Issuu

Wednesday, 24 February 2021

www.TheObserver.com

Vol. CXXXIII, No. 42

ON THE INSIDE Belleville & Kearny schools each score two new electric school buses from state grant. BELLEVILLE • BLOOMFIELD • EAST NEWARK • HARRISON • KEARNY • LYNDHURST • NORTH ARLINGTON • NUTLEY

See page 3

JABLONSKI TO LEAD HUDSON VICINAGE

By Kevin Canessa kc@theobserver.com

he Hudson County judge whose rulings were instrumental in keeping the Keegan Landfill closed during a protracted battle between the Town of Kearny and the NJSEA will become the head of the Hudson County Courts in six weeks. Chief Justice Stuart Rabner announced that Superior Court Judge Jeffrey R. Jablonski, of Kearny, will lead the Hudson Vicinage, effective April 1, 2021, succeeding Judge Peter F. Bariso Jr., who is retiring after 16 years on the bench, the last nine as assignment judge. “Judge Jablonski is a wise and thoughtful jurist who is poised to continue the culture

Photo by Barbara B. Goldberg

Judge Jeffrey R. Jablonski, right, is seen swearing in Kearny Second Ward Councilman Peter Santana. Jablonski has been appointed Assignment Judge for the Hudson Vicinage by the state’s Chief Justice, Stuart Rabner.

of excellence in the Hudson Vicinage fostered under Judge Bariso’s leadership. I

Hudson CO charged with 2 counts of murder: ECPO By Kevin Canessa kc@theobserver.com A Hudson County Corrections Officer has been charged in connection with a double homicide that took place in Newark Feb. 16, 2021, Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose announced Feb. 17.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office’s Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force, which includes detectives from the Newark Police Department, continue to investigate a double homicide that occurred shortly after 9 p.m., where on Tuesday, Feb. 16, a woman suffering from an apparent gunshot wound was found at See HCCO, Page 19

am confident that Hudson County, and the judiciary as a whole, will be well served un-

der his stewardship,” Rabner said. Jablonski has served as

presiding judge of the chancery division in the Hudson Vicinage since 2018. He was appointed to the bench on March 5, 2013, by Gov. Chris Christie, serving first in the civil division, where he was supervising judge of the special civil part, before being selected as the complex litigation judge. He was reappointed by Gov. Phil Murphy and received tenure on the bench on Feb. 13, 2020. Prior to his judicial career, Judge Jablonski was in private practice from 1997 to 2013, focusing on family law, real estate, civil litigation, as well as criminal trial and appellate defense. He worked for the Office of the Public Defender from See JUDGE, Page 19

Celebrating 150 years of Belleville’s Chinese heritage

Belleville Historical Society President Michael Perrone adjusts the scales on a 35-foot dragon on loan from the Asian-American Dragon Dance Association of Pequannock. Dragons, normally carried by 10 people in a parade, are part of the Chinese New Year exhibit at the Belleville Public Library which is commemorating the 150th anniversary of the first Chinese New Year celebrated in Belleville in 1871.

COMING SOON! KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR OUR NEXT PROMOTION!

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Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Feds bust major Hudson, Manhattan drug operation

By Kevin Canessa kc@theobserver.com

hree New York men have been charged in connection with a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine in Hudson County and other parts of New Jersey from locations in Manhattan, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig reported last week. Juan Carlos Merced Moreno, aka “Samuel,” 43; Antonio Hidalgo, aka “Cacona,” 43, and Jose Miguel Abreu, aka “Pelu,” 26, all of Manhattan, were charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of suspected fentanyl, 500 grams or more of suspected methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of suspected cocaine.

Merced Moreno appeared by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor and was remanded. Hidalgo is in custody on other charges and Abreu is at large. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court, 233 Kearny Ave., Kearny

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Honig announced: In February 2019, law enforcement officials began investigating a drug-trafficking organization based in Hudson County and intercepted telephone calls made by its members. Authorities reportedly learned of a fentanyl pill press based being operated by Moreno, Hidalgo and Abreu in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. Based on the intercepted telephone calls and surveillance between November 2020 and January 2021, law enforcement officials learned the defendants supplied fentanyl pills to a New Jersey drug trafficking

organization, which subsequently distributed them throughout New Jersey. Law enforcement believes the three defendants supplied at least 25,000 fentanyl pills to the New Jersey organization. Law enforcement officials say they began to intercept telephone calls made and received by Moreno and Hidalgo, as well as telephone calls between the two men and Abreu, and identified various residences and stash locations in Manhattan associated with the drug-trafficking organization in Manhattan. On Jan. 29, 2021, law enforcement executed search warrants on Moreno’s residence, Hidalgo’s residence, Abreu’s residence and other stash and manufacturing locations. They reportedly

recovered 5.4 kilograms of a suspected combination of methamphetamine and fentanyl; 1.7 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine in a crystalized rock form; 1.6 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine pills; 1.5 kilograms of suspected fentanyl pills; 1.3 kilograms of suspected cocaine; 788 grams of suspected fentanyl in brick form; two pill presses; four scales and $11,180. The seized narcotics have an estimated street value of $700,000. The drug-distribution conspiracy charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of life in prison and a maximum $10 million fine. Honig credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, New York City Airport Border Enforcement Security Taskforce; special agents from U.S. Department of Homeland Security; members of the New York City Police Department; and investigators and assistant prosecutors from the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez, with the investigation leading to the charges and arrests.

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Belleville, Kearny each score 2 new electric school buses

By Kevin Canessa kc@theobserver.com

earny and Belleville students will soon be traveling school in fuel-less buses, thanks to state grants. The school districts will be adding two new electric school buses from Lion Electric valued at $834,604 through a grant contributed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Production (DEP). The grant was made through a transportation electrification initiative launched under Gov. Philip D. Murphy’s administration, as part of the governor’s effort to achieve 100% clean energy by 2050. “The school district is not only committed to preparing our students for their place in the world, but we want to hand them a better world,” Belleville Superintendent of Schools Richard Tomko said. “We are pleased to soon welcome the electric buses and their ability to help us do our part to keep Belleville cleaner and greener.” Patricia Blood, superintendent of Kearny Schools, echoed Tomko’s sentiments. “Some wonderful news to share. The Kearny School District is one of only four school districts to have been awarded electric school buses under a grant submitted by our transportation coordinator, Bobby Elsmore, to the governor’s transportation electrification initiative program,” Blood wrote in an email to the school district. “… We are very excited to announce this and look forward to receiving the buses

sometime in August. They will replace our two oldest diesel buses.” Lion Electric, with facilities in California and Canada, builds the buses to have up to a 155-mile range on a single charge and are compatible with most public charging stations. Each zero-emission bus put on the road eliminates about 23 tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year, the company says. The buses, (see example at right) which hold about 70 passengers, are expected to be on the road, picking up and dropping off students this fall. “We are at an inflection point – the future strength of our state depends on how aggressively we act to reduce the emission of climate pollutants today, and how well we use the great opportunities now before us to promote overdue environmental and economic justice,” DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette said. “The investments and commitments made today will indeed make New Jersey’s environment stronger and more just, and I am proud to be part of an Administration that puts its money where its heart is.” The grant is funded by money received by the state’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and its prosecution of Volkswagen for emissions cheating. The money is earmarked to fund grants that will, among other things, reduce emissions that affect our children’s air quality through the deployment of electric school buses and shuttle buses.

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IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION Business Directory.................................................................Page 5

Health & Wellness Directory...............................................Page 10

Opinion....................................................................................Page 6

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

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

Classiﬁeds ....................................................................... Pages 17-18

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Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Pascrell bill would give more oversight Art contest underway of skilled nursing homes U.S. Reps. Bill Pascrell Jr. (D-9) and Mikie Sherrill (D-11) and U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez (D-Harrison) introduced legislation to restore regulations of infection control and emergency preparedness in skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities. “The impact of COVID-19 on our nation has been devastating. The impact of the virus on our nursing homes has been cataclysmic,” Pascrell said. “The misery wrought on our seniors was exacerbated by the Trump regime repealing important regulations which caused years of unnecessary and unconscionable deregulation across the industry. “The previous administration went out of its way to disregard safety and accountability. Our legislation will protect residents now and prepare for future outbreaks. Importantly, this bill will mandate transparency so families can know their relatives are safe. Literally

were preventable. Families were kept in the dark. This cannot be allowed to happen again.” “COVID-19 has been devastating, particularly for seniors and those living in nursing or long-term care facilities where the death toll has been an astounding over one-third of all lives lost to the pandemic in New Jersey,” Menendez said. “It is critical that long-term care facilities are prepared to deal with infectious disease outbreaks within their walls and have programs in place to protect residents during emergencies. “Our bill not only requires these programs be instituted in every skilled nursing facility, but also strengthens oversight and transparency to help provide families greater of peace of mind that their loved ones are receiving proper care.” The Promoting Restoration of Emergency Preparedness and Advancing Response to Epidemics

LTC Act) would require facilities to establish and maintain an infection-prevention program and an emergency plan to protect residents during emergency situations. The bill would prevent the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services from waiving or suspending staffing reporting and critical inspections during a pandemic. The PREPARE LTC Act would also mandate that any reporting developed for COVID-19 include information on infectious disease outbreaks within nursing facilities. Of the 451,000 Americans now dead from COVID-19, more than 136,000 have died in nursing homes, including 7,500 in New Jersey alone. While nursing-facility residents are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, existing gaps were exacerbated by actions that rolled back protections for nursing home residents, Pascrell said. — CANESSA

In honor of February being national Black History Month, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez has announced the launch of a drawing and creativity contest geared toward inspiring young people to share the significance of Black History on their lives. The latest installment of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Creativity Contest, “What Does Black History Month Meant to You?” is aimed at having children share artwork or written word, depicting the people or events – whether in history or their own community – that have had special impacts or meaning in their lives. Students in grades K-12 may submit original artwork, poetry or a short essay. Prizes will be awarded for the top three entries and select submissions will be shared on social media. To enter, submit work by email to CreativityContest@hcpo.org by Feb. 28, 2021.

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KPD: Expired reg leads to drug bust By Capt. Tim Wagner Kearny Police Department On Feb. 12 at 8:19 p.m., Dets. Mike Andrews and Tim Castle with Officer Kyle Plaugic were patrolling the Walmart parking lot in an unmarked vehicle when the officers noticed a Chevy in one of the aisles being operated with an expired registration. Upon being pulled over, the Chevy driver, Dashawn Latham, 20, of Newark, had no driver paperwork to give the police, but what he did have was the “overwhelming odor of raw marijuana” around him. A search of the front seat passenger’s purse revealed 14 packages of “Space Cookies” marijuana; a plastic container of marijuana; three packages of “Cherry Pie” marijuana; one package each of “Shark Cake,” “Nero’s Cutt,” “Frosties,” “Peach Kobbler” and “Wubba Lubba Dab Dab” marijuana; two empty packages of “Kush Rush” marijuana; one empty package each of “Cherry Pie,” “Gelato” and “Runtz OG” marijuana and a digital scale. The owner of the purse, Taneja A. Nash, 18, of Newark, was charged by summons with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. She was later released. Driver Latham was not charged criminally, but was issued traffic tickets for being an unlicensed driver operating an unregistered vehicle. He was released at the scene. On Feb. 13 at 2:08 a.m., Officer Nicole Williams, patrolling near Schuyler Avenue and Schuyler Court saw a black Hyundai motor by at what appeared to the officer to be an excessive speed. Officer Williams caught up to the Hyundai and pulled it over near Oakwood and Davis avenues. Joined by Officer Ruben Rivera, Officer Williams began interviewing the occupants of the Hyundai and smelled marijuana in the car. The occupants were asked out of the car and upon realizing that a search was underway, passenger Luisa M. Grunauer, 21, of San Diego, California, allegedly reached into her jean pocket and retrieved a bag of marijuana, which she turned over to the officer. Grunauer was charged on a summons with possession of marijuana

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POLICE BEAT 50 grams or less and possession of drug paraphernalia. The driver was given a warning for speeding and released at the scene on her own recognizance. On Feb. 14 at 11:48 a.m., Officer Mathew Lopez and several backup officers were dispatched to a private home on Belgrove Drive on a domestic dispute between a 50-year-old mother and her 31-yearold son. The mom told cops her son started an argument with her while she was cooking because he wanted to use the stove to cook as well. The son then reportedly threw the pan on the floor and pushed the mother away from the stove. The mother retreated behind her locked bedroom door which was allegedly then kicked in and broken by the son. The son agreed with some parts of his mother’s story and disputed others. Officers arrested on charges of simple assault and criminal mischief. He was remanded to the Hudson County Jail in South Kearny. On Feb. 16 at 9:38 p.m., Officer Anthony Oliveira was on patrol near Belgrove Drive and Peden Terrace and noticed a Cadillac in front of him had an expired registration. Officer Oliveira pulled over the Cadillac and was joined by Lt. Jack Corbett and Officer Chris Montes. Officer Oliveira quickly learned driver Tariq I. Muhammad, 39, of Plainfield, didn’t have a driver’s license. What Muhammad did have, however, were warrants for his arrest. Muhammad was wanted by Roselle Park Court ($3,000/10% bail for driving with a suspended license) and by East Orange Court ($1,000/10% for several traffic violations). Not to be outdone, Muhammad’s passenger, Alhakeem C. Kelly Jr., 27, of Newark, was wanted on two Newark traffic warrants, each carrying $300 bail. Muhammad was issued fresh traffic tickets for driving with a suspended license and driving an unregistered vehicle. All courts later released the men on their own recognizances with new court dates.

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Thoughts & Views EDITORIAL

In thanks to the mayor and NJSEA for keeping Keegan closed

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

ast week, we brought you an update for the first time about the status of the Keegan Landfill since we first learned it would close, forever, in December 2019. What we found wasn’t all that extraordinary, but what we did learn is that the process, one that was fought for for months and months and months, is moving along extraordinarily well, on time and with full cooperation between the Town of Kearny and the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority. Thinking back to 2019, this reality in 2021 was unfathomable just two years ago. But it, indeed, real — and those involved must be cited for their work. While politicians rarely, if ever, discuss their legacies in public, there is little doubt that the legacy of Kearny Mayor Alberto G. Santos will, in part, be defined by his steadfast battle with the NJSEA. Whether it was attending meetings every single month, or organizing a protest, or attempting to speak with Gov. Philip D. Murphy, Santos will be and should be always remembered as a man who never gave up, never caving, and who did everything within his power to make sure the health and well-being of every West Hudson resident (not just Kearny) was paramount. Truth is, he did what seemed for a while to be next to impossible. And residents should never forget his impact on the closure. The NJSEA as a governing body bore a lot of vitriol from local residents for months. Even this newspaper was a thorn in the side of the commissioners and especially Chairman John Ballantyne. Yet all these months later, the NJSEA has kept to its word, and for that, we must always laud them, because in the end, they did what was right, even if it took a while longer to get there than we had all initially hoped. In eight months, this years-long saga will be over. We still have reason to celebrated. And we give thanks to all who made this a reality, especially Santos & the NJSEA.

LaClair: Do we really need to honor Jackson? To the Editor: A letter in your Feb. 17 edition argues that Harriet Tubman should not replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill. The reason for the replacement is to move forward from our country’s brutal and immoral history of genocide and slavery. More than a slave-owner -- as many of our presidents from that era were -- Jackson was especially vicious in his abuses of African- and NativeAmericans. He perpetrated the infamous “trail of tears,” displacing approximately 100,000 Native Americans with

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR not the slightest concern for their survival. Many of them suffered agonizing deaths. People grow, and so do nations. Our nation is long past the time when we as a nation should have acknowledged the atrocities of our early history and moved past them. This is especially germane with white nationalism having reared its ugly head yet again. Putting Tubman on the $20 bill is an

important symbolic step in that direction. In his letter, the writer, Armand Rose, argues: “I don’t see where dishonoring one person to honor another makes any sense, unless of course your plan is to further divide the country.” I am sorry, no. There is no room in the United States for racism, never should have been. The only way this move is “divisive” is if racists don’t like it. There is no getting around that. Paul L. LaClair Kearny

Gray: How about we skip the $30 bill idea? To the Editor: This is in response to the gentleman, who last week was worried about Andrew Jackson’s legacy if he is taken off the $20 bill and replaced with Harriett Tubman. What exactly was Jackson’s legacy? He was a particularly cruel American general who made his name slaughtering thousands of Native Americans and taking their land in the early 1800s. What was his primary motivation for taking this land? The answer is greed -- he wanted the land for plantations.

He owned about 150 slaves when he died, but he was born poor in North Carolina, so how did he obtain his wealth? Well, not only was he a slave owner, he was a slave trader. That’s where the money came from. So he was essentially breeding people to take from the northern part of the South to the Deep South, to sell them into slavery. His barbarianism took him all the way to the Oval Office, where he wasn’t a very good president. He led the country in a time that is a shameful part of our history.

In Memoriam Mary A. Tortoreti 1942-2016

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So what’s really perplexing to me is in 2021, why is somebody still sticking up for Jackson’s legacy? If it’s just that you don’t like change, then put Grover Cleveland (who was replaced by Jackson), back on the $20 bill, because the thing I don’t get is why Jackson was ever put on the bill in the first place. I think Harriett Tubman is a wonderful, long overdue choice to be on the $20 and as for the suggestion of a $30 bill, that’s an just awful idea. Andrew Gray Kearny

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Wednesday, February 24, 2021

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Lady Shaundra & others appear on Applause Radio By JoAnn Barton Special to The Observer

pplause Radio Show was proud to have Harrison local Tony Mondaro from the Harrison Weather Center hang out and chat on Feb. 21. Mondaro is a lifelong Harrison resident who has run the Harrison Weather Center since 1982. It started out small and turned an interest/hobby into a love and new heights. I have known Mondaro since we were adolescents and back when we would need something to break up the monotony during classes in school, he would give the class a weather broadcast. For me personally, I remember his passion from the sixthgrade; however, he really began his journey from the fourth-grade. We both remember it vividly because I guess you could say that I was his weather girl/assistant in one class. We had a lot of laughs on the show, but I am also really am interested in the weather. His knowledge is staggering considering he is not a meteorologist and never studied meteorology. He did have some training and many mentors to help guide him along the way. And when you have a passion for something and it is something you genuinely want, you make it happen and that is exactly what he did. If you can think it, you can do it. I have been wanting to invite Mondaro on the show to give him the applause he deserves for quite some time. Since the weather has been out of control as of late, I thought why not now? He works so hard at what he does, and his accuracy of his forecasts are almost always 100% on the money. On top of spending umpteen hours providing the most up-to-date and accurate weather, Mondaro is also chief of the North Arlington Emergency Medical Service, yet another love and passion he made come true with determination. Starting as a volunteer EMS 22 years ago, he is now the leader. He could and should be working at a news channel, which he has done in the past, but he is not in it for the fanfare. The operation and the service he provides, we may have taken for granted. It takes a lot of time, work and money to keep accurate weather reporting coming our way. I for one would like to say thank you to Mondaro for creating the Harrison Weather Center and for always being there when we need him in both the weather and as an EMS chief. The HWC has set up a GoFundMe page to help with the daily operation of the facility if would like to contribute. Find out more when you hear our full conversation on ARS. He tells us why the weathermen on the news hype weather forecasts and a lot more. ••• If you follow the ARS calendar, do not be surprised if a special broadcast happens to pop up now and again. You never know who is going to stop by to just hang out. Lately, our guests have been saying that coming on the show is like a party.

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Continued from previous page Over the past few days, we had two guests on for my favorite part of the show -music. I love all our topics and guests, but musical guests are my most enjoyable. On Feb. 17, songbird, singer/songwriter/actress Saundra Chriss joined me. Known as Lady Saundra Chriss, her voice is as elegant as her name. She gave me the honor to play new music

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and healing all in the same breath. I call it POPsel not gospel. “Choose to Love” will have you singing along and wanting to dance, as “Wheel in the Middle” and “Better Than Wine” project her vocals and you can feel the pain and joy. The music, lyrics and production are near perfection. The evening turned into a doubleheader as the producer/composer behind “Glory” is Barry Fasman and that is where the pop feel comes into play. Fasman has worked with many in the music industry, including Air Supply, Johnny Mathis, Melissa Manchester and Diana Ross. The collaboration between Lady Saundra and Fasman is extraordinary. With his work alone, he could be a guest on ARS. I have only heard four songs; I cannot imagine how good the remaining tracks are. Both are extremely proud of this album, and our conversation truly represented it. To get a copy of the new album and all of Lady Saundra’s works, go to www. ladysaundra.com. ••• There were even more surprises to come. Singer/songwriter Paul Loren debuted one of his new songs from his upcoming untitled album. His song “Keep Keepin’ Me Close” was so much fun. Loren is billed as a soulful crooner. Crooner to me is Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin, so that is what I was expecting to hear. Not on this song. Instead, it has a Motown, ‘70s, feel and is definitely soulful. It is a fun song that stuck in my head and made me happy. The video for the song was filmed at the roller rink in Flemington.

Loren’s other works have been more along the crooner side, but his new album is a little bit of everything, including rock. Songs from the album will be released individually along with a five-track EP before the entire double album is be released. In the meantime, listen to Loren on YouTube or by going to his site www. paulloren.com. ••• After a fun and interesting conversation with Mondaro, I again had the honor to play new music for singer/ songwriter Kat Reinhert. Her new album “Dead Reckoning,” will be released Feb. 26. We got a little taste of it when we played “Gather a Line,” where her love of jazz, folk and popular music are all blended into one. Her vocals are crystal clear, and her lyrics tell a story. Her music leads you on a journey of piecing together self-identity in the time of fractured artistry. She is also a music educator who goes to work teaching artists how to write songs. “Reckoning” is her fifth studio album, and she misses performing just like every other artist, but she continues to write and share her love of music with her students. For more information on Reinhert, visit www. katreinhert.com. To listen to great new music and our full conversations with our guests, go to www. applauseradioshow.com. Do not miss my favorite night of the month, Music Recap, on Feb. 27, at 8 p.m., as I play the music of our guests. February also ends with upcoming guest writer/comedian Terry Ray on Feb. 24.

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Observer Sports 2020-21 COVID takes over everything tipped it up and the ball hit the crossbar.” “Right before the shot, I This week, we take a look back took two steps back,” said at some of the most popular stoBarba-Rojas, who made four ries Jim Hague has written over saves to collect the clean sheet, the last year since the COVID-19 only his second shutout of the Pandemic began. season. “Well, those two steps saved my life. If I didn’t take the steps, I never would have STATE CHAMPS!!! touched the ball.” — Belleville caps After the shot hit the crossbar, the ball trickled in front of improbable season the goal and Barba-Rojas was with first-ever able to pounce on it. NJSIAA state title When the game headed to overtime, it meant the next A little over a month ago, the goal would win it. Belleville High School boys’ Polewka and Sanchez both Photo courtesy of Gary Polewka hoped that the Bucs could resoccer record stood at a dismal The Belleville High School boys’ soccer team celebrates after winning the NJSIAA state sectional title Saturday, tain possession with Sanchez 1-6-1. the school’s first-ever state sectional championship in boys’ soccer. Gary Polewka, the veteran getting his chance on the ball. coach of the Buccaneers, was at record. “We used our strength, to set up Saturday’s showdown we knew the talent was there. his wit’s end. which is the speed of our Polewka was still coming with Dwight-Morrow. I think the last four games or “We can’t score at will,” wings,” Polewka said. “When to grips with the fact that his “We honestly feel that we so helped us to see what we Polewka said at the time. “We Sanchez gets the ball, he’s brilteam had won a state sectional play in the toughest league should be doing. We were able don’t have a true striker. We’re liant. We didn’t face a faster crown. in the state,” Polewka said of to push through it.” falling just a goal short here and kid than Jonathan. He was the “We got hot at the right time,” the Super Essex Conference. Sanchez was battling ankle there. We are hoping to rattle key to what we were doing. Polewka said. “We got on a “After we played teams like and quad injuries to get on the off a few wins. We’re nowhere He was definitely active in the run. I really think once we beat Livingston, M.K.A. (Montclair field. we’re used to be.” offensive end.” Caldwell (by a 2-0 score), we Kimberley Academy) and “Obviously, as a senior, I It’s amazing how things can “We started the second got a little bit of confidence. We (Newark) East Side, I wasn’t didn’t want to miss out on my turn around in a hurry in high half and I started maneuverdefinitely took them one game worried about playing anyone last games,” Sanchez said. school soccer, especially in a ing through their defense,” at a time, but I really feel playelse. I knew we could compete Fajardo felt the same way. pandemic year. Sanchez said. “I told (Polewing the schedule we did earlier with the other teams.” “We took it game by game,” Because astoundingly, ka) that I think I could score. I helped us later on. I always felt The Bucs gained a ton of said Fajardo, who had the amazingly, the Buccaneers are knew I could beat my defendthat if we played our ‘A’ game confidence with the win over three-goal hat trick in the win indeed state sectional champiers. Once we got to overtime, and everyone did their job, we Caldwell. over Orange, then capped it ons today. he said, ‘ J onathan, take the could compete with anyone.” “We then worked on some off by setting up the gameSaturday afternoon, courshot.’ Fernando saw a gap and Despite the rugged start, drills in practice,” Polewka said. winner Saturday. “Our record tesy of a great set play from gave me the pass. I’m really Polewka said that his team “We worked on getting some didn’t speak for who we were. Fernando Fajardo to Jonathan never wavered. through balls (in the box).” We knew we had some talent. fast, so I just took off.” Sanchez, the Buccaneers Fajardo hit the streaking “I think the kids felt conIt resulted in five goals We played some tough games defeated Dwight-Morrow of Sanchez in stride and Sanchez fident all along,” Polewka against Bergenfield, the second early. When we were losing Englewood, 1-0, to win the NJ- said. “When they found out hit the shot from about 10 highest scoring total of the early, we kept battling and SIAA Northeast F, Group III-B they were playing in the state yards out, a shot that will forseason. kept believing. I think that’s state sectional championship ever live in Belleville folklore. playoffs, they felt like they had “After that first state playoff what brought us to this. We at Doc Ellis Field in Belleville “We were able to open some a chance at redemption. And game, I said, ‘See what your just needed a little more comStadium. space,” Fajardo said. “We obviously, they grabbed it.” hard work can do,’” Polewka munication.” It marks the first NJSIAA knew it would happen.” The Buccaneers, who finsaid. Senior Pedro Barba-Rojas state sectional boys’ soccer Fajardo missed his entire ished the season on a four-game Sanchez, a senior midfielder, kept the Bucs in the game with championship in the history of win streak and winners of six sophomore year due to an entered the state tournament a brilliant save in the first half the school. injury, but made up for it with of their last eight games, started just hoping that his career of regulation, just getting his The Buccaneers capped the the win Saturday. their march to the state section- wouldn’t end in a loss. hand on a shot that kept it out incredible and improbable run, al title with a 5-1 win over BerWhen Sanchez’s shot went “We started off bad this year,” of goal. winning the title despite holdin, it set off a frenzy never genfield. They then knocked off said Sanchez, who led the “He made a phenoming a sub-.500 record. The Bucs Orange, 4-2, in the semifinals team with seven assists. “But enal save,” Polewka said. “He See COVID, Page 10 finished the season with a 7-8-1 By Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com

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state championship. It’s something I’m going to remember my whole life. We made hisContinued from Page 9 tory. We’re the first ones ever. We said that right before the before seen in Belleville. game. We said, ‘Let’s make his“I looked at the scoreboard tory.’ And we did. and looked at the kids celeAdded Sanchez, “When I brating,” Polewka said. “I said, started out my freshman year, ‘Wow, did this really happen?’ it never came into my mind It’s definitely special.” that we could win a state title.” “I forgot it was a golden Fajardo agreed. goal,” said Barba-Rojas, who “It’s a huge deal,” Fajardo transferred to Belleville from said. “We’re always going to Garfield High School via remember this for the rest of Bolivia last year. “I thought our lives. We helped to put they were just celebrating the Belleville on the map. Kids goal, not that we won. I didn’t after us will try to be like us. want to leave the goal alone. I hope it rubs off on them But then I remembered it was as well and they can do the a golden goal (sudden death) same.” and I joined my teammates. It Both Sanchez and Fajardo was amazing.” hope to play college soccer The winning connection cel- next fall. Both gained some atebrated the goal and the title. tention after their fine playoff “I have mixed emotions,” run. Sanchez said. “I happy that we Assistant coaches Joe Pondid it, but a little sad it’s over. tiero and Neal DiNapoli played It’s every kid’s dream to win a

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a huge role. “Without them, we wouldn’t have been able to get this done,” Polewka said. “We’re all disciples of Nutley, including our AD (athletic director Marcellino Marra). But we all bleed blue and gold now. To see those kids’ faces and see their emotions is all I needed.”

IN DIRE NEED — NA senior Velazquez awaits kidney replacement surgery Story By Jim Hague | Observer Sports Writer Jared Velazquez was looking forward to this scholastic sports season, After all, it was going to be his senior year at North Arlington High School, the last year to spend with his

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Wednesday, February 24, 2021

soccer in general. I used to score a lot more goals when I was younger, but I became a midfielder and settled in there.” Veteran North Arlington head coach Jesse Dembowski liked what Velazquez brought to his team. “He started for me since his freshman year at center midfield,” Dembowski said. “He would be one of the first ones on the attack for us. He was a big part of our midfield. He Photo by Jim Hague made a lot of plays. He made Jared Velazquez holds the one of things happen.” the Team Jared T-Shirts that were Velazquez also played made to help raise money for kidney top level club soccer for the disease awareness. prestigious Ironbound Soccer Club. childhood friends, playing the So Velazquez was anticipatsports that he loved. ing a solid senior year for the Velazquez has been playing Vikings. baseball since he was eight “I figured I could have a years old, soccer since he was good future perhaps playing 10, and had been a varsity socsoccer in college,” Velazquez cer and baseball player since said. “This was going to be a he arrived at North Arlington pretty good opportunity to High. show the scouts that I could Velazquez always loved beplay.” ing a busy kid. There wasn’t a conventional “I loved the conditioning preseason this year, due to the part of soccer,” Velazquez said. coronavirus COVID-19 pan“I was a bigger kid when I was younger, so I needed to be in Continued on the next page condition to play. But I liked

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Similar to the ability to fold one’s tongue or wiggle one’s ears, some people can intentionally make one eye point in a different direction than the other, but for those with a condition called strabismus, this occurs without control or intention. Symptoms of strabismus may be sporadic, but they will cause changes in vision including blurriness and loss of depth perception. There are six muscles that must work together to move the eyes up, down, and at angles. Because these muscles receive their signals from the brain, strabismus can affect those who have suffered traumatic brain injuries, brain tumors, or stroke. Strabismus can also occur in people with other health problems such as diabetes or thyroid disease.

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Wednesday, February 24, 2021 demic. Velazquez’s chance to play for Ironbound also went away due to the virus. So when preparation for the high school season was delayed until September, Velazquez had to wait his turn. “I was ready to go,” Velazquez said. But when practices began in September, Velazquez didn’t feel right. “I was beginning to feel nauseous all the time,” Velazquez said. “I couldn’t eat at all. It started getting worse. I was afraid to eat anything, because I didn’t like the feeling.” The discomfort continued for a few weeks. “I then told my Mom (Lizette) that we had to go to the doctor to see if it was just a stomach virus,” Velazquez said. “I was also going to the bathroom less, making less urine.” When Velazquez went to the doctor, an initial test proved to be vital. “My blood pressure skyrocketed,” Velazquez said. “The doctor told me to go to the emergency room right away.” Velazquez went to the ER at Hackensack University Medical Center to undergo a different blood test. “An hour later, the doctor told me that there was something seriously wrong with my kidneys,” Velazquez said. The blood test determined 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

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is the type of glomerular disease and scarring, also known as sclerosis that eventually renders the kidneys useless. It’s very rare among teenagers. Velazquez just turned 17. Most FSGS patients are much older and it could very well be a hereditary disease. Velazquez was tested and it turned out that his form of FSGS is not genetic, so he’s the only one in his immediate family to have it. Needless to say, the diagnosis floored Velazquez. “When the doctors told me I was in kidney failure, I just tried to stay strong,” Velazquez said. “I didn’t want to break down, especially not in front of my Mom.” Velazquez remained hospitalized for a few weeks until his blood pressure was stabilized. He was fitted with a stent in order to receive the dialysis treatment that is required three times a week. “The kidney doctors at Hackensack have no clue how it all started,” Velazquez said. “Both of my kidneys are really small and are operating at 15 percent capacity. The kidney doctors at Hackensack believe that this had been happening for a long time and it just never showed up in a physical.” Luis Velazquez, Jared’s father, was stunned when Jared received the diagnosis. “This threw a monkey wrench into everything,” Luis Velazquez said. “We were all so looking forward to Jared’s college days. He was in the middle of taking college visits

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to now this.” One of Jared’s doctors believes that the FSGS could be caused by Jared being born prematurely. Lizzette Velazquez was just a little more than seven months pregnant when Jared was born. “Maybe his kidneys were not fully developed,” Luis Velazquez said. Luis Velazquez’s older brother, Ricardo, had something similar happen to him, namely kidney failure that required transplant surgery. But Ricardo was 49 years old when he had the surgery, receiving a kidney from his mother. The Velazquez family – Luis, Lizzette and their daughter, Lauren, a softball and soccer player at NA – remains close knit through Jared’s trials and tribulations. “When you see me, I don’t look sick,” Jared Velazquez said. “I think I feel normal.” Still, Velazquez cannot play until a transplant donor is found. Velazquez is working out, wearing the NA colors with pride. “I was looking forward to the day where I played soccer in college.” Jared Velazquez said. That day still come. If Jared can receive a donation and undergoes the transplant surgery, then there’s a chance he could play at the next level. But there are no guarantees. For now, Velazquez attends practices with his teammates and keeps a stiff upper lip. “It’s been a blessing that he still has the same state of mind,” Luis Velazquez said.

“In his mind, it’s just another obstacle. As parents, of course, we worry about the worst. But then we see his attitude and his ability to just take it all in. He makes us all more comfortable and enables us to deal with it.” Velazquez is on the donor list, but he’s still not currently a candidate for the transplant until his hypertension is under control. Velazquez is also a challenge for a transplant because of his blood type, the rare O-positive. “It’s sad, but I still see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Velazquez said. “Colleges are still interested in me. I could play in college after the transplant. I still think I’m the same player. But everything is up in the air until I can find a living donor.” If Velazquez can find a donor, then he can return to playing club soccer and playing baseball for the Vikings in the spring. The North Arlington Booster Club raised money to help the Velazquez family with their medical costs. They established a GoFundMe page for Jared, raising almost $20,000.

The Booster Club, under the guidance of Joe Witt, the father of Joey Witt, Velazquez’s friend and teammate, started a T-shirt drive in honor of Velazquez. “When the school learned, everyone was just devastated,” Dembowski said. “We were truly heartbroken. He’s just one of those kids that everyone knows and loves. He’s extremely positive. But he keeps telling us that he’ll be alright.” It was slated to be a great year for the Vikings, but with Covid on top of Velazquez’s illness, it’s been a long year. The Vikings currently own a dismal 2-6-1 record, not what Dembowski planned. “We’ve waited for this for a long time,” Dembowski said. “This was our year. If we were going to do something this year, this was it.” The Vikings will face Midland Park in the opening round of the state tournament this week. Velazquez still goes to practices and works in non-contact drills. “I’m still playing soccer with my teammates,” Velazquez See COVID, Page 14

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Obituaries A memorial service will take place Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021 Keith J. Brown, 54, of Ocean at 11 a.m. Our Lady of SorGate, died peacefully Feb. 14, row Church in Kearny. Please 2021. remember to wear a mask. Keith attended Kearny In lieu of flowers, memoschools and graduated from rial donations may be made Kearny High School in in Keith’s name to the Autism 1985. He grew up playing baseSociety. ball in Kearny and continued his love of the game as a huge LEONARD CUBA Yankees fan. Leonard Cuba, 65, died Feb. His career started with 13, 2021. graphic arts but he was in IT He was the beloved son of for the last 10+ years. He spent the late Lenny and Lee Cuba. a lot of his adult life doing He is survived by his siblings, graphic arts, photography and Bernadette Kirk, Thomas A. visiting family and friends in Cuba and Janice Carey. Kearny. Funeral services were priKeith was a loving father to vate, in the care of the ArmitGabrielle, Dylan and Caitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, lyn. He was also a devoted Kearny. grandfather to Jayden, Liam and Aria. Keith’s kids and DAVID P. MCCARTHY grandkids were the pride and David P. McCarthy died Feb. joy of his life. The legacy of his 16, 2021. kind spirit, passion for baseHe was 53. ball and zest for life will live Born in Newark, David was on through them. a lifelong resident of Kearny. He is also survived by his Funeral services are private, loving parents Glen and in the care of the Armitage Dolores Brown, brother & Wiggins Funeral Home in Lance (Sharon), sister Tammy Kearny. (Gerard), nieces Nina and He is survived by his siblings Colette and nephew Nico. Dorothy Gawronski, Linda

KEITH J. BROWN

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friends. years ago. It slowed her down, Angela worked at Roadway but it didn’t stop her. She Express in South Kearny, traveled abroad as well as where she held many posiaround the United States and tions ranging from executive enjoyed many girls weekends assistant to sales associate. She with friends. She did everyloved to read and was an avid thing she could to enjoy life crossword puzzler. She endespite the circumstances joyed movies, going to the bal- and through it all she never ANGELA QUINN let and Broadway shows, trystopped smiling. Angela Quinn died Feb. 17, ing new restaurants, attending The family would like 2021. concerts, dancing, traveling to acknowledge her loving She was 65. with family and weekends caretaker, Ama Grant, for her Born in Glasgow, Scotland, down the shore with friends. dedication and love of Angela. she lived in Harrison before Angela was diagnosed with In lieu of flowers, kindly moving to Kearny. Multiple System Atrophy, a consider a donation to the Arrangements are by the rare and debilitating neuroMultiple System Atrophy Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home in Kearny. Relatives and degenerative disease about 15 Coalition. friends are invited to Mass on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Church, Kearny. Cremation will be private. Angela was the wife of the Mario Teixeria, IV, Manager, NJ Lic. #3757 Mario Teixeira, Jr. Director, NJ Lic. #2542 • Monique Teixeira, Director, NJ Lic. #4048 late Francis Quinn and beloved mother of Lauren Quinn Newly renovated family owned and operated funeral home with multiple locations. and Amanda Quinn (Steve Fluent in Portuguese and Spanish. Handicapped Accessible. Ockler). Devoted daughter 138 DAVIS AVE. • KEARNY, NJ 07032 to the late Eddie and Moira (201) 991-2265 www.buyusfuneralhome.com Austin, she was dear sister of Edward Austin (Marcia), aunt to Erin and Eddie Austin and is also survived by her loving cousins, extended relatives in 331 Cleveland Avenue, Harrison Scotland and many lifelong

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“This was all just a little setback,” Velazquez said. “I Continued from Page 11 don’t want to bring myself down. Once said. “I’m just not playI get the transplant, ing in regular games. I I’ll be fine. I’ll be able don’t want to get myto play soccer again self down. I just want and everything will be the chance.” looking up for me.” “That’s what we If anyone is interwant,” Luis Velazquez ested in being a donor said. “We want him to for Jared Velazquez or be able to play again testing to be a donor, and enjoy himself.” call the Hackensack Velazquez hopes to University Medical study physical therapy Center Transplant in college with the Team at (551) 996hope of becoming an 2608. athletic trainer.

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Lyndhurst’s Jorge enjoys old-time wbaseball game Talk about loving the game of baseball. Alexia Jorge wants to play the game so much that she’s willing to drive nearly three hours to play in wool uniforms using no gloves whatsoever. And get this? The Lyndhurst High School senior had a lot of fun doing so.

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TEL: 201.998.9050 • FAX: 201.820.0505

HOUSE OF THE WEEK

WHY RENT - This large Kearny 2 bedroom one and a half bath condo has it all. Great two level layout offers privacy and space. Central air offers comfort year round. Sliders to private deck brings the outdoors inside. Very clean. Incredible value at just $269,000.

KEARNY 2 FAMILY - Arlington Real Estate just listed this home at a very attractive price. Each apartment contains a living room bedroom, kitchen and bath. Separate gas utilities and a driveway and garage. Why rent when you can own $369,000. NUTLEY - This 2800 square ft. Colonial on a quiet 74 x 100 dead end lot is one of a kind. Formal living room and dining room, plus huge eat-in kitchen and family room, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and 2 half baths. Hardwood floors, central air,2 fireplaces and much more. Only $559,000. Call today! TURNKEY - This Kearny one family has just been renovated so you can move right in. Enjoy the new kitchen, 2 new baths, refinished floors upstairs and downstairs and fresh paint every where. Gas heat, driveway and garage. Schuyler School District. Asking $409,000. We have the key.

TRACT UNDER CON

KEARNY 3 FAMILY - This home has been owner occupied by the same family for over 50 years. The first floor apartment consists of 2 bedrooms and has a beautiful new gourmet kitchen and bath. Upstairs are two additional rental apartments. Two driveways and separate garages makes this property uniquely desirable. at just $499,900.

TRACT UNDER CON

Here goes: Jorge, who is a member of the United States National women’s baseball team, heard about a game in Bovina, N.Y. — which is 143 miles north of Lyndhurst — that is played with 1895 baseball rules. Which means, no player in the field uses a glove. Only the catcher has a glove and a chest protector. Jorge heard about the game, pitting the Mountain Athletic Club, the team that Jorge played for, against the Bovina Dairymen, through a friend. “One of our friends bought a house up there and they told me about the game,” Jorge said. “I thought it was pretty cool.” Jorge was the lone woman to play in the old-time baseball game. “They really didn’t care about gender,” Jorge said. “They said that other women before helped them.” But none that play for the U.S. National team. When Jorge arrived at the patch of grass – you didn’t expect a real baseball field now, did you? – she was provided a uniform that was made entirely of wool. That doesn’t exactly breathe on a hot summer day. “They threw me in and I started as the pitcher,” Jorge said. “The pitcher’s mound is on flat ground and you can’t wind up to throw. You have a onestep delivery. You have to be set and throw the ball.” The ball is basically the same, just no gloves. “The ball us basically the same size, but the stitching is different,” Jorge said. “It’s either black or blue.” Like the color of her hands after playing. “It’s very hard to catch a ball barehanded,” Jorge said. “It hurt like you wouldn’t

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Photo courtesy of Tracy Jorge

Lyndhurst’s Alexia Jorge was selected to the United States national baseball team, one of only 20 women selected in the country and the youngest player on the squad. Jorge will play for Team USA in the COPBAE PanAm Championship Games in Aguascalientes, Mexico later this week.

believe. It was really hard when you tried to catch a pop-up. Thank God, nothing was hit back to me when I was pitching. That was my biggest fear, getting hit with a line drive.” The bats were of the custom, handmade variety. There weren’t exactly Louisville Sluggers back in 1895. “They gave me one of the bats,” Jorge said. “I said, ‘You don’t get one of these every day.’ After four innings pitching off flat ground – no such thing as a pitcher’s mound in 1895 – Jorge moved over to play second base for the remainder of the game. “Just the throw down to second base from the catcher hurt catching,” Jorge said. “I had to catch it no matter what. And it hurt. My hands hurt a few days after playing.” Jorge said that she had four at-bats and drove in a run with a fielder’s choice in the eighth inning. “It was very strange and very different,” Jorge said. “The ball didn’t carry much. It made me appreciate the game a little bit more. I never thought I’d be in a game like this.” Needless to say, it

was an experience Jorge will never forget. “It was an honor,” Jorge said. “It was an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I was lucky to be given the opportunity to play in the game. I was very thankful for that. It made me thankful for all of my equipment now. It made me appreciate the game a little more.” Jorge will now get ready for the Women’s World Cup Tournament, which is still scheduled to take place in Tijuana, Mexico in November. Jorge lost the entire 2020 high school baseball season, her junior year, thanks to the pandemic. She also was sidelined all summer long from playing with her travel teams. “The Women’s World Cup couldn’t come any sooner,” said Jorge, who will probably play fall baseball with a team to prepare for her duties with the Women’s National Team. Not many kids get a chance to play in an old-time baseball game. But then again, not many kids are members of the U.S. National Women’s Baseball team. Chalk another memorable moment on the baseball diamond for Alexia Jorge.

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

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S N O I T A L U T A R CONG 2020 NJAR Circle of Excellence Recipients

GOLD

SILVER

Robert Ciecwisz

Maria Germana Gomes

2020 Bronze Recipients

Maureen Mulligan

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2020 Mid-Realty Million Dollar Achievement Award

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MID-REALTY, INC. 572 Kearny Avenue Kearny, NJ 07032 201-991-5719 FAX:(201)991-8860 www.midrealty.com

Kelli Garner

Jarlynn Hyde Broker/Owner

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Garfield Students of the Month: December The following are Garfield School, Kearny’s December Students of the Month: Ryan Chalaco, Liam Ranilla, Mike Rubio, Maria Luiza Alves DeFaria, Noelia Rodriguez, Natalia Garcia

Torres, Sebastian Perez Jurado, Trinity Toolen, Zachary Chaves, Emily Gomez, Ryan Chesney, Lauren Rettschlag, Jorge Gallardo, Emily Chen, Gino Portela, Ava Crispin, Kaylee Garcia, Mia Mira,

Sofia Alvizures, Camila Montenegro Morets, Katherine Aguilar, Joshuah Persaud, Liam Cooper, Chloe Latona, Arianna Gonzalez Tinoco, Camila Vargas and Shelton Paquay.

Garfield Students of the Month: January

Kindergarten: Isaiah Santos, Yarovid Ortiz, Blaik Scarpa 1st Gr: Noah Gomez, Sophia Romero, Jace Solis 2nd Gr: Tiago Munoz, Sachari DeJesus, Lamar Gor-

don, Ethan Chang 3rd Gr: Justin Santos, Mykayla Sanchez, David DaSilva, Liam Latona 4th Gr: Mason Scarpa, Anthony Flora, Robert Tittering-

ton, Kaylee Garcia, Angela Hu 5th Gr: Leticia Ribeiro Silva, Kevin Paris, Romeo Estrada, Victor Perez Jurado 6th Gr: Sofia O’Neill Velez, Joshua Persaud, Isaac Lorenzo.

To place a classified ad, please call

201.991.1600

DENTAL Insurance

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Franklin School Honor Roll Principal Yvonne Cali of Kearny’s Franklin School announces the second marking period honor roll: 6th Grade Principal’s Honor Roll: Julian Alvarado Cedeno, Alan Garcia, Sophia Da Silva, Cristiano Esteves, Matthew Flores, Daniel Garcia Ojeda, Cayden Janeira, Oliver Krzynowek, Annie Ludena, Melissa Mota, Joao Pedro Moura, Samira Patel, Manuel Paz, Isaac Santos De Freitas, Dana Somohano Ortega and Melody Torres. 6th Grade Honor Roll: Sarah Calva, Sofia Celi, Mariel Macias Pincay, Sherry Manaois, Daniel Pessoa De Castro and Samuel Silva. 5th Grade Principal’s Honor Roll: Jessica Arenas, Anthony Chuqirima Miranda, Katherine Chuquirima Miranda, Genesis Juarez, Rachel Kelly, Yakira Llerena Cornejo, Afiha Maliha, Paloma Moledo Pineiro, Keyla Petrillo, Angela Rios-Matos, Angel St Jean 5th Grade Honor Roll: Lowell Alvarez, Barbara Calienes, Cael Carrera, Jennifer Chevasco Garcia, Jacob Colon, Eliana Das Neves, Tiernan Devlin, Daniel Franco, Adryan Gonzalez, Lorena Granados,

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Certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as Workers Compensation Law Attorney

If Injured at Work or Construction Site, you deserve to have an experienced and Certified Attorney as your Attorney. “Medicare & You,” Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2020 Includes the Participating (in GA: Designated) Providers and Preventive Benefits Rider. Product not available in all states. Acceptance guaranteed for one insurance policy/certificate of this type. Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation. This specific offer is not available in CO, LA, NY; call 1-800-969-4781 or respond for similar offer. Certificate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q); Insurance Policy P150 (GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN); Rider kinds B438/B439 (GA: B439B).

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Wednesday, February 24, 2021

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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

Houghton Chemical Corporation markets industrial heat transfer fluids and automotive chemicals with a long-standing commitment to our customers, employees and our community by insisting on excellence in products and services. Carlstadt, NJ Plant/Warehouse Worker Full Time. We are seeking a conscientious, resourceful, and versatile person for a challenging position in an industrial chemical plant in Carlstadt, NJ. Excellent work ethic, attitude and close attention to detail are required. Blending and packaging product Loading and unloading bulk and dry freight trucks Forklift operations Other duties and special projects as deemed necessary. Great opportunity for the right person. Excellent salary and extensive benefit package including health, dental and profit sharing plan. Send resume detailing experience and education to: Human Resources Patty Daly pdaly@houghton.com 40W03

FULL TIME hydraulic mechanic wanted. Mechanical experience preferred. Driver’s license, reliable transportation, and resume required. Call for appointment 201.438.7800 Ask for Kathy or Dave

COOK Fast paced bar/grill located in Ironbound Newark looking for an experienced short order cook - Must be a team player - Weekends a must contact Joyce 973-465-9795

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED Shipping/ Receiving Clerk Full Time. Knowledge in Word&Excel–Will be tested. Hours are 7:30am – 4:00pm Monday – Friday. Must be fluent in English Excellent Benefits, Paid Vacation & Holidays, Health & Dental Insurance, Profit Sharing. Please email resume to anabela@ gstechnologies.com, mike@gstechnologies.com. G&S Motor Equipment Co. 1800 Harrison Avenue, Kearny, NJ 07032 201-998-9244 41W03

Gift Merchandiser/ Front Sales Checkout and Pharmacy Technician needed. Apply in person Midtown Pharmacy 581 Kearny Ave or send resume to applymidtown581@ gmail.com 40W03

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

BELLEVILLE

HARRISON

KEARNY

N.ARLINGTON

HARRISON 1st floor. Newly renovated. 3 BR. 1 Bath. LR. EIK. CA/Heat. Coin operated laundry in basement. $1900 + 1.5 months security. Utilities separate. No Smoking. Available Now (551)3589353 42W03

KEARNY LR. Modern EIK. BR. $1,275 + 1.5 months security. H/HW included. close to all TRANS. Call (201)906-5153 41W03

KEARNY Arlington Section. Large modern 3BD, 2 full baths LR DR large EIK. Central A/C. Access to laundry room W/D hook up, 1 parking space on driveway, 1st floor. Utilities included. No pets. No smoking. Asking $2,450/month. 1 1/2 month security. Must see. Avl now Contact, text or voicemail. (201) 7255116 41W03

N.ARLINGTON Newly renovated. 2nd floor. 3 BR. $1850 + 1 months security. No pets/smoking. Close to Transportation. Available March 1st. Call (201)997-3050 41W03

BELLEVILLE 1 Bedroom Laundry facility on premises. 1 Parking Space Hardwood floors. From $1300 + Utilities. See Super Apartment #2, 61 Newcombe St. Belleville. Call Joe (862)202-9210 42W03

BELLEVILLE 1 Bedroom garden apartment on Garden Avenue. H/HW included, laundry facilities on site, 1 parking space. Nice location. No Pets. $1,200/mth rent plus 1.5 month security. Please call (973)699-3146 42W03

N.NEWARK N. NEWARK Goverment SECTION 8 preferred, 1 BR,1st fl. Near all Transportation and Buses. Completely renovated. Call 973-202-8580.

HARRISON 1st fl. 1 BR. LR. EIK. $950 + 1.5 Months security. Utilities separate. Good for single person or couple. no smoking/pets. excellent neighborhood. Limited backyard use. April 15th. Background check(954) 448-3339 42W03

KEARNY Newly renovated, hardwood floors. Laundry onsite. HT/ HW included. 2 BR start at $1,450 1 BR start at $1,295 Jr. BR start at $ 1,995 (201) 289-7096 40W12

KEARNY 2nd floor 3 BR. LR. EIK. $2000 + 1 Months security. Heat included. Laundry room in basement. No Pets/ Smoking. Available March HARRISON 2 Bed- 1st (201)790-3032 40W03 room, Kitchen, LR, 2nd Floor Utilities Seperate. $1,600/mth 1 1/2 mth security. Call or Text after KEARNY 357 Kearny 2 pm couple preferred. Ave, Kearny 1 BR, LR, EIK. Walk to PATH. Call 973- $1200 + $1400 security. 900-0486 42W03 HT/HW Included. Avail-

Insurance office seeking clerical working. Are you seeking a part 40W03 The time position which offers Observer long term employment is not and growth potential. responsible for 42W03 40W03 typographical Offices located in Lynderrors. Credit for errors hurst and Bloomfield. HARRISON will not be granted after Excellent opportunity. the next week’s publicaPlease e-mail tion. your resume $10 for minimal 4 room insureme@abbottins.net HARRISON changes. LOOKING FOR A SALES 40W03 No refunds once apartment (1 bedroom) ad is taken Close to PATH, $1,250/ EXECUTIVE and C.C charged. mth plus 1.5 mth secu- ALL CLASSIFIED ADS Ladies needed rity. 1 year lease. UtiliTO JOIN OUR TEAM MUST BE for house cleaning. PRE-PAID full time Monday - Friday ties Seperate. No Pets/ Responsibilities include Smoking. 308 1/2 Warren own transportation. Deadline for preferable that live in St (973)437-6799 for apservicing existing accounts, calling Classifieds Harrison or Kearny Employment/ pointment. 40W03 (908)917-9192 inactive Business Monday 12:00 PM ask for Caty. accounts, generating new All others 41W03 Monday HARRISON Ground floor, business and growing territories by 3:00 PM. 1 bedroom. modern, E-mail Ads to & building SERVICES OFFERED freshly painted. Off-street classified@theobserver. com. parking. Separate utilinew leads. Background check. ties. No pets. Smoke-free. PET CARE 1-1/2 months security. Send resumes BY BARBARA KEARNY No Need to Worry Available Now . Call or text Dog walking with a cover letter of 40W03 (973) 418-8500 Cat sitting Drop in Visits introduction to KEARNY Renovated 1 - Other small pets. I will care for your Pet as BR. $1200 + 1.5 months jobs@theobserver.com if they were my own. HARRISON Clear/bright/ security. Utilities includCall for spacious.3BR. 3Bath, ed. No Pets/smoking. consultation References on request Modern EIK, C/A. Provide Available March 1st Text (954) 856-5812 fridge, microwave, wash- (201)888-5477 41W03 41W04 er and dryer. One Parking Space. Available now. Call KEARNY 2 bedrooms, QUALITY HELP WANTED (718)737-4402 41W03 Utilities Seperate. ProxWe are looking for an experienced light duty flatbed driver imity to PATH and bus who has a professional appearance. lines Available March 1st. The applicant should have good people skills. Bilingual (Spanish) is a plus. No Pets No Smoking. HARRISON We offer: (201)889-3118 41W03 Newly Renovated 1st Uniform Service FL 2 BRS, LR, EIK, BATH. 401(k) Retirement Plan Paid Vacation Central AC/Heat, $1650 KEARNY First floor. 2 Paid Holidays + 1.5 Month Security. BR. LR. EIK. Near TRANS/ Paid Sick Days Separate Utilities. School and shopping. A Clean Working Environment No Pet/Smoking. $1450 + 1 months secuStarting salary $18.00 per hour AVAILABLE NOW. rity. Utilities not included. If you are looking for a great starting point for a career with a quality company No Pets/Smoking. Avail Call 973-462-5280. please call Nick at 201-954-1933 between 9 am and 4 pm. Now. (347)735-3299 41W03 42W03 41W03

KEARNY 726 Elm St Lg one bed apt HW floors, H&HW supplied $1,145.00 call Chris 201-370-8378 KEARNY 748 Devon St 1bed rm apt. H/W floors H&HW supplied $1,080.00 call Jessica 201-600-9090 Fee required 42W03

able Now. (201)283-2729 or (973)465-0166 40W03

KEARNY 3 LG ROOMS (1 BEDROOM) IN WELL MAINTAINED BUILDING AT 111-117 BELGROVE DRIVE. $1,325/MTH INCLUDING HEAT/HOT WATER. LAUNDRY ROOM. NO PETS.(973)493-7868 40W03

KEARNY 3 ROOMS (1 BEDROOM) AT 12 GRANT AVENUE. $1,085/MTH PLUS UTILITIES. LAUNDRY ROOM. NO PETS. (973)493-7868 40W03

KEARNY 6 family home, Newly Renovated. 2ND fl. 2 BR, $1,300/month, HT included. 1 1/2 months security. No pets. No Smoking Avl. Now. (201) 916-9460 42W03

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. 42W03

KEARNY 1 & 2 BR APT. HT/HW included. $1,250 to $1650 + 1.5 Months security. See Super, 6 Woodland Ave.Kearny Apt. 1 (201)892-8035 for appointment. 42W03

N.ARLINGTON 2ND Floor. 1 BR, EIK LR, Bathroom. $1300 +1 months security. Heat/HW included. Available March 1st Call Carlos (201)9887536 41W03 N.ARLINGTON 1st Fl. 4 rooms. 1 BR, With yard. Quite. neighborhood. near Transportation. $1300 + Plus utilities. 1.5 months security. No smoking. One year lease. Credit check. Available Now (973)838-1662 42W06

N.ARLINGTON 1 bedroom (3 room apt.) for rent in garden apt building. New kitchen, hardwood floors, plenty of closet space, laundry KEARNY 2 BR, 1st floor, facilities on premises, off bath, living room, dinstreet parking. No fee. ing room Please call Call super at: 862-237(551)580-1905 40W03 8661 42W03

KEARNY 2 BR’s, LR, Kitchen, on Kearny Ave. $1,250 + 1.5 months seKEARNY 1 BR. LR. Kitchcurity.Separate utilities. en. $1250 + 1 months No pets. Avl. April 1st. security. Heat included. (201) 893-1955 42W03 Available March 1st Call Carlos (201)988-7536 40W03

N.ARLINGTON 2nd Floor, 2 Bedroom 1 Bath LR, EIK Smoke Free Apartment. Utilities Seperate. $1,550/month + 1 Month Security. Available March 1st. 201-9525383 41W03

LYNDHURST LYNDHURST 2nd floor. Very large 1 BR. 4 closets. $1495 + 1.5 months security. No Pets/smoking. Off street parking. Close to NYC Transportation. (973)760-4877 42W03

LYNDHURST 1 bedroom on 2nd floor, H/HW included. Small pets OK. $1,220/mth plus 1 mth security. Available Now. (201)575-5270 42W03

N.ARLINGTON Newly renovated. 2 BR. LR. EIK. 1 Bath. $1450 + 1.5 months security. Plus utilities. No Pets/Smoking. Close to Transportation. Call between 9am - 9pm (201)966-8095 42W03

N.ARLINGTON Luxury apartment. 1 BR with Den/Office options. $1,900/mth Utilities Seperate All New Stainless steel appliances Modern Kitchen. Parking for 1 car per unit. Laundry on premise. No pets/Smoking Close to transportation. Call for further details! (201)997-2341 Call between 10am-7pm 42W03

18 11

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Observer Classifieds

WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM | THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018

ROOM FOR RENT HARRISON

HARRISON 1st floor. Single room, use of kitchen. $500 + 1.5 months security. Female preferred. Available now (570)6565850 Please call or text

PLUMBING & HEATING

ROOFING/SIDING

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

PAYLESS ROOFING

Mario Esposito’s Landscaping LLC

42W03

JOSEPH V. FERRIERO Plumbing & Heating KEARNY Nice and Clean $600 + 1 mth security. Utilities, Cable & internet included. Avl. March 1st (201) 279-9966 42W03

FURNISHED ROOM FOR RENT

KEARNY

Kitchen and bath remodeling. Carpentry. Hot Water Heaters. Fully Ins. Lic# 165

(201)637-1775 42W06

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

40W04

KEARNY Share Kitchen & bathroom. No smoking. (Female Preferred) (201)618-1294 or (862)240-6509 42W01

SPACE FOR RENT

We offer a variety of electrical services & promise your satisfaction with our work. (973)661-2100

PEST CONTROL

PEST CONTROL Exterminating Fast Service • Roaches • Ants • Bed Bugs • Fleas Call 973-932-2092 Licensed and Insured 40W06

RUBBISH REMOVAL A-1 AFFORDABLE RUBBISH REMOVAL

KEARNY

Professional space on Kearny Ave. 1 1/2 months security. 900 sq.ft. Proximity to PATH & Bus lines. Avl March 1st. (201) 889-3118 41W03

LIQUIDATION SALE Everything must go. Refridgerator, Freezer, Shelves, meat slicer machine and much more. Call for more info (973)483-7122 42W01

(973)906-8404

•Clean-up •Lawn Maintenance •Top soil •Mulch •Spring Clean up Free Estimate (201) 438-3991

paylessroofingservices.com

41W04

LIC#13VH00418100

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

41W06

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 38W06

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

SNOW REMOVAL

Lic# 15502 40W06

KEARNY Newly renovated. Located in the center of town. Private room, share bath & shower. $650 + 1.5 months security. Utilities included. No Pets/Smoking. Men preferred (201)906-6846

Roofing - SidingRepairsSame day service Same phone number for 20 Years

Attics, Basements, Yard Cleaning. We Haul or You Can Rent 10-15 Cubic Yard Containers. We Accept Visa/MasterCard (201) 998-1262 37W06

HEATING & COOLING 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

Spring maintenance checklist for homeowners

Residential snow removal Call Will McGuire (201)955-2520 40W03

HOME IMPROVEMENT

LACA CORP

Paint * Powerwash* and More •Interior • Exterior •Free Estimates•Fully Insured 973-759-8869 973-930-5002 05W52

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 42W06

G&R BUILDERS Roofing,

Siding, Windows/Doors, Decks, Gutter Cleaning Painting, Tiles & Masonry, Sheet Rock. All types of Carpentry

FREE ESTIMATES 20% Senior Citizen Discounts

(201) 893-0656 Lic. #13VH02536200 42W06

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

PAINTERS

CLASS ACT PAINTING

*Interior * Exterior * Powerwashing * Sheetrock * Tile

201-988-2741 email: classactpainting@comcast.net

Fully Insured 41W03

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

more wear and tear on equipment. They also increase your energy bill and lessen indoor air quality. • According to Energy Star, 20-30 percent of the air that moves through Outdoor Upkeep the duct system of a • Wash window exteri- typical home is lost due to leaks, holes and poorly ors for a better view. connected ducts. Consid• Clean gutters and er professional duct sealdownspouts to ensure ing for improved energy proper water flow. Neefficiency and lower bills. glecting this task for too • Check to see whether long can cause rot, mold and damage to your foun- your furnaces and air conditioners bear the dation. ENERGY STAR logo. If • Get your patio or not, consider a new unit. deck in tip-top shape for outdoor living. Sweep and A properly-sized and hose it down. Remove pa- installed ENERGY STAR tio furnishings from stor- air conditioner uses up to 20 percent less electricity age. Wipe down surfaces and vacuum cushions (or than older models, and doing so may make you launder them if they’re eligible for a Federal Tax machine washable). Credit. • Inspect lawn equip• Have a technician ment and tools for needed give your home’s cooling maintenance, repair and system a pre-season tunefuel refills. up so that everything is • Mow the lawn. Trim running efficiently by the the edges. • After the next rainfall, time warmer weather arrives. You know the “perinspect your yard for standing water, which can sonality” of your heating or cooling unit best, so be damage your home and prepared to provide the invite mosquitoes. Contechnician with imporsider hiring a landscaper tant information. No fact to level out an uneven is insignificant, as it may lawn. help them diagnose and fix a problem. HVAC Maintenance • Be sure that all • Change HVAC filters HVACR installation and at least once each season maintenance is performed (ideally monthly). Dirty only by a qualified profesfilters make equipment sional. Read company work harder and cause reviews and ask the con(StatePoint) As the weather warms, there are a few maintenance tasks every homeowner should consider completing. Use this checklist as your guide:

tractor if they have technicians certified by North American Technician Excellence (NATE). NATEcertified technicians have demonstrated knowledge of today’s increasingly sophisticated heating and cooling systems. To find a NATE-certified technician in your area, visit Natex.org.

Safety

• Carbon monoxide, often referred to as the “silent killer,” is odorless, colorless and tasteless. Protect your family by changing the batteries on your carbon monoxide detectors and ensuring you have a detector on each level of your home. When changing a furnace filter, make sure the new filter is correctly positioned and the access panel is securely fastened. Have your home’s furnace inspected and serviced annually by a NATE-certified technician. • Likewise, test all the smoke alarms in your home and replace batteries as needed. The National Fire Protection Association recommends smoke alarms on every level of the home, including every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. A little seasonal maintenance can go a long way to a safer, more beautiful and more eco-friendly home.

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

JUDGE

HCCO

Continued from Page 1

1998 and was a municipal public defender in Kearny from 2001, leaving both positions when he joined the bench in 2013. He began his law career as a clerk for the late Hudson County Superior Court Judge John A. McLaughlin. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross and his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School at Western Michigan University. “I want to express my sincere gratitude to Chief Justice Rabner for placing his confidence in me to lead the Hudson Vicinage. I look forward to continuing Judge Bariso’s legacy and to working with all of the outstanding judges and staff for the residents of Hudson County,” Judge Jablonski said. In the state of New Jersey, the assignment judge has a wealth of responsibilities. Among them, according to the State Judiciary, are: • Implementation of all court rules and regulations under the direction of the Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court. • Management of the finances of the vicinage. • Oversight on all court matters. • Administration of all court units in the vicinage. • Appointment and dismissal of the court’s administrative personnel. • A litany of other responsibilities as assigned by the Chief Justice or the Supreme Court of New Jersey as needed. The St. Peter’s Prep alum and wife, Christine, have two sons.

Edison Place and Bruen Street in Newark. A second woman, also suffering from an apparent gunshot wound, was found on the 100 block of Haynes Avenue, also in Newark. The victims have been identified as Anna Shpilberg, 40, of Randolph and Luiza Shinkarevskaya, 40, of Riverdale. Both were pronounced dead on the scene. Reports indicate Shpilberg was the former girlfriend of the man charged in the killing. John Menendez, 24, (seen in photo) a Hudson County Corrections Officer from West New York, has been charged with two counts of murder and weapons offenses, the ECPO says. A preliminary investigation indicates these are two related homicides at two different scenes. Shinkarevskaya was discovered on the sidewalk at the Haynes Avenue location, the

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ECPO says, and she was pronounced dead at 9:53 p.m. Shpilberg was in the passenger seat of a vehicle, the ECPO says, and she was pronounced dead at 9:55 p.m.

The Observer’s office is open Monday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Until further notice, however, our office is closed to the public. Please call (201) 991-1600.

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Wednesday, February 24, 2021

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