e-Newspaper for Oct. 27, 2021 by The Observer Newspaper

Wednesday, 27 October 2021

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Vol. CXXXIV, No. 25

ON THE INSIDE Kearny High School students may now opt to get an associate degree & HS diploma together. See Page 5

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

RIVERSIDE C’TY. PARK UPGRADES PLANNED

Artist renderings of the coming amphitheater and comfort station.

Ground to be broken this week for amphitheater & comfort station in North Arlington By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com

he renaissance in Bergen County’s park system continues locally as ground was to be broken in River-

side County Park in North Arlington for a new amphitheater and comfort station at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 26. Bergen County officials were to be on hand for the groundbreaking, most notably Commissioner Steve Tanelli, of North Arlington.

Here’s a look at what is to be built in the North Arlington portion of the park. Derek Sands, the director of communications for Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III, says park-goers should expect unique

additions to the park. “The Riverside comfort station and amphitheater, located in the southern end of the park, will serve as a focal gathering space, provide bathroom See PARK, Page 19

After COVID hiatus, PAWRade returns this weekend

Following a one-year hiatus caused by COVID-19, Kearny’s annual PAWrade returns Oct. 30, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Arlington Depot Park. A Doggie Halloween Costume Contest headlines the festival. Proof of a current dog license and upto-date rabies vaccine is required with complete registration. Pre-registration is available through Oct. 27 online at forms.gle/pYUbnVVPACSGX5Uu8.

Download forms from www.kearnynj.org, or pick up forms at Kearny Town Hall or K-9 Corner/Bone Appetit Barkery (169 Midland Ave., Kearny.) You may also register on the day of the event from 10 to 11:30 a.m. You must have proper paperwork to register at the PAWrade. There will also be opportunities to provide forever homes to dogs from both the Bergen County Animal

Shelter and Associated Humane Society-Newark Branch. Also scheduled is free microchipping, a Doggie Paint Collage, a “Doggie Bone Yard,” a Doggie Halloween Balloon Photo Wall, Sugar Skull Dog Portraits, a meet and greet with Blue from Blue’s Clues, a Pitty (Pit Bull) Kissing Fundraising Booth and more. Only one dog per handler; handlers must 18 & older. — CANESSA

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Wednesday, October 27, 2021

KEARNY’S OLDEST CHURCH I By the Rev. Matthew Swiatkowski Gospel Light Church Pastor have always dreamed of what it must have been like to stand on our church property and to be dwarfed by the standing corn and listen to it rustle in the summer breeze, or maybe stand in a cabbage field, or possibly a hay field just to watch

Mr. Boyd plow the rows and talk to the horses as he worked. This was his property and his farm. It stretched from what is now Kearny Avenue down to Schuyler and from Bergen Avenue to what is now Wilson Avenue. There were no roads, no power lines, no cars or buses, no multi-family dwellings. Just land and thick, rich black dirt that could grow anything a man

had a mind to plant. The silence at night must have been breathtaking to be a part of, and staring into the night sky and seeing it all lit up in glorious splendor with the heavens on display could leave anyone speechless. It was all farmland complete with a marshland at the base of it. It would not be unusual to hear the lowing of cows and the

Photo courtesy of Melanie Ryan

Once known as the Kearny Union, the Gospel Light Baptist Church, at the southwest corner of Bergen and Davis avenues, is seen here circa 1948. The church building turns 145 years old in 2021 and is the oldest physical church in Kearny.

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sound of horses. In Mr. Boyd’s wildest imagination, he probably never dreamed his farm would become a busy intersection that in the course of a day, thousands would drive on. That was Kearny in 1872, and Mr. Boyd would not recognize it if he saw it today. In 1860, while war clouds hung darkly over the country, Mrs. John Condit got a burden about a lack of Sunday School in town and formed one in her home. There were no churches in Kearny at the time. To be accurate, it was not even Kearny yet. The area would not become a township until 1867. General Kearny had his home — a newly constructed mansion complete with orchards, vineyards and flower gardens — here in town; however, he never lived to enjoy it all as he died in battle at Chantilly, Virginia, in 1862. Mrs. Condit’s Sunday School was successful and ran for a while, but for some reason, unbeknown to us, the classes ceased. Fast forward to 1872, and a man, Halloway Whitfield Clouse (1839-1922), along with Miss Alice Morgan, decided to

start a Sunday School again. Halloway Whitfield Clouse is a strong German name, and it probably means nothing to you, but it should. There was a time when Mr. Clouse was kind of a big deal in Kearny, but that was long ago. Even still, he is not listed as a notable figure in the Kearny history pages. God knows him though, and we will learn of him. He was a Presbyterian man who had a love for the Lord and a desire to teach children about Jesus Christ. Mr. Clouse was a New Jersey native born in the area that is now Chester, and the family history goes back to the colonial days. He was a master carpenter working for the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroads and moved to Kearny as a young man. He married Martha J. Bennett, and they had three children together. Martha was also a Jersey girl with relatives who fought in the Revolution. Mr. Clouse was actively involved in town and served on the Board of Education for nine years, but his passion was with the church. His middle Continued on the next page

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

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BUILDING IS 145 YEARS OLD Continued from previous page

name, Whitfield, has me curious to know if he was named after the famed preacher George Whitfield. Even though there was an official town, there were still no church buildings. To go to church, one hopped in a carriage or on a horse and rode across the bridge into Newark. The Sunday School was formed, and they called it Kearny Union. They met in the schoolhouse that once stood in the area where the current CVS is on the corner of Schuyler and Bergen avenues. They began to save their pennies and received donations — even from the wealthy Halstead family — so they could get their own building. Kearny remained a farming town until the 1870s, and the shopping district was on Elm Street and Midland Avenue. Progress was coming to town, and the farmland began to be sold off for homes to be built. The Kearny Land Company was in the middle of all of this. And while we are not sure how it all happened, we can be sure to say the Lord was involved. The Kearny Land Company donated a piece of ground that was once part of the Boyd Farm to Kearny Union. There were three stipulations. First, they had six months to build a building.

Second, they could spend no less than $1,500. Third, if it ever ceased to be a church, the property would revert to the Kearny Land Company. With the land secured and money on hand and a master carpenter in charge, members of Kearny Union began to build. I doubt they brought a camera to the site, but I hold out hope that maybe someday a photograph will surface of the construction. It was in 1876, and horse-drawn wagons delivered the lumber down the newly cut dirt roads and placed it on the land. Fieldstones were dug and placed in the ground to make the foundation. Windows, doors, hardware, bricks for a chimney as well as slate shingles, and boxes of nails were all hurriedly brought to the job site for the dauntless task of building in six months. In May 1876, members of the Kearny Union began construction, and I am sure they worked well into the evening as long as they had light and all-day Saturdays. The building was completed in October 1876. Something that Halloway could say, “We did that, us and the Lord.” Mr. Clouse with all his skills oversaw the work and built a building that has withstood hurricanes, blizzards, and See GOSPEL, Page 18

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IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION Opinion....................................................................................Page 6 Sports......................................................................................Page 9 Health & Wellness Directory.................................................Page 10

Obituaries...............................................................................Page 13 Business Directory...........................................................Pages 15 Classiﬁeds ....................................................................... Pages 16-17

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Wednesday, October 27, 2021

IS BLOOMFIELD COLLEGE CLOSING? By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com

he state’s only Predominantly Black

Institution (college) is in danger of closing its doors for good — and the school’s president is taking the

unusual step of letting the world know, hoping there could be a savior or more out there who might be able to

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help keep the place open. Bloomfield College says it is seeking strategic partnerships and philanthropic support from the higher education and corporate communities to enable the four-year institution to continue its mission of creating educational pathways that are often not otherwise available for learners from traditionally underserved communities and low-income students. More than 85% of the college’s students are people of color, nearly 71% are Pell Grant eligible and the median family income is below $32,000. It is the only four-year college in New Jersey recognized as a Predominantly Black

Institution (PBI), Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority Serving Institution (MSI). Bloomfield College, founded in 1868, says it is in a difficult financial situation following a decade of decline in enrollment, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Because tuition is the college’s primary source of revenue, the reduction in enrollment has resulted in severe financial challenges that are expected to last for years to come. Other small-sized colleges and universities find themselves in a similar spot, the college says. See BC, Page 19

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Wednesday, October 27, 2021

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KEARNY COLLEGE Program with HCCC will allow KHS kids to get diploma & associate degree together

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Kearny Superintendent Patte Blood and HCCC President Christopher Reber signing agreement to allow KHS students to pursue a 2-year degree.

tudents at Kearny High School could earn an associate degree at the same time they get their high school diplomas, thanks to a new agreement between the school district and Hudson County Community

College. Superintendent of Schools Patricia Blood and Hudson County Community College President Christopher Reber signed an agreement Oct. 21 for the HCCC Early College Program to take roots in Kearny. As a result of the agreement, Kearny High School students will have the opportunity to earn an associate degree in liberal arts upon high school graduation. Students will complete a combination of college-level courses taught as part of the high school curriculum by qualified high school instructors and courses taught by HCCC faculty on the KHS campus after regular school hours. Credits earned transfer toward baccalaureate degrees at four-year colleges and universities, and students who complete the program will finish their senior year of high school with both a high school diploma and an HCCC degree. The 16 Kearny HS students enrolled in the first HCCC-KHS cohort may take Basic French I, College Composition I, College Student Success and Introduction to Computers during the 2021-22 academic year. “Paul Measso, Kearny High’s director of school counseling, and Flora Encarnacao, director of curriculum and instruction, have worked closely with Hudson County CC to develop this dual-enrollment partnership, and we are extremely grateful to HCCC and their administration for providing this outstanding opportunity for our students to earn an associate degree at the same time they earn their high school diploma,” Blood said. Not only is this an outstanding educational opportunity for Kearny’s students, but it is a tremendous cost savings for them and their families.” — CANESSA

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Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Thoughts & Views A LOOK BACK TO 1986

35 years ago, Shea shook, mom & I were there and (we) I almost missed it

y the time you read this, the 2021 World Series will be underway, with either the Boston Red Sox or Houston Astros playing either the Atlanta Braves or Los Angeles Dodgers. For some, just the notion of any of these teams playing is nauseating, especially given just how brutal the Yankees and Mets were in the regular season. But this all brings me back to 35 years ago — Oct. 25 and Oct. 27, 1986. Just a few days before that, my mom, who had tickets to see the Giants and Redskins play Monday night football at Giants stadium, got an offer from a colleague — the Giants tickets for two tickets to Games 6 & 7 of the World Series. For mom, who then or now couldn’t care less for football — and ever the Mets fan — took the no-brainer offer and in her hands were seats for the final two games of the World Series, coming back to Shea, with the Mets down 3-2. Fortunately for this then 12-year-old, I was the lucky bearer of the second seat that awfully cold Saturday night. We were in the Upper Deck, in fair territory in left field at Shea Stadium (very few seats were in fair territory there, either) so as you might imagine, we were high and far from the action, but it was still the thrill of a lifetime to be at a World Series game. You all know what happened ... but tied at 3 going to the 10th, the Red Sox scored 2 to go up 5-3. Wally Backman and Keith Hernandez both lazily flied out for the first two outs in the bottom of the 10th. At this point, I rolled up my blanket (yes, it was that cold that night), stood up and started to make my way to the exit before I came flying back into my seat. “Sit down! Now! This game is not over!” mom screamed as the eight Red Sox fans in the area celebrated. I really thought she was nuts — and I wanted absolutely no part in watching the Red Sox celebrate their first World Series championship since 1918. And then, on Diamondvision, “Congratulations, Red Sox, 1986 World Champions.” Now I really wanted out of there. Then Gary Carter singled. Then Kevin Mitchell singled. Then Ray Knight, with two strikes, drove in Carter and Mitchell was at third. Still, I wanted out. This was going to end with Mookie Wilson up with two strikes. And then, the place shook as if there were a California quake, when Bob Stanley, who once threw a no-hitter for Kearny High School, threw a wild pitch that allowed Mitchell to score. You know what happened next. Shea shook as if an even greater quake hit. We were jumping and screaming and hugging strangers and it didn’t matter if it felt like Shea would collapse. It was joy I’ve rarely experienced since. On the ride home — it took hours and didn’t matter for a second traffic was impossible — it hit me why a mom’s wisdom is incomparable. Were it not for her, I’d have never been there to see one of sports’ all-time greatest moments. That wisdom from mom is one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever had. And why I love her beyond words. Oh, after the Mets won Game 6, her colleague asked for the Mets tickets back in exchange for Monday night football tix. Let’s just she wasn’t in East Rutherford on Oct. 27. — CANESSA

Irizarry: It’s time to allow Jersey residents to pump own gas To the Editor: Reading about the two gas stations in Belleville that had been putting the wrong gas and overcharging people shocked me. I was left wondering how easily one can trust something that has been done for years and get scammed, most likely when you are not paying attention to what is happening. New Jersey is known as the state where people do not pump their own gas, but should that change? Sure, this position of pumping

Letters to the Editor gas does create more jobs that could allow for New Jersey’s 7% unemployment rate to go down. However, there have been problems with gas attendants. One of them was back in 2018 when a Mahwah gas attendant had stolen credit cards from customers. Even if we were to avoid this problem by using cash, the reality is that only 3

in 10 Americans carry cash, according to a CNBC article. All but two states have abandoned the gas attendant job and started pumping their own gas. Why not us? It saves us more time, we know where our money is going and if we ever travel to another state with a car, we will know what to do. It is time to turn off our engines, get out of our vehicles and use our hands to hold that pump. Emily Irizarry North Arlington

Drzymkowski: Congratulations, St. Michael’s, on Lown award To the Editor: My congratulations to St. Michael’s Medical Center on their receiving the Lown Hospitals Index of Social Responsibility award. I was born there in 1942, but my main reason for this letter is in 1977, I had openheart surgery there and my

experience was a positive one. At the age of 35, I was told my age was the youngest at that time for this drastic surgery. Today, the heart operations are much more modern and less invasive. All the nurses in

In Memoriam Mary A. Tortoreti 1942-2016

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

attendance were fantastic and to this day, I pray for the soul of Dr. Peter Poulos, who performed the procedure. I thank all the great medical people and wish them good health and God’s blessing for a long life. John Drzymkowski North Arlington

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Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Teen stole car from Kearny repair shop, then crashed it: KPD

By Capt. Tim Wagner Kearny Police Department

n Oct. 16 at 12:29 p.m., Officer Chris Manolis took a report from a customer of a Kearny Avenue auto repair shop who said he dropped off his Toyota SUV the night before, put his key in the shop’s lock box and now found that the SUV and the key were stolen. Det. Jordenson Jean began a follow-up investigation and quickly developed a lead that a teenager, later identified as a 15-year-old Kearny boy, was the suspect. Shortly after the Toyota was reported stolen, Det. Jean learned it had been involved in a multi-vehicle hit-andrun crash in Belleville. Det. Jean conferred with Det. Sheridan of Belleville police who reported he saw wanted posters Det. Jean circulated and identified the suspect as a boy Belleville police took into custody earlier in the day for a residential burglary. The boy had a Toyota key and key fob on him when arrested for the burglary. After his booking, the boy had been ordered released to his guardian. Det. Sheridan saw the boy again, later in the day. Now aware that the boy was wanted for the Kearny auto theft, Det. Sheridan stopped the boy and learned the location of the stolen Toyota. Joined by Det. Jean and the boy’s guardian, the group recovered the stolen Toyota in Newark and the boy was formally taken into custody on the Kearny charges. He was charged with theft on a juvenile delinquency summons. A court intake officer ordered the boy released on home detention. nnn On Oct. 17 at 7:47 p.m., Officers David Vazquez and Josh Lopez were dispatched Devon Street and Columbia Avenue on a report of a man trying car door handles. The officers canvassed the area and found Daniel McKeown, 53, of Kearny, who matched

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the description of the alleged handle puller. McKeown was found to be wanted on a Kearny warrant for trespass, carrying $1,000 bail (relating to a March 2020 arrest, in which he was accused of trying car door handles; and an April 2020 arrest in which an officer found McKeown inside someone else’s parked car). He was arrested for the warrant and later sent to the county jail. Lacking any identified witnesses to the current report about the car door handles, McKeown was not charged in relation to that accusation. nnn On Oct. 19 at 8:30 p.m., Officer Paul Duran arrested a 26-year-old Kearny man who turned himself in at police headquarters. The man’s girlfriend appeared earlier to press charges against him for a domestic incident from the night prior that left her bruised. The victim alleged the boyfriend punched, kicked and dragged her, before blocking the exit of his apartment and refusing to allow her to leave for some time. The suspect, whose name is withheld to protect the identity of the victim, was charged with simple assault and false imprisonment. He was remanded to the county jail, South Kearny. nnn On Oct. 19 at 11 p.m., Officers Duran and Lawrence Latka were dispatched to the Elizabeth Police Department to take custody of prisoner Sean M. Crotty, 37, of Elizabeth, who was the subject of a Kearny arrest warrant. The warrant stemmed from a May 22 “smash and grab” burglary to Dina’s Café at 734 Kearny Ave. In that case, Crotty was accused of smashing the café’s glass door with a rock, entering the store, and stealing the cash register and money within it. Det. Kyle Plaugic conducted that investigation, identifying that Crotty had allegedly arrived at the scene in a silver

Acura TL. He later learned that the Bloomfield, Livingston, Summit, Woodbridge and Edison police departments all reported similar burglaries that weekend involving a silver Acura TL. A joint investigation was undertaken with those police departments, and at the conclusion of it, Crotty was identified as the burglary suspect. On June 16, Det. Plaugic charged Crotty on a warrant with burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, theft, crimi-

Police Beat nal mischief and possession of burglar’s tools. After Crotty was picked up Oct. 19 and processed, he was remanded to the Hudson County Jail. nnn On Oct. 20 at 8:30 p.m., Dets. Tim Castle and Mike Andrews arrested Tariq M. Mujahid, 53, of Newark, at the

East Orange police headquarters. Mujahid had been picked up by East Orange authorities on a Kearny arrest warrant relating to a June 2020 shoplifting charge at Walmart. Mujahid was later transferred to the county jail. nnn On Oct. 22 at 1:33 a.m., Officers Anthony Oliveira and Matthew Knighton responded to a two-car crash on Truck Routes 1&9 near the Passaic See KPD, Page 8

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UNICO gathers for Columbus Day

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

SCHOOL BRIEFS Franklin School names Students of the Month for September

Kearny UNICO, along with Kearny Mayor Alberto G. Santos and members of the Town Council, gathered Saturday, Oct. 9, at the statue of Christopher Columbus to honor him on his holiday,

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Yvonne Cali, principal of Franklin School in Kearny, has announced the September 2021 Students of the Month, chosen under the month’s mantra, “Everyone Can Learn.” Sebastian Melendez, Kailee Pinto, Saisha Vivar, Ryder DeRisi, Zineb Boumia, Scott Anderson, Adrianne Breen, Chloe Cheng, Emma Guerra, Tiara Silva, Melissa Fernandez, Caiden Gillman, Adelina Martinez,Brian Alexandre Sousa Brandao, Sadie Cardona Alonzo, Alexandra Da Silva, Justin Canales, Alicia Gomez Sarzosa, Samuel Manaois, Eypril Garcia Koglin, Janiya Salazar, Aaron Alcantara, Victoria Cumbicus, Ellah Malla, Elmer Gomez Del Cid, Arianna Carrera, Maria Lorenzo, Johan Cano, Emilie De Menezes, Jacob Navarro, Ana Maria Lizarazo Mejia, Agustina Asborno Rivero, Gabriella Martins, Felix De Campos, Aaron CabreraRojas, Adrian Moncada, Luiza Teixeira, Camilla Silva, Ema Brito, Giulia Calienes Nieto, Marley Lizardo, Darian Romero, Charlee Kubs, Kevin Calderon, Yassin Boumia, Alicia Gomez Sarzosa, Justin Soto, Jacob Colon, Riyansh Srivastava, Layla Villanueva, Samuel Garcia Ojeda,Uriel

KPD

Continued from Page 7 River Bridge. All vehicle occupants were reportedly shaken up but uninjured. When Officer Oliveira asked driver Basdeo Persaud, 57, of Jersey City, for his driving credentials, Persaud reportedly handed the officer his COVID vaccination and medical insurance cards. Rather

Trujillo, Alejandro Jimenez, Robert Sabados, Sophia Cerqueira, Arjun Sharma, Brianna Radu, Kacey Tejeda, Lucas Paz and Mathias Acosta Mendieta.

Schuyler School names Students of the Month for September

Valerie Iacono, principal of Schuyler School in Kearny, announces the school’s September Students of the Month: Ian Alava, Christian Anfibio, Katelyn Anticona Alvarado, Joshua Arias Castillo, Jocelyn AsitimbayInga, Bryanna Baignosche, Nicholas Ball, Romina Barros, Owen Bayer, Zoe Boyd, Daniel CabreraPolanco, Jewel Delantar, Ezekiel DeLara, Danna Diaz Endara, Gabriela Dudek, Philip Dudek, Liam Escobar, Vicente Fernandes, Jeimmy Friele-Villegas, Jeremy Funes and Guadalupe GironBorrayo. Also, Elizabeth Gomez Gonzales, Joshua Loguidice, Brianna Lopez, Melia Maldonado, Olivia McNally, Hannah Miscia, Rochelle Muyudumbay, Nathalia Nodal, Gabriel Nunez, Gabriella Ochoa, Leah Perez, Brooke Lynn Pulcine, Leah Ramirez, Luna Santos, Wilson Silvera, Ysabella Soto, Lucas Varilias, Ryan Yang and Sophia Zhang.

than accept a co-pay, Officer Oliveira put Persaud through a battery of field sobriety tests, which Persaud failed. He then arrested the driver for DWI and an outstanding Jersey City arrest warrant for a prior simple assault charged (no bail). Following a breath alcohol test at the police station, Persaud was charged with DWI and careless driving. He was then turned over to the Jersey City Police Department.

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Sports & Recreation WITH

Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com

It’s time for Kearny grid program to smell the Ivy First things first. This column is not being written to embarrass anyone involved with the Kearny High School football program and its extremely hard working head coach Stephen Andrews. That had to be addressed right from the start here. But here goes. The Kardinals suffered yet another lopsided loss last Friday night, falling to neighboring rival Belleville by a final score of 41-0. The loss dropped the Kardinals’ record this season to a dismal 1-6, with the lone victory coming against Newark East Side, a program that is winless for 2021 with an 0-7 record. Of the Kardinals’ losses this season, only Belleville and Hudson Catholic of Jersey City have winning records, but yet the Kards have been outscored 284-86 or an average of 40.5 points surrendered per contest opposed to just 12.2 points scored per game (and that includes the 35 that the Kardinals scored in the 35-31 win over Newark East Side). Let’s go away from point totals for a minute and just concentrate on wins and losses. Since 2003, the earliest date that the incredible website www.gridironnewjersey.com started

compiling all the records of all the teams in the state (Jon Fass deserves the International Football Medallion of Honor for his work keeping that website up to date), the Kardinals have had just one season (2004) where they finished with the break-even .500 mark of 5-5 under the tutelage of head coach Rich Howell. The Kardinals have had just four other seasons during that time span where they won four games – 2005 under Howell, 2010 under head coach Pete Llaneza, 2014 under head coach Nick Edwards and 2019 under the leadership of Andrews. Here’s the ugliest number of all. Since 2003, the Kardinals have compiled a combined record of 36 wins and 135 losses. Yes, one more loss this season and the Kards will have lost a staggering 100 games more than they have won. To that, there’s only one thing that can be said. WOW! And yes, Kearny remains one of only six schools in the entire state to have never qualified for the NJSIAA state playoffs, since the state’s governing body began the playoff system in 1974. That’s right. Not a single state playoff berth in all that See VIEW, Page 10

Kearny soccer teams headed to Red Bull Arena Thursday Boys and girls teams play in respective county title games; boys vs. Harrison

By Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com It’s one thing for the Kearny High School soccer teams – both boys’ and girls’ squads – to advance to their respective Hudson County Tournament championship games. After all, both the Kardinal boys and girls were the respective top seeds in the county tourney. But no one in their wildest dreams would have thought where the championship games would be played. Yes, dream upon dreams, the Kardinals will play in a championship doubleheader at the Mecca of local soccer pitches, namely Red Bull Arena in Harrison. The Kearny girls will face North Bergen in the county tourney title game at 5 p.m. Thursday, followed by the showdown of showdowns, the Kearny boys, the No. 7-ranked team in the entire state of New Jersey, facing archnemesis Harrison, at 7:30 p.m. Can you believe it? “I never expected it,” said Kearny head boys’ soccer coach Bill Galka. “The kids were definitely excited when they learned.” “We’re just excited,” Kearny head girls’ soccer coach Mike Sylvia. “Red Bull Arena is a special place. We haven’t been there in a while. I heard that we had a chance to play there. When it became official, we were all really excited.” Once Kearny advanced to the boys’ title game, a neutral site was needed to play. The first option was a frightful one, albeit a good field, but… “We heard it was going to be Lincoln Park (in Jersey City),” Galka said. “I wondered why were we going there. I never even thought of Red Bull Are-

Photos by Jim Hague

Kearny midﬁelder Alejandro Alvarado has become a solid second scorer for the Kardinal boys’ soccer team. RIGHT: Kearny center midﬁelder Abby Crispin has become the leading scorer for the Kardinal girls’ soccer team.

na. It was more than a pleasant surprise.” “What’s great is that the Red Bulls are giving us a chance to play there,” Sylvia said. “It means so much to us.” Both Kearny teams hit the tourney title match in great position. The boys are totally clicking. They still rely on striker Juan Rojas to lead the way, but recently, they have received scoring from people like Alejandro Alvarado and Cristian Escandon to add some scoring punch. Both Alvarado and Escandon have tallied the three-goal hat trick in the last week alone. “You don’t want to rely on one guy,” Galka said. “It’s even better when we have three or four guys who can score. We’re thrilled with that. We’re much better when we have a bunch of guys.” Rojas still leads the Kardinals (15-1-1) with 15 goals and 10 assists, but Alvarado has 13 goals. Escandon, the younger brother of former New Jersey Player

of the Year Jose Escandon, currently playing at NJIT, has eight goals and 12 assists. But the Kardinals have also received nine goals each from Aiden Mansilla, Alan Antonelli and Johan Baez, who has also added 11 assists. That’s an incredible total of players who have knocked home at least eight goals. And it doesn’t end there. Nicolas Gomez and Dalton Davila have seven goals apiece. “It certainly is a balanced team,” Galka said. “When we play well, we don’t have to look for Juan (Rojas).” Galka is also pleased with the defensive effort, which includes goalkeeper Joshua Rodriguez and backup Alex Cruz. The defenders are threeyear players Alan Castillo and Daniel Velazquez along with Michael Reis and Gerald Cohetero. “They don’t get any of the glory,” Galka said of his defendSee SOCCER, Page 10

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Wednesday, October 27, 2021

“I knew she was a creative playmaker, but she’s doing even more than I expected,” Continued from Page 9 Sylvia said of Crispin, whose older sister Amber is a former ers. “They’ve been playing Observer Female Athlete of well. It’s important, because the Year. “She’s been getting we might only get a few chanc- big goals in our big games. es going forward. We might She’s what you want in a senhave to play good defense in ior captain.” the big games. We have good Paige Raefski also has nine experience back there.” goals for the Kardinals and The Kardinal girls (8-5-2) Emily Horvaht has added are led by Abby Crispin, who eight. Gabriela Schivel has has tallied nine goals and tallied seven goals, as has taladded nine assists.

ented defender Maci Covello. “It’s been a collective effort,” Sylvia said. So has the defensive unit, with goalkeeper Aracely Vazquez leading the way, but Gabby Matias has been seeing a lot of action in the county tournament. The defensive unit of Maci Covello (one of the best center backs in the state), Carley Natosi, Mariana Martins and Andrea Toledo have been rock solid.

“We have a super back line,” Sylvia said. “They’ve proven to be where we’re comfortable.” The Kardinals already have a 3-0 victory over North Bergen to build upon. “We have a lot of respect for them,” Sylvia said. “They like to press the issue. You never know what could happen. We’re just excited to be there for sure. We’ve been dealing with nerves all season, but this team shows up in big moments.”

Needless to say, it should be a great day for Kearny soccer, the first time the Kardinals have graced Red Bull Arena since 2015. “This just fell in line,” Galka said of playing at Red Bull Arena. “It’s like a gift to the kids. Our players will be excited to play. Once they get on the field, they’ll be ready. I’m just glad we’re playing Harrison there Thursday night. Our kids still can’t believe they’re playing there.”

tistics, those hard cold factual totals are what they are – the truth. Continued from Page 9 Sure, Kearny is known as “Soccertown, USA” for its rich, time. Howell’s team in 2004 was storied tradition in soccer. The probably the closest to qualifyKards are enjoying yet another ing, but fell a few power points successful campaign on the short and ended up competpitch, posting a 15-1-1 record, ing in the dreaded consolation good for the No. 7 ranking in the game, which in reality, doesn’t entire state. The Kards will face serve as any consolation whatneighboring archnemesis Harsoever. rison for the Hudson County Those numbers, those sta-

Tournament championship Thursday night at Red Bull Arena at 7:30 p.m. It’s a championship doubleheader, one dominated by Kearny. The girls’ title game pits Kearny against North Bergen at 5 p.m., followed by the KearnyHarrison showdown. Kearny is the only school competing in both ends of the tourney title two-shot. But the school, the Kearny

Board of Education, continues to offer football as a varsity sport. And as long as there are 35 or so kids who want to play the game and a dedicated coaching staff, spearheaded by the compassionate and energetic head coach Andrews, a product of the program himself who reached NCAA Division III All-America status at the College of New Jersey as a defensive back, then the sport should be offered to its students and teams (varsity and junior varsity) should be fielded. So what is Kearny to do? The Kardinals cannot keep sending out teams that are perennially being thrown to the wolves. The

numbers don’t lie. There is no hint of competitiveness here. None. But perhaps there is a solution. It’s no guarantee, but at this point, it’s definitely better than the blood letting that has been taking place for the last quarter century. Kearny decided to become a member of the Super Football Conference, the 117-team organization that is the largest in the country. The SFC, under the leadership of good football people like Nutley athletic director Joe Piro, has become a staple of success in terms of

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becomes even harder coaching a losing proposition. The next move will be up Continued from Page 10 to Kearny athletic director Vin Almeida and the Board of offering competitive balance Education. Apply for entrance for all of its teams. The SFC into the Ivy League for the next has been able to break up the two years – and see if Newark divisions in the league based East Side could be encouraged on school enrollments and the to apply as well. successes of the respective It is a move that simply has to teams. happen. There’s no embarrassTwo years ago, the SFC engiment to joining the Ivy League. neered a stroke of genius when It gives your kids a fighting the Ivy League was devised. chance that they just don’t The Ivy League was designated have right now. Let’s do the for the SFC’s programs that right thing and stop the string were downtrodden, with dwinof blowout losses week after dling participation numbers Photos by Jim Hague week. Who knows? Maybe the and no hope in sight of turning The Kearny High School football program has to make the change to the SFC Ivy League, which will benefit Kardinal football team could things around. coach Stephen Andrews, shown here. play for a championship like The Ivy League first had six quickly grew to 12 in two diviDivision regular season chamyears, then the Kards could apthe boys’ and girls’ soccer teams teams that were the lynchpins sions. pion, in more than 40 years. ply to return to the regular SFC will compete for Thursday. It of the idea, which put the teams This year, the SFC Ivy League Snyder last enjoyed success divisional play. If not, then they can’t happen the way things are of equal status and success (or grew to 16 schools, two divisuch as this in 1990. That’s 31 could remain in the Ivy League. right now. lack thereof ) against each other sions of eight teams each. years ago. It would obviously help to It’s either making this apin the same division. Those Is there success attached to The interest in football is drum up interest in football plication to the Ivy League or teams would be able to compete it? Well, try this on for size – once again exploding at those in the school if the team was dropping the sport altogether. for an SFC Ivy League chamand you don’t have to look far two schools. Dickinson has a little more successful. And a And no one wants to see that pionship, but were ineligible to and wide to see how incredible close to 50 kids on their roster. little more success would keep a happen. That wouldn’t be fair compete in the NJSIAA state the idea has been. There’s a gigantic level of solid football coach like Stephen to the kids currently playing playoffs. Three of the four Jersey City excitement at both schools, Andrews interested in wanting and the coaches busting their That idea was basically a public schools are in the SFC with Dickinson playing host to to remain on board. tails to put a team on the field. moot point, because those Ivy League – namely Ferris, Montclair Immaculate and SnyNo coach wants to get drilled The Ivy League is the first step. struggling programs were never Snyder and Dickinson. The latder traveling to face Dumont in game after game. Coaching Need proof? Look no further going to sniff the playoffs, never ter two have been so downtrod- the SFC Ivy League semifinals. football is basically a thankthan Dickinson and Snyder to going to have enough power den and destroyed by the lack How wild would it be if the two less position to begin with. It the east. points to get into the postseason of competitive balance that they teams face each other for the parade. haven’t come close to qualifying championship? So those SFC Ivy League for a postseason. Would then Kearny be better teams would be able to hopeBut lo and behold, this weekserved by being a member of fully field competitive squads, end, the SFC Ivy League will the Ivy League? The answer is a perhaps attain a little success, have its playoffs to determine resounding get some interest in football and “YES!” encourage more participants in a champion. And who are two Dr. Prakash Dr. Hector of the four teams? That’s right, The commitment to the SFC the sport. J. Doshi Aguilar Dickinson and Snyder, both Ivy League would be a twoIt was the best thing to hapyear deal. If Kearny’s numbers BRAIN FOG pen to some of these programs. owning 7-1 records this season. It’s the highest win total for – both participation and wins – Brain fog may sound like a down and then cease to produce Well, the six initial schools Dickinson, the Ivy League Red improve dramatically after two fictional disease from a science estrogen, the main hormone

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12 Harrison’s Brando has an oﬀer no one can refuse – goals The Observer | www.theobserver.com

teams there,” Moreno said. “He told me about playing with 10,000 fans behind him. It inspires me to think I could live that journey.” It’s hard not to ask Harrison Milton Moreno saw the potenHigh School junior striker Brando tial in his young son, because earMoreno the origin of his unique lier this year, Brando Moreno was first name. invited to play in Orlando at the Were his parents huge movie Orlando FC Academy for about a buffs and named their son after month in April and May. Oscar-winning actor Marlon “It helped me a lot,” Moreno Brando, the famed Don Corleone said. “I got mentally stronger. of “The Godfather,” or other roles I got faster and stronger. I was like “Streetcar Named Desire” playing with a lot of older players. and “On the Waterfront?” I really loved it there.” Hey, Stella, it’s not that easy. Before Brando took that offer Hey, Charlie, this kid could be a that he couldn’t refuse to go to contender, but he’s not named Orlando, he was a fixture watchafter you. Sorry. ing Harrison soccer games. “I don’t think that’s it,” Moreno “I always bled blue,” Moreno said. “I think it was for Bruce said. “When the time came for me Lee’s son (Brandon). At least, to come here, I couldn’t wait to that’s what my Dad (Milton) told try out for the team. I was more me.” than grateful.” But to the credit of the Blue As it turned out, the more Tide goal-scoring machine, thankful person was Harrison Moreno knows who Marlon head coach Mike Rusek, who Brando was. knew early on that he had an upMoreno got his background in and-coming superstar in the kid soccer from his father, who was with the familiar first name. a professional player in his native “We had him coming around Venezuela. to our games since he was a kid,” “He played for five different Rusek said. “We heard about him

By Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com

in middle school.” So when the time came, Rusek inserted Moreno into the starting lineup right away as a freshman with excellent results. Moreno tallied eight goals and had 14 assists as a freshman. “He was always more of a playmaker for us,” Rusek said. “He was our center midfielder. For any freshman to come in and do what he did was impressive.” But last year was a disaster for everyone involved. It was the COVID-19 delayed and cancellation-filled season, where the Blue Tide played only nine matches. However, Moreno never got into a rhythm. He remarkably didn’t score a single goal in those nine games. “I really got unlikely,” Moreno said. “I missed a PK (penalty kick) against Wallington. It was tough to play that way, especially with COVID and getting the tests.” “Everything that could go wrong did,” Rusek said. “Brando never got any consistency.” Missing the free kick totally motivated Moreno. “Since that day, I worked harder,” Moreno said.

And Rusek had an idea. “We always have a good group of midfielders in Harrison,” Rusek said. “That’s who we are. But we needed someone who could put the pressure on teams from up top (the forward line). We thought it would be best if Brando moved up top and played forward.” It’s been a move that has paid tremendous dividends. Moreno has developed into a top-flight scoring threat, scoring 22 goals and adding 12 assists. He recently had a streak where he scored at least one goal in seven straight games and had two goals in three of those contests. For his efforts, Brando Moreno

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

has been selected as The Observer Athlete of the Week for the past week. Rusek likes what Moreno’s scoring punch has meant to his team. “It’s been a really special year for (assistant coach and brother) John and I,” Rusek said. “He’s been great. We have a spark with this team that we haven’t seen in a long time. I think everyone saw that things could change very quickly. Brando is matured physically and mentally. He really picked it up this year. He’s scored goals in big games for us.” Just last Thursday, the Blue Tide faced North Bergen in the semifinals of the Hudson County Tournament. Moreno scored a goal in regulation and knocked home the game-winning penalty kick, sending the Blue Tide into the tourney championship Thursday night at Red Bull Arena, with game time of the heated rivalry beginning at 7:30 p.m., following the Kearny-North Bergen girls’ championship game at the prestigious venue.

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Obituaries Mr. O’Rourke was a Past President of Holy Name Society Joseph J. O’Rourke Jr., 89, at St. Cecilia Church and also died Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, at served on the Parish Council. Clara Maass Medical Center, Joe was a Past Grand Knight Belleville, with family by his Third Degree for Council 6928, side. St. Cecilia, and was past Faithful Born in Newark, Joseph lived Navigator for the Msgr. Peter there before moving to Kearny B. O’Connor Assembly 1543, 63 years ago. Queen of Peace. He served in the U.S. Navy Joseph was a diehard New aboard the USS Howard W. York Yankee and Notre Dame Gilmore during the Korean War football fan, loved reading, from 1949 until being honorably crossword puzzles and Youdischarged in 1953. Tube. He loved spending time Joe earned a bachelor’s dewith his family, especially his gree in business from St. Peter’s grandchildren and great-grandUniversity in Jersey City, in children. 1960 and later served as BusiHe is survived by his children, ness Administrator at Insurance Karen O’Rourke, Patricia Moof North America for 25 years ran and her husband George, before retiring in 1985. Michael O’Rourke and his He later became a custodian wife Christine, Jody O’Rourke at St. Cecilia Church in Kearny and her partner Vincent for eight years.

JOSEPH J. O’ROURKE JR.

ATHLETE

Continued from Page 12 “He’s just been very aggressive,” Rusek said. “He’s been going after defenders well. Brando has the work ethic of a midfielder and he’s like a midfielder who is closer to the goal. He just has a knack for the goal. He just keeps getting better as he gets closer to goal. He has been gaining confidence. He’s just been fun to watch. He’s our leader and has a good competitive quality. He’s just taken it to another level.” The Blue Tide take a 14-2-1 record into their showdown Thursday against the state’s No. 7-ranked team in the Kardinals of Kearny at Red Bull Arena. “He just has a good personality,” Rusek said. “He’s always smiling and laughing. I don’t think we’d be where we are without him.”’ Moreno is a little shocked with his production. “I am surprised,” Moreno said. “I knew that I had to have more than the eight I had as a freshman. I knew that I had to score more than last year. To know I have 22 is amazing. I’m very happy to learn that.” And it comes from a lot of hard work. “Since the winter months,

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I have been working in the gym every day,” Moreno said. “I worked on my balance. I worked on my legs and shoulders. I can see that I’m a lot stronger, faster and smarter. I think going to the Academy (in Orlando) helped me a lot. I’m not just a goal scorer. I’m a better player, looking for my teammates to score. Everyone has to touch the ball for us to win. The job’s not done.” After all, Moreno is only a junior. That’s an offer no one can refuse in Harrison.

Stephens. He was the brother of Joan O’Rourke and the beloved grandfather of Christina O’Rourke and her partner, Will Walters, Jason O’Rourke and his wife, Christine, Nicole O’Rourke and Nicholas Moran and the great-grandfather of twins Quinn and Jaxson Walters and Chase O’Rourke. Joe was predeceased by his wife, Shirley (nee Tyrell) O’Rourke. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105. The Thiele-Reid Family Funeral Home, Kearny, was in charge. Cremation was private.

61, of Harrison, died Oct. 22, 2021. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation for Bob at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Dr. Kearny on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Stephen’s Church, Kearny, on Thursday at 10 a.m. Cremation will be private. Born in Belleville, Bob was a longtime resident of Harrison and Kearny. He worked

All obituaries must be submitted by email by 10 a.m., Mondays, to obituaries@ theobserver.com. Payment is due at submission. for Firmenich in the logistics department for over 20 years. An avid Mets fan, Bob was also a talented musician and songwriter. The son of Elaine Kasper and the late Robert J. Kasper Sr., Bob is also survived by his wife Annette Kasper, and his beloved companion Vanessa Gallagher; loving daughter Emma Jane Kasper and his sisters Linda Kasper and Diane Sheppard and her husband Robert.

ROBERT KASPER JR.

Robert Joseph Kasper Jr.,

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Wednesday, October 27, 2021

MID-REALTY, INC. 572 KEARNY AVE. KEARNY, NJ 07032 PHONE: (201) 991-5719 FAX: (201) 991-8860 WWW.MIDREALTY.COM

Jarlynn Hyde Broker/Owner

“OUR SUCCESS HAS BEEN BUILT ONE SATISFIED CUSTOMER AT A TIME...” NEW LISTING! Kearny -

KEARNY

JERSEY CITY

BELLEVILLE

Cape Cod style Home with 3 Bed Rms 2.5 Bath part Finished Basement 1 car garage

2 Family Home 3 Brs per unit, central air, 1 car attached garage built in 2008 Taxes Under $6500a

5 Bedrooms 2 Full Bath Colonial 2 Car Garage

BACK ON KET! THE MAR

Asking $699,900

Asking $449,000

ING! LIST NEW

N. Arlington - $389,710

Kearny - $470,000 1 Fam. – Lrg home with 5 Bdrms-2 Full baths and 1 half bath-Lr-Dr-Kitchen-Yard-Dr Way Prking.

Rutherford -$649,900 1 Fam. – Lr-Formal Dr-Kitchen-

UNDER CT CONTRA

KEARNY

UNDER CT CONTRA

KEARNY

Asking $499,000 UNDER CT CONTRA

KEARNY

$575,000 2 Fam. – 5 Br’s-4 Bath’s-Lr’s Dr’s-Kitchen’s-YardBalcony-Full Part Fin Bsmnt.

E! PRIC NEW

Ranch – 3 Bdrms3 Baths-Lr-Kitchen-Full

Fin Bsment with Fm RmLaundry-Yard

E! PRIC NEW

Den-Fm Rm-1st Fl Master Br2 Additional Br’s3 Full baths-Fin walk up atticFenced in yard w above ground pool- parking for 4 cars.

SOLD!

E! PRIC NEW

5 Bedrooms 3.5 Bath Colonial 1 Car Garage, Renovated in 2017

1 Fam. – 3 Bdrms – LR – DR- Kitchen – Bath – Fin. Bsmt.

Kearny - $530,000 2 Fam. – 4 Bdrms, LR’s, DR’s, EIK’s, Extra Rms in Each Unit, Full Bath, Part Fin. Bsmt, Sep Utilities, Dr. Way with 1 Car Garage

Kearny - $549,000

East Newark - $299,000

Unfin. Bsmt - Sep. Utilities

1 Full bath-Fenced in Yard.

CCTT TTRRAA COONN EERRC D D N N UU

T RAC ONT ER C D N U

Clifton - $389,000 2 Fam. - 4 Brdms-Lr’sEIK’s-Yard-Dr way ParkingShort Sale-Subject to 3rd party approval.

T RAC ONT ER C UND

3 Fam. - 5 Bdrms LR’s – DR’s – EIK’s –

Rowhome – Renovated-3 Bdrms-Lr-Dr-Mod EIK-

Pequannock - $330,000 1 Fam. – 4 Bdrms, LR, EIK, Fam. Rm, 2 Full Baths, Full Unfin Bsmt. Dr. way Parking

Kearny - $675,000 3 Fam. – 9 Bdrms (3 Per Unit), LR’s, DR’s, EIK, 3 Full Baths, Sep Utilities, Unfin Bsmt.

Hamburg - $229,000 Condo – 2 Bdrms-2.5 baths-Kitchen-Dr-LrGarage Prking-Fam Rm.

Browns Mills - $205,303 Condo - Lr-Dr-Mod Kitchen-1 Full bath-Laundry Rm-Dr way Prking for 6 cars-Yard.

T RAC ONT ER C UND

Kearny - $629,800 1 Fam. - 4 Bdrms-3 Full baths-Lr-Formal Dr-Mod EIK-Full Fin bsment– Det one car garage and dr way parking. Yard with pool. HVAC and plenty of updates throughout.

Port Reading - $347,600 1 Fam. - Ranch – 3 Bdrms - LR – EIK – 3 Seasons Rm – 2 Baths – Rec Rm – Driveway

SE LEA IAL ERC M M CO

TAL REN

Kearny - $464,600 2 Fam. – 6 Bdrms, LR’s. DR’s, Kitchen’s, 3.5 Baths, Fin. Attic, Fin Bsmt, Sep Utilities

TAL REN

Kearny - $515,000 2 Fam. - 6 Bdrms 3 Baths – LR’s – Lg. EIK’s – Semi Fin. Bsmt. – Sep. Utilities

TAL REN

Kearny -$279,026 1 Fam. – 2 Bdrms, LR/DR Combo, Kitchen, Full Bath, Full Unfin. Bsmt., Patio in Yard

Jersey City - $529,900 Mixed Use - Great investment opportunity for this Mixed-Use 3 unit building located on Ocean Avenue. The building’s first floor features a commercial space that is currently being utilized as a convenience store (with 1.5 bathrooms) and the second floor contains two (2) bedroom apartments that have been recently updated. All separate utilities

TAL REN

Asking $735,000

Asking $575,000

UNDER CT CONTRA

VERONA

UNDER CT CONTRA

4 Bed 2 Bath Renovated Colonial on Over 1/4 Acre Of Land

N. Arlington - $410,000

4 Bedrooms 2.5 Bath Colonial 2 Car Garage

KEARNY

3 Bed 1 Bath 1 family 75 x 100 Ft Lot

Asking $749,900

Asking $399,900

KEARNY

UNDER CT CONTRA

SOLD!

4 Bed 1.5 Bath colonial on quiet dead end street Inground Pool

Asking $485,000

Built in 2005 Huge 2 family 3 Bed Rms 2 Bath Per Unit, Finished Basement w FB, 2 car Garage

Asking $792,000

2 Family Home in Arlington Section, 2Br Each Apartment w/ Driveway

Asking $475,000

KEARNY

UNDER CT CONTRA

Historical Freeman Building Mixed Use Income Producing Property

Asking $2,200,000

KEARNY

SOLD!

Huge 3 family Completely Remodeled 11 Bedrooms & 6 Full Baths Driveway

Asking $892,000

We have Rentals - Call Today!

758 Kearny Ave., Kearny, NJ 07032 • 201-991-0032

HOUSE OF THE WEEK REDUCED FOR QUICK SALE - Three bedroom Kearny Colonial with driveway and garage. Walk-up attic offers expansion possibilities. Close to Garfield School. Now just $355,900. JUST LISTED - GREAT LOCATION - This Arlington

Kearny - $950 Great location! 650 Sq Ft. office space located on the 2nd floor of a professional building in the middle of town.

N. Arlington - $2,200 3 Bdrms, LR, DR, EIK,

Kearny - $2,000 1st Fl. Left - 3 Bdrms-Lrg

Kearny - $2,000 1st Fl. Right - 3 Bdrms-Lrg

Full Bath, Laundry, Pets Conditional

EIK-Lr-Full Bath-Central Air-Hrdwd Fls.

Kearny - $3,400 2nd/3rd Fl. - 5 Bdrms-2 Full baths-Lr-Dr-Fm Rm-Hrdwd fls-yard -1 Car prking-Laundry Hk Ups

APARTMENT RENTALS AVAILABLE

1, 2 & 3 Bdrm UNITS Call and Ask About our Reduced Rental Fee! For more properties, visit our website

www.midrealty.com

Call (201) 991-5719 CALL FOR A FREE MARKET EVALUATION TODAY! FALAMOS PORTUGUES • HABLAMOS ESPANOL • PARLE FRANCAIS PARLIAMO ITALIANO • MOWIMY PO POLUSKU • NATAKALEM EL-ARABIA

Real Estate Exclusive is full of potential and priced to sell. Living room, dining room, kitchen, 2 bedrooms and bath on the first floor. Two finished rooms and bath on the second. Park like 51 x 103 lot. Needs work. At $359,900 it will not last.

HEATHER GLENN - 2 BEDROOM CONDO - RENOVATED - New kitchen and bath, new laminate floors, new carpet. New balcony tile, just painted. View of NYC. Includes a parking space and garage. Move in ready at $249,000. 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.

MULTI FAMILIES TOAST OF THE TOWN - This beautifully renovated

2 family Cape Cod boasts newA CT and baths, new TR kitchens ON ER airCand wiring, so much more. Reduced for quick sale NDcentral U

$539,000.

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

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16 18

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Wednesday, October 27, 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.

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

BELLEVILLE

N.ARLINGTON

LYNDHURST

BELLEVILLE 2nd FLOOR, 1 BR, small Kitchen. $1100 + 1.5 months security. HT/HW included. no pets/smoking. Available November 1st. Call Mike (201) 772-8989

N.Arlington 2 FL, Beautiful 3 Br’s apt , LR , Open Kitchen /DR, Central AC, $ 1950 + 1 month security , No pets , No smoking , Avl. Now call 201-6383941 24W03

LYNDURST Large 1 bedroom. 1.5 mth security. No Smoking No Pets. Call (201)931-9212 25W01

24W03

NORTH ARLINGTON

HARRISON HARRISON 2 Bedroom, Kitchen, LR, 2nd Floor Utilities Seperate. $1,700 + 1 1/2 mth security. Call or Text after 2 pm couple preferred. Walk to PATH. Call 973-900-0486 24W03

Spacious 2 BR apartment. Plus bonus room. EIK. W/D Hook up. Walk to NYC TRANS. No Pets/Smoking. $1600 + 1.5 months security. Utilities not included. Available December 1st. call 973-214-2511

FURNISHED ROOM FOR RENT KEARNY Furnished room, Share Kitchen & bathroom. No smoking. (Female Preferred) (201)618-1294 or (862)240-6509 25W01

24W03

N.ARLINGTON 1st Fl. 1 BR, LR, DR, EIK With yard. Quiet neighborhood. Near Transportation. $1300 + Plus utilities. 1 1/2 months security. No smoking. One year lease. Credit check. Available Now (973)838-1662 25W06

N.ARLINGTON Newly renovated. 2 BR. LR. EIK. 1 Bath. $1400 + 1.5 months security. Plus utilities. No Pets/Smoking. Close to Transportation. 1 Parking HARRISON New 2 BR, space. Call between 9am 1 Bath, EIK, LR, Stain- - 9pm (201)966-8095 less steel appliance, 25W03 Central HT/AC. No pets. No smoking. Utilities separate. $1,700 + 1 1/2 months security. Off street parking. Avl. November 1st 973-9850764. 24W03

OFFICE FOR RENT

KEARNY 1st floor, Great location on Midland Ave. $750 + 1 months security. Available Now (201)997-2341 Between 10AM - 7PM 25W03

PAINTING & DECORATING Kevin’s Affordable Painting * Plastering * Sheetrocking * Carpentry and more. Our service and prices will be the best. Our customers come first. Very neat and clean. Don’t miss out! Senior Discount. Fully insured (201) 565-6393 15W06 THE OBSERVER is not responsible for typographical errors. Credit for errors will not be granted after the next week’s publication. $10 for minimal changes. No refunds once ad is taken and C.C charged. ALL CLASSIFIED ADS MUST BE PRE-PAID Deadline for Classifieds Employment/Business Monday 12:00 PM All others Monday by 3:00 PM. E-mail Ads to classified@theobserver.com.

KEARNY KEARNY 2 bedroom apartment for rent. $1500 + 1 month security. Available November 1st. (201)283-5254 23W03 KEARNY Cozy 1 BR. Apt. Bldg. Arlington Sect. Newly Renovated. Laundry on Premises. HT/HW included. Near Transportation. No pets. $1150 + 1.5 months security. (201) 998-4972 Available Now 23W03

KEARNY 2nd floor. 2 BR,LR, Kitchen w/pantry. $1750 + 1.5 months security. Utilities included. No Pets/Smoking. Available December 1st (201)955-0757 24W03

PEST CONTROL New + Re-roofing • Flat roofing • Siding • Gutters

(973) 343-1167 (201) 528-8350 (800)322-1019

erickconstructionnj.com Free estimates - Fully insured Lic#13VH04302300 10W54

• 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.

Exterminating Fast Service • Roaches • Ants • Bed Bugs • Fleas Call 973-932-2092 Licensed and Insured 25W06

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

ROOFING/SIDING

B&A ROOFING

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

Licensed & Insured

FENIELLO CONTRACTING LLC.

and windows FREE ESTIMATES (201)719-3074

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

(973)906-8404

paylessroofingservices.com LIC#13VH00418100

(201)637-1775

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

23W04

G&R BUILDERS

RUBBISH REMOVAL

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

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

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Pet Direct ry Bone Appétit Barkery

Truth is, nothing can compare to our Classified Section. Why take the risk with Craigslist?

Certified Professional Dog & Cat Grooming

Try The Observer’s Classifieds ... and see results right away.

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Call us today to place your ad.

TO ADVERTISE, PLEASE CALL 201-991-1600.

(201) 991-1600

50W52

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

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22W06

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23W06

LANDSCAPING & DESIGN

JOSEPH V. FERRIERO Plumbing & Heating

What an ad on Craigslist gets you ...

HARRISON Brand newly renovated, 2nd floor. 3 bedrooms, 1 bath. Brand new appliances. Large LR. $2,000/mth plus 1 mth security. Available 11/1 (862)400-2223 25W03

PEST CONTROL

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(201) 893-0656 Lic. #13VH02536200 21W06

Quality Pro Contractors LLC

Interior/Exterior Painting Sheetrock Installation Flooring Remodeling Free Estimates! Fully Insured! (973)619- 3894 24W03

CLEANING SERVICES CHAMPION CLEANING I use my own supplies. Good rates and great references! Call Susan at (973)743-2039 25W03

HALL FOR RENT

21W06

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

17 17

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Observer Classifieds

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 driver’s license a must Call 973-728-0842 23W08

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

LABORER Full time laborer needed in the Department of Public Works to do street cleaning, street/sewer repairs, line painting, truck washing, maintenance/cleanup ofparks and playgrounds, garage and shade tree maintenance and other related duties. Valid NJ commercial driver’s license class B with air brake endorsement required. 40 hours per week, Annual salary $36,649 Application available at www.kearnynj.org Deadline to apply is 11/29/2021 25W03

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

Maintenance Man/Mechanic • Strong attention to detail, ability to multitask, good communications skills • Ability to work as a team player in a fast paced environment, with excellent strong work ethic, attention to detail, and organizational skills • Strong organizational skills; ability to prioritize, maintain attention to detail and recognize time constraints • Basic knowledge of rotating equipment and knowledge of general maintenance activities and procedures • Knowledge of and the ability to use a variety of basic hand tools (e.g., wrenches, hammers, screwdrivers, scrappers, box cutters) • Knowledge in mechanical, electrical(220v & trailer lights), welding, power washers. • Knowledge of gears, grinders, conveyers and chains EMAIL CITYBARRELINC@AOL.COM or call (973)465-7800

Job Opportunities For:

LOOKING FOR A SALES EXECUTIVE TO JOIN OUR TEAM Responsibilities include servicing existing accounts, calling inactive accounts, generating new business and growing territories & building new leads. Background check. Send resumes with a cover letter of introduction to jobs@theobserver.com Full time Landscaper w/experience Needed. Drivers license a must. Year round work available Call 201-998-1262

CLERK TYPIST Full Time position to perform various ofﬁce duties and assisting the public. Computer experience with MS Ofﬁce and ability to type 40 wpm required. $37,570 annually. 35 hours per week. Application available on line at www.kearnynj.org Application Deadline 11/29/2021 25W03

24W03

Handyman Needed Part time and Full time considered Experience Necessary Call 973-578-4599 ext 1

Help wanted for Busy Deli Full Time- Part Time Days and Evenings Apply in Person D&F Deli 396 Davis Ave, Kearny 25W06

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

Bookkeeping position available in small office in Nutley part time, flexible hours, must be experienced in doing Financial reports & financial presentation, (balance sheets, budgets, income reports, etc.). If interested, contact Tricia at 973-284-0900

24W03

25W03

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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

LIQUOR LICENSE

Kearny N.J. Liquor License for sale. Call 551-689-5111 24W03

www.TheObserver.com

Congressman Bill Pascrell accepts Lifetime Public Service Award

25W03

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Yard Help- Mechanic with CDL Driver with CDL B All must have clean Drivers License Competitive pay Immediate employment Send resume to Bellavistasupply@gmail.com or call (973)482-1818 for appointment

SERVICES OFFERED

25W03

U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-9, recently accepted the 2021 Jerry Green Legacy Award from the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey (HCDNNJ). Named for the late New Jersey Assemblyman from Plainfield, the award recognizes Pascrell for his “life of public service bringing together diverse people to forge a better society.” “This is special. I am humbled and I am honored by this recognition,” Pascrell said. “Jerry was my friend and my colleague. We served together in the Assembly before I came to Washington. In Trenton and across New Jersey, Jerry was respected and revered. So, to accept the Jerry Green Legacy Award is beyond words.” “The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey is proud to present Congressman Bill Pascrell with our 2021 Jerry Green Legacy Award Winner. We don’t give this award out every

year; it is reserved for people who make an extraordinary effort in this field,” Staci Berger, HCDNNJ president and chief executive officer, said. “We present this award to Congressman Pascrell for his tireless pursuit of policies that ensure housing security for the most vulnerable residents, for his leadership throughout the pandemic and for his efforts to address the housing affordability crisis through his role as the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight.” In accepting the award, Pascrell talked about housing challenges. “Today, a staggering 8 million households face foreclosure or eviction. Only 52% of households earning below the median family income own a home. Since 2008, the U.S. has had a housing shortage with a drastic increase in home prices,” he said. “The pandemic has cratered the supply

of homes and wreaked havoc on renters. “As Chairman of our Oversight Subcommittee, I have made housing reform a critical focus, through itemized deductions for mortgage interest and property taxes, expanding the low-income housing tax credit, and increasing resources for renters, public housing, and first-time home buyers. The Biden Build Back Better Act we are now writing will hopefully open the door for millions of Americans long locked out to finally access affordable housing. We are close.” The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey is the statewide association of more than 250 community development corporations, individuals and other organizations that support the creation of affordable homes, economic opportunities, and strong communities. For more information on the Network, visit www.hcdnnj.org.

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

GOSPEL

Continued from Page 3 145 years of beatings season after season. In six months’ time, the present building was built, they spent $1,659. a remarkable feat when you consider they didn’t have power tools back then. In today’s money that would only be around $60,000. That would not even pay for the permits and architectural drawings needed before beginning the job. If I could go back in time, however, I would say, “Hey fellas, let us dig the entire basement and give it a good eight-foot clearance.” They had constructed a one-room country church. The only problem was the countryside was disappearing. The interior woodwork was all a beautiful cherry stain including the ceiling. It must have been beautiful to look at. The building was complete with a small open steeple and maybe even had a bell in the tower, or at least they made it so one could be placed there in the future. While it was complete and met the requirements stipulated by the Kearny Land Company, there was still much work to be done, such as paint-

The Rev. Matthew Swiatkowski visiting the grave of Halloway Whitfield Clouse, a man who was instrumental in the Gospel Light Baptist Church’s early days in Kearny 145 years ago. He was responsible for building the church structure that still stands to this very day. Clouse was involved in civic and religious activities in Kearny (and Arlington.) He died in 1922.

byterian Church. Census records show Mr. Clouse living out his days in town and in a variety of locations. After living through the Mexican War, the Civil War, the Spanish American War, World War I and seeing 21 U.S. Presidents, he died in 1922 aged 83. His accomplishment that he was probably most proud of was his work for the cause of Christ. He was buried in the family plot in Long Valley, in the German Valley Rural Cemetery, and rests beside his beloved Martha.

ing and grading the land around the building. Finally, the day would come that they would have their first service. What was it like when they first opened the doors? What was the first Sunday School lesson? How many were in attendance? Did they have a grand opening? These are some questions we will probably never have the answer to. Halloway Clouse would stay here and be a part of the Sunday School, but four years later, he and a group split off and incorporated what was Knox Pres-

Garfield School’s Students of the Month named

onna Masters, principal of Garfield School in Kearny, announced Garfield School’s Students of the Month for September 2021. Camryn Kyak, Jessa Giron, Sabryna Mercedes, Caleb Garcia, Ismael Vargas, Amir Amaraoui, Noah Gomez, Maria Alves DeFaria, Mia Oliver and Amelia Vargas Consuegra. Also, Mia Torres, Angel Hernandez, William Solano, Dakota Murphy, Karim Palacio, Aaliyah Mauleon, Liam Latona, Paige Weber, Angel Hu, Diego Mejia Araujo, James Mirassol, Jaxson Ramcharitar, Jason Paltin, Jet Chasi, Mercy Martinez Santos and Allyson Polanco.

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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.

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Wednesday, October 27, 2021

PARK

Continued from Page 1 facilities and act as a community performance area,” he said. ‘The project is part of a larger effort to revitalize Riverside County Park. The $2.8 million project is funded by grants from the Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund as well as Bergen County Parks Capital Plan funding.” The addition of the amphitheater will allow for more events at the park — and will make the summer concert series the borough puts on each summer much easier, cheaper and more convenient. “As the county continues increase programming each year in Riverside for the enjoyment of south Bergen residents, it is important to note that we will no longer need to utilize a mobile show stage,” Sands said. Sands says the new grasstiered amphitheater will be

Continued from Page 4 The college, therefore, says it’s actively exploring solutions and welcomes inquiries from potential strategic partners, including higher education institutions and corporations. The college also is seeking expanded philanthropic support from foundations and philanthropists who want to make a powerful impact on underserved student populations and diversity, equity and inclusion. “The board of trustees and Bloomfield College’s administration are exploring all options to support our students and remain open in order to continue the college’s core mission. We seek institutions or philanthropists that share the values around our mission and will see us as a valuable partner,” Vernon M. Endo, chairman of the Bloomfield College Board of Trustees, said. “At Bloomfield College, we change the future for our students, many of whom did not traditionally see college as their future,” Bloomfield College President Marcheta P. Evans said. “More than half of our students are the first in their families to attend

The Observer | www.theobserver.com constructed using the natural grade of the site to host families of all sizes and abilities. Each portion of the amphitheater will be accessible for those in need while also providing a variety of seating options from grass lawns, concrete seating and wood platforms so all patrons may can use a gathering area that suites their specific needs. The comfort station will also better serve athletic community and park visitors. Whether someone is there for soccer, football, tennis or just a walk around the track, the new facility’s central location will provide convenience and accessibility for all visiting Riverside South. The additions to the park will be paid for with a Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund grant from 2018 for $887,583 and Bergen County Department of Parks Capital Plan funding totaling $1,997,417. The contractor, Daskal, LLC, was chosen in May by the Bergen County Board of college. Most of our students work multiple jobs while studying and face much adversity. “Segments of our student population suffer from food insecurity or homelessness, living in our residence halls year-round. Our college strongly supports its students as individuals and gives them pathways not otherwise available to them.” nnn Evans recently hosted students, faculty and staff at a town hall meeting on campus, where she was quite transparent about the dire financial situation the school faces. “By publicly announcing our situation, we hope to attract the attention of potential partners and major philanthropic donors who are passionate about making an impact on advancing opportunities for underserved student populations.” Evans said at the town hall. “We are committed to doing all we can, as quickly as possible, to find a solution.” nnn Bloomfield College’s leadership team encourages prospective partner institutions to visit www. bloomfield.edu/partnership to learn more about the value in partnering with the institution.

Commissioners. Work on the project began July 12, 2021, and is slated for completion in the spring of 2022, at a total cost of $2.89 million, Sands said. The professional team is LAN Associates of Midland Park, led by Matt Fink and MKW and Associates of Rutherford, led by Jim Welsh. The design of the new park amenities started in August 2019 with the Department of Parks soliciting a proposal from the design team to concoct a new outdoor performance area and restroom

comfort station as well as a new Parks Department maintenance and equipment facility. The Department of Parks adopted a proposal from the LiRo Group, Inc., to manage the construction contractor and to ensure the project is completed on time and on budget. Tanelli, meanwhile, says he’s very pleased with the project. “The first-ever Bergen County Parks Master Plan in our county’s history that I championed showed South Bergen was under-served in terms

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of open space and parkland,” Tanelli, the chairman of the BCBOC, said. “The upcoming groundbreaking of the comfort station and amphitheater reaffirms our commitment to taking tangible steps to bridge that gap and is part of a larger effort to completely modernize Riverside County Park. As the only commissioner from South Bergen, I will always strive to help provide the same recreation and open space opportunities that other areas of the county enjoy.”

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The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

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