Wednesday, 30 December 2020
www.TheObserver.com
Vol. CXXXIII, No. 33
HAPPENING THIS WEEK Happy New Year! The Observer’s office will be closed New Year’s Eve & Day. We’ll reopen Monday, Jan. 4, at 10 a.m. BELLEVILLE • BLOOMFIELD • EAST NEWARK • HARRISON • KEARNY • LYNDHURST • NORTH ARLINGTON • NUTLEY
By Kevin Canessa kc@theobserver.com
H
ere’s a little mind game to play. Think about, if you can recall, what was on you mind on Dec. 31, 2019. Even if you can’t come up with your thoughts from that day, no doubt, none of us was thinking, “The year 2020 is going to be a nightmare of epic proportions.” Instead, we were all probably hoping for a 2020 that would be better than the year just
gone by. And here we are, at the precipice of 2021 -- and it’s a safe bet we’re all ready for it, with the hopes COVID-19 will become a hated memory, that facemasks will be something only sports players will need when they hit the ice of the turf, that we’ll be able to hug each other again, eat at a restaurant and not worry about the table nearest us … OK you get the picture. So as is tradition at The Observer, in the last edition of the calendar year, we take a look back at the stories that made headlines on
the print pages of the newspaper, on www.theobserver.com and in live-video reports over the last year. While some of the recap (anything Coronavirus-related) may be things some would rather forget, it is nonetheless important to remember that it did, indeed, happen -- and that it will soon, in totality, be of the past as we return to some semblance of normalcy. 1. THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS OR COVID-19 TAKES HOLD OF JERSEY AND THE WORLD So after all that, we start right
with COVID-19 (as a reminder, there haven’t been 19 versions of the virus; instead, it gets its name from its year of origin -- 2019.) That, of course, was a myth started on talk radio and that fortunately didn’t spiral out of control as many other COVID myths did from the beginning. We began hearing about this virus in late 2019 -- and as 2020 progressed, one could tell, perhaps as early as February, that this thing, though in China, was going Continued on the next page
2
The Observer | www.theobserver.com
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
Continued from previous page to find its way to our shores. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what occurred and by March, TV outlets were starting to broadcast statistics of deaths that even at that time seemed unfathomable. But it was all real. And by the second week of March, it was seemingly right here in our backyard. That week, for example, Observer Co-owner Lisa M. Feorenzo made the decision that for customers to enter the newspaper’s office, hand sanitizer had to be used before entering -- and all payments would be taken by credit card only. Accept cash? Yeah, no -- who knows whether this beersounding virus could live on paper money. That policy, itself, was short lived as Gov. Philip D. Murphy soon thereafter announced what to that point was just unthinkable. New Jersey (many places elsewhere, too) was going to be shutting down everything considered to be “nonessential,” with a curfew that after 8 p.m., unless you
The last front page of The Observer before the pandemic really hit in March 2020.
were working, you were to be home, inside, isolating, keeping safe. Newspapers are considered essential, so
while we were in the office on weekdays, a change was made and we conducted business with those seeking adverts (especially classifieds) over the phone or online only. It was a grueling decision many businesses had to make to keep pace with the virus. And, one by one, local businesses considered nonessential, began to close. Restaurants, many who rely on their liquor licenses to maximize profits, would not be able, at first, to serve booze to go. Instead, it
233 Kearny Ave., Kearny
201-997-2360
Michael Symeonides
Since 1965, service has been the key to our success! Quality Coverage at Competitive Rates! Auto - Home - Business - Life Let us show you how to save! www.sasinsurance.com • Se Habla Espanol • Nos Falamos Portuguese
FAMILY OWNED
HAMMERHEAD CONSTRUCTION WINDOWS • DOORS • REMODELING RADIATOR COVERS • SHADES • BLINDS BEFORE
Glass & Screen Repair
was takeaway only -- with absolutely nothing after 8 p.m. The same was for other businesses that were allowed to open. When the clock struck 8 at night, it was time to close up shop -- and head home. None of this was fathomable before 2020 -and yet it was now a reality. And it led to such a bizarre society. This journalist, at the beginning of the pandemic, would travel from home in the north of Harrison to The Observer’s office, at 39 Seeley Ave., Kearny, with Facebook Live running through the phone. Whether the journey was along Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard, Kearny Avenue, Davis Avenue, Schuyler
with purchase of entry door all hardware incl. Exp. 1/15/21
850A Kearny Ave. • Kearny, NJ Mon - Fri 9-5 • Sat by Appointment
See RECAP, Page 4
INJURED? KNOW YOUR RIGHTS.
JOHN M. PINHO
FREE In-HOME ESTIMATES
Javerbaum Wurgaft
Certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as Workers Compensation Law Attorney
AFTER
free full light storm door
Avenue or wherever, there were days few other vehicles were on the road and many days, finding an out-andabout human being was what one might consider a rarity. There was a greyness to the area. It was quite eerie. It was depressing. It was hard to describe, at times. Thousands of locals and those who once called this area home, would tune in for a glimpse. What they saw was nothing short of shocking. There were few buses. There were no school buses. Save for Harrison, crossing guards were gone. In Harrison, most were still on the job as many children would travel from home to school to get their grab-andgo breakfasts and lunches. So now what do we do? Should we be wearing masks? What about gloves? Where does one find hand sanitizer we’re told so vital? (At first, one couldn’t find it on shelves.) Where did all the paper towels and toilet paper go? We can go to supermarkets, but should we? Could we get the virus by touching a cart once driven by an infected person? It was all so unclear at first, but eventually, it became more clear how we should operate our lives while protecting our own selves and others from spreading or getting the virus. Yes, we learned. Or, at least some did. Most did. Wear a mask. Social distance (I hate that term so much and cannot wait for it to be in the past.) Keep 6-feet away from anyone. Only go out if needed. All of this should
If Injured at Work or Construction Site, you deserve to have an experienced and Certified Attorney as your Attorney.
Custom Radiator Covers
10% OFF! Exp. 1/15/21
201.991.4900
John M. Pinho Attorney at Law
301 North F. E. Rodgers Blvd. Harrison, NJ
(973) 481-4364
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
3
The Observer | www.theobserver.com
Could waterfront park be coming to East Newark? Feds looking for residents’ input for building one on Superfund site
By Kevin Canessa kc@theobserver.com
E
ast Newark may soon be a much more desirable location, thanks to a federal program. Within a few years, a new 5-acre park could exist along the Passaic River waterfront in East Newark, according to a proposal released last week by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The park proposal is outlined in a draft early restoration plan and environmental assessment available for public comment through Jan. 22, 2021. The preliminary park design includes pathways and an elevated walkway along the river, as well as converting industrial land into restored forest, pollinator gardens, native grasslands and wetlands. The proposal is associated with the extensive Diamond Alkali Superfund site, which includes the 17.4 miles of the Passaic River from its confluence with the Newark Bay to Dundee Dam; the Newark Bay; the Arthur Kill and the Kill Van Kull; and tidal portions of the Hackensack River. The agencies are federal trustees for natural resources, meaning they are authorized to act on behalf of the public for natural resources the public owns, manages or controls. In this role, trustees assess the injuries to natural resources from hazardous substance releases, and work to achieve restoration of these injuries and resulting losses. The park proposal is the first restoration project
associated with this federal process at the superfund site. The goal of natural resource damage assessment and restoration is to replace, restore or acquire the equivalent of the resources and recreational opportunities affected by contamination – at no cost to taxpayers. The trustees invite potentially responsible parties to participate in this process. The proposed park project resulted from early cooperative discussions with one potentially responsible party, which, if the project continues to move forward as planned, will fund the design and development of the park, and maintenance and operations. The trustees support the project’s anticipated benefits to recreation, water quality and runoff, habitat for birds and pollinators, and Environmental Justice communities disproportionately impacted by past hazardous substance releases. In turn, when the park is completed, the party will earn credit that can be used to offset liability for natural resource damages under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act. The early restoration project is just one part of the natural resource damage assessment and restoration process. This process is distinct from cleanup activities overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In 2020, the trustees began studies to assess injuries related to the release of hazardous substances from or near the Superfund site. These and other studies focusing on the identifi-
@ EAST NEWARK cation and quantification of injuries in certain bird and fish species related to the release of hazardous substances at or near the Superfund site will continue in 2021. Study results will assist trustees in assessing the scope and scale of injuries, and in turn help consider the full scope of restoration. Remedial actions and natural resource damage
assessment activities at sites as expansive and complex as the Diamond Alkali Superfund site often take years to complete. The draft early restoration plan and environmental assessment will be available for public comment until Jan. 22, 2021. Interested individuals, organizations, and agencies may submit comments by writing or emailing: Clay Stern, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4 E. Jimmie Leeds Road, Suite 4, Galloway, N.J. 08205 or clay_stern@fws. gov.
The federal trustees will review and consider all public comments and input on the draft early restoration plan and environmental assessment received during the public comment period prior to finalizing the plan and assessment. The final early restoration plan and environmental assessment will address those comments in a responsiveness summary appendix. The Observer’s Kevin Canessa may be reached at kc@theobserver.com or on Facebook/Twitter @ kevincanessa.
Start the new year off at HCCC! Online, On-Ground or Remote course options are available. Apply now at www.hccc.edu/apply and use the promo code “HC3” to waive the $25 application fee!
REGISTER NOW!
For in-person and remote registration appointments, and other online resources, visit www.hccc.edu/remoteservices
Classes begin on Monday, January 25, 2021 •No increase in tuition and fees for 2020-2021 year • Eligible students can receive free tuition through the Community College Opportunity Grant! • Courses available in more than 60 degree and certificate programs • Credits transferable to four-year institutions • Appeal for more Financial Aid! Special considerations due to change in income
View course details at www.hccc.edu/schedule.
APPLY NOW for Spring classes!
www.hccc.edu/apply
For more information contact: admissions@hccc.edu text (732) 509-4222 or call (201) 714-7200
IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION Spring 2021 Registration KO ad.indd 1
12/15/2020 12:40:49 PM
Opinion....................................................................................Page 6
Obituaries...............................................................................Page 13
Sports......................................................................................Page 9
Business Directory.................................................................Page 15
Health & Wellness Directory...............................................Page 11
Classifieds ....................................................................... Pages 17-18
4
The Observer | www.theobserver.com
RECAP
Continued from Page 2 help keep us from getting the virus. And yet, week after week, for the first few months, this newspaper reported statistics provided us by various municipalities and counties. And those numbers were staggering. Each day, the number of cases rose. Then, the first death was reported in Belleville. One death was enough. But those numbers, in all of our towns except East Newark, continued to grow day after day after day. It was only March and April. The obituaries in this newspaper sometimes needed three or four pages to complete. One would come in. Then another. And another. On average, we get about three obituaries
a week. At the height of the pandemic, we would see anywhere from 17 to 22 per week. That was difficult in and of itself. We all couldn’t help but wonder the toll it was taking on the families and the funeral directors. For many weeks, funerals were limited. There were no Masses or services. People couldn’t come in for viewings. It was nothing short of brutal. But as the spring turned into summer, things began to improve. The curve was bending downward. Restaurants and bars could open at 25% capacity. Churches could have worshippers again -- and that led to a slew of belated memorial Masses and remembrances. The lockdown was over. Life returned to the streets yet again. But yet again, as the cold weather returned, it was a
new round of COVID, which leads us to this month of December. A vaccine is now available, though not to all. Science and medical experts predict the worst is yet to come and that there could be a lot more death. But as more and more people have access to the vaccine -- it’s impossible to predict exactly when it’ll happen -- we’re told, perhaps, by the final quarter of 2021, we might see a world we once knew, where masks won’t be needed, where we might be able to be closer, literally, to the people we know -- and much more. But is there any doubt this was the biggest story of 2020? Heck, it might be again in 2021. Let’s hope it’s because we’re celebrating its ultimate demise. 2. BABY FOUND DEAD IN KEARNY Normally, this would have been the top story
ALDONA SKRIPKUS M.D. | 381 Kearny Ave. | Kearny, NJ | 201-991-4824
Dear Parents and Caregivers, I would like to announce the retirement of my Pediatric Practice in January 2021. I thank all the parents who had faith in me for all these years in treating your children. You can contact my office to get your children’s records. Thank you all, Aldona Skripkus M.D.
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
in a different year. But because of COVID-19 -- and because of an absolute lack of information about the incident -- it falls to No. 2 on our list. To recap, here’s what we know. According to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, on Oct. 25, 2020, the lifeless body of a newborn baby was found in a trash bin at a residence in Kearny. The Regional Medical Examiner is performing an autopsy on the baby. To date, this is the only information the HCPO has released to the public. For the last eight weeks, since the baby was found, The Observer has made phone calls and has sent email inquiries to Jennifer Morrill, the spokeswoman for Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez. Each time, the response has been the same -- the cause and manner of death is still under investigation by the ME’s office. We’ve asked the HCPO to make a statement that says more than just this, the allay the concerns of residents who question the length of time the investigation is taking. However, we did not get a response. With that said, we’ve spoken with a law-enforcement source who says it is not uncommon for autopsies to take this long (eight weeks to date.) In fact,
it could be even longer before we know anything more than we do now, the source says. To date, no charges have been filed in the case. But, keep in mind in New Jersey, when a homicide occurs, while local police departments assist with such investigations, it is the county prosecutor’s office where the crime occurs that has full jurisdiction. As such, if a crime was committed, charges will be filed by the HCPO, not the Kearny Police Department. As we enter 2021, The Observer will continue to follow up on this story and we will share any new or additional information as soon as it becomes available to us. 3. NUTLEY’S NIGHTMARE — TEENS’ VIDEO CASTS BLACK EYE ON OTHERWISE TRANQUIL TOWN A video posted to social media had an entire community scratching its proverbial head in January. The Nutley Police Department announced it had been advised several girls posted a video with racial epithets, which immediately went viral. Nutley police, along with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, reviewed the video and deemed it “completely inappropriate and in poor judgment,” but Continued on the next page
Pet Directory Bone Appétit Barkery PET SALON & BAKERY Certified Professional Dog & Cat Grooming
Call Today at:
201.991.0067
432 Ridge Road | North Arlington, NJ | www.RipostaLaw.com
169 Midland Ave. • Kearny, NJ • (201) 955-2306 boneappetite@verizon.net
TO ADVERTISE, PLEASE CALL 201-991-1600.
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
5
The Observer | www.theobserver.com
Continued from previous page not illegal. Although the actions of the juveniles did not rise to a criminal level, their actions were in poor taste, police said. The Observer reviewed the 30-second video, which is believed to have originated on Snapchat and then recorded for use on other social media platforms — and it’s as bad as police described. It features three high-school aged girls, all of whom are white. A source with knowledge of the case confirmed to The Observer that all three girls were 14 and freshmen at Nutley High School at the time. “I hate ni***rs,” one girl says to start the video off. “We hate ni***rs,” a second girl then says. “I love them, I love them,” the second girl then says with some inaudible talking ongoing in the background. “I’m not kidding,” the first girl then says. A third girl then says, “No, no kidding, because ni***rs fu****g s**k d**k.” Then, one of the girls — it wasn’t clear which one — said, “ni***rs kill people” as the video came to a close. The girls in the video all appeared to be holding beverages, though it’s
impossible to tell whether they’re alcoholic beverages. 4. LEAVE KEARNY ALONE! BILL WOULD REPLACE NAMESAKE’S STATUE IN CAPITOL WITH ALICE PAUL The Town of Kearny was in an
uproar again, just weeks after word came down that the Keegan Landfill would be closed and capped forever, as word that a bill headed to the state Assembly that already had the stamp of approval from the state Senate would remove a statue of Gen. Philip
Kearny from the U.S. Capitol and replace it with a monument to women’s rights advocate Alice Paul. The three state senators who sponsored the proposed move are from South Jersey — and have no connection to the Town of Kearny. As this was all occurring just before the outbreak of COVID-19, there is no update to the story presently. But at the time, it really got local leaders fired up. It’s wasn’t that anyone was averse to honoring Alice Paul, either, just in case there was any doubt about that. It’s just that there’s a strong belief it shouldn’t be at the expense of our general and town’s namesake. “Ms. Paul is perfect for the New Jersey Statehouse,” Council President and Third Ward Councilwoman Carol Jean Doyle said. “Should she replace Gen. Kearny? No, he was a war hero and made the supreme sacrifice. Congress voted to have Gen. Kearny have this place of honor in 1866. This general was against slavery and fought hard to keep Gen. Robert E. Lee and Gen. Stonewall Jackson off Capitol Hill and the general did that at the expense of his life.” Mayor Alberto G. Santos, meanSee RECAP, Page 7
Lusitania
SAVINGS BANK
Community First Loans
Affordable financing - Locally focused During these times of economic hardship, Lusitania Savings Bank is embracing its role as a true community bank by introducing a new loan program to significantly reduce housing expenses for borrowers in our local communities.
15-YEAR FIXED RATE MORTGAGE
10-YEAR FIXED RATE MORTGAGE
1.990 %
Rate
0 Points
2.084 %
1.990 %
Rate
APR
20-YEAR FIXED RATE MORTGAGE
2.375 %
Rate
0 Points
0 Points
2.053 %
APR
WWW.LUSITANIABANK.COM/MORTGAGES
2.424 %
APR
Stay home, stay safe - visit our Online Mortgage Center for more information and to apply online. Scan For Today’s Rates
107 Pulaski Street, Newark, NJ 07105 • (973) 344-5125 Ext. 129 www.lusitaniabank.com
Payment Example: $9.20 per $1,000 borrowed on a $100,000 10-year fixed rate mortgage at an interest rate of 1.990% will result in 120 payments of $919.69. Payment Example: $6.43 per $1,000 borrowed on a $100,000 15-year fixed rate mortgage at an interest rate of 1.990% will result in 180 payments of $643.05. Payment Example: $5.24 per $1,000 borrowed on a $100,000 20-year fixed rate mortgage at an interest rate of 2.375% will result in 240 payments of $523.83. Actual monthly payment may be higher because example does not include applicable property taxes, fees, insurance premiums or other related costs. Annual percentage rate (APR) based on $100,000.00 loan with a 10-year or 15-year amortization term. Financing on owner occupied residential 1-4 family properties located in Essex, Union, and Hudson Counties. Minimum finance charge of $455.00. Owner occupied rate. New loans only. Rates and annual percentage rates are based on 80% loan to value with 20% equity or 20% down payment. Rates and annual percentages are effective as of the publication date of this ad and are subject to change. Please speak with our Mortgage Department for additional terms and conditions that may apply. Subject to credit approval. Other rates and programs are available.
NMLS # 640892 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY LENDER
6
The Observer | www.theobserver.com
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
Thoughts & Views EDITORIAL
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
LaClair: Here are 10 reasons (there are 2020: A horrible year, more) why Trump is no COVID ‘hero’ yet one that taught us so very much ...
T
he easy thing to do is to say 2020 was a horrendous year. You probably wouldn’t get too many strange looks if you said that in public. And despite the toll this year has taken on all of us, despite the unthinkable death of 334,000 Americans, the unfathomable heartbreak so many have experienced, some good things really did happen in the year just gone by. When you think about it, as you read this, it means you survived the hell of the last calendar year. That, alone, is something to celebrate. We’ve learned, in the hardest of hard ways that as a community, we went without so many things we were used to ... in ways we never thought possible. Whether it’s going to a favorite restaurant on a regular basis, heading to see grandma at her place once a week, going to church on Sunday, being in the classroom (as a student or teacher), going to an in-person meeting, we adjusted. And not only did we adjust, we adjusted well, whether it meant ordering in, calling grandma on Facetime, watching Mass or services on Youtube, taking class on Zoom, we found ways to make the best of 2020. And it wasn’t easy by any means. However, it does mean that despite all of the horror surrounding 2020, we’ve mostly all ended up for the better. Now we know that may sound bizarre to some. Fine. But years from now, when we look back at the year just gone by, perhaps we’ll see 2020 as the year that made life easier, the year the simpler things in life became more important. Will we ever again take for granted going out to eat? Will we ever again take for granted a simple visit to grandma’s house? Will we ever again take for granted being able to attend sport events? Will we ever again take for granted the hour or so spent at church? Just think about it. When finally we’re all able to do all we can’t do right now, won’t there be a special joy connected to it all? We think so — and we hope you experience it, too. Here’s to what must be a better 2021. Even if 2020 may not have been as bad as it seemed on the surface.
To the Editor: I can only wonder how anyone can ask what Trump should have done differently about the COVID-19 pandemic. (“Rose: Trump a hero for COVID response,” Letters, Dec. 16, 2020.) 1. He shouldn’t have lied to the American people by calling it a hoax. Inexplicably, people defend him by saying that he was calling something else a hoax. But the fact is, he said there were only 15 cases in the U.S., which soon would be down to zero. By his own admission, he wanted to play down the pandemic. There’s just no getting around that. 2. He shouldn’t have dismantled the Pandemic Response Office, which President Obama put in place. 3. He should have used the Defense Department to address the national emergency that this is and was. 4. He shouldn’t have mocked the wearing of masks. 5. He shouldn’t have held super-spreader
events. 6. He shouldn’t have made the response all about him politically. 7. He shouldn’t have dismissed and belittled the science. 8. He shouldn’t have suggested that injecting bleach or shining light into the body was a potential cure. 9. He shouldn’t have divided the country over this politically, so that it will now be harder to have enough people vaccinated to address the pandemic effectively. 10. He should have cared about the doctors and nurses, and the hospitals’ ability to treat not only COVID patients but everyone else who needs care. This pandemic extends far beyond those who contract COVID. No doubt I’ve missed a few. It just amazes me that anyone still defends this man, who is by far the worst and most dishonest president in our history. Paul L. LaClair Kearny
The Observer’s correction policy The Observer strives to bring our readers the best and the most accurate news. However, from time to time, there may be mistakes in what we report. As such, we take our obligation to report errors seriously. If you believe we’ve made an error, please send an e-mail to editorial@theobserver.com, indicating what is to be corrected. We will ensure a correction is noted (if necessary) in a future print edition — and online.
In Memoriam Mary A. Tortoreti 1942-2016
Lisa M. Feorenzo lisa@theobserver.com Co-owner/Advertising Dir.
39 Seeley Avenue • Kearny, N.J. 07032 • (201) 991-1600 Fax: (201) 991-8941 • www.theobserver.com
Tina Feorenzo Co-owner/Advertising
Kevin Canessa Michelle Rybeck Jim Hague kc@theobserver.com advertising@theobserver.com ogsmar@aol.com Editorial/Broadcaster Graphic Artist/Real Estate Sportswriter
Deadlines (until further notice) • Classifieds: 3 p.m., Monday • Obituaries: 10 a.m., Monday • Display/Real Estate: noon, Thursday • Help Wanted: noon, Monday — all ads must be sent to classified@theobserver.com.
Robert P. Pezzolla gm@theobserver.com General Manager Kimberley Pezzolla kimpezzolla@theobserver.com Sales/Classifieds
The Observer on Social Media facebook.theobserver.com twitter.theobserver.com instagram.theobserver.com youtube.theobserver.com
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
RECAP
Continued from Page 5 while, who was first to alert The Observer about this bill on Feb. 10, Senate Bill No. 1369, said he was “stunned” by the Senate’s somewhat covert move. “(There was) no notice,” Santos said. “(It came) just out of the blue … The Legislature is pitting an important woman’s rights advocate against a war hero who led the New Jersey Brigade for the Union in the Civil War and was killed in battle. So is the implicit judgment that what Ms. Paul represents is more important to New Jersey history than Kearny? Is this what happens when you apply relativism to history? If so, then the state Legislature should consider a regular rotation of statues.” 5. TWO MEN NABBED WITH ½-TON OF POT ARRESTED & THANKS TO BAIL REFORM, THEY WALKED! It was one of the biggest pot busts in Hudson County history -- but it didn’t really matter in the greater scheme of things. Nearly a half-ton of pot with a street value of $1.5 million was taken off the streets thanks to a massive bust in South Kearny carried out by the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, but the two men who possessed the illegal drug were both free the very next day because they didn’t meet the criteria to be held on remand or on bail, thanks to bail reform, the sheriff, Francis X. “Frank” Schillari, announced. On Friday, Jan. 31, the
HCSO, with the assistance of the United States Department of Homeland Security, intercepted a tractor trailer shipment of marijuana as it made a delivery to a Kearny warehouse. The tractor was loaded with 737 pounds of marijuana. “This is one of the biggest single marijuana busts in Hudson County history,” Schillari said at the time. “Our detective bureau deserves all the credit for an excellent job. I’m proud to have them in my department serving and protecting the people.” Despite all this, they were back on the streets less than 24 hours after being taken into custody. 6. BAGS BANNED -- KEARNY SAYS STORES MAY NO LONGER PACK IN PLASTIC Stores in Kearny will no longer be able to use plastic to bag items sold as an ordinance that banned the distribution of single-use plastic bags at most businesses in Kearny was unanimously adopted by the governing body at a meeting of the Mayor and Council on Feb. 18. The new law goes into effect in April 22, 2021. According to the ordinance, single-use bags will be prohibited except: • Bags, whether plastic or not, in which loose produce or products are placed by a customer to deliver such items to the point of sale or checkout of a retail establishment, such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, grains, candy, cookies or small hardware items. • Laundry or dry-cleaning
TOWN OF KEARNY PUBLIC NOTICE The 2021 Tax List of the Town of Kearny will be open for inspection in the office of the Tax Assessor, 402 Kearny Avenue, on January 4 through January 7 of 2021, between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm.
bags. • Newspaper bags. • Bags used to contain or wrap frozen food, meat, fish or other items, whether prepackaged or not, to prevent or contain moisture and cross contamination with other food products. • Bags provided by pharmacists to contain prescription drugs. • Bags sold in packages containing multiple bags intended for use as garbage, pest waste or yard waste bags. • To contain or wrap flowers and potted plants. • Contain items where damage to a good or contamination of other goods placed together in the same bag would result. The ban applies to businesses including, but not limited to, mercantile establishments, department stores, food-service establishments, restaurants, pharmacies, convenience and grocery stores, liquor stores, supermarkets, clothing stores, seasonal and/ or temporary businesses,
jewelry stores and others. The law also mandates businesses provide paper bags that may be recycled — or reusable bags at a cost of no less than 10¢ a piece. Said reusable bags may not be provided, by a business owner, to its clients and customers, for free. In order for a bag to be considered reusable, it must have the capacity to be utilized 125 times, carry 22
pounds and travel at least 175 without breaking. It must also be cleanable and it must have the ability to be sanitized, also. However, businesses may apply for a hardship exemption. According to the ordinance, “the mayor and Council may approve a request for an exemption or deferral from the requirements by any Continued on the next page
We Specialize in Repast
11-35 River Road | North Arlington, NJ | 201.246.0100 CentanniNJ.com | Centanni Ristorante | centanniristorante Outdoor Dining Now Available •All Reservations & Walk-Ins Welcome
Make your Reservations for
New Years Eve! OPEN NEW YEARS DAY Preorder your trays for the Holidays! BUY 1, GET 1
FREE! Eggplant or Chicken Parmigiana over Pasta
John A. Peneda Tax Assessor
7
The Observer | www.theobserver.com
BUY 1, GET 1
BUY 1, GET 1
BUY 1, GET 1
Lasagna
Chicken Marsala
Chicken Caccitore
FREE!
FREE! over Pasta
FREE! over Pasta
Sun. thru Thurs. 1 per customer. Cannot be combined. Must be dinner size entree. Any subsitutions will be extra charge. Not valid on holidays. Expires 1/15/21
PHOTOCOPIES OF COUPONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. COUPONS FOR TAKE OUT ONLY.
8
The Observer | www.theobserver.com
Continued from previous page operator of a retail establishment, with or without conditions, upon a showing of substantial hardship or other good cause. Exemptions or deferrals should be granted only for the minimum time necessary to accommodate the reason for the request.” The Kearny Health Department will be charged with enforcing the new law. And, for businesses that
violate the new law, after April 22, 2021, there will be fines, including: • First incursion: Written warning by the Kearny Health Department. • Second incursion: $100 penalty per instance. • Third incursion: $250 penalty per instance. • Fourth incursion: $500 penalty per instance. 7. MOM, HER SON, 7, DIE IN PARK AVENUE BLAZE IN NUTLEY
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
Immediately upon their arrival at 320 Park Ave., Nutley, on a cold, somewhat snowy Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, firefighters knew this blaze would be anything but ordinary. One man was already outside the home with burns — and there were immediate reports of two people being trapped on the home’s second floor. Tragically, those reports were correct as a mother and her son died in the fast-
Harrison Plaza • 442 Bergen Street • Harrison, NJ 07029
Ristorante & Pizzeria
ORDER ONLINE!
www.OriginalNinosPizza.com
Open 7 Days • Catering Available
OFFERING CURBSIDE / DELIVERY Wine • Beer • Cocktails
Tel: 973.484.5770 • Fax: 973.484.2864 Embrace the warmth of family and create
PERFECT HOLIDAY
oments
Send gifts they’ll love, make meals they’ll remember... with Omaha Steaks, Christmas this year will be worth the wait.
Two Observer front pages — top, when Kearny voted to ban plastic bags and bottom, the mini-graduations that took place for the Class of 2020 at Kearny High School.
THE BUTCHER’S DELUXE PACKAGE
TRY THE EXCLUSIVE OMAHA STEAKS
BUTCHER’S CUT TOP SIRLOIN Taller, thicker steaks, expertly hand-cut. Double-trimmed for 100% flawless bites. Aged 21 days for the most tenderness. The best steaks of your life or your money back.
4 (5 oz.) Butcher’s Cut Top Sirloins 4 (4 oz.) Boneless Pork Chops 4 Boneless Chicken Breasts (1 lb. pkg.) 8 (4 oz.) Omaha Steaks Burgers 8 (3 oz.) Gourmet Jumbo Franks 8 (3.8 oz.) Individual Scalloped Potatoes 8 (4 oz.) Caramel Apple Tartlets Steak Seasoning (1 oz.)
FREE PORK CHOPS & CHICKEN BREASTS Get even more for the holidays when you buy this package today!
$298.87* separately
INTRODUCTORY PRICE $129.99
Shop Now! OmahaSteaks.com/dinner93 or call 1.855.973.8979 and ask for free pork chops and chicken breasts with offer 66762BEM *Savings shown over aggregated single item base price. Photos exemplary of product advertised. Limit 2. 4 free (4 oz.) pork chops and 4 free chicken breasts (1 lb. pkg.) will be sent to each shipping address that includes (66762). Free product(s) may be substituted. Standard S&H added per address. Offer available while supplies last. Items may be substituted due to inventory limitations. Cannot be combined with other offers. Other restrictions may apply. All purchases acknowledge acceptance of Terms of Use. Visit omahasteaks.com/termsof-useOSI or call 1-800-228-9872 for a copy. Expires 1/31/21.
moving fire. The scanner traffic at the fire revealed an absolute seriousness — yet brave calmness — as a fire lieutenant called for EMS assistance. “Put a push on those ambulances,” he said, sternly. When all was said and done, another man had suffered burns. He got out alive, however. His daughter and grandson, sadly, did not. Perhaps the most stark realization of what this fire did came in the form a Facebook post from a neighbor, Joe Caprio, who was in his vehicle right around the time the blaze broke out. His words explained how in an instant,
everything changed for one family. “As I sit here on Park Avenue in Nutley, unable to move my car due to emergency vehicles, I write this post. Today while just going about our lives, Sandra Caprio, Leo Cap and I witnessed one of the most tragic house fires ever. I immediately called 911, got out of my car and started banging on all the windows and doors around the house to see if anyone was home. “No one was answering until one final moment, when I was trying to kick the front door in, I saw a hand through the window on the door See RECAP, Page 14
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
The Observer | www.theobserver.com
Sports & Recreation
9
Observer Sports 2020: COVID takes over everything
Kearny’s Mullen wins state wrestling crown; undefeated Nutley grid team among Top 10 Sports Stories
By Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com Of course, the calendar year of 2020 will be remembered for one major story that not only dominated the local sports scene, but also took hold of the world. But we also had another impressive championship to marvel and a remarkable football team to behold. Here’s a look at the Top 10 Sports Stories for 2020 for the Observer circulation area.
1-COVID-19 shuts down local sports By March, there was one term that became part of everyone’s vocabulary. We might not have known what the coronavirus COVID-19 was, but we certainly knew what it was going to mean for everyone. The pandemic ravaged everything and anything, including the local sports scene. The entire outdoor spring sports season, namely baseball, softball and track and field, was canceled. All activities were put on hold. When school opened again after Labor Day, the scholastic sports calendar was first delayed, then cut down. The NJSIAA football playoffs were not held for the first time since the playoff system was adopted in 1975. Everything that was held was done with strict safety regulations, most without any fan participation. It was a sad time for everyone involved. While there have been some steps made toward bringing athletics back to where it once was, the upcoming indoor sports seasons, already delayed by a month,
remain in jeopardy. Unfortunately, it’s the one story that was prominent more than any other in 2020.
2-Kearny’s Mullen wins NJSIAA wrestling title; first-ever for a freshman heavyweight Kearny native Jimmy Mullen kept a streak going when the then St. Joseph of Montvale freshman won the NJSIAA state wrestling championship, marking three straight years that Kearny crowned a state champion. Mullen joined his good friend Jacob Cardenas (now part of the Cornell University wrestling program), the two-time state champion, as state champ. But Mullen earned a place of distinction last March when he captured the 285-pound state crown. He became the first freshman to ever win the state heavyweight championship. Mullen did so, even though he weighed 220 pounds, surrendering as much as 65 pounds to every opponent. Mullen also won the state championship despite being the No. 13 seed, which gave him a much tougher path to get to the state title. In order to claim the gold medal, Mullen had to defeat the No. 5 seed, the No. 4 seed, the No. 2 seed and finally, knocked off the top seed J.T. Cornelius of Southern Regional by a final score of 9-4 in the championship match on March 6. Mullen posted a 41-3 record, but lost no matches whatsoever in the state of New Jersey all season. Because of
Photo by Jim Hague
Kearny’s Jimmy Mullen was honored by Kearny Mayor Alberto Santos with a special proclamation after Mullen won the NJSIAA state wrestling championship in the 285-pound division.
the pandemic, Mullen could not receive his honors from the town of Kearny until September.
3-Nutley’s football team goes undefeated, first since 1939 When the Nutley High School football team defeated Belleville, 42-7, in November, it capped a historic season for the Maroon Raiders. That’s because Raiders finished the truncated 2020 season,
shortened due to COVID-19 restrictions, with an undefeated 6-0 season, the school’s first undefeated mark since before World War II. It wasn’t a conventional season by any means for the Maroon Raiders, who had to endure veteran head coach Steve DiGregorio’s battle with pancreatic cancer. But DiGregorio returned triumphantly to the sidelines and led the Maroon Raiders’ remarkable season. The Maroon Raiders won the Super Football Conference-Freedom White divisional championship, the Maroon Raiders’ first divisional crown since 2015.
4-Belleville wins NJSIAA soccer title for first time At one point of the 2020 high school soccer season, the Buccaneers of Belleville High School had a dismal 1-6-1 record. It appeared as if veteran head coach Gary Polewka had to start making plans for the 2021 season. But the Buccaneers remarkably turned their season around dramatically and got on a late-season See TOP TEN, Page 10
10
The Observer | www.theobserver.com
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
2019 for Monmouth University, collecting 1,995 yards, decided to forego his final Continued from Page 9 season of college eligibility to enter the NFL Draft. When roll. And courtesy of a great set Guerriero went undrafted, he play from Fernando Fajardo then signed on as a free agent to Jonathan Sanchez, the Buc- with the New York Jets, only caneers defeated Dwight-Mor- to be released two days later, row of Englewood, 1-0, in late then re-signed Sept. 1 and cut November to win the NJSIAA again right before the season Northeast F, Group III-B state began in September. Guersectional championship. The riero then was signed to the win marked the first NJSIAA Carolina Panthers’ practice state sectional boys’ soccer squad in early October, only championship in the history to be cut three weeks later. of the school. The Buccaneers Finally, with their running capped the incredible and im- back corps in shambles, the probable run by winning the Jets brought him back for a title despite holding a sub-.500 third time in the beginning of record. The Bucs finished the December and remains on the season with a 7-8-1 record, but Jets’ practice squad. With an holding a state championship injury to Frank Gore last Suntrophy. day, Guerriero has a chance to be activated by the Jets for the final regular season game this 5-Guerriero’s week. No one said that life in journey as a pro the NFL was going to be easy.
School senior Jared Velazquez, who was looking forward to his final year of school playing soccer and baseball for the Vikings. But just as the Vikings began practice in September, Velazquez didn’t feel right, getting nauseous and not eating. A trip to the emergency room at Hackensack University Medical Center revealed that Velazquez was suffering from focal segmental glomerulosclerosis or FSGS. It’s a disease that attacks the tiny filtering units inside the kidneys where blood is cleaned. FSGS is the type of glomerular disease and scarring, also known as sclerosis that eventually renders the kidneys useless. It is very rare among 17-year-old high school kids, but Velazquez was rendered to life in dialysis, with no sports and in dire need of a kidney transplant. The heart-tugging story earns a spot here.
TOP TEN
football player
Talk about your highs and lows. Well, Lyndhurst native Petey Guerriero experienced them all on the road to becoming a professional football player. Guerriero, who led the entire nation in rushing in
6-Lyndhurst grid coach Tuero’s ring dash After the Lyndhurst High School football team won the NJSIAA North Jersey Sec-
Premier Care Dr. Prakash J. Doshi
TALKS
Dr. Hector Aguilar
ENDOMETRIOSIS – CATCH IT EARLY
Endometriosis is a painful condition resulting from the appearance of endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus. This tissue also breaks down and bleeds during the menstrual cycle but has no way to exit the body. This can irritate surrounding tissue and organs, such as the ovaries, potentially creating cysts and scar tissue. Bands of fibrous tissue called adhesions can also develop, causing organs and pelvic tissue to stick to one another. In many cases, endometriosis results in fertility problems, so early treatment is critical. Symptoms include intensely painful periods, pain during intercourse, and bleeding between periods. Treatment may be as simple as prescription birth
control as a means of hormonal therapy. Endometriosis is sometimes mistaken for other conditions that can cause pelvic pain, such as pelvic inflammatory disease or ovarian cysts. See your doctor if you have signs and symptoms that may indicate endometriosis. To schedule an appointment, please call PREMIER CARE ASSOCIATES OF WEST HUDSON at 201-998-7474. We are located at 512 Kearny Ave., Suite B, where walk-in patients are always welcome 7 days a week. We can see patients on a walk-in basis. P.S. Some studies suggest that women who have had endometriosis may be more likely to develop ovarian cancer.
Photo courtesy of New York Jets
Lyndhurst’s Petey Guerriero was signed three separate times to contracts with the New York Jets, eventually earning a spot on the team’s practice squad.
tion 2, Group II state sectional championship in 2019, rings were purchased to honor the squad. But the pandemic put any hope of an awards banquet ever taking place, so the players went without receiving their rings. However, in April, Rich Tuero, the head coach of that championship squad, decided to take it upon himself to hand deliver each and every one of the rings to his players and the cheerleaders, some 88 trips in all. Because of the pandemic, Tuero rang the door-
Most Insurances Accepted
is available on a walk-in or appointment basis for your primary healthcare needs.
7-Saga of NA’s soccer/baseball star Velazquez
In February, the Kearny girls’ bowling team capped an undefeated season, winning all 84 of their matches, including the Hudson County Interscholastic Athletic League tournament championship. But what makes it all even more remarkable is that the Kardinals capped their fourth straight undefeated season, which
In October, we learned the story of North Arlington High
Continued on the next page
“Make your vision picture perfect... See what you’ve been missing. Visit our office!”
Family Eye Care Eye Exams • Contact Lenses • Pediatric Care Your Eye Care Professionals Dr. Maria Domingues Lic # 27OA00630100
Dr. Jayswinder Kaur Lic# 27OA00689700
Dr. Marina N. Megalla
Email any questions or comments to: premiercare@gmail.com
Premier Care Associates of West Hudson
bell and placed the ring box on their front steps. The reactions of the players were so priceless that they were featured on several television news outlets and the front page here. It was clearly the “feel-good” story of the year.
Lic# 27OA00690300
Dr. Carla Domingues Lic # 27OA00646200
348 Ridge Road • Lyndhurst La doctora habla Español
8-Kearny girls bowling team ends fourth straight season undefeated
201.438.8668
A doutora fala Português
Wednesday, December 30, 2020 means that the Kards have posted a record of 336-0 over four years. The Kards also finished second in the NJSIAA North Jersey Group III tournament and third overall to Brick Memorial and Toms River North, two long-established bowling power houses in New Jersey. Senior Olivia Montanino was crowned the Queen of the HCIAL’s King and Queen Tournament, not only posting the top average (179) in the county, but winning the overall tournament crown as well. Montanino rolled a 639 series to qualify for the final and won by 10 pins.
10-Lyndhurst manager Leone gets chance to play A.J. Leone lives every day with autism, but it didn’t stop him from being an active member of the Lyndhurst High School athletic teams, serving a team manager for both the football and basketball teams. Leone even tried out for the varsity basketball team last season, but was cut, much to his chagrin. But Lyndhurst head boys’ basketball coach Tom McGuire offered Leone the chance Photo by Jim Hague to be the team manager, a North Arlington’s Jared Velazquez’s emotional tale of being in need of a role Leone accepted. And kidney transplant made the Top 10 sports story list. the Golden Bears players Section 1, Group IV championship in the 55-meter hurdles at the Bennett Center in Toms River. Rivers’ time of 8.61 seconds in the finals was threetenths of a second ahead of runner-up Kayla Hudson of Livingston. Waters became the first Kearny girl to win a state sectional championship since Anna Czykier won the 400-meter dash gold medal in 2016.
9-Kearny’s Waters wins NJSIAA state sectional hurdles gold When Melissa Waters was introduced to hurdles as a freshman at Kearny High School, trying out for track and field for the very first time, she was intrigued by the event. Well, Waters’ diligence and dedication to hurdling paid off in February when she won the NJSIAA North Jersey
all agreed that if there was a chance to get Leone into a game, they were going to do it. So when the Golden Bears faced Park Ridge in the season finale in February, McGuire surprised Leone by presenting him with a jersey, uniform No. 21. With a little more than a minute left in what had become a one-sided affair and with the Golden Bears holding a comfortable lead, McGuire looked down his bench and spotted No. 21. McGuire called for Leone to enter the game, much to delight of the crowd, who was anticipating Leone’s opportunity. With the crowd in a frenzy, the Golden Bears See TOP TEN, Page 12
HEALTH&WELLNESS & &WELLNESS
DIRECTORY
C ELEBRATING
EYE
25
CARDIOLOGY & INTERNAL MEDICINE
Y EARS !
CARE
DeLuca Vision Consultants Presented by Joseph A. DeLuca, M.D., F.A.C.S. IS IT AN OCULAR MIGRAINE?
While every migraine is a painful and debilitating experience, ocular migraines, also known as visual, retinal, ophthalmic, or monocular migraines, can actually cause temporary blindness in one eye. Similar to regular migraines, symptoms of ocular migraines include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. However, ocular migraines affect only one side of the head and will cause vision problems such as blurriness, flashing lights, or colored halos in that eye only. While it is rare, vision loss in the eye can become permanent. The exact cause of ocular migraines is unknown, some research links them to changes in the nerve cells of the retina or spasms in the retina’s blood cells.
11
The Observer | www.theobserver.com
An ocular migraine is sometimes confused with retinal migraine, but they are two different conditions. Retinal migraines are rare and affect only one eye. Loss of vision in one eye can be a symptom of a more serious medical issue. If you have vision loss in one eye, you should seek medical attention to rule out any underlying conditions. Please call our eye center today at 201-896-0096 to schedule an appointment. To reach our optical shop, call 201-896-0007. Our office is located at 20 Park Avenue, Lyndhurst. We accept most insurance. P.S. Ocular migraines, while painful, are usually quick to go away on their own, lasting about 30 minutes or less with quiet relaxation.
www.delucavision.com
Call to make an appointment! (973) 777-3286
1135 Clifton Ave, Suite 206, Clifton, NJ 07013
New patients always welcomed! No Insurance?
Dr. Richard Ekstein is 1 of only 14 Board Certified Prosthodontists in NJ
We have a plan for you!
Call 201-991-1228
312 Belleville Turnpike | N. Arlington, Suite 3B | www.SmileDesignSpecialist.com
John P. Branwell, DPM., C.Ped 201-998-9700 • 37 Seeley Ave., Kearny
Podiatric Medicine • Surgery • Diabetic Shoes • Orthotics MEDICARE • BCBS • AETNA • Most Insurances
www.johnbranwellpodiatrist.com
JUST SOME OF THE MANY SERVICES WE OFFER:
“Gain confidence back in doing matters!”
44 Ridge Rd. | N. Arlington, NJ 201-482-2611 | www.Reactiv8ptb.com
• Laser & Light Therapy • Evidence-based approach in balance testing and training • Strengthening & General Conditioning • Treatment for Sports Injuries • Health & Wellness Program
To advertise, please call our office at:
201.991.1600
12
The Observer | www.theobserver.com
TOP TEN
Continued from Page 11 all worked to get Leone the chance to make a bucket. Park Ridge helped with the situation, as the Owls and the Bears watched Leone fire his first shot. He missed. His teammate ran down the rebound. The clock kept ticking. Leone got another shot. He missed that one. Another rebound from Sebastian Ribaniera, who
snared four rebounds in like 40 seconds. Another miss. Leone got another shot and misfired on that one as well. Park Ridge snared the rebound this time and fired it back to Leone. Finally, with four seconds remaining, Leone got one last chance from behind the top of the key. It swished through the nets as the buzzer sounded. Leone’s teammates rushed the court to embrace him. Fans rushed on to the court. Lyndhurst won 66-37
and A.J. Leone was in the box score forever.
Just missed list There were other stories that just missed out on making the Top 10. The Kearny girls’ track and field team won the Hudson County Relays indoor championship for the first time in school history; three Kearny wrestlers (Jacob Baeza, Kyle Ostanski and Matthew Mauricio) won
Your local news source for over
133 Years!
COVERING: BELLEVILLE • BLOOMFIELD • EAST NEWARK • HARRISON KEARNY • LYNDHURST • NORTH ARLINGTON • NUTLEY
39 Seeley Ave., Kearny
201.991.1600 www.theobserver.com
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
their second straight District 11 wrestling championships; Belleville’s Hakim Fennell and David Guerra each won a District 10 wrestling gold medal; Belleville’s Alisa Safforld became the first local girl to ever win a medal at the girls’ NJSIAA state championships, placing third at 107 pounds; Lyndhurst/North Arlington’s Dylan Weaver finished fourth in the entire state in wrestling at 152 pounds; U.S. Congressman Bill Pascrell honored Lyndhurst football standout Michael Failace for his participation in the New York Giants’ “Heart of a Giant” program, after Failace helped his mother Dawn battle cancer; Lyndhurst’s Mackenzie Gress earned a spot with the Team USA 14-and-under Women’s World Cup in England, a tourney that was unfortunately canceled due to the pandemic; Harrison’s Omar Sowe leads Red Bulls II squad in scoring with seven goals, enhancing his professional soccer career; Kearny High School’s Emily Horvaht explodes for six goals in one game against Memorial
of West New York; Kearny’s Juan Rojas came out of nowhere to score 23 goals this season, among the top five goal scorers in New Jersey; Nutley participates in the Last Dance World Series baseball tourney and finishes among the top 32 teams in the state; Lyndhurst had four seniors, namely Dylan Weaver, Maggie Fodera, Kaydee Yallo and Bryan Cosman, sign NCAA Division I National Letters of Intent to play major college sports; the Lyndhurst youth football team won the 8-and-9-year-old Super Bowl in the Meadowlands Youth Football League; the Stone family of North Arlington became YouTube sensations with their backyard basketball clinics during the pandemic; two pairs of identical twins, namely Gabriela and Tatyanne Schivel of Kearny and Rachel and Rebecca Echevarria of Nutley, graded local soccer fields and Lyndhurst’s Piotr Partyla and Kearny’s Samantha Osorio were named The Observer Male and Female Athletes of the Year respectively.
Blazing Fast Internet! ADD TO YOUR PACKAGE FOR ONLY
19.99
$
150 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
W E N
N SIG E D ER W O SH
ENJOYING A NEW SHOWER IS EASIER THAN YOU THINK
2-YEAR TV PRICE
America’s Top 120 Package
GUARANTEE FREE
FREE IN-HOME DESIGN CONSULTATION CALL TODAY
newshowerdeal.com/observe | 877-325-1391 *Offer valid only while supplies last. Limit one per household. Must be first time purchase. Minimum spend amount applies. Financing subject to third party credit approval. Some financing options cannot be combined with other offers and may require minimum monthly payments. All offers subject to change prior to purchase. See AmericanStandardShowers.com for other restrictions and for licensing, warranty, and company information. CSLB B982796; Suffolk NY: 55431H;NYC:HIC 2022748-DCA. Safety Tubs Co. LLC does not sell in Nassau NY, Westchester NY, Putnam NY, Rockland NY.
/mo.
where available
VOICE REMOTE
The DISH Voice Remote with the Google Assistant requires internet-connected Hopper, Joey, or Wally device. Customer must press Voice Remote button to activate feature.
190 CHANNELS
MO.
for 12 Mos.
FREE
Including Local Channels!
FREE
SMART HD DVR INCLUDED
STREAMING ON ALL YOUR DEVICES
* Requires eAutopay discount and includes Hopper Duo DVR ($5 discount for 24 months) or Wally/211
CALL TODAY - For $100 Gift Card
Promo Code: DISH100
1-866-897-8070 Offer ends 1/31/21.
“All offers require credit qualification, 24-month commitment with early termination fee and eAutoPay. Prices include Hopper Duo for qualifying customers. Hopper, Hopper w/Sling or Hopper 3 $5/mo. more. Upfront fees may apply based on credit qualification.
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
Obituaries IDA NIGRO Ida (nee Philistine) Nigro, 96, of Clifton, died Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020. Born and raised in Hazelton, Pennsylvania, Mrs. Nigro resided in Kearny from 1943 to 1960. She had been a resident of Clifton since 1960. Before her retirement, Mrs. Nigro was employed as an executive secretary with BASF Corporation in Clifton and then the Hawthorne location. Mrs. Nigro was a dedicated member of the Kearny Chapter of UNICO National, serving as the chapter secretary for 43 years. She was a parishioner of St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Clifton for many years. Mrs. Nigro was known to crochet blankets, slippers and ponchos for her family and friends. She also loved to write and kept journals throughout the years. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, William John Nigro, in 1995; and siblings, James Philistine, Mary Everett, Bonnie Donahue, Rita Foley, Ralph Philistine, William Philistine and Pearl Broody. Survivors include: her children, William J. Nigro and his wife, Barbara of Clifton and Barbara Spoust and her husband, Alan of West Milford; five grandchildren, Michael Nigro and his wife, Christina, Jill Stepien and her husband, Michael, Christopher Spoust and his wife, Elizabeth, Melissa
13
The Observer | www.theobserver.com
Goyeneche and her husband, Daniel and Daniel Spoust and his partner, Alexandra; 12 great-grandchildren, Michael, Maxwell, Matthew and Lilly Nigro, Bailey, Aidan and Taylor Stepien, Alexander and Evan Spoust and Elle, William and Daniel Goyeneche; one brother, Joseph Philistine; one sister, Jean Treat and her husband, Wilbur; her sister-in-law, Rose Philistine; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Emil and Lorraine Nigro; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Wednesday, Dec. 30, from 4 to 8 p.m.. at Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home, 1313 Van Houten Ave., Clifton. The funeral will be Satuday, Jan. 2, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Andrew the Apostle R.C. Church, 400 Mount Prospect Ave., Clifton followed by the burial in Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to UNICO National – Kearny Chapter, c/o Annamarie Latushko, 88 Windsor St., Kearny, N.J. 07032. Please visit www.bizubquinlan.com for driving directions and tribute wall with the obituary to share condolences to the family.
KRYSTYNA FRANKOWSKA Krystyna Frankowska, 82, of Parlin, formerly of Kearny, died Dec. 25, 2020. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation
for Krystyna at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, on Tuesday, Dec. 29 from 2-4 & 7-9 p..m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Czestochowa Church in Harrison on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Our Lady of Czestochowa Cemetery in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Born in Poland, Krystyna lived in Kearny since 1980. She most treasured time spent with her family, and was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Krystyna was the beloved wife of the late Dominik, loving mother of Zbigniew Frankowski and his wife Bozena, Halina Czochanska and her husband Eulgeniusz and Iwona Obrycki and her husband Zdzislaw; cherished grandmother of eight, and adoring great-grandmother of two.
JUDITH R. SEVERINO Judith R. Severino (nee Isola) died at home on Dec. 24, 2020. She was 72. Born in Newark, she lived in Kearny before moving to Livingston one year ago. Private arrangements are by the Armitage & sWiggins Funeral Home in Kearny. There will be a memorial service scheduled, at date in the coming months which has not yet been set. There will be another obituary giving all
The deadline for obituaries is 10 a.m. Monday. They may be sent by email to obituaries@ theobserver.com.
the details of that service in the future. Judy was the loving wife of Albert Severino. Dear mother of Ryan Severino (Kristen), Megan Hill (Jody) and Keith Severino (Micayla). Sister of the late Linda O’Connor, she is also survived by her grandchildren Adriana, Emilia, Ethan, Owen, Macey and Isla. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the American Cancer Society.
GEORGE C. ROBERTSON George C. Robertson, 83, of Lyndhurst, formerly of Kear-
All obituaries must be submitted by email by 10 a.m., Mondays, to obituaries@ theobserver.com. Payment is due at submission. ny, died peacefully at home on Dec. 21, 2020. Visiting was at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Dr., Kearny. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Stephen’s Church, Kearny. Interment was in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. George was the beloved husband of Dolores (Eckert), father of Steven (Gina) and David (Patricia) and he was the cherished grandfather of Brittany, Jacqueline, Sarah, Sofia and Isabel.
Shaw-Buyus Home for Services
Mario Teixeria, 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
Mulligan Funeral Home 331 Cleveland Avenue, Harrison
Arrangements may be made in Spanish, Portuguese or Polish
Frank X. Mulligan III, Manager, NJ Lic. 4221
Frank X. Mulligan, Jr. Inactive Private Parking at 10 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. North
973-481-4333 visit us at: www.mulliganfh.com
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
14
The Observer | www.theobserver.com
trying to unlock it. An older man emerged covered in soot and burns. He said to me, ‘my grandson (7) and daughter are in there.’ “I looked up the stairs and saw it engulfed with flames. There was nothing I could do. Would a braver man have ran up the stairs, I don’t know... I’m torn. Just as I was wrestling with the idea, the fire department pulled up. I screamed at them that there were people still in there, and I saw them spring into action. “I helped the man out of the house, and he was obviously in shock. He told me he was preparing breakfast when he noticed smoke from upstairs. He went upstairs and said the fire was in his grandson’s room. He was unable to open the door, not sure why ...
Think you can’t refinance because values are down?
THINK AGAIN!
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
“As I helped the man to the ambulance, the fire department ran into the house with a hose. Moments later, the grandmother of the little boy came walking down the street, coming back from the market. Oblivious to everything, she wondered why all the firetrucks were on the street. She then realized it was her house and she just broke into tears. It was a terrible thing to witness. “The lesson: Anything can happen in our lives at any time. Do not take what you have for granted. You never know when one moment will occur that will change your life forever.” 8. THE SHIRT FOUND ROUND THE WORLD Every so often, a story comes round that is a once-in-a-very blue moon.
NORTH ARLINGTON • NJ 07031
RATES AT HISTORIC LOWS!
FREE
Analysis for Purchase & Refinance!
ROB PEZZOLLA • NMLS# 266181 • ROB@KEYPOINTMORTGAGE.COM
TEL: 201.998.9050 • FAX: 201.820.0505
Wishing you a healthy,
Happy New Year! from all of us at
ARLINGTON REAL ESTATE & INSURANCE AGENCY James J. Capobianco, President
130 Midland Avenue, Kearny
201-991-0905
This was one of them. In the history of the Kearny Police Department, there are surnames that are almost synonyms with the KPD. There’s a long list of families who dedicated their lives to protecting the town — Corbett, Dowie, Wilson, Bloomer, Gouveia, King, Plaugic, are some of the first that come to mind. One other surname, Poplaski, also fits here. Ed Poplaski joined the force in 1961 and retired as a detective in 1987. Two years later, Richard Poplaski Sr. joined in August 1989 and retired as a lieutenant in 2019. And Richard Poplaski Jr., Policeman of the Year for heroic actions he took on one of his first days on the job, is the most recent to join the force, having been hired in July 2015. And the Poplaskis have a generational story for the ages, one that started in Newark in 1962 and which ended back in Kearny via Scotland. Here’s the story and how it all developed, as told by Rich Jr. We first found out about it all after Kearny Council President Carol Jean Doyle saw it on Facebook. Rich Jr. has a presence on Facebook, and were it not for social media, perhaps none of this happens. One day, checking his messages, Rich Jr. finds a peculiar note from a woman who claims she’s from the Old Country. (Parenthetically, there actually may be some who live here now who actually don’t know Kearny was once the Scotland of North America. In the 1800s, thousands of
Scottish immigrants left their home and native land to find a better life in America and, in particular, in this small Town of Kearny, 9.33-square miles in area, but home to a booming manufacturing industry fueled by many originally from the north of the United Kingdom.) To this day, it’s not uncommon to hear a Scottish accent. Heck, as recently as 1999, the town’s mayor, Peter J. McIntyre, had such an accent. But we digress. When Rich Jr. gets this message, he says he is, at first, skeptical. After all, there are scammers across the globe, they prey for their daily bread regularly and they quite often use Facebook. So forgive Rich for being skeptical at first. “As if 2020 hasn’t been weird enough, this happens,” he says. “But I looked her up and she didn’t appear to be sketchy.” So he reads the letter — and the woman asks if he was related to an Ed Poplaski. She didn’t know it because he didn’t volunteer it immediately, but Ed Poplaski is his grandfather, 81 today, and a member of the Kearny Police Department’s Academy Class of 1961. In fact, Ed is the secondeldest retired Kearny policeman still alive. Phil Reed, he says, takes the honors as the longest-surviving retiree. So things are beginning to match — but again, who the heck is this lady — and why does she want to know of Rich’s relations to Ed? Continued on the next page
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
15
The Observer | www.theobserver.com
BUSINESS DIRECTORY 0% FINANCING UP TO 18 MONTHS! NO MONEY DOWN!
• Boilers • Bathroom Remodeling • Oil to Gas Conversions
• Sewers Video Camera Inspections
267 River Rd. | North Arlington | New Jersey
LIC# 9529 |T: 201.997.8565 | F: 201.997.1085 | www.DeGracePlumbing.com
HIGHEST CASH PAID ON THE SPOT BUYING GOLD & DIAMONDS
Arlington
Jewelers
JEWELRY PROFESSIONALS FOR OVER 40 YEARS
ear Gold is N z.! ro e p $1,800 vantage d A e k Ta NOW!
The first COVID-19-related front page of The Observer from March.
Specializing in Watch & Jewelry Repairs
Up to 70% OFF
WATCHES • 14K GOLD JEWELRY DIAMOND JEWELRY • STERLING SILVER JEWELRY
36 RIDGE ROAD • NORTH ARLINGTON • 201-998-5036
Continued from previous page Here’s where the story gets great. The woman says, in her electronic message, that she spent about £4 — 6 U.S. Dollars — at a thrift shoppe in Scotland. Her purchase was of what is called a “dress blouse” that, to this day, though a bit different in color, is worn by police officers at special occasions. The patches on the sleeves — clearly Kearny Police Department. You can’t mistake it — it looks almost completely the same as it did 58 years ago. Inside the blouse is a nametag, from Lee’s Clothiers, Newark. Typed on it: Ed Poplaski … 1/1962. This piece of clothing, worth more in a sentimental value than the 4 quid this woman paid for it, was, indeed, Ed Poplaski’s dress blouse from his very first year on the job. And she found its owner’s grandson. So here’s what happened next. The woman says she’d like to send the uniform piece to New Jersey. “I asked her how much she wanted for it, but she didn’t want anything,” Rich says. “All she asked for was a photo of the blouse with my grandpa holding it or wearing it.” Unfortunately for Ed, it was just a little too small for him to wear today. He was a bit lighter in 1962 — but not all that much, really. So when the blouse arrived at Kearny Police Headquarters on Laurel Avenue — almost 60 years later, it was back in the same location it got its start. After a trip of about 3,000 miles. Speaking of that trip, we were wondering how it got to Europe. “The uniform dress blouses weren’t cheap, so it was common for them to be passed down for new officers,” Rich says. “They were hung in the locker room for the taking.” Rich says Ed wasn’t sure how he lost contact with his blouse, but it was likely because of the aforementioned scenario of handing them down to help new officers save the expense of having to buy one brand new. Still, it was a great overall experience for the three generations of Poplaskis who have served the KPD. “It was very odd at first but it had a great ending,” Rich says. A great ending, indeed. And a great ending to our 2020 Year End Recap!
REFRIGERATION • AIR CONDITIONING • HEATING HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTOR COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • SALES • SERVICE NORTH ARLINGTON, NJ WAYNE CANGIALOSI ROCHELLE PARK, NJ NJ LIC.# 13VHO1132900 • NJ Master HVACR Lic.# 19HCOO868800
201-981-0852
waynehvacr@verizon.net • www.waynesrefrigerationairandheat.com
NJ Plumb# 11103 / HVAC# 19HC00064800
COURAGEOUS
PLUMBING, HEATING, COOLING Sewer & Drain Cleaning/Excavations Central AC/Furnaces/Humidifiers
$25 OFF
YOUR FIRST JOB CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFERING
Oil to Gas Conversion, Inspections, Hot Water Heaters, Permit Corrections for Resale Visa, Mastercard and Discover Accepted courageousllc.com • courageousplumb@aol.com
201.206.4845 • 908.387.8150
16
The Observer | www.theobserver.com
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
Kathy Gerbasio, (in car) a Secaucus High School nurse, was first to be vaccinated.
Hudson County opens COVID-19 vaccine distribution center in South Kearny
H
January 1st begins a New Year and a new beginning. We have discovered a new way of greeting one another. Hugs, smiling have been taken away. Don’t let love and joy be taken from your heart.
Keep the faith and make it the best year ever! Let’s all look to 2021. From your friends at
udson County Vaccine Task Force, overseen by County Executive Thomas A. DeGise and the Hudson Regional Health Commission, officially began administering the COVID-19 vaccine to health care workers in Phase 1A of the state’s vaccination program on Wednesday, Dec. 23. Kathy Gerbasio, a Secaucus High School nurse who has tested thousands of individuals since March at Hudson County’s COVID-19 testing site at Hudson Regional Hospital, was the first person to receive the Moderna vaccine at the site. She was accompanied by her husband at Hudson County’s Vaccine Distribution Center, located at the USS Juneau Center Office of Emergency Management, in South Kearny. “The Hudson County Vaccine Task Force has worked tirelessly to ready ourselves for the longanticipated COVID-19 vaccine,” DeGise said. “This has been a long time coming, and there is no more appropriate way to thank our frontlines heroes for all they have done over than by providing them with this life-saving vaccine that has been so eagerly anticipated. Hudson County will continue to execute an aggressive testing program at Hudson Regional Hospital and by working collaboratively with our local leaders and stakeholder; rest assured, we will not step down from this fight until every resident has the opportunity to be vaccinated.” Hudson County received 1,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine that same morning and vaccinated
dozens of individuals later in the afternoon. Hudson County Deputy Administrator David Drumeler, Hudson Regional Health Commission Executive Director Carrie Nawrocki, Freeholder (soon to be called Commissioner) Anthony Romano, Hudson County Improvement Authority CEO Norman Guerra and staff of the facility were all present for the first round of vaccinations. Gary Garetano, Hudson Regional Health Commission’s vaccine coordinator, administered Gerbasio’s vaccine. Gov. Philip D. Murphy praised Hudson County for beginning its vaccine distribution program. “Hudson County has been at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19 since the very beginning,” Murphy said. “As one of the densest areas in the densest state in the country, Hudson County and its leadership understand that an effective local vaccination program is imperative to public health in the state as a whole. Under the leadership of County Executive DeGise, the Hudson Regional Health Commission, and countless public health officials, Hudson County’s COVID-19 vaccination site will open and begin to provide lifesaving vaccines to frontline health workers. I am thankful for their efforts, and am especially proud that the first vaccine recipient will be a school nurse.” Details will be made available in the future when the center is open to the general public. —Canessa
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
11
17
The Observer | www.theobserver.com
Observer Classifieds
WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM | THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018
The Obsever is not responsible for typographical errors. Error credits will not be granted. Minimal changes for multiple-week ads are $10 per instance. Refunds are not granted under any circumstances. Help-wanted ad deadline is 2 p.m., Monday, and all ads must be sent by email to classified@theobserver.com. All other classifieds are due by 3 p.m. Monday. All classifieds are pre-paid — no billing. Call 201-991-1600 to place an ad. The Observer cannot accept legal advertising.
EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED
EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED
REAL ESTATE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES!
EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED
Mid-Realty, Inc. has been a successful, professional company who has served New Jersey for over 50 years. If you would like to know how to enjoy an independent, successful career in real estate or if you are an active agent looking for a change, call Mid-Realty, Inc. today for details and a confidential interview. (201)991-5719 or midrealty@gmail.com 32W09
Part time driver needed for Bread Route. Experience a plus Excellent Pay. Early morning hours Job description: Pick up at New Jersey bakery and deliver to grocery stores in Midtown Manhattan. Call 561-284-2430 or dianarose2308@gmail. com Call between 10am and 5pm 34W03
EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED
APARTMENTS FOR RENT
APARTMENTS FOR RENT
APARTMENTS FOR RENT
APARTMENTS FOR RENT
BELLEVILLE
HARRISON
KEARNY
KEARNY
THE DEADLINE FOR CLASSIFIED ADS 3 PM, Monday. CALL 201-991-1600 OR SEND AN EMAIL TO classified@
BELLEVILLE 1 Bedroom Laundry facility on premise. 1 Parking Space Hardwood floors. From $1300 + Utilities. See Super Apartment #2 @61 Newcombe St. Belleville. Call Joe (862)202-9210 32W03
theobserver.com NO ONE PERMITTED IN OFFICE
SERVICES OFFERED
BELLEVILLE 2 BEDROOM, LR, KITCHEN MODERN RENOVATIONS 2ND FLOOR, ACCESS TO LAUNDRY ROOM. PARKING SPOT FOR 1 CAR LOCATED IN BELLEVILLE AVAILABLE NOW CALL 973-536-6559 32W03
NOW HIRING CHHA-RN Visiting Homemaker Service of Hudson County, Inc. 1919 Kennedy Blvd. North Bergen, NJ 07047 P: (201) 6566001 29W06
What an ad on Craigslist gets you ... • A free ad | • No-shows • Headaches | • People from other regions of NJ • scammers What an Observer Classified gets you ... • local readership | • local buyers | • Access to thousands of people who support our advertisers • Placement in a 133-year-old newspaper (and on www.theobserver.com)and our paper that readers are loyal 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
Accepting applications for Paid Internships. Individuals must be highly motivated and self starters. Initiative is a must. Valid driver’s license and multi-lingual are both pluses. Currently training in Administrative Assistant, building and property maintenance and personal assistant. The company is located Kearny, NJ. Please send resume and references indicating which internship(s) that you are applying for to: internx2@gmail.com OR Internships, 108 Second Avenue Apartment 6B Bradley Beach, NJ 07720 34W03
Warehouse worker and Experienced bookkeeper Customer services/ data entry Apply in person: 260 Schuyler Ave Kearny, NJ, 07032 34W03
LOOKING FOR A SALES EXECUTIVE TO JOIN OUR TEAM Responsibilities WINDOW include INSTALLERS servicing existing NEEDED Must have accounts, calling own vehicle. Apply inactive in person at accounts, generat850A Kearny Ave, ing new Kearny, NJ business and grow32W03 ing territories & building new leads. BackPart Time ground check. Handyman Needed Send resumes with a Hourly part time cover letter of ongoing work in Bergen & Hudson Co. Plumbing, introduction to Drywall, Electrical on jobs@theobserver. an as needed basis Call com (201)955-0001 32W03
32W04
HARRISON 97-99 Hamilton St. 3rd fl. 3 BR, H/W floors, $1,600/month Seperate utilities. No pets. Avl February 1st. (201) 921-3954 32W03
KEARNY 1st fl. 3 BR’s, DR, EIK, Bathroom.3 closets + 1 Pantry closet. $2000 + 1 months security. Utilities included. no pets/ smoking. Avl. Now (201) 341-4524 33W03
HARRISON HARRISON 1st. Floor. 1 bedroom, LR, kitchen, full bath and backyard. Street parking Absolutely no smoking/pets. $1,100+1 months security Utilities separate Couples preferred Available Now. call 973-673-1111 34W03
HARRISON 2nd floor. Recently renovated. 2 BR. EIK. LR. $1700 + 1 months security. Utilities separate. No Pets/Smoking. Close to Transportation. Coin operated laundry in basement. Credit Check. Available January 1st (973)900-3704 33W03
KEARNY
KEARNY 1 BR APT. HT/HW included. $1,250/ month. See Super 654 Elm St, Kearny. Call Sofia after 3pm (201)998-3516 for appointment. 32W03
on 3rd floor. Central Air/ Central Heat Seperate Utilities. $2,200/mth plus 1.5 mth security. No Pets (917)577-1465 32W03
32W03
32W04
HARRISON Studio apt in harrison, renovated in 2017. Parking, laundry PERSONALS and close to Harr. PATH Station. No smoking, Single Male, 50’s, green available Jan.1st. Utilities eyes, trim beard, roman- incl $900/mth (973)459tic, funny, amorous, fit. 9821 33W03 Seeks Single Female, personable, longhaired, very HARRISON 3rd Floor. 2 affectionate, smoke/drug BR, 1 Bath, LR. DR/Offree, for a Monogamous fice. EIK, Access to yard. Relationship. Special $2000 + 1.5 months seshout-out to Hispanic, curity. Utilities not includAsian and younger wom- ed. Parking additional. en in need of a mentor. No Pets/Smoking. Avail(727)492-8164 32W03 able Now (973)610-5858 33W03
Caucasian, Single 185 lbs, 65 years old, 6ft tall, Living in West Orange, Owns Condo, Loves Animals and Old Movies. I would like to meet someone of the opposite sex, Please call (973)868-7509 33W03
KEARNY 1 bedroom $1,150/mth 2 bedroom $1,450/mth 3 bedroom $1,590/mth No pets/ Smoking Leave a detailed message (973) 951-7385 34W03
HARRISON 2nd Floor, 2 BR’S, HW floors, Designated Parking in front of house. No Pets/Smoking $1,550 + 1 1/2 months security, Utilities not included. Avail. Now (732) 423-8730 33W03
KEARNY 2nd floor. 4 BR. 2 LR’s. 2 baths. with central air. $2000 + 1 months security. Utilities separate. No Pets. Next to park close to shopping and schools. Available January 1st. call or tx (201)6671483 32W03
KEARNY 2nd FL, 3 bedrooms, utilities separate. $1600.00 + 1 1/2 months security. No smoking/No pets call or text (201)543 1382 33W03
LYNDHURST 2nd floor, Clean apartment. 1 bedroom, 1 office, Kitchen and Living Room. $1,550/ mth No pets. Adults preferred. Available Now Credit and background check (201)410-3026. 34W01
KEARNY Brand New. 1st floor. 3 BR’s. 2 Baths. LR. DR. EIK. Laundry in apartment. 2 Parking Spaces. $2300 + 1.5 months security. Utilities separate. No Pets/Smoking. Available Now (201)991-4165
KEARNY 2BR APT. HT/HW included. $1,650 + 34W03 1.5 Months security. PET CARE See Super 6 Woodland Ave. Apt. 1 (201)892-8035 for KEARNY Brand New. PET CARE BY BARBARA HARRISON 3 bedroom appointment. No Need to Worry apartment fully renovated Ground Floor. 2 BR’s. 2
Dog walking - Cat sitting Drop in Visits - Other small pets. I will care for your Pet as if they were my own. Call for consultation References on request (954) 856-5812
KEARNY 2nd fl. 2 BR, Modern EIK, Bath, LR, DR, $1,600 + 1 1/2 months security. H/HW included. No smoking/Pets. Close to Trans. Credit check. Avl. January 1st. (732) 288-1925 34W03
LYNDHURST
DRIVING LESSON DRIVING LESSONS Private behind the wheel driving lessons with driving instructor of 8 years Call for further information (609)906-6140
HARRISON 2 BedKEARNY Newly renovated, room, Kitchen, LR, 2nd hardwood floors. Laundry Floor Utilities Seperate. onsite. HT/HW included. $1,600/mth 1 1/2 mth 2 BR starts security. Call or Text after at $1,450 1 BR start at $1,250 2 pm couple preferred. Jr. BR start at $ 1,195 Walk to PATH. Call 973(201) 289-7096 900-0486 32W03 26W12
Baths. EIK. LR. DR. Laundry in apartment. 1 Parking spaces. $1850 + 1.5 months security. Utilities separate. No Pets/ Smoking. Available Now (201)991-4165 34W03
KEARNY 3rd floor apt on family house, 1 bedroom , 2 small rooms with closets, kitchen with marble top and new hard wood floors.No pets, $1.300 all utilities included, month and 1/2 security. Corner of Belleville turnpike and Forest st, Kearny NJ Available Jan 1st 2021 (862) 237-8908 34W03
KEARNY Large 1 Bedroom apartment walk up. H/W floors throughout. Utilities not included. Close to path and train. Cats and small dogs OK. $1,400/mth Available Now (201)618-5337 34W03
NEWARK NEWARK IRON BOUND AREA OF NEWARK 1 BEDROOM APT, MODERN RENOVATIONS. AVAILABLE NOW CALL 973-5366559 32W03
N.ARLINGTON N.ARLINGTON 1st Fl. 1 BR, near Transportation. $1300 + 1 1/5 months security. No smoking. One year lease. Available Now (973)838-1662 32W03
N.ARLINGTON Newly Renovated. 1st Floor. 2 BR, LR, Kitchen & Bath. H/W floors. Stanless steel Appliances , Close to schools & Trans. No pets/ smoking. $1,600 + 1.5 Months Security. Avl. Now (201)600-1211 34W03
N.ARLINGTON Updated and bright 6 rooms. 3rd Floor of 3 family house. Tile and HW floors throughout. WD hook-ups and storage in basement. Driveway parking for 2 cars. $1,675+ 1.5 months security. utilities separate. Available Now. Income verification and credit check required (973)8183332 34W03
18 11
The Observer | www.theobserver.com
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
Observer Classifieds
WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM | THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018
The Obsever is not responsible for typographical errors. Error credits will not be granted. Minimal changes for multiple-week ads are $10 per instance. Refunds are not granted under any circumstances. Help-wanted ad deadline is 2 p.m., Monday, and all ads must be sent by email to classified@theobserver.com. All other classifieds are due by 3 p.m. Monday. All classifieds are pre-paid — no billing. Call 201-991-1600 to place an ad. The Observer cannot accept legal advertising.
APARTMENTS FOR RENT
SPACE FOR RENT
N.ARLINGTON
KEARNY
N.ARLINGTON 1 bedroom with parking. H/HW included. Ideal for single person or couple. No Pets $1,350/mth plus 1.5 mth security. (917)577-1465 32W03
HOUSE FOR RENT KEARNY 2 BR. 2 Baths. LR. Full Kitchen. $1550 + 1.5 Months security. Utilities separate. No Pets/Smoking. Available February 1st (201)232-9319 34W03
ROOM FOR RENT
BELLEVILLE BELLEVILLE Utilities included. Shared Bathroom. Require 1 month Security. No Smoking. No pets. Call Maria (973) 759-7077 34W03
KEARNY KEARNY 1st floor 1 Bedroom, share bathroom, share kitchen. Utilities and WI-FI included. $600/ mth plus 1 mth security. Available Now. No pets. No smoking Male Preferred (862)823-3331 33W03
LANDSCAPING & DESIGN
Courageous Plumbing HVAC LLC LIC. # 11103 • Plumbing • (town inspections), violations corrected, steam boilers and hot water boilers, oil to gas conversions, Sewer Drain Cleaning, excavations. Visa & MC, Finances up to 24 payments, no interest (201) 206-4845
Mario Esposito’s Landscaping LLC
KEARNY Professional space on Kearny Ave. 1 1/2 months security. 900 sq.ft. Proximity to PATH & Bus lines. Avl Now. V. FERRIERO (201) 889-3118 JOSEPH Plumbing & Heating 32W03 Kitchen and bath remodeling. Carpentry. Hot Water Heaters. Fully Ins. Lic# 165
(201)637-1775 30W06
ELECTRICAL SERVICES
•Clean-up •Lawn Maintenance •Top soil •Mulch •Spring Clean up Free Estimate (201) 438-3991 33W04
PAINTERS
CLASS ACT PAINTING *Interior * Exterior * Powerwashing * Sheetrock * Tile
201-988-2741
KEARNY KEARNY Newly renovated furnished 1 bedroom apt. Arlington Section. 1 month Security. No pets. $995/month + utilities. Available now. (201) 9550996 (201) 889-8536 33W03
New + Re-roofing • Flat roofing • Siding • Gutters
(973) 343-1167 (201) 528-8350 (800)322-1019
erickconstructionnj.com Free estimates - Fully insured Lic#13VH04302300 10W54
• Concrete • Brick work • Steps • Stone Walls • Tiles • Painting • Sheetrock • Drywall • Plastering ALL types of Masonry Free Estimates (973) 943-2254 32W06
email:
Commercial space available. Approx. 3,000 square feet. 9 parking spaces. 572-576 Market Street, Newark, Available January 1, 2021 Office space ideal for small business, accountant, mortgage company, travel agency etc., etc. 7 Individual offices, front desk area, conference room, kitchen, and 2 bathrooms. Separate entrances. Owner occupies 2 nd floor. Owner is a licensed Real Estate Broker. Some offices are large enough for two people. Rent includes taxes. Utilities and trash removal will be split 50/50 monthly. Please call Maria Silva at 973-727-1032 for more information or to take a tour
OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT
Fully Insured We offer a variety of electrical services & promise your satisfaction with our work. (973)661-2100 Lic# 15502 34W06
PEST CONTROL
PEST CONTROL Exterminating Fast Service • Roaches • Ants • Bed Bugs • Fleas Call 973-932-2092 Licensed and Insured
32W03
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE LEAF REMOVAL! LAWN CARE! SNOW REMOVAL!
Call NOW to book your free estimate! Serving all of the Observer readers’ area! Call NOW!
(201)615-5055 31W06
HOME IMPROVEMENT
34W06
RUBBISH REMOVAL A-1 AFFORDABLE RUBBISH REMOVAL
Attics, Basements, Yard Cleaning. We Haul or You Can Rent 10-15 Cubic Yard Containers. We Accept Visa/MasterCard
LACA CORP
Paint * Powerwash* and More •Interior • Exterior •Free Estimates•Fully Insured 973-759-8869 973-930-5002 05W52
(201) 998-1262 31W06
FURNISHED APARTMENT FOR RENT
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
classactpainting@comcast.net
NEWARK
27W08
KEARNY Room for rent. Men preferred. No kitchen. We speak Spanish. Available Now (201)3882156 33W03
PLUMBING & HEATING
N.ARLINGTON
HEATING & COOLING
N. ARLINGTON RIDGE ROAD OFFICE 3 Room suite. Parking available $850 + utilities. Great Space. Owner (201)509-6965
Courageous Plumbing HVAC LLC LIC .#11103 • Air Conditioning • Hot Air Furnaces • Central Air, Humidifier, UV Light, Duct Cleaning,Visa & Master Card, Finances offer with up to 24 payments, no interest (201) 206-4845
34W03
FENIELLO CONTRACTING LLC. BASEMENT RENOVATIONS NO MORE WASTED SPACE. Baths, Kitchens, Decks Painting. All types of Home Improvement. Quality work. Fair prices Fully insured. Lic# 13vh03006100
(201) 906-2422 30W06
ROOFING/SIDING B&A ROOFING
High quality job at a affordable price Specialize in Shingles, Flat Roofs, New & repair siding,gutters, Tree Removal
and windows FREE ESTIMATES (201)719-3074 Licensed & Insured 29W06
PAYLESS ROOFING Roofing - SidingRepairsSame day service Same phone number for 20 Years
(973)906-8404
paylessroofingservices.com LIC#13VH00418100 29W06
TESTIMONIAL G & R Builders and Roofing has been advertising with The Observer for many years. This is what he had to say. I am certain I will continue to do so for many years to come. I get many calls from our ad in the Classified Section and we estimate that of those calls, at least 90% of them we actually do business with. That’s an incredible percentage and because of it, we don’t advertise anywhere else anymore because there is no need. The investment of paying for an ad in The Observer has paid off in ways I never thought possible. Be patient and you’ll see — advertising with The Observer long-term works. — Gilbert Rosado Owner of G&R
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
19
The Observer | www.theobserver.com
Bellavia
ROUTE 1 7 EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ
“Celebrating Our 46th Anniversary”
Bellavia
Bellavia
OVER 350 CARS, TRUCKS, SUVS & CROSSOVERS REDUCED!!
NATIONAL AWARD WINNER BUICK DEALER OF THE YEAR
NEW 2021 CHEVROLET
TRAILBLAZER LS
129
Stk#21-1065, VIN#MB032819. MSRP $22,495, Auto, FWD, 3-Cyl, Side Curtain Air Bags, OnStar, T/Gls, Keyless Entry, P/S/ABS, Backup Cam, TC, WiFi, Apple CarPlay, Lane Keep Assist, Fwd Collision Alert, Auto Emergency Braking. Based on 39 month closed end lease. Total due at signing $2,995 down + $129 1st Mo. Payment + $695 bank fee + $0 sec dep + tax, title and MV fees. Includes $1500 Lease Loyalty if qual. 10k mi/yr. $.25 thereafter. Total payments $5,031. Residual $12,822.
$
33 MPG HWY
36MO LEASE*
NEW 2021 BUICK
ENCORE
1-YEAR FREE MAINTENANCE
PREFERRED
1-YEAR FREE MAINTENANCE
31 MPG HWY
36 MPG
NEW 2021 CHEVROLET
EQUINOX LT
139
HWY
Stk#21-1037, VIN#MS101721, MSRP $28,695, Auto, FWD, 4-Cyl, P/Dr Sts, Side Curtain Air Bags, OnStar, Keyless Entry, P/S/ABS, Backup Cam, SIRIUS XM, TC, AC, Lane Keep Assist, Apple CarPlay, Fwd Collision Alert. Based on 36 month closed end lease. Total due at signing $3,995 down + $139 1st Mo. Payment + $695 bank fee + $0 sec dep + tax, title and MV fees. Includes $1500 Conquest if qual. 10k mi/yr. $.25 thereafter. Total payments $5,421. Residual $16,930.
$
36MO LEASE*
Stk#21-135, VIN#MB315867, MSRP $26,390, Auto, FWD, 4-Cyl, Side Curtain Air Bags, OnStar, T/Gls, Keyless Entry, P/S/ABS, Backup Cam, SIRIUS XM, TC, AC, WiFi, Apple CarPlay, Remote Start, Based on 39 month closed end lease. Total due at signing $1,995 down + $139 1st Mo. Payment + $695 bank fee + $0 sec dep + tax, title and MV fees. Includes $1,500 Conquest if qual. 10k mi/yr. $.25 thereafter. Total payments $5,421. Residual $15,571.
31
MPG HWY
NEW 2021 CHEVROLET
MALIBU LT
139
NEW 2020 BUICK
ENCORE
VIN#MF046070. MSRP $24,495. Auto, FWD, 4-Cyl, Side Curtain Air Bags, OnStar, T/Gls, Keyless Entry, P/S/ABS, Backup Cam, TC, AC, WiFi. Based on 39 month closed end lease. Total due at signing $3,995 down + $139 1st Mo. Payment + $695 bank fee + $0 sec dep + tax, title and MV fees. Includes $2000 Conquest if qual. 10k mi/yr. $.25 thereafter. Total payments $5,421. Residual $12,983.
$
1-YEAR FREE MAINTENANCE
36MO LEASE*
139
$
39 MO LEASE
GX SELECT
149
$
1-YEAR FREE MAINTENANCE
1-YEAR FREE MAINTENANCE
39 MO LEASE
Stk#20-329, VIN#LB130079. Auto, FWD, 3-Cyl, Side Curtain Air Bags, OnStar, T/Gls, Keyless Entry, P/S/ABS, Backup Cam, SIRIUS XM, Remote Start, TC, Htd Sts, Lane Keep Assist, Fwd Collision Alert, MSRP $27,190. Based on 39 month closed end lease. Total due at signing $2,995 down + $149 1st Mo. Payment + $695 bank fee + $0 sec dep + tax, title and MV fees. Includes $2,000 Lease Loyalty if qual. 10k mi/yr. $.25 thereafter. Total payments $5,811. Residual $14,410.
32
MPG HWY
NEW 2020 BUICK
27 MPG HWY
33 MPG
NEW 2021 CHEVROLET
TRAVERSE LS
149
HWY
Stk#21-1126, VIN#MJ107834. MSRP $34,095, Auto, FWD, 6-Cyl, Side Curtain Air Bags, OnStar, T/Gls, Keyless Entry, P/S/ABS, 8-Pass, Backup Cam, TC, AC, WiFi, Apple CarPlay. Based on 39 month closed end lease. Total due at signing $3,995 down + $149 1st Mo. Payment + $695 bank fee + $0 sec dep + tax, title and MV fees. Includes $2250 Conquest and $1,000 Costco if qual. 10k mi/yr. $.25 thereafter. Total payments $5,811. Residual $19,775.10.
$
36MO LEASE*
ENCLAVE PREFERRED
NEW 2021 CHEVROLET
229
Stk#21-1202, VIN#MJ164139. MSRP $41,495. Auto, 4x4, 6-Cyl, Side Curtain Air Bags, OnStar, T/Gls, P/S/ABS, Backup Cam, SIRIUS XM, TC, 20” Whls, A/C, Bluetooth, WiFi, Trailering pkg, Remote Start. Based on 39 month closed end lease. Total due at signing $3,995 down + $229 1st Mo. Payment + $695 bank fee + $0 sec dep + tax, title and MV fees. Includes $1500 Lease Loyalty if qual. 10k mi/yr. $.25 thereafter. Total payments $8,931. Residual $25,727.
$
1-YEAR FREE MAINTENANCE
39 MO LEASE*
269
$
SILVERADO1500CREWCAB
1-YEAR FREE MAINTENANCE
Stk#20-333, VIN#LJ324690. Auto, FWD, 6-Cyl, P/Htd Sts, Side Curtain Air Bags, OnStar, T/Gls, Keyless Entry, P/S/ABS, 7-Pass, Backup Cam, Bluetooth, TC, AC, MSRP $41,960. Based on 39 month closed end lease. Total due at signing $2,995 down + $269 1st Mo. Payment + $695 bank fee + $0 sec dep + tax, title and MV fees. Includes $3,000 Lease Loyalty and $1,000 Costco if qual. 10k mi/yr. $.25 thereafter. Total payments $10,491. Residual $21,819.
26 MPG HWY
1-YEAR FREE MAINTENANCE
39 MO LEASE
YOU DON’T HAVE TO BUY NEW TO GET A GREAT CAR! HUGE SELECTION OF BELLAVIA CERTIFIED & PRE-OWNED VEHICLES
2018 CHEVY
TRAX LS
CERTIFIED 2016 CHEVY
CRUZE LT
CERTIFIED 2018 BUICK
ENCOREPREFERRED
CERTIFIED 2016 CHEVY
EQUINOX LT
2019 CHEVY
MALIBU LS
2017 GMC
TERRAIN SLE
2018 CHEVY
2017 BUICK
2017 CHEVROLET
ENCLAVE
SILVERADO1500LT
21,488
$
EQUINOX LT
CERTIFIED 2017 GMC
YUKON SLE
Stk#17873, VIN#JB612359, 1.4L, Stk#17849, VIN#G7219073, 1.4L, Stk#17877, VIN#JB635987, 1.4L, Stk#17874, VIN#J6161596, 2.4L, Stk#17806, VIN#KF187523, 1.5L, Stk#17794, VIN#H6352772, 2.4L, Stk#17798, VIN#J6161596, 1.5L, Stk#17787, VIN#HJ294755, 3.6L, Stk#17785, VIN#HZ346242, 4.3L, Stk#17664, VIN#HR337654, 5.3L, 4-Cyl, FWD, Auto, 20,162mi. 4-Cyl, FWD, Auto, 5,712mi. 4-Cyl, FWD, Auto, 34,085mi. 4-Cyl, FWD, Auto, 46,035mi. V6, 4WD, Auto, 28,278mi. 8-Cyl, 4WD, Auto, 48,581mi. 4-Cyl, FWD, Auto, 4,334mi. 4-Cyl, FWD, Auto, 25,667mi. 4-Cyl, FWD, Auto, 29,670mi. V6, FWD, Auto, 37,938mi.
13,995
$
$
13,995
15,485
$
15,488
$
$
17,995
$
17,995
$
18,295
$
29,295
36,995
$
BELLAVIA I ROUTE 17 I EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ 201.939.6800 • BellaviaChevy.com
Sales – Monday-Friday 9am-8:30pm / Saturday 9am-6pm Service – Monday –Friday 7:30am-5pm / Saturday and Sunday – CLOSED
*Price(s) include(s) all costs to be paid by consumer, except for licensing costs, registration fees, and taxes. **On select models with approved credit. ^Financing thru GM Financial. Not all buyers will qualify. See dlr for details. ^^Free Maintenance includes 2 oil changes within the first 24,000 miles. Actual mileage will vary. Lessee resp for excess wear, tear, & mileage charges as stated. Optional equipment extra. See dealers for complete details. Other restrictions may apply. Pics are illustrative only. Offers end 1/4/21
20
The Observer | www.theobserver.com
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
DENTISTRY DEDICATED
TO EXCELLENCE. With combined experience of 50 years, Dr. Elfar and his team of dental professionals, provide the highest quality of dentistry at affordable prices!
SERVICES • General Dentistry
• Invisalign
• Cosmetic Dentistry • Pediatric Dentistry • Implants
• Periodontics
• Dentures
• Preventative/
• Oral Surgery
Hygiene
No insurance? No problem! Call us about our in house discount plan.
$99
NEW PATIENT EXAM, CLEANING, AND X-RAYS
FREE CONSULTATIONS (X-RAYS NOT INCLUDED)
$350 IN OFFICE WHITENING
Mina A. Elfar, D.M.D. General, Cosmetic, & Family Dentistry
GOOGLE REVIEW "This is the best dental practice I've been to by far! Professional and friendly staff. Took me in right away. Very clean and new office. I was extremely impressed. Dr. Elfar and all his staff is personable and committed to providing the best care. Will be recommending to all my friends and family! 5/5!" -Rami Alrabaa
FLEXIBLE HOURS IN BOTH LOCATIONS • EARLY, LATE AND WEEKEND HOURS
837 KEARNY AVE. KEARNY, NJ T: 201.991.1055
2 W NORTHFIELD RD. SUITE 302B LIVINGSTON, NJ WWW.GENUINESMILESPA.COM T: 973.758.8922