Issuu

Wednesday, 6 October 2021

www.TheObserver.com

Vol. CXXXIV, No. 22

ON THE INSIDE 2 Belleville heroes honored for saving man’s life in the height of floods caused by Hurricane Ida. See Page 5

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

Going back in time ... 50 years ago

1971: When Kearny was concert haven Many major, famous acts took to the stage at KHS Stadium over a 3-year period

By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com

t’s not too often you could ask someone what they were doing on an obscure date 50 years ago and get an accurate response. But for Harry Carr, who taught business at Kearny High School from 1966 to 1976, Oct. 6, 1971, is a date he forever remembers. That date, he and a lot of others were at the football stadium at Kearny High when

The 5th Dimension played the stadium at Kearny High School exactly 50 years ago today, Oct. 6, 1971. The concert allowed the Class of 1972 to help purchase a radioisotope scanner for the former West Hudson Hospital.

it became a concert venue for the ages as he and the class of 1972 welcomed The 5th Dimension — a fundraiser to keep the cost of prom low and to help the former West Hudson Hospital purchase a brand new, state-of-the-art radioisotope scanner for the radiology department. (Harvard Medical School says they’re called radionuclides now.) “They needed the machine badly,” Carr recalls. “The nearest one was at Clara Maass in Belleville, but there wasn’t always time to get patients there when they were See CONCERT, Page 19

Santos urges all who are eligible to get COVID-19 vax By Ron Leir For The Observer

sing his bully pulpit, Kearny Mayor Alberto G. Santos exhorted town residents who remain unvaccinated against the COVID-19 virus to take action and get the jab. And, Santos noted, the remedy is

near at hand. All they need do, he said, is go to the town Health Department, 645 Kearny Ave., to get the shots. The Health Department is vaccinating people on Tuesdays and Thursdays, between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., and on the first Saturday of the month, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. No advance registration is required

and there is no cost to the public for the shots, he said. Santos said the Health Department has available all three vaccines approved for use in the U.S. — Moderna, Pfizer and J&J. Santos said booster vaccine shots of the Pfizer-BioNJTech COVID-19 See VAX, Page 19

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

In East Newark, full-day pre-K is underway

By Ron Leir For The Observer East Newark Public Schools, as of Oct. 1, are offering full-day pre-school for the first time in the district’s history, Chief School Administrator Richard Corbett said. Corbett said the district has

been operating a part-time pre-school program for 15 children ages 3 and 4 but now, with the help of a $337,039 grant for “high quality pre-K” funding from the state Department of Education, it will be able to expand to a full-time operation. East Newark is one of 19 school districts – and the only

201.991.4165

one in Hudson County – to share in a total of $17 million awarded statewide for the 2021-2022 school year as part of Gov. Phil Murphy’s pledge to provide universal pre-K to all families across New Jersey over the next several years. Corbett said the grant availability was conditioned on starting the full-day

Any Job Over $5,000 Coupon must be presented at time of estimate. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Exp. 10/15/21

FREE ESTIMATES • FULLY INSURED • REFERENCES

DRIVEWAYS • LOTS • PATIOS • BELGIAN BLOCK • SIDEWALKS CONCRETE CURBS • PAVERS • RETAINING WALLS • STEPS • SNOW PLOWING & MORE!

We Specialize in Repast

11-35 River Road | North Arlington, NJ | 201.246.0100 CentanniNJ.com | Centanni Ristorante | centanniristorante

Welcome Back to Centanni’s! All Reservations & Walk-Ins Welcome

BUY 1, GET 1

Eggplant or Chicken Parmigiana

Lasagna

Chicken Marsala

Chicken Caccitore

FREE! over same Pasta

FREE!

over same 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 10/15/21

PHOTOCOPIES OF COUPONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. COUPONS FOR TAKE OUT ONLY.

Photo by Ron Leir

East Newark Superintendent of Schools Richard Corbett, right, demonstrates something to a student in a pre-K class at the former Holy Cross School.

program by Oct. 1 and, indeed, the program began that day. Corbett, who has listed fullday pre-K as one of his goals for the 2021-2022 school year, said the plan is to have two classes, one in the Borough School on North Third Street and a second at Holy Cross School in Harrison. The district is currently accommodating grades 6 to 8 at Holy Cross under an annual rental agreement with the Archdiocese of Newark. It now plans to piggy-back on that arrangement by renting an additional basement-level classroom in the former Catholic school to handle the full-day pre-K children, Corbett said. That 1,200-squarefoot basement space was previously used as a library by Holy Cross when that school was still functioning. There will be two bathrooms available for use by the preschoolers. District personnel painted and did what Corbett described as “minor renovations to prepare the space for classroom use.” A camera and P.A. system were also installed. Meanwhile, the Borough School is handling the other pre-K class and grades K through 4. Corbett’s office and staff have relocated to first-floor space at Holy Cross where children who now occupy 10 third-floor classrooms have access to a full-size gym/ auditorium for exercise and

lunch – a big improvement over the cramped basement space that doubled as a tiny gym and lunchroom in the Borough School. Because of the age of the Holy Cross School building – it was opened in 1915 – it is exempt from the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, Corbett said. It has no elevator. To date, he said, none of the East Newark youngsters attending classes there has any physical impairments preventing them from ascending a stairwell to the third floor. “The kids, their parents and our faculty all love it here,” Corbett said, referring to their home away from home at Holy Cross. “The kids get to use a real-sized gym in a space that doubles as an auditorium with a stage and cafeteria,” he said. “Plus, we have air-conditioning, which they’ve never had before because of the age of the Borough School which was built in 1919.” Corbett said the district has been registering preschoolers for the full-day pre-K program which will have the capacity to accept 15 youngsters in each of the two classes. Currently, there are four children on a waiting list, he said. The Holy Cross class must keep four seats open in case students with disabilities register, so currently, 11 kids are enrolled in the Holy Cross See PRE-K, Page 19

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

BENCH HONORS SILVERS By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com

very so often in life, there’s a person you’ll meet who exudes peace, who does so many wonderful things for others — though you’d never so much as suspect it because that person does it for the greater glory of God and not for the praise and adulation of a community. Such was the way it was for the late Noreen Silvers, who lived on Jefferson Avenue in Kearny for many years, and who died earlier this year of complications from breast cancer. She was just 61, but by all accounts, she left an impact on more lives than you’d ever be able to count. That impact was finally felt and known by many a few weeks ago when, in a special ceremony involving her friends, former colleagues, family and regular residents of town, a bench was dedicated to her memory at Manor Park along the Bayard Avenue side. (That location was strategic — you’ll see why later in this story.) Organizers estimate about 200 people gathered for the dedication, which included remarks from several of her friends and family members. One of those speakers was Council President Carol Jean Doyle, Silvers’s dear friend and long-time Town Council

representative in the Third Ward. Doyle said Silvers was a very rare soul in that she did so much for so many but insisted it always be kept silent — she didn’t want anyone, sometimes including the people she was helping, that she was the benefactor. “People came from everywhere to honor her,” Doyle said of Silvers. “There were people from Kearny, North Arlington, Queen of Peace, Jefferson Avenue, friends of her mother, AT&T (where she’d worked), connections from all over. A cousin flew

Main photo by Lisa Feorenzo in from Florida. Another from California. She was just a special human being who did what she did because she cared, not because she needed to be put on a pedestal.” And that way of being translated into Silvers being someone who was universally loved by everyone who knew her. “I’ve never heard one unkind word spoken of Noreen,” Doyle said. “Not one. Tell me anyone you know who that could be said of? She had such See SILVERS, Page 8

INJURED? KNOW YOUR RIGHTS.

JOHN M. PINHO Javerbaum Wurgaft

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.

John M. Pinho Attorney at Law

301 North F. E. Rodgers Blvd. Harrison, NJ

(973) 481-4364

In-Person Fall Open House Sunday 10/17 • 1-4 p.m. Virtual Tour 24/7 at spprep.org/Tour

144 Grand Street | Jersey City, NJ 07302 | spprep.org

IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION Opinion....................................................................................Page 6 Sports......................................................................................Page 9 Health & Wellness Directory...............................................Page 11

Obituaries...............................................................................Page 13 Classiﬁeds ....................................................................... Pages 16-17 Business Directory............................................................Pages 18

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Retired Harrison police Lt. finds new family in ‘mafia’ By JoAnn Barton Special to The Observer Anyone who is anyone in the local area has been waiting with bated breath for the new Sopranos movie. Ever since the highly acclaimed HBO series by David Chase went off the air in June 2007, “The Sopranos” audience was left wanting more. Well, that time has finally arrived. The newly released, “The Many Saints of Newark,” premiered Friday, Oct. 1, on HBOMax and in theaters to rave reviews. As we anticipated its release, there was someone who was probably even more excited for the release than others. Enter former Harrison Police Lt. Charles Trucillo. Never having any aspirations or ambitions of being an actor, Trucillo, who was on the force for 27 years and who served as one of the town’s training officers, has since happily retired. However, he caught the acting bug when the series hosted an open casting call in 2000 for its third season in Harrison. Many recall that day vividly. Harrison was at a virtual standstill as around 5,000 hopefuls and wannabes from around

the country came to the one square-mile town to audition for a role. Trucillo was there, too, but not as an actor with a headshot clutched in his hands. He was working to ensure safety and decorum. He knew immediately this day could become quite problematic with the large number of people arriving and little capacity to facilitate them.There was no way casting directors would get to see them all. He also knew by having to tell everyone the situation, all hell would break loose. So he approached one of the producers, Irene Landress,

about the possibilities of a mob mentality in the event they’d get turned away or must shut it down completely. Landress suggested they put boxes on the street and instructed the cattle call to deposit their headshots/ resumes into them and they would make their selections from there. Trucillo jokingly told Landress his wife suggested he put his own headshot in one of the boxes as well. Landress laughed but upon further conversations, she would introduce Trucillo to the casting agent, Georgia Walken, who is a relative of

actor Christopher Walken. Once this transpired, everyone assumed Trucillo had a part in the series, but he still had to endure three more auditions until he was selected and appeared in a scene from season three, episode 9, “The Telltale Mozzedell.” The rest as they say in the industry is history. Trucillo got a taste of the fun and excitement of life on the mall screen and continued to hone his craft. He began auditioning for other roles, took acting lessons and joined SAG, the union for actors. Trucillo returned to his duties as a police officer for the town, but then he scored a role in the 2019 release of the film, “The Irishman” when he submitted his headshot to Grant Wilfey casting. Trucillo was on a roll now and then word came of “The Many Saints of Newark.” He knew he just had to send in his headshot for this film. He once again submitted his headshot to Grant Wilfey casting and he was instructed to report to Kaufman Studios for costume. Trucillo says he played a family member of the Sopranos. He says the scene he’s in also includes a young Christopher Moltisanti. Filming of the scene was at a major studio in Bethpage, Long Island.

TRUCILLO “I was in the family,” he said. “And the scene that I’m in, it’s an intimate scene with the Soprano family. So I will take artistic freedom and say I’m Tony’s cousin.” Meanwhile, Trucillo is currently working as a background actor in several movie and television productions. His last film he worked on is a Ray Romano production currently without a scheduled release date. Very few background actors start with large productions like he has. Who knew a man in law enforcement in a small town would someday work with the mafia and have a great time doing it? For more details on Trucillo’s life and acting adventures, tune in to Applause Radio Show at www.applauseradioshow.com.

Pet Direct ry 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, October 6, 2021

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Two Belleville men save neighbor, 81, during Ida Two Belleville men who saved an 81-year-old man from drowning in the surging flood waters from Hurricane Ida were honored by the mayor and council for their heroism. Samuel Fontanez and Ivan Mancheno were presented with a proclamation at the Tuesday, Sept. 28, Township Council meeting. The pair, who are close friends and neighbors, rushed from their nearby homes to save Rocco Cicchetti, 81, after he’d slipped under knee-high water and could not get back on his feet. Fontanez and Mancheno grabbed him up out of the water and carried him to the safety of nearby steps, where he regained his breath. Then, they walked him to his home on Fairway Avenue in the drenching rain. “They were truly lifesav-

ers,” Cicchetti’s daughter, Gia Stansci, said. “If they weren’t there, he would have definitely drowned because of the force of the water. Being that he’s older, he couldn’t get himself up. He went under like three times. Then he wasn’t able to get up. “I truly believe that it was because of those two guys that my dad is still with us today,” she added. “They saved his life.” Cicchetti, a grandfather of two, was returning home after working his shift at the deli counter at a supermarket in Nutley. In the darkness of the night, he misjudged how deep the waters had already become on Continental Avenue. When his car stalled, he decided to try to wade through the water. When he opened his car door, he said water rushed into his vehicle.

“Each time a car would pass, it would create a little wave,” he said. “That would knock me down. I would get up, but then another wave would knock me down again. Finally, I just didn’t have the strength to get up and I found myself with my head under the water.” Fontanez has lived in Belleville for about 20 years and works for Canon, and Mancheno has been a Belleville resident for 25 years and works as a truck driver. “We’re trying to get him to safety and he’s saying stuff like, ‘You guys saved my life,’” Fontanez said. “We just wanted to get to safety because we were both terrified. If a transformer blew and a wire fell down into the water, that would have been a dangerous situation.” After the flood waters subsided the next day, Mancheno located Cicchetti’s car keys.

They had come to rest several blocks away, having been whisked away by the rushing water the night before. While looking, Mancheno also located Cicchetti’s dentures, which had fallen out when he fell into the water. “I am happy that Mr. Cicchietti is safe,” Mancheno said. “Really though, I was just doing what I hope someone

would do for me if I were in that situation.” Mayor Michael Melham, meanwhile, praised the heroic actions of the duo. “What these two humble heroes did went well beyond being a good neighbor. They are life-savers and the township was eager to recognize them,” the mayor said. — CANESSA

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

1.750 %

Rate

0 Points

1.864 %

1.875 %

Rate

APR

20-YEAR FIXED RATE MORTGAGE

2.625 %

Rate

0 Points

1.953 %

APR

WWW.LUSITANIABANK.COM/MORTGAGES

2.675 %

APR

Mortgage Department Hiring Loan Processor Positions

107 Pulaski Street, Newark, NJ 07105 • (973) 344-5125 Ext. 129 www.lusitaniabank.com

Scan For Today’s Rates

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V/SO

Payment Example: $9.09 per $1,000 borrowed on a $100,000 10-year fixed rate mortgage at an interest rate of 1.750% will result in 120 payments of $908.98. Payment Example: $6.38 per $1,000 borrowed on a $100,000 15-year fixed rate mortgage at an interest rate of 1.875% will result in 180 payments of $637.77. Payment Example: $5.36 per $1,000 borrowed on a $100,000 20-year fixed rate mortgage at an interest rate of 2.625% will result in 240 payments of $536.01. 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

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Thoughts & Views EDITORIAL

It’s October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month is here

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

t’s October and with it, a reminder that Breast Cancer Awareness Month has arrived. Though it’s a mostly sad topic, it is vital to remember each year — and to remind readers of the statistics with the hope that if this just helps one person, it will be all worth the while. Consider this. In 2021 in the United States alone: n Nearly 282,000 women will be diagnosed with an invasive form of breast cancer. n Some 50,000 women will be diagnosed with a non-invasive form of breast cancer, known as ductal carcinoma in situ. n Nearly 43,000 women will die from breast cancer. That is the equivalent of the entire population of the Town of Kearny and about 2,000 more. n Perhaps lesser known, men get breast cancer, too, though in drastically fewer instances. The estimates say 2,650 men will contract an invasive form and more than 500 will die from it. n Among women, it is the highest form of cancer — 30% of all cancer diagnoses will breast cancer. n The mortality rate for Black women is 40% higher than it is in white women. Globally speaking: n A woman dies every 46 seconds from breast cancer complications. n Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women. n There are 7 million people who have been diagnosed with some form of breast cancer. All of these statistics are from the Susan G. Komen Foundation. And, as hard as it might be to fathom, these numbers are considered significantly better than they were in the 1980s and 1990s.Early detection, then immediate treatment, is critical. And sadly, every October will serve as a reminder that as far as we’ve come in dealing with this hideous disease, there’s still a terribly long way to go. This month is also reminds us of Mujeres Valientes, or Brave Women, the support group led by breast cancer survivor Emma Quintana. Quintana and company have, for years, offered amazing support to women and men who have had breast cancer or who love someone who has. If ever there were an organization to donate to, it’s Emma’s. If you’re so inclined, donations may be mailed to or dropped of at The Observer, 39 Seeley Ave., Kearny, N.J. 07032. Checks payable to Emma Quintana/Mujeres Valientes. Place them in outside mailbox on steps.

LaClair: Observer, spare us the lectures on Murphy & Keegan To the Editor: Your editorial on Gov. Murphy and the Keegan landfill is excellent, until the end, where you assume that if we vote for him for a second term, it means that we have forgotten. It does not mean that at all. It means that we think he is better than his opponent. Here are some other things we have not forgotten: n We have not forgotten how Republican assembly members, including Murphy’s opponent, have tried to block

LETTER TO THE EDITOR progress on the usual range of issues dividing the two parties. n We have not forgotten Jack Ciatterelli’s opposition to funding for Planned Parenthood, and for the usual Republican laundry list on similar issues. n We have not forgotten Ciatterelli’s eagerness to ap-

pear at an event featuring fascists and white supremacists. n We have not forgotten the history of the rise of dictatorships in Europe in the 20th century, and how even seemingly good people fell into line. Please, instead of lecturing us about forgetting, understand that a real memory is not confined to one point; and that useful vision extends past the tip of the nose. Paul L. LaClair Kearny

Anderson: Something’s got to be done to slow Harrison Ave. drivers To the Editor: It’s bad enough we have to endure all the noise pollution as a result of many vehicles and trucks that use Harrison Avenue since it’s a major route to Jersey City, South Kearny, the NJ Turnpike, Newark, etc. But do we also have to endure noise pollution from vehicles equipped with muf-

LETTER TO THE EDITOR flers that give off such loud backfires? Something needs to be done in order to tone down that type of noise since it has gotten completely out of hand. Another problem is that

In Memoriam Mary A. Tortoreti 1942-2016

Lisa M. Feorenzo lisa@theobserver.com Co-owner/Advertising Dir.

some motorists tend to speed down Harrison Avenue, past the Harrison Gardens complex, toward the vicinity of Walmart and beyond. It is my hope that the appropriate authorities will address these issues I mentioned as well as stepping up enforcement. Michael Anderson Harrison

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

Tina Feorenzo Co-owner/Advertising

Kevin A. Canessa Jr. Michelle Rybeck Jim Hague kc@theobserver.com advertising@theobserver.com ogsmar@aol.com Editor/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, October 6, 2021

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

NEWS BRIEFS NA KNIGHTS’ PASTA DINNER IS OCT. 12

The Queen of Peace Knights of Columbus sponsor a Take-Out Tuesday benefit pasta dinner Tuesday, Oct. 12, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Mercy House. The Knights will serve pasta, meatballs, bread, salad and dessert for only $15 for adults and $10 for children. Call (201) 988-0183 to order, go to the Columbian Club Hall at 194 River Road, North Arlington, on Oct. 12, and your food will be brought out to you. All meals will be prepared under the strictest sanitary conditions. Advance orders are strongly recommended as no orders will be accepted after Sunday, Oct. 10.

2021 PAWRADE REGISTRATION UNDERWAY

Registration is open for the annual Kearny UEZ Doggie Halloween PAWrade and Festival, which returns Saturday, Oct. 30, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Arlington Depot Park, Kearny, following a COVID-caused hiatus last year. While there will be other activities at the festival, organizers say the Doggie PAWrade is the highlight of the day. Registration is free, but space is limited, so early registration is

strongly advised. Return completed forms with proof of a current dog license and up-to-date rabies vaccine no later than Wednesday, Oct. 27, to Kearny Town Hall, 402 Kearny Ave., or to the K-9 Corner, 169 Midland Ave. Printed registration forms are available at those sites or may also be downloaded at www.kearnynj.org. Some spots for the PAWrade will be available for day-of registration. Day-of sign up will only be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. No exceptions will be made — all dog owners must show their pet license and proof of rabies shots. For more information call (201) 955-7981 or send an email to pawrade@kearnynj. org.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM PASSES @ LYNDHURST LIBRARY

The Lyndhurst Public Library has purchased vouchers and passes to the American Museum of Natural History in New York City and the Aviation Hall of Fame & Museum in Teterboro. The vouchers and passes are located in the library’s children’s room and may be given to patrons with a valid BCCLS Lyndhurst Library Card.

WIFI HOTSPOTS AVAILABLE TO BORROW

Nicolle in Times Square

To increase internet access for Lyndhurst residents, the Library is offering “Internet to Go,” a project to lend WiFi hotspots to patrons. The hotspot is portable, so you may connect to your device almost anywhere. Residents of Lyndhurst with a valid Lyndhurst library card may borrow a device for up to a week. The device may be renewed

if no one else has placed it on hold. For more information, call the library at (201) 804-2478, ext. 7 or send an email to romeo@lyndhurst. bccls.org.

THREE NEW SALES AGENTS JOIN EXIT GOLDEN IN NA

Arocho and Joshua Smith have joined the team of real estate sales professionals at Exit Golden Realty Group, 142 Ridge Road, North Arlington. The NA group is a member of Exit Realty of New Jersey’s network of independently owned and operated brokerages across the region.

Bryan Gamarra, Helen

Harrison Plaza • 442 Bergen Street • Harrison, NJ 07029

Ristorante & Pizzeria

Open 7 Days • Catering Available

OFFERING DINE-IN / CURBSIDE / DELIVERY Wine • Beer • Cocktails

Tel: 973.484.5770 • Fax: 973.484.2864 JOIN US FOR A

FALL OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY, OCT. 16, NOV. 13 & DEC. 11 9:30 A.M.–12:30 P.M. GRADES K-12 including expanded Middle Division (6-8) and new Girls Prep Division!

RESERVE YOUR SPACE! Sign up for this in-person event to learn about our national model of student leadership, community building, experiential learning, athletics, extracurriculars + more.

She’s back in lights! Kearny’s own Nicolle Santos, 10, returned to the big screens of Times Square in Manhattan — as she has in past years in September — to bring greater awareness to Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

520 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. | Newark, NJ 07102-1314 | (973) 792-5700 | sbp.org

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

SILVERS

Continued from Page 3 a big heart. She always picked up the phone when something happened and would always ask, ‘How can I help?’ And it would always be kept anonymous. That’s who she was. She touched the lives of so many. She fought cancer so valiantly. She beat it but it came back but she didn’t want people feeling sorry for her. She went about life, let a few people know and we kept it that way because that was her wish.” Those caretakers, affectionately known as Team Bink, included Jackie Dunphy-Howell, also

Noreen’s dear friend and a retired Kearny teacher. Dunphy-Howell, who like Doyle spoke at the bench dedication, recently reflected on her friend’s life — and through her words, it was though she was describing someone who had been Canonized a saint. Dunphy-Howell recalled a time, not too long ago, when a few kids were injured near Silvers’s home on Jefferson whilst they rode bikes. “After they fell and got hurt, Noreen cleaned up their injuries then got the kids, their bikes, put them in her car, and drove them all home,” Dunphy-Howell said. Not too long after, one of the injured boys, called Oscar, and four of his friends, brought flowers to Noreen.

TH 8PM 4 1 R E OCTOB DMISSION

FRSEEREVATAIONS RECOMMENDED) (RE

They left a hand-written note when they couldn’t find their new-found friend and hero. “We’re the people you helped when our friend got hurt. We wanted to leave you sometime nice to show our appreciation for it,” Oscar and company wrote. “Thank you for helping us even when you didn’t know us. Happy Mother’s Day!” And though Noreen wasn’t a mom, herself, she sure was motherly. And the reason the boys couldn’t find her that day? She’d already died when the kids got together and came back to the neighborhood to visit with her. It was only a few days prior when they were hurt. So even though she must have been in terrible pain

P U D STAN

R E I N E V L U A P

ON HBO, AS SEEN • S D R A NADO” EDY TOR ME M O O C . C .A E L H AS “T ACT’ BY • KNOWN VARIIEETY Y W D O E H M S O T BEST C E TONIGH VOTED ‘‘B AL & TH R T N E C COMEDY

y b d e t s o H

L L A H S R A M E V STE

W” “THE VIE K, ABC’S RY R O O T C W T A E F AUGH L FOOD N , C E Y H T N , D S ATA AC FIEL C, CB , DANGER UN, & THE BORG BC, CNB ’S N E N IN O L O N S AS SEE NYC, CAR AS, MOHEGAN IC STRIP VEG THE COM OTEL IN IVIERA H R E H T &

PRODUCED BY

WOOD-FIRED PIZZA

ITALIAN RESTAURANT & BAR

615 FRANK E RODGERS BLVD S, HARRISON NJ 07029

ALL: (9 (973)-485-9200 (973) 485 9200 RESERVATIONS ONS RECOMMENDED - CALL:

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Contributed photo

Several hundred people gathered at Manor Park in Kearny last month when a special bench was dedicated to the memory of the late Noreen Silvers. Silvers lived on Jefferson Avenue and by all accounts, was universally loved.

herself, all she wanted to do that day was help those kids. When the boys found out Noreen died, they once again took to writing, this time to Dunphy-Howell in a text message. “Me and my friends never came with the thought that she would sadly pass away,” the boys wrote. “And we’re very, very sorry. She was very special to me and she taught me that it doesn’t matter if you know someone, you should always give out a hand … but now she’s in a better place with God and is now looking over all of us from the sky. She will be forever in my prayers and we’ll never, ever forget her.” Just let those words sink in. They’re from youngsters who had a single, yet fateful encounter with Silvers. Just once. They barely knew her, but she left what will likely be an eternal impact on their lives. “She was a Kearny girl through-and-through,” Dunphy-Howell said. “From the moment I met her to the end, she was my plus-1 at weddings and an incredible friend. I miss her so much, I can’t even describe it. Every day since she died, something reminds me of her. It’s just so hard.” Another of the speakers at the dedication was Jo-Ann Dolan, herself Noreen’s dear friend and member of her inner circle. “She did not want any

fuss over her passing, no wake, service or obituary in the paper. She just wanted to leave quietly without any special recognition,” Dolan said. “…On any given Sunday, during growing season, Noreen could be seen watering the flowers in those big cement flower pots at the foot of Jefferson and Passaic avenues. She filled many jugs of water and from her car trunk, she would lug them to the pots and see to it that the flowers would be watered. “Noreen was renowned for her fierce loyalty, endless commitment to her family and everyone she knew. She had an infectious smile, a benevolent wit and she embodied beauty and altruism and lived an honorable life filled with kindness, generosity and purity of heart.” And now, thanks to the Town of Kearny, Mayor Alberto G. Santos, Recreation Director Ralph Cattafi and scores of others who knew and loved her, she will be forever remembered, marked with a beautiful bench, with her name emblazoned on it for all to see, just steps away from those gigantic flowerpots that meant so much to her. See, now, why the bench was placed where it was? And though the flowers may one day fade away, Noreen’s memory clearly never, ever will.

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Sports & Recreation WITH

Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com

Kardinals facing much tougher girls’ soccer schedule

Belleville girls’ soccer team sits atop SEC Colonial Faith D’Angelis has taken over the coaching reins with the girls’ soccer program at Belleville High School, replacing long-time coach Bethann Garrett, who had to endure a 1-13 campaign last year, including 13 losses in a row to close the season out. D’Angelis isn’t fazed by what happened in the past. After all, she has nothing to go on. She’s a native of Holtsville on Long Island, a 22-year-old newcomer who just graduated from the soccer team at Caldwell University. “When I was at Caldwell, I decided I wanted to become a teacher and I decided that I wanted to stay in New Jersey,” D’Angelis said. So when Garrett decided not to return, D’Angelis inquired about the position, despite her relatively young age. “I actually got the job early on,” D’Angelis said. “At first, it was a little tough coming in. I realized that a lot of them have jobs and other commitments. I had to work a little to get them all together. Once they learned a little bit about me, they felt more comfortable.” D’Angelis said that she also had a better feeling about her team in late

August. “That’s when things started clicking,” D’Angelis said. The Buccaneers have a lot of returning players, but remarkably, the team has very few seniors. “The chemistry was already there,” D’Angelis said. “I think we have a good team with a good future. We had a lot of newcomers coming in.” But no one could have ever predicted what is transpiring with D’Angelis’ team. The Bucs own a 6-1 record and sit atop the Super Essex County-Colonial Division standings. Imagine that. A team has gone from a 13-match losing streak to a 6-1 record in one year. That’s a remarkable turnaround. But D’Angelis isn’t content to rest on her successful first month of her coaching career. “I honestly don’t think we’ve reached our full potential yet,” D’Angelis said. “We have a lot of kids trying to prove that they belong on the field. We have so much to grow on. I think that leads to success. I think they’re getting a different perspective. I’m excited to see how these girls push themselves movSee VIEW, Page 11

Photo by Jim Hague

The Kearny High School girls’ soccer team is solid as it comes along their defensive backline.

By Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com

KEARNY – Before Mike Sylvia began his second season as the head girls’ soccer coach at Kearny High School, he wanted to make sure that a gigantic change was necessary. Sylvia had to remove the Kardinals from the Hudson County Interscholastic Athletic League, where the Kards have simply dominated since the inception of the HCIAL a decade ago, and play basically an independent schedule. “It was my decision,” Sylvia said. “I did it for our girls. We had to challenge them more. I’m happy with the league. The league has been good to us. But I feel that this was putting them in the best position. It’s the

best thing for the girls.” So instead of playing basically non-competitive matches against the Jersey City public schools, Sylvia put together a schedule that featured West Orange (a 1-1 tie), Watchung Hills (a 1-0 loss), perennial state playoff opponent Bridgewater Raritan-West (a 3-2 loss), Chatham (a 3-2 loss) and Livingston (a 4-1 win last Friday). It doesn’t get any easier from there, because the Kardinals have matches slated against Montclair, Westfield and Lyndhurst, a showdown of the two local champions this Friday at 4 p.m. at Kearny High School. Just to make things just a little tougher, but Hurricane Ida turned Harvey Field into Harvey Lake two weeks ago and the

backwash of flood waters damaged the area’s best FieldTurf facility Pitch Perfect into Pitch Unplayable for the remaining of the season. The Kards will play at either the high school Don’t cry for Mike Sylvia because this is what he wanted and it’s going to make his program better in the long run – well, not the flooding of Harvey Field. “I think we’re only going to get better,” Sylvia said. “I asked (former girls’ coach and current athletic director) Vin Almeida and he was all for it.” So instead of having a gaudy eye-popping record after eight matches, the Kards own a more pedestrian 4-3-1 record. They will See KARDINALS, Page 10

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

KARDINALS

Continued from Page 9 still compete in the upcoming Hudson County Tournament to try to lay claim to their incomparable 12th straight county title, but the regular season is designed to face everyone else. “Every game we play now is a battle,” Sylvia said. “We’ve had a couple of double overtime games already. We had a big win over Livingston. We have to be prepared every game, because we’re going to be challenged every game. I think this is great.” In goal is junior Gaby Matias, who is a returning starter in net. “She’s very calm under pressure and makes big saves,” Sylvia said. The backup is sophomore Aracely Vazquez, who is more than capable between

the pipes. “She’s the future there,” Sylvia said. “She’s maturing as an athlete. I’m totally confident with either one.” The team’s center back is one of the very best around – and one of the very best all-around athletes in the area. Junior Maci Covello is so rock solid as the team’s center back. She’s also a great basketball and softball player, putting her in discussion with being among the top all-around athletes around. “She’s fantastic,” Sylvia said. Senior Andrea Toledo is the team’s “emotional leader,” according to Sylvia said. Toledo is the team’s other center defender. Seniors Mariana Martins, Carly Natosi and Victoria Vinan join Covello and Toledo in what may be the best backline in the entire state.

“We’re strong back there,” Sylvia said. “It’s nice to have that kind of experience and leadership in the defense. It’s invaluable to have that kind of experience. It’s something you don’t get often. They’re as tough as nails.” Freshman Olivia Covello, Maci’s little sister, is the team’s starter at defensive midfielder. “She’s playing way above her years,” Sylvia said. “She’s physically much different than her sister, but she can play.” Senior Abby Crispin is another midfielder who is a captain and the team’s leading assist maker with six. The Schivel twins, Tatyanne and Gabriela, find their way into either the forward line or the midfield. “Taty is coming off an injury, but she’s working her way back,” Sylvia said. “Gabby is rock solid. They

Walter Perez, M.D. Doctor of Obstetrics & Gynecology

• Prenatal Care • Family Planning • Basic Infertility • Sterilization • Irregular Menses • Fibroids, Cysts, etc. Major Insurances Accepted Now also taking United Community Health Plan

Fluent in Spanish & Portuguese 213 Harrison Ave., Harrison, NJ • 973-350-0800

Most Insurances Accepted

“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

kind of flip-flop back and forth.” Not only are the Schivel twins juniors, but they are so totally identical. That has to confuse teams trying to defend them. “Gabby is more of a forward,” Sylvia said. “It’s up to me how to use them.” Gabby Schivel has four goals this season and two assists. Julia Araujo and Emily Horvaht are also juniors with powerful legs and deadly shots. Both have scored four goals thus far, as has Maci Covello from her center back slot. But the team’s leading scorer is junior Paige Raefski, who has five goals and three assists. As you can see, it’s a well balanced attack. “All of these girls have played together since their freshman year,” Sylvia said. “Some even longer. That’s definitely an asset for us.

They all know each other well. I think they’re performing well under pressure.” Freshman Vanessa Salgado gets into the mix. She’s a talented rookie who will collect headlines very shortly. “She’s coming off the bench, but she deserves the time she gets,” Sylvia said. The Kardinals’ only real defeat this season was to Hurricane Ida, but Harvey Field will recover eventually. The Kards are doing fine without a home and without a league, but might be better for it come state playoff time next month. “We think our team is very talented,” Sylvia said. “But when you get to the top level, it’s more than talent. You need all the intangibles to get by.” And it will be fun to watch the Kards compete for higher ground later this month.

View entire issue online!

www.TheObserver.com

Premier Care Dr. Prakash J. Doshi

TALKS

Dr. Hector Aguilar

DO I HAVE THE FLU OR IS IT FOOD POISONING?

You are experiencing nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, and a fever, but is it the flu or is it food poisoning? Stomach flu is a contagious virus, so the first question to ask yourself is, has anyone you know been sick lately? Likewise, food poisoning is probably going to affect anyone who ate the same tainted food that made you ill, so check in with any recent meal mates. Food poisoning is caused by bacteria in food, and symptoms usually strike suddenly a few hours after eating it. People are more likely to feel the flu coming on when they experience signs such as drowsiness, loss of appetite, and a sore throat. You can reduce the risk of food poisoning by properly handling

food and following four easy steps: wash, separate, cook and refrigerate. Although everyone is at risk for contracting food poisoning, certain vulnerable populations are even more susceptible, so be extra careful if you are high risk or handling food for older adults, pregnant women, younger children and those with weakened immune systems. To schedule an appointment, please call PREMIER CARE ASSOCIATES OF WEST HUDSON at 201-998-7474. Our office is located at 512 Kearny Ave., Suite B. P.S. One differences between the flu and food positions is duration. The flu lasts much longer, anywhere from three to fourteen days, as opposed to one to three days for food poisoning.

Lic# 27OA00690300

Email any questions or comments to: premiercare@gmail.com

Lic # 27OA00646200

Premier Care Associates of West Hudson

Dr. Carla Domingues

348 Ridge Road • Lyndhurst La doctora habla Español

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

201.438.8668

A doutora fala Português

is available on a walk-in or appointment basis for your primary healthcare needs.

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

that was something I could bring to Belleville.” The fixture in goal is junior Continued from Page 9 Jennifer Romero. “She’s doing a phenomenal ing forward.” job,” D’Angelis said. “She reD’Angelis thinks that her ally has shown her maturity. youth has led to the Bucs’ Her knowledge of the game bonanza thus far. and her position is excellent. “I think with me being It outweighs most junior younger helps me relate with goalkeepers.” them more,” D’Angelis said. “I Romero’s backup is the think the preseason helped. capable sophomore Julia RasD’Angelis put together an nick, who also plays center exercise regimen that the back most of the time. Bucs have had to follow from “I think Julia is amazing the start. for being only a sophomore,” “I put the fitness part of D’Angelis said. “I think she the sport in them,” D’Angelis belongs on the field. She also said. “We put that in place has some room to grow. She’s and we had the optional definitely a threat on the practices over the summer field.” where it was all about being Senior Tania Melgar is anfit. They also had to do a lot other starter at center back. of running on their own and “She really has stepped up they obviously did. They’re to the plate as being a leader,” working hard at it.” D’Angelis said. “She has to D’Angelis was a forward be one of our more talkative and midfielder during her players.” playing days, so she knows The outside backs are what fitness meant to the senior Caitlin Gonzalez and success of a soccer team. junior Amelia Fabara. Sen“Speed was always my ior captain Caroline Higa is thing,” D’Angelis said. “I another who sees a lot of time worked hard at fitness when I at center defender. was in college and it was hard “She leads by example,” to keep up with me. I figured D’Angelis said. “It’s great to

VIEW

C ELEBRATING

EYE

tion out on the pitch. “I think having an experienced team helps putting together a different formation,” D’Angelis said. “I think we’re trying to take advantage of the experience and that has helped us.” Obviously, 6-1 is a heck of a lot better than 1-13. You don’t have to be a genius to figure that out. “It’s been great to watch Photos by Jim Hague these girls have some sucSenior Akemi Kanashiro has been a steady contributor at center midfield cess,” D’Angelis said. “I’m getting to watch them have for the Belleville girls’ soccer team, proud owners of a 6-1 record thus fun. And they’re really having far this season. RIGHT: Senior Tania Melgar is one of the starters for the so much fun.” Belleville girls’ soccer team at center back. The Bucs have games have her on the team.” could play either the midfield against Newark East Side Senior captain Akemi or defender, but she’s part of and Morris County Tech Kanashiro is a force at center the Bucs’ midfield right now. this week. Newark East Side midfielder. The Bucs use three fordefeated the Bucs 5-0 in the “Offensively, she brings a wards most of the time. season’s opening game. Needlot to the table,” D’Angelis Senior Chennaya Tschopp less to say, it’s been smooth said of Kanashiro, who has is a proven goal scorer who sailing for the Bucs ever two goals and two assists thus has found the net three times since, six straight wins. far. “She has a lot of room to thus far. Senior Aljahnee “It really has been exciting roam around and create some Harvey is the team’s leadto see the girls get excited,” space.” ing scorer with four goals. D’Angelis said. Junior Emily Gavidia is an- Senior Sophia Bojorquez is It usually works that way other solid midfielder. She’s another solid scoring threat in sports. Winning is infiscored four goals thus far. at forward. nitely better than losing – and Junior Kiara Diaz-Galasso D’Angelis said that she likes Belleville is winning girls’ is a versatile leader who putting the different formasoccer matches this season.

Y EARS !

CARE

DeLuca Vision Consultants Presented by Joseph A. DeLuca, M.D., F.A.C.S.

HEALTH&WELLNESS & &WELLNESS

DIRECTORY

RUNNING TOWARDS BETTER VISION

Exercising regularly is one of the best things we can do for our health. It increases our metabolism, helps our blood flow, and keeps our muscles strong. What can it do for our vision? Several studies over the last decade have shown that consistent physical activity can help prevent eye-related diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts. Since those conditions are usually a byproduct of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, it makes sense that exercise would keep them in check. This is especially true with glaucoma as it is a result of excessive pressure on the eyes. Some research has shown that exercise can also help prolong eye

health by delaying age-related vision loss. Physical activity can also help people with diabetes keep it under control. That reduces the risk of complications, including diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of vision loss among working age adults. For over 25 years, we have been a Leader in New York/New Jersey Ophthalmology, treating all eye conditions. We are located at 20 Park Avenue, Lyndhurst. To reach our optical shop, call 201-896-0007. We accept most insurance. P.S. Good cardio exercise increases the blood flow to the retina and optic nerve, keeping eyes healthy and vision strong.

www.delucavision.com

CARDIOLOGY & INTERNAL MEDICINE

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

To advertise, please call our office at:

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Nutley’s Harbison a cut above the rest

definitely frustrating.” New coach Vick had to be patient with Harbison, who is the The 2020 high school footson of Nutley head baseball and ball season was certainly one basketball coach Bob Harbison. to remember for the Maroon “We knew he was going to be Raiders of Nutley. After all, the a big part of our offense,” Vick Raiders enjoyed the first unde- said. “He’s a dual threat, both feated season since 1939. They running and throwing. He’s a won their divisional title in the good leader on the field. He’s Super Football Conference. like the coach’s representative With all the craziness caused on the field. He’s everything by the coronavirus COVID-19 you want in a quarterback.” pandemic, it was refreshing to Harbison got himself have a local team enjoy some healthy to play, but struggled historic success, led by a veteran somewhat to begin the 2021 coach in Steve DiGregorio, who season. Photo by Jim Hague retired after the season. “Once we started practice, he Nutley senior quarterback Matthew But the Raiders graduated a knew that he had to catch up Harbison. advertising@theobserver.com host of seniors from201-991-1600 that squad, with everyone else,” Vick said. leaving a handful of returning “He missed aClient: lot over the sumAnd a now-healthy Harbison r: players and a new head coach mer. He showed some signs of used the game to shine. in J.D. Vick. breaking out of it.” “It was the highest I had ever One of the returnees is senior Harbison knew that he didn’t been in my life,” Harbison said. quarterback Matt Harbison, play up to expectations to begin “I was throwing the ball better who was the signal caller for the season. and I felt better. It helped that I the Raiders last season. Harbi“It was definitely a rough knew the offense. I think being son was prepared to take over start,” Harbison said. “But then experienced helped me be a dvertising: Here is theaupdated template withtoapick newitphoto Jarlynn Hyde: the role of being senior leader, I started up and of play better player.” but was slowed a bit by a back the game the way I used to.” Harbison was at his best in injury. Recently, the Raiders faced the Millburn contest, complet“I was really limited over the Millburn with a chance to go ing 6-of-7 passes for 97 yards, summer,” Harbison said. “It was to 4-0. including a 20-yard touchdown pass to Frankie Contella, and rushed for 75 yards, including a 55-yard touchdown run, leading the Maroon Raiders to a 41-0 victory. For his efforts, Harbison has By Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com

Observer

Mid-Realty, Inc.

Let’s Talk

Real Estate Presented by Jarlynn Hyde

233 Kearny Ave., Kearny

Broker/Owner

NEUTRALIZING YOUR HOME FOR SALE You have spent years turning your covers to provide a blank canvas for house into a home, personalizing the buyers to project their own ideas on. space to meet the needs and aesthetWe have years of experience and ic desires of you and your family— a vast collection of knowledge of but now it’s time to sell. How do real estate priorities. We are skilled you keep your home’s unique charm on how to combine an objective while allowing potential buyers to evaluation of a property with a envision their own needs when they realistic assessment of market condivisit? Minimize your knick-knacks tions in order to establish an acand collectibles, displaying only curate, fair price. When you choose those that showcase features of the us as your real estate agents to sell house such as recessed shelving. your home, we will provide you Busy wallpaper and brightly colored with a market analysis of your home walls can be unappealing to people as well as an individualized marketwho don’t share your taste, so if ing plan. Begin the process with a possible, replace them with neutral call to our offices. “Our success has colors. Even patterned furniture been built one satisfied customer at would be better neutralized with slip a time.”

Visit out website at: www.midrealty.com P.S. When depersonalizing your house for sale, it is important to keep or add a few things that enhance a comfy, homey feel, such as house plants and throw pillows.

Mid-Realty, Inc.

572 Kearny Avenue • Kearny, NJ 07032 Office: (201) 991-5719 • Cell: (201) 602-7222 Please visit our website at:

www.midrealty.com

been selected as The Observer Athlete of the Week for the past week. Vick can’t stop singing the praises of Harbison. “He’s just a fine young man,” Vick said. “The quarterback spot is pretty important to our offense. We wanted him to play better. When he plays better, the other guys begin to play better. From Week 1 to Week 4, he has improved each week. And that helps his confidence and the team’s confidence. No question, we’re a better team with him.” Vick said that Harbison is also a top performer off the field as well. He owns a 4.0 grade point average and is a member of Vick’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization. For example, after Hurricane Ida’s floods damaged a lot of the area, Harbison and two other Nutley athletes, basketball players Nick Schroeder and Sahat Rahman, took it upon themselves to help a woman, whose home was severely damaged by the floods. “It was devastating to see,” Harbison said. “The water in her house must have been about three feet high. Her home was destroyed. We just did our best to help her clean out.” A day later, Harbison took

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

a bunch of his gridiron teammates to help others who were ravaged by the storm. “Coach Vick is very big on us being part of a volunteer effort,” Harbison said. “We were just doing what we could to help out.” There were a ton of other high school seniors in the area who simply sat on their keisters and did nothing. Harbison was not one of those. With a high GPA and obviously a sense of community, you would think that Harbison could have his pick of any college he wanted to play football for. That is not the case. The scholarship offers have not become a part of his lexicon, which is befuddling considering his talents. “I’m trying to make sure I do well in the classroom,” Harbison said. “I know that football doesn’t last forever. I’m just trying to get into the best possible school, but football is a big part of my decision.” Still, there have been no offers. “It’s definitely frustrating,” Harbison said. “I’m just trying to get my name out there. Whatever school recognizes that is going to be very lucky.” “He’s great on the football field and does very well academically,” Vick said. “He’s also involved in the community. What more else could you want in a young man?” Unfortunately, the Maroon Raiders’ win streak ended over the weekend with a 27-0 loss to Northern Valley/Demarest, falling to 4-1 overall. But the Raiders have a senior quarterback who will lead the team to war – and beyond.

FREE ALARM SYSTEM

WITH CENTRAL STATION MONITORING SERVING NORTHERN NJ • COMPETITIVE PRICING • FULLY BONDED & INSURED

SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1975

Authorized Security Dealer Certiﬁed

State Licensed

EFFECTIVE

ALARM SYSTEMS

N C

State Lic# 34ba00029800

All types of alarms from the smallest home to the largest industrial complex at competitive prices.

201-998-0890 • www.effectivealarms.com • sales@effecivealarms.com

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Obituaries MARION GREEN MCCONVILLE

Marion Green McConville, 97, of West Caldwell, died Wednesday, April 22, 2020. Because Marion died during the height of COVID in April 2020, her family could not have a wake, Mass, repast or enter the cemetery. We are finally able to honor Marion’s incredible life and legacy on Oct. 9, 2021. Marion’s memorial/funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m., at Saint Aloysius Church, 219 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell, followed by a prayer service at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover. Her children are as follows: Michael Green (deceased); Connie Green with three children, Michael, Nancy and Bryan and three grandchildren, Jeannie Green Paradiso, Donnie Paradiso, Billy Green; Laura and two grandchildren

Miracle Prayer Dear Sacred Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favors this time I ask you this special one favor. Take it. Dear Heart of Jesus and place it on your own broken heart where our Father sees it then in his merciful eyes it will be your favor not mine. AMEN. Say this prayer for 3 days and promise to publication and favor will be granted no matter how impossible. Never know to fail. L.B.

Susie Green – Frank Reveco (deceased) with three children - Angelica, Billy and Natalie; Marian Green Comprelli – Tony Comprelli with four children — Kevin, Anthony, Jimmy and Charles and eight grandchildren, Timmy Green – Jane Green with three children - Timmy, Mitch and Terri; Jimmy Green – Yvonne Green with two children – Jimmy and Emily; Ellen Green – Barry Mattern with two children – Barry and Shannon; Laurie Green with two children – Raymond and Michael; and Danny Green – LettyJo Green with two children – Danny and Allison. In total, 10 children, 22 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her

sister Gertrude Mansfield. Marion was predeceased by her first husband Michael E. Green in 1970, her second husband Joseph McConville in 2015 and her son Michael in 2000. Marion was also predeceased by her parents James and Regina O’Toole, her sister Florence Monahan and her brother Gerald O’Toole. Born and raised in Pittston, Pennsylvania, she graduated from St. Mary’s High School and shortly thereafter, moved to Harrison with her family. Marion worked at RCA in Harrison, doing her part during World War II. Marion met Michael and they were married at Holy Cross Church in Harrison. Michael was a very handsome

All obituaries must be submitted by email by 10 a.m., Mondays, to obituaries@ theobserver.com. Payment is due at submission.

sailor serving in the US Navy. After the war, they started a family with the birth of their son Michael. When the war ended, entrepreneurs Mike and Marion also started Mike’s Lunch business with a Jeep and a lot of hard work, eventually expanding the business to three large lunch trucks serving breakfast and lunch to various factory workers in the industrialized area. In future years, they added Mike’s Delivery

Service specializing in quick reliable delivery of products of major companies such as Wagner Electric and Remco. Marion was an integral part of the business, handling all correspondence, billing and routes while raising her large family. They built a family home at 433 Warren St., raising 10 children (five girls and five boys). Marion and Mike’s home was See OBITS, Page 14

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

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

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

REPAST

During your difficult time, leave the planning to us...

596 Belgrove Dr. • Kearny, NJ 07032 (201) 991-0657 SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1976

INDOOR DINING AVAILABLE RESERVATIONS ARE SUGGESTED

LET US CATER FOR YOU! 31 HARRISON AVE. | HARRISON, NJ 973.485.7750 | SPANISHPAVILLION.COM

Classic & Specialty Italian Dishes

Private Rooms Available 11-35 River Road North Arlington, NJ 201.246.0100 See Seeour ourMenu Menu@@CentanniNJ.com CentanniNJ.co m

Deepest appreciation to Armitage Funeral Home Mark Wiggins & Kathy Gillespie St. Stephen’s Church Father Joe Mancini

Diane & Larry Miller and Family

Restaurant & Bar Specializing in Seafood & BBQ Catering for All Occasions & Takeout

973.481.3646 224 GRANT AVENUE • EAST NEWARK

www.picnicrestaurant.com

ENJOY OUR OUTDOOR DINING WITH DAILY LUNCH & DRINK SPECIALS OPEN 7 DAYS • TAKE OUT AVAILABLE 602 RIDGE RD. • NORTH ARLINGTON 201.998.0911

www.lassonirestaurant.com

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

1970 at the very young age of 50, leaving Marion to raise their family and Continued from Page 13 run the businesses. Marion carried on and five years later, married always warm and welMarine Joseph McCocoming. Holiday parties nville, who was born in and large gatherings Ireland and was a very with friends and family talented bagpiper. They were common. If one led a life filled with trips of the children’s friends to Ireland and Marine asked to stay for dinner reunions all across the she would joke and say, US and Europe through “Name all 20 of my chilwhich they met many dren and you’re welcome lifelong friends. to stay! What’s one or Because of Joe’s playtwo more mouths to feed ing with various pipe when you already have bands, including the 12 at dinner?” Emerald Society, LeathSadly, Mike died in

OBITS

ernecks, Kearny Caledonians and the NJ State Police Pipe Band, they attended many parades and functions all around the country forming close friendships along the way. Marion was a very talented creative woman who could sew, cook, knit, crochet and had a very great skill with crafts. For many years she sewed bagpipe covers for many pipers in the area and knitted and crocheted their uniform socks. She belonged to many organizations

Think you can’t refinance because values are down?

RATES AT HISTORIC LOWS!

THINK AGAIN!

Analysis for Purchase & Refinance!

NORTH ARLINGTON • NJ 07031

FREE

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

TEL: 201.998.9050 • FAX: 201.820.0505

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

including the Harrison VFW, the Harrison Elks serving as president of the Women’s Auxiliary in 1969-1970, and Project Children was also very close to her heart which she supported ardently. Marion was also an outstanding athlete, playing tennis and basketball in high school and also playing on the RCA women’s basketball team. Swimming was one of her favorite sports and she made sure by having a pool in her backyard so her children would excel in the sports — and they did. Marion took enormous pride in all their accomplishments, academics and sports. After her children were grown, Marion worked part-time at the Argyle Gift Shop in Kearny for her dear friends Joan and John Nisbet and was always willing and able to babysit her grandchildren and friends’

children. Marion was a parishioner at Holy Cross Church in Harrison and after moving to Caldwell, worshipped at St. Aloysius Church. She belonged to many organizations and was a very social and friendly person. Marion was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and devoted friend to many. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends will remember her for her beautiful smile and unadulterated devotion to her family. Marion was the kind of mother and wife whose passion was her love and dedication to her family. Marion loved “Blue Bloods” and Tom Sellick and watched every episode multiple times. Her favorite songs were “Summer Wind” and “Danny Boy.” She raised her children to love and

respect each other, always and forever, no matter what the circumstances. She instilled in her children a sense of loyalty to one another and to their own friends and family. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Joan Nisbet, Kathy Reilly and Sister Eleanor who were special friends who visited her often and whom she loved dearly. We also thank Alice, her live-in caretaker, for the kind and loving attention she gave to our mom. She treated our mom as she would her own mother. Alice is a wonderful woman and will be a friend of our family for life. Marion’s family will miss her deeply as well as all who knew and loved her. She will be remembered for the love and affection she gave to See OBITS, Page 18

ATTENTION SELLERS! CONTACT ME TODAY FOR A NO COST, NO OBLIGATION MARKET EVALUATION!

HOUSE OF THE WEEK A LOT TO LIKE- Three bedroom Kearny Colonial with driveway and garage. Walk-up attic offers expansion possibilities. Close to Garfield School. Budget friendly asking price of $369,900. Hurry.

D OL

! S

D OL

! S

D OL

! S

D OL

ESTATE SALE - ONE OF A KIND - This stately 3 bedroom Arlington

Section Brick Colonial checks all the boxes. Lovely living room with wood burning fireplace, large formal dining room, spacious Eat in Kitchen and Den on the first floor. Classic tile bath on the second floor with three charming bedrooms. The basement is partially finished and contains a half bath and laundry room. The one car garage is accessible from the house. Nice level rear yard. Very quiet street. Must see at only

TRACT UNDER CON $415,000.

HEATHER GLENN - 2 BEDROOM CONDO - RENOVATED - New kitchen and bath, new laminate floors, new carpet. New balcony tile, just painted. View

KEARNY

NORTH ARLINGTON

NEWARK

6 BEDS • 2 BATHS • 2 FAMILY

3 BEDS • 1 1/2 BATHS • 1 FAMILY

4 BEDS • 3 BATHS • 1 FAMILY

CONDO • 3 BEDS • 2 BATHS

SOLD OFFICE EXCLUSIVE, TWO FAMILY WITH MANY UPDATES, FEATURING THREE BEDROOMS AND ONE FULL BATHROOM ON EACH FLOOR. LOCATED APPROXIMATELY 1 MILE FROM THE HARRISON PATH STATION.

SOLID BRICK CAPE COD BUILT IN 1969...ONE OWNER! FEATURES 3 BEDROOMS,EAT-IN KITCHEN,LIVING ROOM, 1 1/2 BATHROOMS, (1)CAR ATTACHED GARAGE, PLENTY OF STORAGE SPACE, LARGE REAR YARD FOR YOUR PLEASURE...HOME IN NEED OF SOME TLC... COME SEE TO APPRECIATE!

4 BEDROOM , 3 BATHROOM CUSTOM HOME SITUATED ON A 75X100 LOT IN THR HEART OF NORTH ARLINGTON TOWNSHIP.

METICULOUSLY KEPT 3 BEDROOM 2 FULL BATH CONDO CONVENIENTLY LOCATED TO NEWARK PENN STATION,NEWARK & HARRISON PATH, NJ TRANSIT TRAIN & BUS STATIONS.

$459,000

$356,000

of NYC. Includes a parking space and garage. Move in ready at $249,000.

TOAST OF THE TOWN - This beautifully renovated $539,000.

KEARNY 2 FAMILY - First floor apartment contains LR, EIK, T

TRAC Napartment BDRM D 2ndO floor contains LR, EIK, 2 BDRMS RC N andEBath. U and bath. A steal at $389,900.

$310,000

If you are thinking of buying or selling or just would like to know the current market and forecast for next 6 months, please contact me for a no cost/no obligation consultation at 201-522-6969.

MULTI FAMILIES 2 family Cape Cod boasts new kitchens and baths, new wiring, central air and so much more. Reduced for quick sale

$630,000

Gerardo Coppola Sales Associate

761 Ridge Rd. Lyndhurst 201-460-8000

Bringing buyers and sellers tenants and landlords together since 2004.

SEMIAO & ASSOCIATES

531 Kearny Ave. Kearny 201-991-1300

EACH OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED.

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Pre-Planning Your Burial Arrangements Can Be Easy with 0% Financing Protect your loved ones. • Eliminate tough decisions. • Maintain family heritage. From the most elegant to the most economical. •

Holy Cross & Holy Name cemeteries offer choices.

OPEN HOUSE WEEKENDS HOLY CROSS

Cemetery & Mausoleum 340 Ridge Road North Arlington , NJ 888-467-8903 Watch video at HolyCross-Cemetery.org

HOLY NAME

Cemetery & Mausoleum 823 West Side Avenue Jersey City , NJ 888-621-0337 Watch video at HolyNameCemetery.org

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17 8:30AM-4:30PM

Stop By  Call  Visit Online No appointment necessary Open daily 9:00am - 4:30pm www.CemeteryMinistry.org

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14 8:30AM-4:30PM

Stop By  Call  Visit Online No appointment necessary Open daily 9:00am - 4:30pm www.CemeteryMinistry.org

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OPEN HOUSE 0% FINANCING *AVAILABLE ONLY ON NEW OPEN HOUSE PURCHASES

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Observer Classifieds

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

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS

Stable and SAFE work environment and a chance to grow with a solid company •SKILLED CLIMBER & EXPERIENCED GROUND GUY •DRIVER

West Milford or North Jersey area Experience & Transportation and a valid drivers license a must Call

973-728-0842

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED Ofﬁce furniture installers needed No experience necessary Please contact us at (201)803-5468 21W04

PART TIME Ofﬁce Administrator Postition

14W08

Call Mid-Realty today for information how you can become a real estate agent! You have an opportunity to enjoy an independent full or part time career in real estate in just a few short weeks. For almost 60 years Mid-Realty Inc, has been a successful real estate company serving New Jersey. Whether looking for a new career or curious as to how our office supports our agents, call today for a confidential interview to find out more about us. (201)991-5719 Email midrealty@gmail.com 20W09

Mid-Realty is seeking a part time admin professional to serve as an ofﬁce assistant. A licensed Real Estate agent would be a plus, However, not required. Please call (201)991-5719 20W03

SERVICES OFFERED BENMAR PAYROLL AND ACCOUNTING Full PAYROLL Service • Tax Preparation & Compliance • Full Bookkeeping and Collections • Business Formation and Sales Tax • PAYROLL for Construction • Workers Comp Audit –State Audits Email: mmartes@benmarservices.com call 973-979-7957- Free Consultation Certiﬁed Public Accountant Firm 21W06

Hows keeping & some care giving. Must speak Portuguese $13/HR 3 to 4 hours a day up to 7 days a week call (201)679-0761 21W03

APPLIANCES & ELECTRONICS REPAIR OVER 20 YEARS SERVING NJ RESIDENTS IN 6 COUNTIES. FALAMOS PORTUGUES. HABLAMOS ESPANOL. FREE ESTIMATE AT SANTRONICS.NET OR CALL 908-403-0313 46W26

LOOKING FOR A SALES EXECUTIVE TO JOIN OUR TEAM Responsibilities include servicing existing accounts, calling inactive accounts,

PART TIME Customer service M-F 1-5PM only Call Brad (201)998-8080 21W03

generating new business and growing territories & building new leads. Background check. Send resumes with a cover letter of

THE OBSERVER is not responsible for

Looking to make extra cash? Are you a handyman? Painter?

typographical WAREHOUSE IN KEARNY,NJ Machine operator, High low driver. Overtime On Saturdays if wanted. Call (201)998-8700 21W03

introduction to

errors. Credit for errors will not be granted after the next week’s publication. $10 for minimal changes.

jobs@theobserver.com

No refunds once ad is taken DRIVER needed for Newark based wholesale seafood company No CDL required. Must have current NJ Driver license Please Call 973-623-8989 20W03

and C.C charged.

Full Time Teacher's Assistant seeking creative, patient & energetic person to assist teacher in Pre-K classroom. CDA Preferred Email resume to kidz2100dir@aol.com

ALL CLASSIFIED ADS

Warehouse Packers Receptionist/ Ofﬁce Assistant Apply in person : 260 Schuyler Ave Kearny,NJ,07032 20W03

DISHWASHER PART TIME Friday and Saturday nights in busy Lyndhurst restaurant Call (201)935-0004 20W03

Immediate openings for experienced Pharmacy technician and evening cashier Bilingual a plus Apply in person Midtown Pharmacy 581 Kearny ave Applymidtown581@ gmail.com 21W03

Deadline for Classiﬁeds

The Observer

Employment/Business

Your ad will appear in print

Monday 12:00 PM

& online and will reach

MUST BE PRE-PAID

20W03

Help wanted for Busy Deli Full TimePart Time Days and Evenings Apply in Person D&F Deli 396 Davis Ave, Kearny 22W03

All others Monday by 3:00 PM.

Hotel in Harrison NJ is looking for Room Attendants and Housemen with cleaning experience $15 per hour + Beneﬁts (347)531-9844. Se habla espanol 21W03

Part time food prep, drivers, dishwashers. Full time assistant chef. Apply in Person @ 339 Bergen Ave, Kearny. 22W03

Advertise your talents with

E-mail Ads to classiﬁed@theobserver.com.

thousands of loyal customers in print & on the web!

Call (201) 991-1600

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Observer Classifieds

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

FURNISHED ROOM FOR RENT

BELLEVILLE

HARRISON

KEARNY

LYNDHURST

BELLEVILLE

HARRISON 2nd floor, 2 BR, LR, DR, Modern Kitchen. $1,800/month. 1 month security. 1 off street parking space included Walking distance to PATH. No pets. No smoking. Avl. Now (973) 420-0139 20W03

KEARNY 2 BR in 2 Family House, LR, Bathroom, Kitchen. C/A. Newly Renovated. $1,500/mth 1 1/2 month security. Avl. Now. (201) 207-2870.

BELLEVILLE 1st. Floor, 3BR, LR, DR, EIK, refrigerator, gas stove, 1 bathroom, hardwood floors, Heat/HW included. No washer/dryer, no pets, no smoke. $1900 + 1 1/2 month security. Credit check required. Available now. Call or text 201-4639483/ 973-609-2770 20W03

KEARNY BELLEVILLE 2ND Fl, 2 BR Apt. HT/HW Included. 1 months security. No Pets/Smoking. AVL.October 15th . Call Maria (973) 759-7077 21W03

KEARNY Cozy 1 BR. Apt. Bldg. Arlington Sect. Newly Renovated. Laundry on Premises. HT/HW included. Near Transportation. No pets. $1150 + 1.5 monthssecurity. (201) 998-4972 Available Now 20W03

BELLEVILLE Small studio, basement. $700 + 1 months security. Utilities included. No pets/smoking. Good area. Available Now. English before 3PM (862) 888-3611 Espanol (862)888-5100 22W01

KEARNY 2 bedroom apartment for rent. $1500 + 1 month security. Available November 1st. (201)238-5254 22W03

21W03

LYNDHURST 1 Large BR, EIK. Walk in closet or office. $1450 + 1.5 months security. Utilities separate. Close to NYC Trans. No Pets/Smoking. Background check required. Available November 1st (646)831-4342 22W03

New + Re-roofing • Flat roofing • Siding

Lic#13VH04302300 10W54

KEARNY looking for M/F roommate . 1 BR, Share Kitchen, No Smoking/ Pets. Available October 1st, Background check call for further details (973)715-3114 21W03

GARAGE SALE

N.ARLINGTON

OPEN HOUSE N.ARLINGTON 4 1/2 room 1st floor apartment, 2 bedrooms, HW floors throughout, Easy access to public transit. Off Street Parking $1,500/mth (908)3109068 21W03

NO. ARLINGTON GARAGE SALE 49 Shields Pl. N.Arlington Sat. Oct 9th 9am-3pm. Multi family garage sale. Something for everyone!! 22W01

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 134-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?

NUTLEY

PLUMBING & HEATING

HALL FOR RENT

Try The Observer’s Classifieds ... and see results right away. Call us today to place your ad.

(201) 991-1600 21W06

LACA CORP

Paint * Powerwash* and More •Interior • Exterior •Free Estimates•Fully Insured 973-759-8869 973-930-5002 50W52

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 20W06

G&R BUILDERS PAYLESS ROOFING

JOSEPH V. FERRIERO Plumbing & Heating

Roofing - Siding - RepairsSame day service Same phone number for 20 Years

(201)637-1775

paylessroofingservices.com

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

(201) 565-6393. 21W06

KEARNY Garage for rent in Kearny $150/mth. Please call (201)693-3480. 22W03

21W06

HOME IMPROVEMENT

22W06

NUTLEY. Open House Sunday Oct. 10th. 1:30p to 4:00pm PAINTERS Location, location! Lovely, spacious, colonial home in the heart of Nutley. 5BR, 2.5Bath, large EIK, formal dining, Kevin’s Affordable LR, partial finished Painting bsmt, deck, huge bkyd. Sheetrocking, Plastering, Floors, Walking distance to Doors and more. NYC bus, school, shops. Very neat and clean. For information You will be happy with call Katherine our service and prices. 973-943-5222 Refrences available Century 21 Gemini, Senior Discounts LLC. Call for the best price

GARAGE FOR RENT

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

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

20W06

22W01

RUBBISH REMOVAL A-1 AFFORDABLE RUBBISH REMOVAL

BELLEVILLE male pref• Gutters ered. responsible person. (973) 343-1167 no smoking. No kitchen. (201) 528-8350 $580 + 1 month security. (800)322-1019 erickconstructionnj.com Utilities included (973) Free estimates - Fully insured 332-5613 21W03

ROOMMATE NEEDED

KEARNY 2nd fl. 3 BR’s, 2 bath, Large LR, Kitchen, Central A/C, Washer/ Dryer room. No pets. No smoking. 2,200/month. 1 1/2 months security. Avl. Nov 1st. (718) 913-6118. Belgrove Dr Kearny NJ 07032 22W03

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

LANDSCAPING & DESIGN

(973)906-8404

LIC#13VH00418100 21W06

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 21W06

PEST CONTROL

Roofing & Siding Free Estimates 201-780-7419 qualitygroupnj.com

@qualitygroupnj Licensed & Insured 13VH11202700 21W06

PEST CONTROL Exterminating Fast Service • Roaches • Ants • Bed Bugs • Fleas Call 973-932-2092 Licensed and Insured 19W06

Mario Esposito’s Landscaping LLC •Clean-up •Lawn Maintenance •Top soil •Mulch •Spring Clean up Free Estimate (201) 438-3991 19W04

CLEANING SERVICES A-Z MAGIC CLEANING Cleaning services for your house and office. Call for an appointment and free estimate. 347-743-5751 (Spanish) 973-391-4095 (English) 22W03

AUTUMN LEAVES ARE FALLING

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

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.waynerefrigeration.com

HIGHEST CASH PAID ON THE SPOT BUYING GOLD & DIAMONDS

Arlington

Jewelers

JEWELRY PROFESSIONALS FOR OVER 40 YEARS

ear Gold is N z.! er o p 0 0 ,8 1 $ vantage Take Ad O N W!

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

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

OBITS

Continued from Page 14 everyone who stood in her company. God Bless Marion! Funeral services are entrusted to the ShookFarmer Funeral Home, Roseland. You may visit www.shookfarmer.com to leave condolences.

HELEN KWIATKOWSKI

Helen Kwiatkowski (nee Chuck) died peacefully on Sept. 6, 2021, in her Toms River home surrounded by her daughters. Born in Jersey City, she raised her family in Kearny and enjoyed summers in her Mystic Island home. Prior to her retirement, she worked as an accounts receivable and accounts payable

Wednesday, October 6, 2021 clerk. Since settling in Silver Ridge North in 2003, she was a member of the Red Hats Society, the Women’s Club and a pool monitor. An avid knitter, she enjoyed playing cards, bocce ball and mahjong, as well as bus trips with her large circle of friends. Her happiest memories were spending time with her family, especially around the dinner table. Helen was predeceased by her beloved husband, John Kwiatkowski. She also joins her parents, Samuel and Felicia Chuck, brothers Edward, Joseph, John and Samuel, as well as her cherished uncle, Chester Goczkowski. Helen leaves behind a legacy of love and a large grieving family, including daughters Judith McCarthy and her husband Edward, and Cynthia Kwiatkowski and her long-time partner Nicho-

las Poverman; grandchildren, Justine Rios and her husband Robert and Jonathan McCarthy; as well as great-grandson, Jackson Rios. Helen is also survived by adoring siblings Diana Schalk (William), Elaine Kelly (George), Paul Chuck (Mildred), Anthony Chuck (Patricia), Chester Chuck (Linda), and Dorothy Bamford (Robert) and three generations of nieces and nephews. Funeral services were under the direction of Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, Toms River. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in her memory may be made to the Silver Ridge Park Emergency Squad at P.O. Box 3311, Toms River, N.J. 08756 or the Visiting Nurse Association Health & Hospice Group at VNA Health Group Foundation at 23 Main St., Suite D1, Holmdel, N.J. 07733 or online at vnahg.org/giving.

Kearny man, an NJ DCFS case worker, had child porn on devices: US Att’y By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com A Kearny man whose job is to protect children from irresponsible adults finds himself on the wrong side of the law after the United States Attorney’s Office says he was found with child porn on an electronic device recently at Newark Liberty International Airport Trent Collier, 55, of Kearny, a caseworker for the New Jersey Department of Children and Family Services, was charged by complaint, last week, with one count of possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Rachel A. Honig said. He made his initial appearance by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leda Dunn Wettre and was released on $50,000

unsecured bond. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: On Sept. 28, 2021, Collier arrived at Newark Airport aboard a flight from the Dominican Republic. Law enforcement officials searched his luggage and say they located a tablet device and a cellular phone. A forensic search of both devices identified at least two images of child sexual abuse depicting prepubescent children. Based on an analysis of the phone, Collier sent the images via WhatsApp message. The maximum penalty if Collier is convicted is 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross pecuniary gain to the defendant or twice the gross pecuniary loss to someone else, whichever is greatest.

WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

CONCERT

Continued from Page 1 needed. There had to be one in Kearny, we knew it, they knew it and we wanted to help the hospital get it. And they did.” As for the concert? “It was incredible,” Carr, now retired, says. “Such a memorable night.” Others remembered the concert, too, like Ann Kurta. She was 14 at the time and new to the former Queen of Peace High School. And, she was one of the several thousand concert-goers. She recalls someone in the group, like most traffic reporters, didn’t know how to pronounce Kearny — and that didn’t go over too well. “I was a freshman at Queen of Peace in NA not KHS, although I am a retired Kearny schools teacher, and graduated in 1975,” Kurta says. “I remember going with my mom to get a new outfit especially for it. It was my first concert. The

VAX

Continued from Page 1 vaccine have been recommended by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for those found to be “immuno-compromised” and for those age 65 and older. The CDC advises taking the booster at least six months after having received the primary Pfizer vaccine. Further guidance is offered

The Observer | www.theobserver.com most specific thing I remember about the show was that they mispronounced Kearny with a long ‘e’ and got booed for that.” Now, if you could even imagine, The 5th Dimension — Wiki says they formed as the Versatiles in 1965 and changed their name in 1966 — weren’t the only huge name to play KHS Stadium between 1969 and 1971, but we’ll get to those acts a bit later. This night brought Lamonte McLemore, Marilyn McCoo, Florence LaRue, Ronald Townson and Billy Davis Jr. to Kearny. Tickets were $5 a piece. They reportedly played quite a few of their hits, including “Up Up and Away” and “Aquarius.” Now you’d be right to ask — how the heck did Carr get The 5th Dimension to play in little ole Kearny when they cost $30,000 an hour to hire and had previously performed at legendary venues like Madison Square Garden and Chicago Stadium? “I knew they were doing a Friar roast, the first of its kind,” Carr recalls

on the CDC website. As of last week, Santos said, Kearny was reporting a rate of 5.96 cases per day every seven days or about 42 new cases per week. “We’ve been at this level for the past couple of weeks,” he added. Residents with questions about the vaccination process are encouraged to call the Health Department at (201) 997-0600 Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and ask for Nelly Albizu at ext. 3500 or Fran Olenik at ext. 3505.

of Oct. 5, 1971. “I knew they’d be close by.” And since he also knew the Manhattan-based company that managed them, the William Morris Agency — and had already booked other big names through that organization — he figured, what the heck? Let’s give it a shot. “And at first, they thought it was a joke,” Carr says. “You can’t afford $30,000,’ I was told. And the manager hung up on me.” But Carr wasn’t about to give up. He was already able to assemble a who’s who of late ‘60s and early ‘70s acts — like Frankie Valli, The Duprees, Johnny Maestro and the Brookly Bridge, Vanilla Fudge, Little Anthony and the Imperials — to perform at Kearny HS. So even though the company essentially laughed in his face, he kept going. And eventually booked The 5th Dimension. He did it by charming the group after they’d performed in May 1971 at the Garden State Arts Center in Holmdel and after they agreed to do it at a 50% discount — it would only cost Carr

In other business: n The town’s annual Halloween Parade – postponed last year due to the pandemic – will be staged next month at a date and time expected to be announced at the next council session, Santos said. n Harvey Field off Schuyler Avenue and Rodgers Playground off Belgrove Drive will remain closed indefinitely pending restoration of surfaces at both sites, according to Michael Neglia, the town’s consulting engineer.

$15,000 for an hour — or, $102,000 in today’s money. Still a bargain. The day of the concert, McCoo and a few others in the band drove with Carr around West Hudson in a limo as their crew was setting things up at the stadium. “They loved what they saw,” Carr says. “They were just wonderful.” It was a memorable day 50 years ago and because of the concert, West Hudson Hospital got its much needed radioisotope scanner, forever memorialized in The Observer a short time after the concert. And there was a play on words with the name The 5th Dimension (see accompanying photo.) The 5th Dimension was among the last concerts Carr put on at KHS — he says it was just too taxing emotionally, physically and economically — but he says everyone was on board in the district, everyone enjoyed the concerts — and all these years later … “So many remember how great they were,” Carr says. “It’s hard to believe it was half a century ago.”

Neglia said Hurricane Ida caused the front turf section to be “rippled and filled with debris. I’m recommending we replace the entire surface under a state contract.” The job should be completed by March, he estimated. “For the back section,” Neglia said, “we’re struggling to clean debris off the grass.” Santos added: “The challenge is how to clean the field without breaking the surface.” Meanwhile, Town Recreation Director Ralph Cattafi said he’s found alter-

nate sites for teams to play or practice during the field’s closure. As for Rogers Playground, Neglia said he’s recommending replacing the tiled surface “in its entirety.” He didn’t say how long that job would take to complete. n The Kearny Fire Department will be distributing free fire detectors to residents on Oct. 9, the last day of Fire Prevention Week. More details will be provided later.

PRE-K

WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM

space. Corbett said he recruited “an experienced pre-K teacher and an aide” to assign to the class at Holy Cross. Meanwhile, the existing teacher and aide at the Borough School are being retained to handle the full-day pre-K session there, he said. The state grant helps the district pay for the new employees, a pre-K intervention team, some new furniture and teaching supplies, he said. Corbett lauded the borough Board of Education for being “very supportive” of the grant application process to make the fullday pre-K a reality. Another “first” happened in fall 2020, Corbett noted, when the state DOE designated it a “High Performing District” based on an examination of school personnel, school governance, financial management, instruction and programs/operations.

Happy FIRST BIRTHDAY JASON!

Continued from Page 2

With so much love from Kevin to you, Grandma Melanie & dad and mom

10.2.2021

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

DENTISTRY DEDICATED

TO EXCELLENCE. With combined experience of 50 years, Dr. Elfar and his team of dental professionals, provide the highest

$99*

quality of dentistry at affordable prices!

NEW PATIENT EXAM, CLEANING AND X-RAYS

SERVICES • General Dentistry

• Invisalign

*FOR NONINSURED PATIENTS

• Cosmetic Dentistry • Pediatric Dentistry • Implants

• Periodontics

• Dentures

• Preventative/

• Oral Surgery

FREE

CONSULTATIONS (FOR IMPLANTS & INVISALIGN ONLY.

Hygiene

X-RAYS NOT INCLUDED.)

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

$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 • EARLY, LATE AND WEEKEND HOURS 837 KEARNY AVE. KEARNY, NJ T: 201.991.1055

NEW LOCATION!

645 MAIN ST. • HACKENSACK, NJ T: 201.347.5001

WWW.GENUINESMILESPA.COM

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