sit amet, consectet LD dolor uer adipiscing elit. Quisque sed nisi ac SO quam tincidunt molestie. Curabitur ut t urpis. Donec ultrices dui in erat. Integer Lorem ipsum dolor amet, consectet ultricies, mi etsit pharetra cursus, sem arc uer adipiscing elit. Quisque nisiinterdum ac u consectetuer neque,sed eget quam tincidunt molestie. Curabitur ut t urpis. Donec duiAvenue, in erat. Integer 27ultrices Pavonia Kearny ultricies, mi et pharetra cursus, sem arc Listed: $350,000 • Days on Market: 84 u consectetuer neque, eget interdum

Listed: $469,900 •neque, Days oneget Market: 28 u consectetuer interdum Call us to$455,000 sell your home! www.cocciarealty.com Closed: Dec. 16,today 2016 • Sale Price: Closed: Dec. 16, 2016 • Sale Price: $312,000 Closed: Dec. 15, 2016 • Sale Price: $575,000 Closed: Dec. 29, 2016 • Sale Price: $348,000 Agent: Gina Lugo Agent: Carol Hughes Agent: George Rosko Agent: Luis Rodriguez KEARNY • 636 Kearny Ave • 201-997-7000 Call us today to sell your home! www.cocciarealty.com www.cocciarealty.com LYNDHURST 424 Valley Ave • 201-939-8900 KEARNY • 636• Kearny Ave •Brook 201-997-7000 KEARNY • 636 Kearny Ave • 201-997-7000 LYNDHURST • 424 Valley Brook AVe • 201-939-8900 info@cocciarealty.com ©2016 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate® Franchise is Independently Owned and Operated. * Statistics based on information derived from NJMLS for all sales transactions made from ©2016 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate® 1/1/15 to 12/31/2015, deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

LYNDHURST • 424 Valley Brook Ave • 201-939-8900

is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate® Franchise is Independently Owned and Operated. * Statistics based on information derived from NJMLS for all sales transactions made from 1/1/15 to 12/31/2015, deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Info@cocciarealty.com info@cocciarealty.com Interested in a career in real estate? Email: Colette@mycoccia.com or call 973-476-8051