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Wednesday, 15 December 2021

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Vol. CXXXIV, No. 32

ON THE INSIDE Nutley’s Superintendent of Schools says she’ll retire at the academic year’s end.

RUN FOR METLIFE

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

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Observer photos by Kevin A. Canessa Jr.

ewer than 24 hours before the annual Army-Navy football game, this year at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford to mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11, runners from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, were in North Arlington with the game football. They ran from West Point to East Rutherford, and stopped Friday, Dec. 10, at Zadroga Field, North Arlington, to pay respects to the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on America. Mayor Daniel H. Pronti, members of the Borough Council and many first responders and residents greeted the runners, whose next stop thereafter was the end of the road — at Metlife Stadium, one day before the game. Navy won, 17-13, in front of 82,282 fans.

You may publish a holiday greeting in The Observer, once again, to your clients, friends and loved ones n They’ll appear in the Dec. 22 edition Call (201) 991-1600 for details

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Wednesdawy, December 15, 2021

NAPD: 2 more parked cars, unlocked with keys left in them, stolen from area residents By Det. Lt. Michael Horton No. Arlington Police Dept.

wo more unlocked vehicles with keys left inside them were stolen in North Arlington in the last week of November. In the first incident, Nov. 25 at 11:14 a.m., patrol responded to Schuyler Avenue on a report of a stolen motor vehicle. The vehicle was taken from the front of the victim’s

residence with the keys left in the vehicle. The next day, Nov. 26 at 9 p.m., patrol responded to Prospect Avenue on a report of a stolen motor vehicle. The vehicle was stolen in front of the victim’s residence, with the victim’s purse and keys left in the vehicle. Other blotter items include: n On Nov. 26 at 4:10 p.m., a resident reported a catalytic converter was stolen from

his vehicle. The resident believes it was stolen sometime on Nov. 21. n On Nov. 26, two residents from the area of Garden Terrace reported someone rummaged through their unlocked vehicles but nothing was taken. n On Nov. 30 at 1:38 p.m., a shoplifting was reported at the CVS at 440 Belleville Turnpike. The store manager said he observed a Black male, with his face covered by a hooded

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sweatshirt and medical mask, grey sweatpants and a white puffy jacket remove items from shelves and put them into a garbage bag. The manager confronted the male, who then exited the store. The total value of the stolen items was $1,842. n On Dec. 5, at 11:05 p.m., a North Arlington officer on special DUI enforcement detail observed a vehicle driving erratically and at a high rate of speed on the Pike. During a subsequent stop of the vehicle, the officer detected the odor of alcohol on the driver, which led to field-sobriety testing. As a result, the driver was placed under arrest, transported to police

headquarters and processed. The driver, Oscar Acevedo, 37, of Newark, was found to have a blood-alcohol content of .15%, almost double the legal limit. After processing, he was issued summonses and released to a responsible party on his own recognizance. n On Dec. 6 at 6:55 p.m., a resident of Arlington Boulevard reported several packages were stolen from her front porch. The incident was captured on a Ring doorbell camera and the video showed a male wearing blue jeans, grey sweatshirt and a mask covering his face. He removed the packages and walked west on Arlington Boulevard, with $184 in stolen items. Editor’s note: The North Arlington Police Department reminds readers everywhere to remember never to leave your vehicle running while unattended, never leave it unlocked when parked and never leave the keys inside the vehicle — ever — including when the vehicle is parked on a driveway or inside a garage.

Franklin School names Students of the Month

chuyler School Principal Valerie Iacono announces Students of the Month for November 2021: Leah Abarca, Hailey Aguirre, Emily Amador, Elias Bousada, Addison Burke, David Caceres(2), Sophia Capurro, Lily Catrambone, Miyah Cruz, Alexa Cuidad-Real, Melvin Caceres-Guaman, Maria DeFranca, Leonardo Diaz, Gabriela Dudek, Emmanuel Encarnacion, Victor Garcia, Isabella

Gomes-Espinoza, matheus Gomes, Esther Guido, Inayah Hajaj, Robert Jeffords, Isac Leiro, Jackson Leszau, Nayely Ortiz Rodriguez, Anthony Padovano, Matias Ribadeneiro-Riano, Ariannys RamosVillalobos,Isaac Rodrigues, Nahomy Rojas, Wilson Silvera, Penelope Sime, Andrew Taylor, Vallery Tavares,Dominic Valera, Lucas Varilias, Octavius Wojcik, Kevin Yang, Ryan Yang, Jaeden Zhang, Brielle Zdichocki

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Wednesday, December 15, 2021

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Lyndhurst hires 2 new Class III officers

Both are retired cops & will be armed, assigned to township’s public schools By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com

wo retired police officers — one from the Lyndhurst Police Department and another from the Union City Police Department — have been hired as Special Law Enforcement Officers Class III/school resource officers to provide assistance to the LPD’s SRO program. “These officers provide a trained, experienced law-enforcement presence in the schools to protect from significant outside threats while working in conjunction with the police department and schools in order to respond swiftly and cooperatively when there are substantial disruptions or criminal offenses occurring at the schools,” the department said in a statement. The first two officers to be hired are Officer William Peer, a retired lieutenant from the Union City PD, who started here in September and Officer Anthony Alexander, a retired detective from the Lyndhurst PD, who started in October. To be hired as a Special Law Enforcement Class III officer, one must be a retired law enforcement officer who is then hired and trained by the local police department. The officers are an armed presence in schools who wear a Lyndhurst PD uniform. Those eligible to be appointed a Class III Special Law Enforcement Officer must be a retired police officer 65 or younger who has served as a duly qualified, fully-trained, full-time police officer. The officers must also be physically capable of performing the job and have the

appropriate law-enforcement and school resource officer training. The department says the Class III Special Police Officer works a schedule of up to 40 hours a week. Hours will vary upon assignment. Their salaries weren’t immediately available. The Class III Special Police Officer only works when school is in session and must possess a School Resource Officer certification and be DARE/LEAD certified. “The Class III Officers are not meant to become involved in the daily business and management of the schools. Administrators, teachers and support staff continue to be responsible for handling the daily operations of the schools and classrooms including routine disciplinary matters,” the department said. Instead, “the Class III Officer’s role is to provide an additional layer of school security.” The department says the officers have clearly articulated roles and responsibilities, appropriate training and high levels of communication between the schools and police department. The goal is to extend this relationship in order to protect students and staff even more effectively in the future. They follow the policies, procedures, and rules and regulations of the Lyndhurst Police Department as well as all New Jersey Attorney General Guidelines. Mayor Robert B. Giangeruso and Chief Richard L. Jarvis Jr. are both staunch advocates of the program. “The Township of LyndSee SRO, Page 19

LPD photo

From left, Passamano, Superintendent of Schools Joseph DeCorso, Alexander, Giangeruso, Peer and Jarvis.

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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

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Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Nutley schools’ chief stepping down in June Glazer says it’s time for her to ‘step away’ from job so she can ‘recharge’

By Ron Leir For The Observer

he Nutley Board of Education will be looking for a new district administrator now that the current superintendent Julie Glazer has made known her intention to leave after her current term ends June 30, 2022. Glazer, who was hired in July 2016 and given a threeyear contract, asked the BOE for a one-year extension to allow her time to consider her options. On Nov. 29, Glazer told the board she wouldn’t be looking to renew her contract when the current school term concludes. “It’s time to step away – I need to recharge,” she said. BOE President Charles Kucinski said the board

Nutley schools would wait until “after the holidays” to begin searching for a replacement and interviewing prospective candidates for the job. Given the high turnover rate among public school administrators in recent years, “you’re lucky to get a superintendent to stay five or four years with the same school district,” he said. “We’re going to miss her,” Kucinski said. “Her handling of the pandemic was a 24/7 situation for her. She was on top of things constantly and she made some good calls to help us through it.” As an example, he cited Glazer’s rigid adherence to state policy mandating the wearing of protective masks

by students, despite vocal opposition by some parents. He credited her teaming with newly-hired business administrator David DiPisa (formerly Lyndhurst BOE B.A.) with blending district funds and federal pandemic relief aid to remedy HVAC issues and secure HEPA air filters “to cover every classroom and office space,” along with acquiring openair tents where students could eat lunch. Under her leadership, the district’s academic standing, as ranked by state indices, improved, the high school field was re-turfed “and now we’re looking at lighting the field – which will benefit the entire town,” Kocinski said. Other strides Glazer has overseen including the hiring of a new Gifted and Talented director to help expand that program and “we’re looking

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JULIE GLAZER to make our extended day care at Spring Garden and Lincoln Schools a little more academically oriented,” he added. Student overcrowding and budget limitations continue to be pressing problems which Glazer’s replacement will have to deal with, Kocinski observed. Among various other initiatives Glazer introduced during her Nutley tenure were the development of STEAM (Science/ Technology/Engineering Math) and Science Research, Mandarin for grades 6 to 12, Media Literacy, a Reading and Writing Workshop model for elementary school, Problem-Based Learning and programs designed to close student achievement gaps such as the Summer Needs Assessment program, Summer Academy, S-Cubed Sight Singing for middle schoolers, Basic Skills Extended Day program and expanded services for English Language

Learners. Glazer worked with the Summit Education Foundation to develop these programs, along with the 1:1 technology initiative in grades 5 to 12, family math, science and technology. The U.S. Department of Education named Glazer as a Future Ready District Leader. She was feted at the White House for her leadership and commitment to digital learning. During her career as an educator, Glazer has been a classroom teacher, teacher of departmentalized Language Arts and school instructional facilitator. She did a four-year stint with the Orange school district as supervisor of instruction and professional learning, pre-K to grade 12 and, before coming to Nutley, she was assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction for pre-K through grade 12 and testing coordinator for the Summit school district. Before becoming a fulltime educator, Glazer ran Mittman Productions, specializing in documentary, educational and public service programming for the nonprofit community of Chicago. She has an M.A. in fine arts from Columbia College, Chicago; an M.A. in education (summa cum laude) from DePaul University, Chicago; and a doctorate in educational leadership (magna cum laude) from St. Peter’s College, Jersey City.

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Wednesday, December 15, 2021

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NAPD officers begin sporting body-worn Axon 3 cameras

Department was also early adopters of vehicle cams By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com

t’s been 18 years since the North Arlington Police Department outfitted its radio cars with video cameras and now they’re adopting body-worn cameras for officers. In 2002, the department began utilizing mobile video recording technology to document motor-vehicle stops and other calls for service in an effort to promote transparency in the agency. Now, with the advancement of technology, the NAPD has added Axon Body 3 cameras to its tools to improve police services. “The BWC is intended to strengthen the trust between the police and the public by further promoting officer transparency and accountability,” Lt. Michael Horton, the department’s public information officer, said. As of Dec. 10, the cameras were recording interactions when officers are performing their legal duties. Recorded interactions will be in accordance with the Office of the NJ Attorney General as well the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. 

Meanwhile, the NAPD announced last week that as of Dec. 7, Jason Way transformed from a two-way to a one-way street. Traffic will flow south to north and cars should be parked facing the north. And lastly, the intersection at Prospect and Belmount avenues has transformed to an allway stop. Observer Editor Kevin A. Canessa Jr. may be reached at kc@theobserver.com. Follow him on Facebook & Twitter @kevincanessa.

Goldberg’s been very nice!

COLLEGE DIRECTORY Photo by Larry Handlin

That’s Kearny town photographer Barbara B. Goldberg with Santa. We suppose she hasn’t been naughty in 2021. The photo was taken after a W.H.A.T. performance of ‘Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus.’

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Thoughts & Views EDITORIAL

Aries: Not Kearny, no way, no how, no matter what

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

all this a preventative editorial. Aries, of Franklin, Tennessee, take note. No matter what you say, no matter what benefits there could be, no matter how many jobs you might create for this community, Kearny does not want you under any circumstances whatsoever. We say this not to be mean, but to be realistic. There’s no way you could have done an iota of research about Kearny before now, because if you did, you would have stopped in your tracks. You would have learned that for decades, we were dumped upon — quite literally (and figuratively) by private companies and government agencies. You would know that just two years ago, we fought against and beat the state to close down a dangerous landfill. You would know we’ve had our share of industry that belongs anywhere but here. You would also know that when our backs are against the proverbial wall, our people come out fighting until we get what we deserve. And right now, though you want to introduce yourselves to us, we already know we do not want you. Many of us have spent lifetimes dealing with garbage dumps, chemical plants with hideous smells and so much more. And we do not want human crap being delivered here to our town under any scenario whatsoever. So before this “meeting,” which, by the way, was originally scheduled (Dec. 13) with about as little notice as was possible, on behalf of a town of about 41,000 people — let this message be loud and let it be clear — we do not want you here. We do not want your jobs. We do not want your crap. We want one thing and one thing only — for your company to pick someplace else to open a plant. If you don’t believe us, get ready for the fight of a lifetime. If you think Newark gave you a headache, you haven’t yet met Alberto G. Santos, or Cristina Montague, or this newspaper, or so many others here. But, if you are ready to take us on, may we suggest an investment first — in Excedrin Migraine?

LaClair: Kearny’s leaders doing their best with yearly holiday displays To the Editor: When I was growing up on a farm in rural Michigan, I would watch “The Lawrence Welk Show” every Saturday evening with my parents. Lawrence had one Black entertainer on the show, a tap dancer (what else?) named Arthur Duncan. Sometimes, the show would include a production number, with the entire noninstrumental cast seated in pairs, one man with one woman at each table. Arthur sat at a table off to the side by himself, because Lawrence, his sponsors and his producers knew that those very nice, Christian farmers I grew up with would not have accepted Arthur being

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR seated at a table with a white woman. The yearly holiday display just went up at Town Hall. Because Hanukkah started early this year, the Menorah did not go up until after the holiday started. Some people complained about that. This year, the creche is behind some short evergreens. Some people complained about that, even though it is one of only three displays there. I am a Humanist. There is no display for me, except for the sign that says “Happy Holidays” — if you count that.

There is no display for the Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and maybe a few Wiccans, Confucians and members of other religions who live in town. As with Arthur, the display says that we don’t matter. I do not fault town leaders. They’re doing the best they can to respond to citizen demands. The problem is that like Tom and Tony and Mae and Helen, whom I grew up with, and my mom and dad, they don’t see what they’ve been trained not to see. That’s the problem. Is it fair? Of course not. Is it Christian? That depends on what you think a Christian is. Paul L. LaClair Kearny

Fryer: Fine to fine Montclair residents To the Editor: Like Mayor (Alberto G.) Santos, I am concerned about the upkeep and security of the Greenway project. In 2002, Kearny and Belleville lost rail service and Montclair gained three stations with direct service to

Midtown Manhattan. In the 1970s, radon contaminated soil was discovered in Montclair and was removed and dumped in Kearny. For these acts of economic imperialism, I suggest a checkpoint be established at the former

In Memoriam Mary A. Tortoreti 1942-2016

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

Arlington train station. A fee of $100 should be charged to any Montclair nabobs wishing to pass through Kearny. Call it reparations for decades of environmental and economic injustice. Francis Fryer Kearny

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

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Wednesday, December 15, 2021

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KPD: Arrested drunk guy ‘manipulated’ self through the ‘hole in his long johns’ By Capt. Tim Wagner Kearny Police Department

n Dec. 4 at 1:57 a.m., Officer Kevin Matos was patrolling Fish House Road near Route 7 and came upon a Ford Fusion stopped and idling in the roadway facing oncoming traffic. When the officer shined his flashlight into the Ford, he saw its driver slumped over the center console, apparently unconscious. After much difficulty rousing the driver, Officer Matos opened the driver’s door and eventually woke him, but not for long. Several times, driver Shaheed E. Shannon, 22, of Irvington, reportedly was awakened, slurred a mumbled garble and then went back to sleep. Officer Matos finally got Shannon to his feet, where he reportedly swayed heavily. The officer smelled alcohol on his breath and saw an empty airplane bottle of vodka on the front passenger seat. He arrested Shannon and brought him to the police station for breath testing. After testing, Officer Matos charged Shannon with DWI, reckless driving, leaving a vehicle standing in a roadway, open container of alcohol in a vehicle, delaying traffic and failure to keep right. At about 4:45 a.m., while Officer Matos was completing John’s Law (release) paperwork with a person Shannon summoned to pick him up, Shannon allegedly lowered his jeans to the floor, spread his legs toward Capt. Dave Feldhan and began manipulating his genitals through a hole in his long johns. It reportedly took several pleas from the officers for Shannon to put himself away. Eventually he did and was released — with an additional summons for lewdness. On Dec. 2 at 8:36 p.m., Officer Bryan San Martin was dispatched to the 10 Spot store on Passaic Avenue for a shoplifting complaint. Store

employees reported Imoni E. Gilmore, 25, of East Orange, concealed $106.96 worth of boots, jeans and sweaters in a large purse and tried to leave the store without paying. The store manager, a 40-year-old Newark woman, confronted Gilmore at the exit when anti-shoplifting alarms sounded. When confronted, Gilmore reportedly pushed the store manager leading to a brawl. During the fight, a second store employee, a 20-year-old Newark woman, saw a pair of stolen store pants protruding from Gilmore’s bag and snatched them back. Gilmore allegedly responded by punching the woman in the face, causing a bloody mess. Gilmore left before police were called. Det. Jordenson Jean and Officer San Martin took the store employees to the police station for further investigation. While there, they were notified Gilmore returned to the store. San Martin and several officers went to the 10 Spot and arrested her. They charged Gilmore with robbery, shoplifting and simple assault and placed her into the Hudson County Jail in South Kearny. On the morning of Dec. 3, Det. Jonathan Dowie, Sgt. Neil Nelson and Officer Ryan Brady assisted detectives from the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) in executing a search warrant at a Devon Terrace home. After executing the warrant, detectives arrested Adam J. Motichka, 30, of Kearny, based on information developed in the DCJ investigation. Motichka was charged with endangering the welfare of a child, third degree (N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5) (b)); and endangering the welfare of a child, second degree (N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5) (a)(i)). On Dec. 4 at 9:28 a.m., Officers Anthony Nunez, Harold Azurdia, Sean Podolski, and Lt. Brian Wisely were summoned to a private home where a 30-year-old woman

Police Beat told them that she allowed Luis G. Alonso, 30 of Kearny, to crash at her place for a few

days, but she wanted him out. The woman verbalized several criminal allegations but refused to pursue them formally. While investigating, the officers learned that Alonso was subject to an outstanding

Kearny arrest warrant for contempt stemming from an unrelated incident in November. Officer arrested Alonso at the scene without incident. They later transferred him See KPD, Page 19

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Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Third River’s last bad overflow came after Hurricane Ida slammed New Jersey

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

ayor Michael Melham recently led a contingent of officials that included state Sen. Teresa Ruiz, Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr., Assemblywoman Shanique Speight, Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin, Belleville Deputy Mayor Naomy DePeña and Councilman Thomas Graziano as well as members of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on a tour of Belleville neighborhoods that routinely flood from the Third River. The group navigated dirt paths, pushed back branches and surveyed streams to get a better understanding of local authorities call a “chronic issue.” The tour was convened last week after Melham reached out to Ruiz for help. Melham said the goal is to mitigate

understanding of what happens when the floodwaters rise here.” The Third River originates in the Great Notch Reservoir in Woodland Park and snakes its way through many municipalities. It runs through the heart of Belleville and its banks often spill over during severe weather events, such as when the remnants of Hurricane Ida crashed Jersey on Sept. 1. DEP representatives said they would review flood maps and surveys of the area through the lens Michelle advertising@theobserver.com 201-991-1600 of new information gleaned during river. future flooding issues for residents Newspaper: Client: the walking tour. of Fairway Avenue, Suzanne Court, This time, however, the lawmakers “The DEP intends to come back Carolyn Road, Dorothea Terrace and and DEP representatives spoke to Belleville with recommendations the Bridgebrook condo development. with residents about the recurring and suggestions as to where they On the ground in the immediate flooding, as well as possible may be able to help,” Melham said. aftermath of Hurricane Ida flooding, solutions. “We look forward to their expert “Our leaders on the county and this was Melham’s fourth time analysis and suggested remedies. state level responded to our call to visiting these neighborhoods. A Our residents need help; and focusAdvertising: on this critical Here issue,”isMelham few weeks back, Melham invited the updated template with a new photo of Jarlynn Hyd Belleville is committed to working said. “While we can make a list of and welcomed representatives with all agencies who can deliver the problems related to Third River of the Passaic Valley Sewerage assistance to our residents.” flooding, the first-hand accounts Commission, who committed to In photo, Melham, center with hood, of residents provide a much better helping with debris cleanup on the speaks of the Third River flooding.

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Sports & Recreation WITH

Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com

Blue Tide will roll toward respectability this season

North Arlington poised to make noise NORTH ARLINGTON –

The North Arlington High School boys’ basketball team won only four games during the COVID-19 shortened season a year ago, but those days are a distant memory in the rearview mirror. So says head coach Marcello D’Andrea, who has had to endure his fair share of losing since taking over the Viking program four years ago. In D’Andrea’s eyes, enough is enough is enough. “I think this is a team that is need of a little experience,” D’Andrea said. “We have a lot of young kids. We have a lot of underclassmen playing. But I like this group. I like the way they respond to me. I think you have to crawl before you can walk and we’re still crawling. But I know we can walk this season. I really think we’re ready to walk. We are making good strides. I know we can compete this year. The kids get after it. They get up and down the court. They’re willing to learn. I can’t ask for more than that as a coach.” Leading the returnees is the team’s lone starter from a year ago, namely 6-foot senior swingman Oscar Torres. The multi-talented Torres averaged 13 points per game last year, earning All-NJIC honors. “He has a good mid-

range game,” D’Andrea said. “He’s quick and gets off the ball quick. We named him captain and he took to it, but he leads more by example. He leads more by his actions. Every year, he gets better and better and he’s made good strides from last year. I expect Oscar to lead us on and off the court.” Another key performer is senior forward Will Hannon. The 6-foot-1 Hannon is a low post standout. “He finishes well around the basket,” D’Andrea said. “He’s a strong kid who has a knack of finding the ball. He’s still learning the nuances of the game. He will continue to develop his game.” Junior Daniel Janosek is a 5-foot-11 small forward/ shooting guard. “He does a little bit of everything for us,” D’Andrea said. “He shoots the ball well and has good court awareness. He even blocks shots here and there. He’s improved in all aspects of the game.” The Vikings are utilizing two players at the point guard slot in 5-foot-8 sophomore Sean McGeehan and 5-foot-11 sophomore Ian Crudele. “They are both all over the floor,” D’Andrea said. “TheThe y’re both integral parts of our team. They were both parts of the See VIEW, Page 11

Photo by Jim Hague

The Harrison boys’ basketball team will be an improved bunch this season. From left are Jake Mulrenan, Matthew Cabedelo, head coach Jose Camano, Jayden Galindo and Amaru Perales.

By Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com

HARRISON – Jose Camano begins his third season as the head boys’ basketball coach at his alma mater, namely Harrison High School, where he was a three-sport superstar and the recipient of the 20082009 Observer Male Athlete of the Year. And there’s no question that this should be the best year of Camano’s young coaching career. “I’m pretty confident, because I’ve been here with most of the players on this year’s team,” Camano said. “We started off slow last year, but we finished pretty strong. And we played in the Hasbrouck Heights summer league with some good teams that challenged us. I think

we know what we have from the beginning of the season. We’re pretty prepared. We knew what we had coming back and they were with me all year working to get better.” Camano believes that he has improved as a head basketball coach as well in his third season. “I feel like I’m a lot better,” Camano said. “I understand the game better. I communicate with the players more. I think that’s one of my biggest strengths. I think I’m able to get my message across to them. As long as I get my point across to them, the kids know I’m there for them. If that’s the case, then I’m ok with that. I don’t think we’re in a rebuilding state at all. I just think the kids are willing to learn. If that’s the case, then we’re good to go.”

Camano feels that in order to be successful this season, the Blue Tide have to believe in their defense. “We have to get stops and score off stops,” Camano said. “The last two weeks of practice, I’ve seen that. We are stressing defense first. I was a big defensive guy when I played. I think the kids are beginning to realize that. If we play tough defense for 32 minutes, then we can be strong. We have to suck it up and play good defense first.” The leader of the Blue Tide has to be sophomore point guard Reuben Stokes. The 6-foot Stokes is the lone returning starter from a year ago. “He knows what he has to do,” Camano said. “He has a See BLUE TIDE, Page 10

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BLUE TIDE

Continued from Page 9 big workload upon him. He can get from Point A to Point B in a hurry, but he has to be able to bring his teammates along with him. He has to create for his teammates. He can be a scoring point guard, but he has that pass-first mentality. He’s just a great player and fun to watch. He’s also grown so much as a player.” Edward Burgos is a 5-foot-11 junior guard. “He can put the ball in the basket,” Camano said of Burgos. “He has a good outside shot. He’s also very aggressive on defense. I expect big things from him and Reuben. We’re putting the ball in their hands.”

Jake Mulrenan, the standout quarterback in the fall, has joined the basketball team for the first time ever. The 6-foot-4 Mulrenan is a power forward. “I wasn’t surprised with what he could do as a basketball player,” Camano said. “I knew he could have a really big impact with us. He comes from a great family of athletes. He’s a great athlete. He’s also very vocal and talks to his teammates.” Camano was asked if Mulrenan’s football background could help him on the hardwood. “He has to see the whole court like a football field,” Camano said. “He really does a great job.” Junior Ethan Oeckel is a 6-foot-1 forward who was battling a preseason injury,

but should be back in time for the start of the season this weekend. “He’s a great rebounder,” Camano said of Oeckel. “He’s developing as a basketball player. He’s also a three-sport athlete, but he played AAU basketball in the spring and that really helped him with his confidence. He’s a lot more confident than he was last year. I’m looking for him to give us about 10 points per game.” Senior Amaru Perales is a 6-foot-5 rebounding machine. “He played as a sophomore, but broke his wrist last year and was in and out,” Camano said. “I think he can get about 10 rebounds per game. He tends to be more physical. He also has a nice little jump shot.” Matt Cabedelo is a 5-foot-11

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

senior small forward. “He has a nice outside shot,” Camano said. “He’s a good 3-point threat.” Senior Jayden Galindo is a 6-foot-1 forward. “He’s a really good shooter,” Camano said. “He’s a big kid who plays great physical defense.” Junior Kevin Ordonez is a 6-foot-1 inside player. “He’s learning to play the inside game,” Camano said. “He’s been a guard his whole life, but he is developing inside skills.” Junior Sammy Abdeljalio is a 5-foot-10 reserve point guard. “He can give us a good 10 minutes off the bench,” Camano said. “He’s a good defensive player.” Junior Abby Hernandez is a 5-foot-7 guard who is a

first-year player. “He’s really patient with the basketball who always looks to make the right play,” Camano said. Alex Jeffrey is a 5-foot-11 junior shooting guard. “He’s still learning the game,” Camano said. “He didn’t play last year, but I look for him to be more of a defensive threat.” The Blue Tide open the season Friday night at Leonia at 7 p.m. and return home Saturday afternoon with a game against Fort Lee at 1 p.m. Camano is confident his team will be improved this season. “We’re going to learn a lot, but we’ll be fine,” Camano said. Should be interesting for sure.

View the entire issue online @ www.TheObserver.com

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VIEW

Continued from Page 9 freshman team that went undefeated last year. They’re long and wide.” Sophomore Kelvin Vasquez is a 5-foot-10 guard who has made a comeback this season. Vasquez missed all of last season due to COVID-19 symptoms, but he’s back and making his presence felt. “He’s a slasher,” D’Andrea said of Vasquez. “He’s really quick. He’s strong to the basket and gets to the basket a lot. He’s like our engine who gets us going. He’s a scrappy player who goes and goes.” Junior Bernie Pimentel is a 6-foot-1 forward who makes plays, especially on the defensive side. “He’s very good defensively,” D’Andrea said. “He’s probably our best rebounder. He’s developed into a decent basketball player. He should help us on the glass.” Junior Ken Jaramillo is a 5-foot-8 point guard who will get minutes in place of McGeehan and Crudele. “He’s developed a good mid-

C ELEBRATING

Photo by Jim Hague

The North Arlington High School boys’ basketball team looks to be vasty improved this season. Front row, from left, are Shane Gilchrist, David Martinez and Matt O’Mara. Back row, from left, are head coach Marcello D’ Andrea, Israel Alcantara, Will Hannon, Kelvin Vasquez and Oscar Torres.

range game,” D’Andrea said of Jaramillo. “He can play.” Senior Shane Gilchrist is a 5-foot-9 guard. “He can put it in the basket,” D’Andrea said. “He’s a smart

EYE

Y EARS !

kid. He knows the offense and knows what to do. I think we have seven or eight guys who will see vital minutes this season.” The Vikings begin their season Friday night at home against Paterson Charter. They then tussle with league rival Hasbrouck Heights on Monday. The Vikings will welcome Bergen Tech, University Charter of Jersey City and local rival Belleville to the Bill Ferguson Memorial Christmas Tournament, the first tourney since the passing of the legendary coach and administrator earlier this year. D’Andrea knows that better days are ahead. “We’ve already seen some peaks and valleys,” D’Andrea said. “But I really think we’re on an upswing. I love the youth we have. I really think we have a chance to be pretty decent.” That’s “coach speak” for “watch out!” The Vikings will be much improved this season.

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Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Kardinals try to rebound after roller coaster boys’ hoops season

By Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com

KEARNY – The Kearny High School boys’ basketball team endured one of the wildest rides during the COVID-19 pandemic mania that took place a year ago. The Kardinals found themselves in a 1-7 hole during the shortened 15-game schedule, then found magic almost overnight, winning their last six games of the season to finish 7-8. “It was definitely a crazy season,” said veteran Kearny head coach Bill Mullins. “It could have been worse, but we hung in there and didn’t quit.” The Kardinals were decimated by graduation and returns only one starter from last year’s roller coaster ride of a season. “We only have four guys who scored a single point on the varsity (squad) last year,”

Mullins said. “We are very inexperienced. We had to get to work.” Needless to say, it was an uphill climb for the Kardinals. “It’s always a challenge,” Mullins said. “It’s certainly not easy. But the kids are working hard getting ready. They’ve put the time in.” The Kardinals played together in the Bloomfield summer league and participated in a fall league together as well. “We don’t have a lot of kids,” said Mullins, who is in his second stint as the head coach of the Kardinals. “But what we do have is camaraderie. The basic needs have to come from themselves. It can’t come from the coach. We try to get everyone to work together and bond together.” The lone returning starter is a good one. Senior Ryan Gill is a 6-foot-6 forward who is extremely versatile.

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6-foot-2 swingman. “He has a nice outside shot,” Mullins said. “I’m expecting him to step up this season and be more of a player. We need help under the boards and he’s stepping up and doing the job there. He has some ability and can get us about 12 points per game.” William Medina is a 5-foot9 senior guard who can play either the point guard or shooting guard position. “He’s a good outside shooter,” Mullins said. “He is also very strong. This is his first year at Kearny, so he’s getting Photo by Jim Hague used to things.” The Kearny High School boys’ basketball team will look for its senior class Medina is a former student to lead the way this season. Front row, from left, are William Medina, at Kearny Christian Academy, Kasper Szymczak, Mardeo Lamas and James Rosario. Back row, from left, but is eligible to play right are head coach Bill Mullins, Juelz Hernandez and Ryan Gill. away for the Kardinals without having to sit out due to the “We want him both inside top sport is on the hardwood. transfer rules. and outside,” Mullins said of A former Observer Athlete of “He’s going to help us,” MulGill, who averaged close to 14 the Week, Gill is a player to lins said of Medina. points per game last season. watch this season. James Rosario is a 5-foot-9 “We also need him helping Another top player is 5-footsenior guard who will help on defense. This is his third 9 junior point guard Kasper with the team’s ball handling. season with me on the varsity. Szymczak. Mardeo Lamas is a 5-foot-7 He’s a hard worker who gets “We don’t have one point up and down the floor well. guard,” Mullins said. “We have guard who will have a role in the backcourt. He’s also a very smart kid, a about four. Kasper can bring “He’s fast and quick,” Mulvery smart player. He’s a super the ball up the floor and run lins said of Lamas, who is a kid. He’s a three-sport athlete, our offense. He does a pretty first-year varsity player like a good all-around athlete.” good job hitting the three Rosario and Medina. Gill also played football in (point shot). He’s worked reThe Kardinals’ underclass the fall and will be a mainstay ally hard to turn himself into a on the baseball diamond, but a solid player.” See KARDINALS, Page 14 lot of people believe that Gill’s Senior Juelz Hernandez is a

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Raising awareness of Parkinson’s non-motor symptoms via storytelling (StatePoint) With the help of an Airstream trailer traveling the country, people with Parkinson’s disease will soon have a unique opportunity to record and share their experiences and personal stories as part of a program called “Yours, Truly.” Nonmotor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease, as a whole, can be more troublesome than motor symptoms, in terms of quality of life. The stigma around these symptoms may also create challenges. As a recent survey shows, caregivers to those living with Parkinson’s disease psychosis are hesitant to discuss Parkinson’s non-motor symptoms involving psychosis with physicians in the

presence of patients so as not to embarrass them. “Patients and caregivers are reluctant to talk about non-motor symptoms out of concern for their loved ones,” said Leilani Pearl, senior vice president of communications at the Parkinson’s Foundation. “Having a place to hear and share the unique experiences of others living with Parkinson’s will increase awareness of symptoms and may help others get the care they need.” “Parkinson’s disease affects about 1 million people in the United States, which may present with both motor and non-motor symptoms. Around half of the people living with

Parkinson’s disease may develop hallucinations or delusions over the course of their disease, but the majority of people don’t proactively tell their physicians about these symptoms. That’s why I believe it’s so important to share experiences across languages and cultures,” said Dr. Gus Alva, assistant professor at University of California, Riverside Medical School, Department of Neuroscience. The storytelling campaign is in collaboration with StoryCorps, a non-profit organization whose mission is to “preserve and share humanity’s stories in order to build connections between people and create a more just and compas-

sionate world.” Sponsored by Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc., “Yours, Truly” invites people with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners to record interviews about their lives and preserve their story in StoryCorps’ national archive. Signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can vary, with people experiencing both motor symptoms (such as slowness of movement, resting tremors, limb stiffness and trouble with balance) and non-motor symptoms (such as constipation, impaired bladder control, anxiety and depression, loss of mental sharpness/ acuity, hallucinations and delusions). When people living with

Obituaries NORMAN DIXON SR.

Deadline for Obituaries is Monday by 10AM

Norman Dixon Sr. died Dec. 6, 2021. He was 75. Born in Kearny, he was a lifelong North Arlington resident. Memorial visiting will take place Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021

from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. Norman served in the Army during the Vietnam War. He worked for several airlines, retiring from United Airlines after 26 years of service. Husband of Margaret

(nee Kavanagh), he was the father of Norman Dixon Jr. and Michele Dixon. Brother of Charles Dixon (Claire) and Carol Dixon, he is also survived by his granddaughters Olivia and Harlynn along with his two pals Bella and Roxy.

Mulligan Funeral Home 331 Cleveland Avenue, Harrison

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Parkinson’s disease experience hallucinations and/or delusions related to their condition, it is known as Parkinson’s disease psychosis. A hallucination is a perception-like experience that occurs without an external stimulus and is seen, heard, felt, tasted or smelled. A delusion is a false, fixed belief despite evidence to the contrary. To share or view a story, access educational resources in English or Spanish, or to find out where you can visit the StoryCorps airstream, visit www. YoursTrulyPDP.com. Already, several Parkinson’s families have shared their stories and added their voices to StoryCorps’ national archive.

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

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sophomore who is also an inside force. “He’s pretty strong under the Continued from Page 11 basket,” Mullins said of Mills. The Kardinals open the new seafeatures two players that Mullins is son Monday, Dec. 20 against Dover very familiar with – namely his two at Kearny High at 4:30 p.m. They sons, 6-foot-2 junior small forward will host their own holiday tournaWilliam and 6-foot-4 sophomore ment with Nutley, Abundant Life forward Matheus. Both Mullins Academy of Nutley and Thomas boys will see considerable playing ison Charter in the field Dec. 29 time. and 30. “William is a good shooter,” MulThe Kardinals will face some lins said of his older son. “I think of the top Hudson County teams, he’s a pretty complete player. He’s but received a reprieve when the also going to help on the boards. Hudson County Interscholastic He’s improved a lot in the offseaAthletic League put the Kardinals son. Matheus can handle the ball in the same division with programs pretty well. He’s pretty flexible at like Memorial, Ferris and McNair either forward or at guard. He’s one Academic and away from the stateof the better passers on the team.” ranked powers like Hudson CathoShamar Bailey is a 5-foot-11 junior lic and St. Peter’s Prep. who can also play both guard slots. “Playing the Hudson County “He’s very coachable,” Mullins teams is always tough,” Mullins said of Bailey. “He drives well to the said. “Everyone is tough. But we basket and does a nice job for us.” should be okay. We just have to wait Anton Walker is a 6-foot junior and see what happens,” who Mullins called “the fastest Mullins has to hope his young and guard on the team who does a nice inexperienced team will come of job attacking the basket.” age in a hurry. If that happens, then Jose Escalante is a 6-foot-1 junior the Kardinals will be a tough out all who plays his best close to the season long. basket. Ameer Mills is a 6-foot-4

KARDINALS

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Down comes the old Wittpenn Bridge

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Demolition on the old Wittpenn Bridge started immediately on the east approach (Jersey City side) once traffic was shifted onto the new bridge and is now around 80% complete. For the remainder of the calendar year, most of the work will be preparing for the demolition of the lift span portion of the bridge. That section is scheduled for demolition in January and February and will take place in three phases — removal of the counterweights, removal of the lift span and then removal of the towers. In the spring, the remainder of the eastern approach, and the western approach in Kearny, will be removed.

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Town Council fines PSE&G for improper street openings By Ron Leir For The Observer Kearny is flexing its muscles against the state’s primary gas & electric company to protect public byways from being undermined by untimely excavations. Last month, the mayor and council voted to issue three violation notices to PSE&G for “unpermitted street openings” at various locations and, as proscribed by town ordinance, fined the company $1,250 for each offense. David Silva, project manager with Neglia Engineering, the town’s consulting engineers, which documented the violations, noted: “From recent memory, this is the first time fines are being issued (against PSE&G.) It has become a recurring issue that the town’s road opening protocols are being violated and it will no longer be tolerated, especially on newly paved roadways which have a protected status and require extensive restoration.” Mayor Alberto G. Santos echoed Silva’s concerns. “The council and I decided to take enforcement action because the utility openings were done on streets that had been recently repaved — in one of the

cases, just one week earlier. We did not receive any prior request from the utility even though we twice gave them prior notice of the street repaving work,” Santos said. Amplifying on the municipal ordinance governing street openings, Silva said all local road openings require mayor and council approval. Further, emergency road openings require the excavator contact the Kearny Police Department and Department of Public Works immediately and file a road-opening permit with DPW within two days of the emergency. That road opening request is then reviewed at the next meeting of the

governing body. “I am very frustrated because the cost of repaving is very high and street openings accelerate road surface deterioration,” Santos said. “The town took all the necessary steps to provide enough lead time for the utilities to do any necessary underground work and yet (the unauthorized digging) still happens. Short of a true emergency, it has to stop.” The violations served on the utility were for improper excavations on Kearny, New Lawn and Davis avenues. According to Silva, there were “multiple openings” at the intersection of Kearny and New Lawn avenues “within the roadway and sidewalk areas. We

discovered the openings on Aug. 27. The roadway repaving was completed at the end of July. PSE&G claims that the openings were an emergency for electrical service to 545 Kearny Ave.; however, the emergency road opening protocols were not followed so it is unclear whether this was actually an emergency.” Silva said the Davis Avenue excavation was discovered in July. He said Davis Avenue was repaved in 2017 and it is a protected street. He said PSE&G claims the Davis Avenue opening was a gas emergency, but here again, Silva said, the emergency road protocols weren’t followed so whether, in fact, there was an emergency could not be ascertained. Apparently, the message that Kearny was delivering to the utility registered, because at its most recent meeting Dec. 7, the mayor and council approved applications by PSE&G for road opening permits at numerous locations — 65 Beech St., 238-240 Maple St. and 267 Laurel Ave. and emergency road opening permits for 91 Maple St., 145 Davis Ave., 182 Laurel Ave., 184 Highland Ave., 208 Seeley Ave. and Kearny and Oakwood avenues.

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TODAY’S LOAN RATES Payment Example: $9.89 per $1,000 borrowed on a $100,000 10-year fixed rate mortgage at an interest rate of 3.500% will result in 120 payments of $988.86 on owner occupied 5+ multi-family. Payment Example: $7.15 per $1,000 borrowed on a $100,000 15-year fixed rate mortgage at an interest rate of 3.50% will result in 180 payments of $714.88 on owner occupied 5+ multi-family. Payment Example: $10.01 per $1,000 borrowed on a $100,000 10-year fixed rate mortgage at an interest rate of 3.750% will result in 120 payments of $1,000.61 on investment 5+ multi-family. Payment Example: $7.27 per $1,000 borrowed on a $100,000 15-year fixed rate mortgage at an interest rate of 3.750% will result in 180 payments of $727.22 on investment 5+ multi-family. 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 & 15-year amortization term. Financing on properties located in Essex, Union, and Hudson Counties. Minimum finance charge of $955.00. New loans only. Rates and annual percentage rates are based on 75% loan to value with 25% equity or 25% 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, December 15, 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 driver’s license a must Call 973-728-0842

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

Belleville Pharmacy is looking for a Pharmacy Technician who is dependable, team player and with experience. Apply in person at 338 Washington Ave. Belleville, NJ 07109 or email resume to bellevillepharmacy338@ gmail.com 31W03

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

31W12

• Scammers North Arlington Public Schools Paraprofessionals (Aides &Teacher Assistants) (P/T $13 - $16 per hour) Start date on or about 1/3/22 Please apply through our website www.navikings.org Employment Opportunities Deadline to apply: 12/22/21 AA/EOE 31W02

Orthopedist’s practice in Kearny looking for full-time, temporary secretary between (6-8) months (M-F) 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Must be professional, responsible, friendly and motivated. Duties include, but are not limited to answering telephones, scheduling appointments, registration of patients, handling of medical records, faxing, etc. Spanish speaking a plus, BUT not mandatory. Please fax letter of interest with resume to (201) 998-9201 to Attn: Keith, Office Mgr. Must show documented proof of full vaccination for COVID-19. Salary discussed upon contacting selected, qualified applicants. 32W03

Auto mechanic part time with tools Newark ironbound area call 732 489 1797

North Arlington warehouse has multiple positions available. Good working conditions, competitive pay with benefits. Please email jobsaonem@gmail.com

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FT Mechanic position available. Salary range $42,254 – 65,762. Three years exp. in maintenance and repair of various vehicles including trucks & equipment. Welding experience a plus. Valid NJ drivers license with CDL, class B, air brake required. https://info.csc.state.nj.us/ jobspec/02434.htm For application go to Town of Kearny Website at https://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/ application Deadline 1/11/2022 32W04

WAREHOUSE KEARNY NJ Packers, Sorters, Cutters, Tractor Trailer Drivers Overtime On Saturdays if wanted. Call (201)998-8700 31W03

Professional cleaning 74 Heckel St. Belleville NJ FT/PT after 4PM $15/hr. Drivers License. Must speak English. Ramon (973) 715-4426 31W03

FULL TIME ophthalmic technician with benefits for ophthalmologist office Please Fax resume to Natalie Tavares 201-896-0062 or call 201-896-0096 31W03

What an Observer Classified gets you ... • local readership

Security Guards Part time positions in Recreation Depts. Under direction, patrols recreation parks, playgrounds and fields, enforces policies, deters vandalism, controls users of facilities, closes buildings and other related duties. Possession of a valid NJ driver’s license required. Experience a plus. 24.5 hours per week, $14 hour Applications available at https://www.kearnynj. org/job-opportunities/ 31W04

Transportation company in Lyndhurst seeks a driver to transport patients to doctor’s app’ts. Daytime hrs, no wknds. Must feel comfortable driving into NYC., clean driving record a must. Call us at (201) 460-1001 32W03

• 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? Try The Observer’s Classifieds ... and see results

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Joint task force will review Essex County Jail policies, procedures A joint initiative with the Essex County Correctional Facility Civilian Task Force to review operating procedures at the Essex County Correctional Facility was announced Monday, Dec. 6, in response to recent incidents involving inmate altercations at the Essex County Correctional Facility, County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. said. The review will be undertaken by the Ambrose Group LLC, an independent management consulting organization led by retired Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose, with the civilian board. “We have worked hard to earn accreditation from the ACA and provide a safe and secure environment at our correctional facility. We want to ensure that our policies and procedures are focused to allow us to operate our jail efficiently and safely,” DiVincenzo said. “We need a fresh set of eyes to review our policies and standards. In conjunction with Commissioner President Wayne Richardson, Penal Committee Chairman Commissioner Rufus Johnson and the Civilian Task Force, we are bringing in the Ambrose Group to review our procedures to make sure we continue to operate the correctional facility in a safe and effective manner.” The Ambrose Group will conduct a comprehensive assessment of all correctional facility operations. It will review security, staffing roles and responsibilities of all employees from the time inmates enter the facility at intake to the time they are released. The group will also review all polices and whether they’re being adhered to. Labor unions and inmate groups will be interviewed as part of the assessment. “The role of the Civilian Task Force is to advocate for the inmates at the correctional

facility and ensure they are being held in a safe environment. I am pleased to work with Essex County and the Ambrose Group on this proactive initiative to get an independent review of the facilities’ policies and standards,” James McGreevey, former New Jersey governor and chairman of the Civilian Task Force, said. The professionals who will be conducting the assessment include, but are not limited to Ambrose; Rick Fuentes, former New Jersey State Police superintendent; Gregory Ehire, former special agent in charge of the FBI for New Jersey; Darnell Henry, former chief of the Newark Police Division; Gary Lanigan, former commissioner of the NJ State Department of Corrections and others. “The Ambrose Group consists of professionals who have spent their lifetimes in public safety and law enforcement. We thank the county executive and the Civilian Task Force for giving us this opportunity to give a fresh look at the policies, procedures and operations of the correctional facility,” Ambrose said. Ambrose created the group. He retired as Newark Public Safety Director in March and has more than 35 years of public safety experience, rising through the ranks of the Newark Police Department to become chief and then public safety director. He also spent time as chief of detectives for the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and worked for the Essex County Sheriff’s Office. DiVincenzo said his administration and the ECCF officers and staff are fully cooperating with investigations by the NJ Attorney General’s Office and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office into two inmate altercations that recently occurred at the ECCF.

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Observer Classifieds

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

N.NEWARK

KEARNY

E.NEWARK 3rd floor. 3 BR. LR. Kitchen.Bath. $1500 + 1 Months security. Available January 1st Call (201)988-7536 30W03

KEARNY 2nd floor, 2 BR, LR, EIK, $1300 + 1 month security, No pets, smoke free. Available Now (201)232-5329 30W03

KEARNY 3rd Floor. 1 BR, EIK, $1,375 + 1 1/2 months security. Utilities not included. No pets/ smoking. Avl. Now. Credit Check, employment verification and references required (973) 309-5773

BLOOMFIELD BLOOMFIELD Newley renovated 1 Bedroom Studio. Kitchen. Small LR. $850 +1 month security. Utilities included. No Pets. Available January 1st (862) 215-7039 31W03

BELLEVILLE BELLEVILLE Silver Lake area. 2nd floor. 3 BR’s. LR.EIK. & 1 Bath. $1800 + 1.5 months security. Utilities separate. No Pets/ smoking. Available Now (973)886-4742 31W03

KEARNY Arlington Section. 1 BR, H/W Floors. Walking distance to schools & Supermarket, all public transportation and NY bus. Avl. Jan 1st 2022. (201) 657-2119.

KEARNY Brand new 4 BR’s. $1950 + 1.5 months security. Utilities separate. Access to Yard. No Smoking/Pets. Available January 1st (201)772-9965 32W03

BELLEVILLE Howard Place. off Washington Avenue. 3 rooms. 1 BR. $1050 + 1.5 Months security. HT/HW included. N0 Pets. Near Family Dollar Store. Available Now (973) 801-5900 32W03

HARRISON HARRISON 3rd floor 4 bedrooms, LR, Kitchen and bathroom. $1,700/ mth plus 1 mth security. Utilities Seperate. Background check. (973)4852982 30W03

KEARNY 3rd fl. 2 BR’s, LR, EIK. $1,500 + 1.5 months security. Utilities separate. No Pets Avl. Now. (201) 424-7995 30W03

KEARNY Renovated 1 BR , 3rd fl. apartment in 3 family home, 145 Maple St – central location, $ 1,350 per month & $2,025 deposit. Available now. Heat/hot water included Laundry and storage in Basement Must have excellent credit No Smoking & No pets. Call (973)419-0808 between 9AM to 6 PM. 32W03

NORTH ARLINGTON Luxury apartment. 1 BR with Den/Office options. $1,950 + 1 Months security. Utilities Seperate All New Stainless steel appliances Modern Kitchen. Parking for 1 car per unit. Laundry on premises. No pets/Smoking Close to transportation. Credit Check. Call for further details! (201)997-2341 Call between 10am-7pm 31W06

N.ARLINGTON Newly renovated. Very Private. 1 BR. LR. EIK. 1 Bath. $1100 + 1.5 months security. Plus utilities. No Smoking. Background Check. Close to Transportation. Call between 9am - 7pm (201)966-8095 32W03 N.ARLINGTON Garden Apartment for rent. Nice area. 1 BR.3 rooms. $1450 + 1 months security. H/ HW included. No Pets/ Smoking. Single or Couple preferred. 1 parking space. Laundry on premises. Call between 10am - 7pm (201)997-2341 32W03

NUTLEY

KEARNY KEARNY 1st floor 2 bedroom $1,450 + 1.5 months security. Utilities separate. No pets/ Smoking. Leave a detailed message (973) 951-7385 30W03

HARRISON 1 attic room for rent. $500 + 1 month security, everything included cable & internet. (973) 525- 3860 30W03

BUILDING FOR SALE

KEARNY 2nd fl. 3 BR’s, 2 bath, Large LR, Kitchen, Central A/C, Washer/ Dryer room. No smoking. 2,200/month. 1 1/2 months security. Avl. Now (718) 913-6118. Belgrove Dr Kearny NJ 07032 32W03

NUTLEY 1BR duplex apartment available Jan. 1, $1,950/mo + 1 month security. Has balcony & 1 bathroom. Tenant pays own utilities. Background/criminal check required. Call Sammy at 201-341-2620 31W03

MOVING FOR SALE HARRISON 186 6TH Street First Floor ALL MUST GO! Dining Room Set Living Room Curious & many Collectables ALL NEGOTIABLE. 12/19/21 10AM - 4 PM 32W01

KEARNY 1st fl. 3 BR’s, DR, 32W03 BELLEVILLE EIK, Bathroom.3 closets + Commercial investment 1 Pantry closet. $2100 + opportunity in developing LYNDHURST 1.5 months security. Utiliarea. 9 apartments, ties included. no pets/ 2 stores, principles only. smoking. Avl. January 1st LYNDHURST 4 Room Call (201)628-4071 (551)209-6954 30W03 First FL apartment 1 block 31W03 from train & bus $1800 +1 1/2 months Security. KEARNY 2 BR. LR.EIK. Available now. Call 201$1,800 + 1 Months secu- 438-1987 Ask for Nathan rity. Utilities separate. No 31W03 ESTATE SALE pets/smoking. 1 parking spot. Available January N.ARLINGTON 1st Text only 917-3620212 30W03

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BELLEVILLE Small studio, basement. $700 + 1 months security. Utilities included. No pets/smoking. Good area. Available Now. English (862) 8883611 Espanol (862)8885100 32W01

ROOM FOR RENT

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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

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Remembering Seals and Rodriguez on the second anniversary of their deaths

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ec. 19, 2019, is a date many of us at The Observer — and all over the region — will never forget. We sat in our office, in absolute horror, as we listened to the Jersey City Police Department’s scanner traffic on an iPhone app. The gunshots were plainly obvious. One police officer was already gone. Others were in a Catholic grammar school, ducking bullets. It was all as harrowing a day — and though we were miles away, it impacted

so many. We’d later learn two locals were killed. Jersey City Police Officer Joseph Seals, of North Arlington, was the first victim, gunned down in a cemetery in the Greenville section of Jersey City. Killed in a kosher deli later was one of its clerks, Douglas Miguel Rodriguez, of Harrison. Two years later, we pause to remember Seals and Rodriguez — and all those who lost their lives that horrible day. May they all rest in peace. — CANESSA

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

KPD

Continued from Page 7 to the county jail in South Kearny. On Dec. 6 at 12:57 a.m., Officer Matos was observing traffic near the Belleville Turnpike and Elm Street where he heard the growl of an accelerating engine coming down the Pike. He watched as a black Honda Civic passed him at a high speed, so the officer followed the Civic east on the Pike, pacing him at 50 mph. in a 30 mph. zone. He pulled over the Civic near Barczewski Street. Driver Steven M. Morales, 30, of Jersey City, handed Officer Matos a state identification card instead of a driver’s license. His license was later found to have been suspended. Dispatch advised the officer that the temporary registration tag on Morales’s Honda was associated with a Tesla registered out of Lyndhurst. Lyndhurst police assist-

19 Stuyvesant Ave. couple assaulted in AM

The Observer | www.theobserver.com ed by finding that Tesla and confirming that it still had its legitimate temporary tag displayed on it. Officer Matos arrested Morales on charges of driving with a suspended license, fictitious plates, unregistered vehicle and careless driving. Morales was later released. On Dec. 7 at 9:04 p.m., Officers Anthony Oliveira, Nick Funk and Sgt. Ben Wuelfing were dispatched to a private home on a domestic dispute. There, they learned a married couple got into an argument over the husband’s disciplinary philosophy with their daughter, who reportedly was being disobedient. During the argument, the wife allegedly struck the husband in the face with a soda can, causing a bloody cut near the husband’s eye. The husband then allegedly spit on the wife. Officers arrested the 39-year-old wife for simple assault under domestic violence laws. She was charged on a summons and later released.

By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com LYNDHURST — When a Stuyvesant Avenue couple left their home at around 6 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 9, they got way more than they expected when one of them was assaulted by a group of five thugs, Det. Lt. Vincent Auteri told The Observer.

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the area and he pulled over to the scene to assist, not knowing what was going on. As he did that, and identified himself, the mob fled. The husband was transported to Hackensack University Medical Center, where he was treated for his injuries and then released. An investigation continues.

police work.” Jarvis agrees. “Over the years, the Lyndhurst Public Continued from Page 3 Schools and our police department have enjoyed a very cooperative relationship,” hurst is thankful for the strong partnership the chief said. “Both organizations underthat exists between our police department stand the value of keeping students and and the Lyndhurst Board of Education,” staff safe within a supportive learning Giangeruso said. “The appointment of speenvironment. The value of having these cial law enforcement officers will surely officers in the schools is that they are provide an additional layer of security in experienced, trained law-enforcement ofour schools. I am proud to announce that ficials who will work in conjunction with Officer William Peer and Officer Anthony the mission of our school resource officer.” Alexander will be our first ever Class III The two new Class III officers will roOfficers this school year. Both are expe-COUNTY, NEW JERSEY HUDSON tate about all Lyndhurst schools. They join 402 Kearny Avenue rienced and highly trained police officers Sgt. Steve Kearny, New Jersey 07032 Passamano, who is currently the who have recently retired from full-time LPD’s Tel. (201) 246-1418SRO (on active duty). Stephen D. Marks Alberto G. Santos

SRO

TOWN OF KEARNY Fax (201) 991-0608

Mayor

TOWN OF KEARNY

Town Administrator

HUDSON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY

TOWN OF KEARNY 402 Kearny Avenue

Alberto G. Santos Mayor

YOUTUBE.THEOBSERVER.COM

According to Auteri: As the pair left their apartment, they were reportedly approached by a group of five men who were all wearing facial coverings. The group then assaulted the man — fortunately, they left his wife alone — and demanded entry to the couple’s apartment. As luck would have it, an off-duty state trooper was in

Alberto G. Santos Mayor

HUDSON COUNTY, NEW 07032 JERSEY Kearny, New Jersey PUBLIC NOTICE 402 Kearny Avenue Tel. (201) 246-1418 Town of Kearny Kearny, New Jersey 07032 Fax (201) 991-0608 DraftTel. Master Plan Update (201) 246-1418 Fax (201)p.m. 991-0608 Public Hearing – 7:30 on January 5, 2022

Stephen D. Marks Town Administrator

Kearny Town Hall 402 Kearny Avenue, 3rd Floor PUBLICN.J. NOTICE Kearny, 07032 Town ofNOTICE Kearny PUBLIC Draft Master Planintroduced Update a draft master plan update to Town of Kearny On November 3, 2021, the Kearny Planning Board Draft Master Plan Update Public Hearing 7:30 p.m. January 2022 guide the future of land development in–the Town of on Kearny. The 5, N.J. Municipal Land Use Law Hearing – 7:30 p.m.community on Januaryin5,the 2022 Kearny Town Hall (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-28, etPublic seq.) requires that every state create and update a Kearny Town Hall Kearny 3rd Floor comprehensive master plan. A402 master planAvenue, is an advisory document which guides the use of 402 Kearny Avenue, 3rd Floor Kearny, N.J. 07032 lands to protect public health and safety, as well as to promote the general welfare. Kearny, N.J. 07032 November the Planning Board introduced draft master update to A On master plan is3,a 2021, public document is prepared througha aadraft public planning process. On November 3, 2021, theKearny Kearnywhich Planning Board introduced master planplan update to The guide the future of land development in the Town of Kearny. The N.J. Municipal Land Use Law guide the future of land development in the Town of Kearny. The N.J. Municipal Land Use Law town used both qualitative and quantitative methods to measure public opinion towards local (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-28, et et seq.) requires community inthe the state create and update a (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-28, seq.) requiresthat that every state create andopinion update asurvey land use and development. Specifically, theevery towncommunity created a in 52 question public comprehensive master plan. AAmaster plan is an an advisory advisorydocument document which guides the of use of comprehensive master plan. master plan which guides the use which was completed by 845 respondents. In addition, more than 30 stakeholders (municipal to protect public health andsafety, safety,as as well well as general welfare. landslands to protect public health and as to topromote promotethe the general welfare. and school officials, residents, property owners, businesses, etc.) were interviewed to explore indepthAattitudes about town and perceptions about through the future of development. master a the public document which is is prepared prepared planning process. The The A master planplan is aispublic document which througha apublic public planning process. both qualitative andquantitative quantitative methods methods to public opinion towards locallocal towntown usedused both qualitative and tomeasure measure public opinion towards The draft master plan has been broken down into two volumes. Thepublic first opinion volumesurvey contains a development. Specifically, the town landland use use andand development. Specifically, the town created createda a5252question question public opinion survey which was completed by 845 respondents. In addition,which more than 30 stakeholders (municipal section goals andIn a section and analyzes land use. A which establishing was completed by and 845 objectives respondents. addition, moreexamines than 30 stakeholders (municipal and school officials, residents, property owners, businesses, etc.) were interviewed to explore insecond volume containing other required elements (i.e.etc.) housing, circulation, recreation, and school officials, residents, property owners, businesses, interviewed to explore indepth attitudes about the town and perceptions about future ofwere development. community facilities, etc.) willthe be and circulated in the spring depth attitudes aboutconservation, the town and utilities, perceptions about thedeveloped future of development. of 2022. The draft master plan has been broken down into two volumes. The first volume contains a

The section draft master plan goals has been broken down into two volumes. volume contains a establishing and objectives and a section which examinesThe andfirst analyzes land use. A Copies ofestablishing the volume draft master update may beaelements found the town’s internet website. Theuse. Kearny second containing other required (i.e. housing, circulation, recreation, section goalsplan and objectives and sectionon which examines and analyzes land A Planning Board facilities, has established a public comment will a in public hearing at community conservation, utilities, etc.) willperiod be developed andconduct circulated therecreation, spring second volume containing other required elements (i.e.and housing, circulation, of 2022. 7:30 p.m. on January 2022 in Kearny Town Hall, Kearny Avenue, 3 rd Floor,inKearny, N.J. community facilities,5, conservation, utilities, etc.) will402 be developed and circulated the spring 07032. of 2022. People wishing to provide written comments may do so by emailing Copies of the draft master plan update may be found on the town’s internet website. The Kearny smarks@kearnynj.org by 7:30 p.m. on January 5, 2022. Planning Board has established a public comment period and will conduct a public hearing at Copies of the draft master plan update may be found on the town’s internet website. The Kearny 7:30 p.m. on January 5, 2022 in Kearny Town Hall, 402 Kearny Avenue, 3 rd Floor, Kearny, N.J. Planning Board has established a public comment period and will hearing at 07032. People wishing to provide written comments mayconduct do soa public by emailing 7:30smarks@kearnynj.org p.m. on January 5, 2022 in p.m. Kearny Town Hall, 402 Kearny Avenue, 3 rd Floor, Kearny, N.J. by 7:30 on January 5, 2022. 07032. People wishing to provide written comments may do so by emailing smarks@kearnynj.org by 7:30 p.m. on January 5, 2022.

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Wednesday, December 15, 2021

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X-RAYS NOT INCLUDED.)

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$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