e-Newspaper for March 2, 2022 by The Observer Newspaper

Wednesday, 2 March 2022

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Vol. CXXXIV, No. 43

ON THE INSIDE WHATCo preparing for interactive dinner theater postponed from 2020

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

It’s Melham v. Rovell in race for Belleville’s mayoralty By Ron Leir

For The Observer

ayor Michael Melham will face off against challenger Second Ward Councilman Steven Rovell for the top spot in Belleville’s municipal election on May 10. Melham, seeking his second, four-year term, is running with Councilmembers Naomy DePena, who also serves as deputy mayor and Tom Graziano, incumbents hoping to return to their at-large seats. In a phone interview, Melham, who runs Alpha Dog Solutions, a local government communications firm, said he’s even more excited to be

a candidate this year than 2018 when he knocked off a three-term incumbent, the late Raymond Kimble, by a 160-vote margin. “My team has a solid record of accomplishment,” he said, “after we promised – and delivered – quality services and programs to the residents of Belleville.”He pointed to mural projects, community gardens and dog parks, neighborhood food trucks, summer concerts and a one-day “Veterans’ Weekend” with 5-K run as examples of how the Melham administration has promoted a better Belleville

PAGE 5

Taylor calls it a career

Photo by Kevin A. Canessa Jr.

Kearny Police Lt. John Taylor, seen at center with balloon & box in hand, officially retired Feb. 24, after a 25+ year career with the Kearny PD. He most recently served as the commander of the Traffic Bureau and many of his crossing guards, who fell under his leadership, bid him adieu on his last day thanks to a celebration coordinated by Carol Manley. Sgt. David Rakowski replaces him.

See MAYOR, Page 19

Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns March 5 By Ron Leir

For The Observer

42-year tradition was interrupted when the Nutley Irish American Association reluctantly canceled its 2021 St. Patrick’s Day Parade as the Covid-19 pandemic continued to make its presence felt. Deirdre Hollywood, a board member and parade chairwoman for the association, recalled the board made

the decision out of an abundance of caution and respect for the participants and observers. But this year, like the United Irish Associations of West Hudson, after consulting with area health experts and observing a decline in new cases and fatalities attributed to Covid-19, the organization is rallying its supporters for what it trusts will be another successful – and safe – event. This year’s parade will get under way at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 5,

with marchers asked to report to the parade adjutant at Harrison Street and Brookline Avenue at noon for instructions on the line of march. After the parade concludes, friends and associates are invited to join the association leaders for the post-parade party at the Nutley Parks & Recreation gym, 44 Park Ave. Admission is $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Advance tickets are available by contacting Brenda Sherman at bcsherman1521@gmail.com or 973-

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479-2388. Leading this year’s parade contingent as grand marshal will be Dr. John V. Kelly Jr., of Nutley, and deputy grand marshal Chase Hamilton, a Belleville police lieutenant. Other honorees are: Belleville native Jack Wieners, NIAA Member of the Year; Nutley’s Shayne Martin, 2022 Parade Queen; and Brian Salmon, provisional battalion chief of the See PARADE, Page 18

for

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Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Hudson Scholars program debuts at HCCC By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com

udson County Community College President Christopher Reber and his colleagues seem to subscribe to the thinking of Robert F. Kennedy and George Bernard Shaw: “Some see things as they are and ask, ‘Why?’ I dream things that never were and ask, ‘Why not?’” Since taking the helm as Hudson County Community College’s sixth president in 2018, Reber has made Student Success and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), overarching priorities. They are the foundation for the college’s updated Mission, Vision and Values statements; Student Success Action Plan; DEI Action Plan; and 2021-24 College Strategic Plan. “We have made great

strides in addressing student support and success by undertaking major initiatives and programs,” Reber said. “We joined Achieving the Dream, the national reform network of high-performing community colleges dedicated to using data and best practices to promote student success and degree completion; instituted the Hudson Helps Resource Center, a compendium of wraparound services, programs, and resources that focus on basic needs beyond the classroom; and formed relationships with community and corporate partners to promote upward social and economic mobility for students and community members.” The entire HCCC community believed successful practices could be scaled up to ensure that a greater number of students, who face financial

STRAKER

challenges, language barriers, employment concerns, and family responsibilities, complete their college educations. With this belief a priority, the college established “Hudson Scholars.” The program utilizes best practices of New Jersey’s highly successful Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program and the City University of New York’s (CUNY) Accelerated Study in

1967 riots in Newark, New Jersey’s first Chancellor of Higher Education, Ralph A. Dungan, sent a memorandum to the presidents of all New Jersey institutions of higher education. In the memo, Dungan – who served as Special Assistant to President John F. Kennedy, and United States Ambassador to Chilé under President Lyndon Johnson – outlined a program of special assistance to men and women from economically and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. There was great enthusiasm for the proposal, particularly at those institutions participating in Upward Bound, the federally supported program that prepared high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds for college. Legislation to establish

Associate Programs (ASAP). “The retention and completion (graduation) rates for HCCC EOF students are exceptional. The fall-tospring retention rate for our 2009-2019 EOF cohort of first-time, full-time students was a whopping 92%. Additionally, the completion rates for HCCC EOF students in two-, three-, and six-year terms are consistently three times that of our non-EOF students. The challenge of EOF is that we are provided state funding to serve about 200 students per year, and we need to assist many more times that number,” Reber said. EOF is a proven program serving New Jersey’s lowincome, first-generation college students who demonstrate commitment, motivation, and potential for success. EOF has a storied history. Following the Summer

See HCCC, Page 14

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Baby rescued quickly after carjacking: KPD By Capt. Timothy Wagner Kearny Police Department

n Feb. 21 at 9:59 a.m., Officer Anthony Nunez responded to ShopRite on Passaic Avenue for a report of a carjacking in which an SUV was stolen with a baby inside it. Preliminarily, it was alleged a 42-year-old Bronx man was loading groceries into his white BMW SUV when a red BMW SUV pulled alongside it. A man exited the red SUV and then entered the driver’s door of the victim’s white SUV. The victim tried to stop the carjacker but was dragged and then fell to the ground, fracturing his arm. The carjacker then drove off with the victim’s daughter ,1, still inside the stolen SUV. Officers from Kearny, East Newark, Harrison and Hudson County quickly located the stolen vehicle with the baby inside it on Passaic Avenue in East Newark, apparently unhurt. The carjacker abandoned the SUV and fled before police arrived. The adult victim was treated for his injury at Clara Maass

Medical Center, Belleville. On Feb. 23, detectives also recovered the “drop-off” vehicle, the red BMW SUV, stranded in a mud pit in an abandoned lot in Newark. Previously, it had been reported stolen from Carlstadt. The case is currently under investigation by Det. Jordenson Jean, who may be reached at (201) 998-1313 ext. 2839, or at tips@ kearnynjpd.org. Just before midnight Feb. 18, Officers Derek Hemphill and Angel Martinez responded to a car crash at Johnston and Grant avenues. In one vehicle, officers found a 41-year-old woman, a 9-year-old child and a 14-year-old child, all with non-life-threatening injuries. In the other vehicle, they reportedly found Brayan E. TamayOrdonez, 21, of Newark, with a strong odor of alcohol on his breath and a few opened bottles of Corona beer on the floor of the backseat. After administering field-sobriety tests, Officer Hemphill arrested Tamay-Ordonez. He was charged with DWI, open container of alcohol

in a vehicle, disregard of a traffic signal, improper glass tinting, a violation of non-resident touring privileges, three counts of assault by auto (DWI/causing bodily injury) and one count of endangering another person. Tamay-Ordonez was later released with summonses to a responsible person. On Feb. 18 at 1:15 a.m., Officers Kevin Matos and Cort Montanino took a report of an attempted pushin-style burglary at an apartment on Midland Avenue. The victim reported a man tried to push in their apartment door, which was secured by a security chain lock. The door frame sustained damage. The suspect fled when the apartment’s occupants pushed the door closed. While interviewing the victim, Officer Matos looked out the apartment’s window and spotted a man walking down the street who matched the alleged burglar’s description. The officers stopped the man at the corner of Beech Street and Midland Avenue. They

POLICE BEAT

identified him as Elvin J. Echevarria, a man wanted by both the Hudson County Superior Court and the Kearny Municipal Court on burglary arrest warrants. Officers placed the 49-year-old Newark man under arrest. After further investigation, the officers charged Echevarria with criminal attempt (burglary) and possession of burglar’s tools (a modified set of tweezers and a bladeless utility knife). Echevarria See KPD, Page 15

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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 Dir.................................................................................Pages 19

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Lights, camera, action!

ovie and TV lovers, rejoice! Kearny is fast becoming a filming hub. 10 Basin Studios, the second sound stage to open at Kearny Point in the past year, is now available to serve the production needs of Jersey’s growing film and television industry. The new facility is associated with Eastern Effects, Inc., a grip, lighting and studio rental company located in New York City. The new facility offers 36,000 square-feet of fully soundproof stage and support space, and 10,000 square feet of office and flex space. Additional features include 150 tons of soundproof HVAC and 7,200 amps of dedicated electrical power (2400A 3 phase service). Ample parking is available right on the premises. “We are pleased to welcome 10 Basin Studios to New Jersey, as an important addition to our thriving film and television industry,” Gov. Philip D. Murphy said. “The ongoing expansion of the state’s production infrastructure has been nothing short of amazing,

New judge seated in Nutley, replacing Cocchiola

N and New Jersey continues to become a premiere destination for filmmakers.” Like Murphy, Kearny Mayor Alberto G. Santos says he is excited for the prospects ahead. “It’s very exciting news for the Town of Kearny and the State of New Jersey,” Santos said. “This latest studio opening confirms our vision for Kearny Point as a hub for film and television production. This investment will create employment opportunities and bring increased economic activity to our community.” The year 2021 was historically successful

for the state’s production industry, as revenue from filmmaking exceeded $500 million for the first time. “New Jersey instantly recovered from the worldwide production shutdown caused by the pandemic, and this year filmmaking activity is off to a booming start,” Steven Gorelick, executive director of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission, said. “There is a tremendous need for quality studio space in this area, and 10 Basin Studios is very well designed to meet the demand.” — CANESSA

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utley officials didn’t have to look very far to find a replacement for former Municipal Court Judge Joanne Cocchiola. Alan Genitempo, township attorney since 2014, was installed as the township’s new magistrate Feb. 23 by State Superior Court Judge Vicki A. Citrino following his appointment to the bench by Mayor Mauro Tucci earlier in the month. Genitempo, a product of Nutley public schools, received his law degree from New York Law School and established a local practice with the firm Piro, Zinna, Cifelli, Paris & Genitempo. Beginning in 1990, and for the next 12 years, he chaired the Nutley Juvenile Conference Committee. In 2002, he began working for Nutley as municipal prosecutor and then assistant town attorney. In 2013, he was named acting township attorney and the following year, he became permanent in the job. Now he begins a new venture as the local judicial arbiter. “I am incredibly proud and humbled to be appointed to this position,” Genitempo said at his swearing-in ceremony. “To be given the opportunity to do something I have always wanted to do … well, it is hard to put into words. “When it comes to Nutley,

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I take everything to heart. It’s not about the money or the work. It’s about making sure the town continues to be the great place that it is. I have always taken that approach in all my positions for the township.” Genitempo’s predecessor, Cocchiola, was appointed a state Superior Court judge by Gov. Phil Murphy in January at an annual salary of $196,000. Cocchiola previously served as township commissioner and as Nutley’s mayor from 2004 to 2012, stepping down before her last term of office expired to become municipal court judge. Replacing Genitempo as township attorney is Jonathan Bruno, who served as the township’s public defender for the past six years. Bruno, who earned his law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law in 2010, is a member of the Rutherford law firm Bruno & Ferraro. Acknowledging that Bruno will be inheriting a daunting legal challenge, negotiating with the redeveloper of the former Roche property on public access to and from the site without jamming local roads on the perimeter of the property, Petracco said it bodes well for the township to have an “upcoming and aggressive” attorney representing Nutley’s interests. — RON LEIR

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WHATCo’s ‘Bridesmaid Murder’ will feature audience participation & three-course meal Performances, originally scheduled for 2020, were KO’d by COVID-19 By Kevin A. Canessa Jr.

kc@theobserver.com

he West Hudson Arts & Theater Company (WHATCo) presents “Bridesmaid Murder,” a new murder mystery dinner theater experience written by Allyssa Hynes, who will also direct the production with Nelson DePasquale, Friday & Saturday, March 18 and 19 at American Legion Post 99, at 314 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. During “Bridesmaid Murder,” the audience will be asked to solve the lighthearted murder mystery as it unfolds throughout a three-course buffet dinner “wedding reception” included in the ticket price of $50 per person. A cash bar will also be available. Tickets for this dinner theater experience will be sold exclusively online — not at the door — at www. whatconj.org and/or by phone (201)

as Syd; Lonzell Wilson as Charlie; Richard Rodriguez Douglass as Father Carigan; and Ed Shea as Howard Douglas. The production, originally scheduled for spring 2020, was postponed due to the pandemic. “We’re extremely excited be able to finally bring this clever interactive audience theater production to our stage,” WHATCo President Brandi Leigh Miller said. “Thank you to Carol Jean Doyle and Gloria Spence for planning the Michelle advertising@theobserver.com 201-991-1600 dinner portion of this production Newspaper: Client:Legion and to Kearny’s American Post 99 for partnering with us as to bring live theater back to the community.” The cast of ‘Bridesmaid Murder.’ This program is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, administered Bianca; Nelson De Pasquale as 540 WHAT (9428). by template Hudson County of Advertising: Here is the updated with aOffice new photo of Jarlynn Hyd Harold; Alexis Saarela as Deborah; Reserved tables of up to eight Cultural & Heritage Affairs, Hudson Lauren Proda as Trudy; Caroline are also available. Groups and County Executive Thomas A. Ritacco as Francesca; Denise organizations are welcome. DeGise and the Hudson County The cast includes David R. Mach Organisciak as Fiona; Imani Nia Board of Commissioners. as Malcom; Jessa Blackthorne as Williams as Grace; Judy Wilson

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Opinion & Viewpoints EDITORIAL

A little bit of normal with St. Patrick’s Day Parade returning

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

f we told you, two years ago today, we’d be close to the two-year anniversary of a global pandemic, chances are you would have said, “You’re out of your mind.” And yet, here we are, in the first week of March 2022, two years after our worlds were turned into chaos. Two years ago, lockdowns were beginning. Two years ago, hand sanitizer was dropping off shelves of supermarkets and pharmacies. Two years ago, we were told to practice something called “social distancing,” whatever that was. Two years ago, the lives of schoolchildren changed, in ways once thought impossible, when the dining room table or the couch suddenly became the classroom. So much happened so quickly, it’s almost impossible to recall it all. But it did, indeed, all happen. And for many, life will never be the same. In the coming weeks, nonetheless, there will be something that will serve as a bridge to what life was like before we ever heard of COVID-19 — and maybe it will seem strange to some, but the United Irish Association’s West Hudson St. Patrick’s Day Parade (and the one in Nutley, too) will be one of the largest events in the area since 2019. In West Hudson, the parade was canceled, last minute, in 2020, rightfully, as the pandemic spiked. Last year, there was just too much uncertainty for it to go off. And yet here we are, two years later, on the precipice of seeing the parade return for the first time since 2019. And it doesn’t get much better than that. There was a time where it seemed something like a parade would be impossible. We think of those days when Kearny Avenue was a virtual ghost town, with so few people out and about unless they were off for a jog or a walk. But the parade will be back and that same street, once abandoned, will again be filled with life, excitement, joy. Given the last few years, it couldn’t be arriving at a better time. And so with that in mind, we hope to see you somewhere along the route come Sunday, March 13 in West Hudson.

Calautti: ‘Broken Window’ crime policy won’t work in 2022 To the Editor: Reading the Op-Ed section of a recent edition of The Observer, I see people are once again calling for authorities to “get tough on crime.” While this makes for good sound bites and slogans, does it work? This issue is much more nuanced and complicated than most would have us believe. The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, which was sponsored by President Joseph R. Biden Jr. when he was a Delaware senator, coupled with former New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Police Commissioner William J. Bratton’s embrace of the “Broken Windows Policy,” led to the mass incarceration of scores of young men for minor drug and other offenses by

LETTER TO THE EDITOR judges who were hamstrung by mandatory-minimum sentencing guidelines. While it did lead to a drop in crime for a while, what we are seeing now may be the result of those policies. A whole generation was criminalized in the prison pipeline and now have been set loose upon our cities. They weren’t rehabilitated, they didn’t receive job training, so what did we expect? The U.S. has the highest incarceration rate of any nation on earth, yet we also have one of the highest crime rates, so obviously, it’s not working. Most people don’t

want to hear this, but until we address the root cause of crime, nothing is going to change. Poverty, homelessness, lack of opportunities and mental health care are all underlying causes of crime. The police are left to deal with the results of our refusal to address these issues, which is a burden they should not have to shoulder. And yes, Mr. (Armand) Rose, only the deranged would push someone from a subway platform, but they were not there because they beat the fare. They were there because we allow the mentally ill to roam the streets instead of providing them long-term care in the proper facilities. James Calautti Kearny

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NY Times best-selling writer highlights WCA’s 10th-annual author event By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com

he Woman’s Club of Arlington hosts its 10th annual author event Sunday, March 27, at the Henrietta Benstead Senior Center, 60 Columbia Ave., Kearny, at 2 p.m., as it welcomes Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of historical fiction. Davis is the author of six historical-fiction novels set in iconic New York City

buildings, including her newest publications “The Magnolia Palace,” “The Dollhouse,” “The Address” and “The Lions of Fifth Avenue,” a Good Morning America book club pick. Her novels have been chosen as “One Book, One Community” reads and her articles have appeared in publications like The Wall Street Journal and O magazine. Davis will sell and sign copies of her book. An afternoon luncheon

will be served, with a dessert bar of homemade delicacies provided by members of the club. The event also includes a 50/25-25 drawing and gift basket raffles. Proceeds will be donated to local charities, given as academic scholarships and gifted to Hudson CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). Members, friends and history buffs are welcome to attend. Tickets are $35. Checks, payable to Woman’s Club

DAVIS

THE ARTS of Arlington, may be mailed to Patricia Sherwen, 210 Argyle Place, Kearny, N.J. 07032. For more information, or to RSVP, contact to the Woman’s Club of Arlington at WCArlingtonNJ@gmail. com. Seating is limited. Photo by Deborah Feingold.

Honors announced at Roosevelt School

ntonio Moyano, principal of Roosevelt School in Kearny, announces the following students who have attained Principal’s Honors or Honors for the second marking period of the 2021-2022 school year.

PRINCIPAL’S HONORS Grade 6 Khalil Abad, Gabriel Bernardes, Daniel Bystrowski, Steven Cedeno, Gabriella Desa, Emily Dos Santos, Delilah Ferreira, Joseph Iorio, Kevin Kinsley, Peter Kintos, Casey Logue, Xaydii Mendoza, Juliet Olson, Dania Ortiz, Matthew Peldunas, Lizzie Reyes, Jacob Tryak, Jake Weber, Aleksander Wolsza. Grade 5 Anthony Alcantara, Bryan Costa, Logan Czeizinger, Emily Dabrowski, Isabella Flores, Kayden Fonseca, Massimo Formoso, Alexander Garcia, Nebiha Junaid, Brendan Mara, Ava Marinho, Emily Morales, Nicholas Peldunas, Ansel Pena, Emma Peso, Ava Piccillo, Jason Pina, Elektra Quintela, Anabelle Rodriguez, Lukas Rojas, Mason Santos, Stein Thelumsa, Sabela Tome, Alice Torres Silva. Grade 4 Marwa Alami, Daniela Alban Galarza, Gavin Araujo, Jack Barroquiero, Amayah Febo, Matteo Gonzalez, Sandra

Immerse, Ava Irizarry, Lilly McSweeney, Caroline Olson, Hannah Paris, Izabella Perez – Bombino. HONORS Grade 6 Anthony Chavez, Oliver Dabrowski, Aleena Fragoso, Jasmin Galarza Vele, Arianna Garcia, James Mara, Shilah Olsen, Ashley Quizhpi Pichizaca, Galia Santander, Michael Szymanski. Grade 5 Yasser Abad, Amine Alami, Daniel Balboa, Lilia Bonavota, Leah Carranza, Parker Carvalho, Lexi Duarte, William Franchino, Emma Gomes, Aralyn Hernandez, Samantha Kingalahua, Luca Martinez, Darren Mora, Leland Nunez, Alanis Pena Dantas, Raphael Roa, Lucas Serodio, Paulo Ovidius Stival Veneziano Neto, Julia Tryak, Matthew Whitehead. Grade 4 Anthony Alcantara, Bryan Costa, Logan Czeizinger, Emily Dabrowski, Isabella Flores, Kayden Fonseca, Massimo Formoso, Alexander Garcia, Nebiha Junaid, Brendan Mara, Ava Marinho, Emily Morales, Nicholas Peldunas, Ansel Pena, Emma Peso, Ava Piccillo, Jason Pina, Elektra Quintela, Anabelle Rodriguez, Lukas Rojas, Mason Santos, Stein Thelumsa, Sabela Tome, Alice Torres Silva.

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8 Overcoming Bullies, spiritual heroes & a comeback The Observer | www.theobserver.com

By JoAnn Barton Special to The Observer

his week on Applause Radio Show (ARS), I was brought to tears while speaking to one of our guests. Actress and author Blanca Blanco joined me to discuss her new book, “Breaking the Mold,” an autobiography. Blanco, of Mexican descent, came to the United States as a very young child. Along with her siblings and parents, they found themselves living in a relative’s garage in freezing conditions Washington State brings, with no heat or electricity. That alone is hardship enough, but she also faced extreme poverty, not speaking English, racism and bullying. During the pandemic, the actress from “Dark Reel, Bullet,” “Crimes of the Mind,” “Fake News” and more, decided to write

down her life story which she also found as healing. Throughout her life, she searched for her path. She went to college and became a phycologist, became an actress and was even a hospice worker. She believes her role as a phycologist helped her remain a stable human being and not harbor ill will toward others for all the horrendous things she endured in life. Sadly, during the pandemic, she lost her mother to an illness. Her mother did not get to see the book come to fruition but she was aware of it and had read a large part of it. Blanco’s story reminded me of the young Army Capt. Alex Razzetto who I covered several months ago. Both have similar stories and both broke my heart. It is so sad how people in this country treat people who do not know the language

ON THE AIR and may look different than us. We rarely know what others are going through and some never recover from being bullied. It takes a major emotional toll and if they do not move on, they can lead miserable lives and take it out on others. The bottom line, be kind to all. She highly recommends writing the thoughts that may destroy you down and get it off your chest. You may find “Breaking the Mold” online and you may also visit her website www. blancablanco.com for more information. For Presidents Day and Black History Month, I was blessed to have the honor to speak with Ambassador Sujay, the Rev. Dr. Suzan

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D. Johnson Cook, aka America’s Queen of Inspiration. The ambassador has worked with Presidents William J. Clinton and Barack H. Obama. Hillary R. Clinton herself nominated her for the role. The ambassador has written well over 13 books and her two latest releases, “My Fabulous 5th Chapter, It’s My Turn Now” and “Rhythms of Rest” are geared toward woman who have given their lives to everyone else but when you hit the age of 50, it is now your turn to take care of you and the things you love and have always wanted to do. “Rhythms” has 40 close friends who add their quotes for devotions for women on the move. The ambassador also goes around the world as an inspirational speaker. I recall seeing her on the news many years ago as the first female chaplain to the NYPD, specifically during 9/11. She shines a spotlight on accomplished global women and shares their stories of faith, family and the food that brings families together. Definitely good reads. Both books are available online and for more information on the ambassador, please go to www.charismaspeakers. com. ARS also welcomed, singer/songwriter Francesca Beghe. Beghe was riding high in the 1990s, touring with Michael Bolton, receiving accolades in entertainment magazines along with awards from

VH1. Beghe wrote the song “Trust in Me,” which was recorded by Joe Cocker. The song found its way onto the movie soundtrack to “The Bodyguard.” Taking a break from performing but never stopping song writing, Beghe is coming back with a vengeance. Her new album to be released “Francesca Behge Live,” has her singing many of her original songs in a live content from various shows prior to the pandemic. Working with a full band of the most prestigious musicians who have worked with Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney Carole King and others. On the show, we played her singing “Trust in Me,” somewhat different than Cocker’s version. It was a live recording and if you had not heard the applause, you would think this was a studio cut. It was perfection in every way, even down to the background singers. I’m looking forward to hearing more from Beghe. For more information on Beghe you can go to her website www.francescabeghe.com and she also welcomes those who may want to friend her on Facebook. For our detailed conversations, please visit www. applauseradioshow.com. In next week’s issue of The Observer, I hope to bring you a review of comedian Chris Redd, of “Saturday Night Live” and the Journey Freedom Tour with special guest Toto.

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Sports & Recreation

SPORTSVIEW with Jim Hague Observer Sports Writer OGSMAR@AOL.COM

Lyndhurst’s Weaver, Belleville’s Negron advance to AC Midway through the current high school wrestling season, Belleville High School sophomore Rocco Negron thought that his season was over. Negron’s shoulder was bent the wrong way and for all intents and purposes, the injury was going to be a season-ender. “I thought that was it,” said Negron, the Buccaneers’ 132-pounder. “I didn’t think I could come back. I couldn’t move it at all.” Negron was certain that the sprained shoulder would not recover in time to return to action. As it was, Negron missed the Essex County Tournament, as well as an assortment of regular season matches. “I couldn’t practice for a couple of weeks,” Negron said. “I didn’t think it could come back to normal.” Negron was fitted with a harness to protect the shoulder as much as possible. “I did a little bit of physical therapy and rested some,” Negron said. “I started to feel a little bit better. I got the shoulder sleeve and I figured I could do it wearing the sleeve.” Negron said that the shoulder was not going to deter him from trying to

fulfill his lifelong dream. “Ever since I was a little boy, I always told myself that I would eventually go to Atlantic City,” Negron said. Negron received some encouragement from one of Belleville’s wrestling legends, namely Filiberto Colon, a three-time participant in the NJSIAA state championships in Atlantic City. It was the destination of Negron’s dream. “Filiberto always told me that I could do it,” Negron said. “But not once did I think I could go.” However, the dream has become a reality, because after finishing fourth at the NJSIAA Region 3 tournament last weekend at West Orange High, Negron punched his ticket for Atlantic City, the first Belleville wrestler to compete in the states since David Guerra took two strips to AC during his Buccaneer wrestling career, the last coming three years ago in 2019. Guerra is currently wrestling for the fledgling program at New Jersey City University. Negron had to win a tough match against Brandon Jo Dean of West Morris, earning a reversal with three seconds left to defeat Dean, who began See VIEW, Page 11

Nutley’s queens of the mat Koster, Bobadilla give Maroon Raiders’ program a different perspective By Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com

NUTLEY – Although he coaches three sports at Nutley High School, Mike DiPiano grew up around the sport of wrestling. And DiPiano realizes that the sport has endured some tough times, especially during the pandemic. But lately, DiPiano, the head wrestling coach at Nutley, sees what the future holds in wrestling – the addition of girls’ wrestling. “I really think that this is the future of the sport,” DiPiano said about the addition of girls’ wrestling eventually as a varsity sport. “I think more girls will get involved in wrestling.” DiPiano had two girls competing at a high level this season, namely sophomore Isabella Bobadilla and junior Mariah Koster, who finished fourth in her weight class at the recent state championships at Phillipsburg High School, said that she got involved in the sport because of her younger brother Michael. “We are really close,” Koster said of the relationship with her brother. “I do karate with him. When he started wrestling, I wanted to give it a try.” And her success in the 100-pound weight bracket gave her a place of distinction, the first ever girl from Nutley to earn a medal in the state championships. “They are trailblazers,” DiPiano said of his two female wrestlers. “Mariah is the first to earn a medal. We want to see a handful of girls come out next year. The opportunities for girls are more now than ever.” DiPiano plans on running a wrestling clinic strictly for

Photo courtesy of Mike DiPiano

From left, Isabella Bobadilla, head coach Mike DiPiano and Mariah Koster represent the trailblazers as the first female wrestlers from Nutley High School to compete at a high level.

girls later in the spring. “I would really love to see this take off,” DiPiano said. “I think there’s a strong future.” Bobadilla joined the wrestling team this season after missing last season due to the pandemic. “I always wanted to give it a try,” Bobadilla said. “I used to watch some of the matches here. I always watched WWE wrestling. All of the moves they did intrigued me. One of my friends (Julia Ycaza) encouraged me to go out. At first, I thought that I might not belong. But I joined and came to practice.” Like Koster, Bobadilla grew up with two brothers, one of whom Matthew

played football and lacrosse at Nutley High. “We would wrestle against each other in the house,” Bobadilla said. “One time, we wrestled into the stairwell and I broke the stairwell, so my mother told us, ‘No more wrestling in the house.’ So we went out into the yard. We would roll around like a bunch of roly-polies. We would come inside covered in dirt. So my mother would yell, ‘Take it outside.’ That’s how we settled things.” The 126-pound Bobadilla finished sixth in the recent regional tournament, again in her first year of competitive wrestling. It meant that See RAIDERS, Page 10

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Wednesday, March 2, 2022

of the school, I’m really happy,” Koster said. “My hard work is finally paying Continued from Page 9 off. Ever since my freshman year, I really wanted to do Bobadilla finished among the well in the state tournatop 12 in the state. She finment.” ished second in the girls-only Koster, who spent some Bloomfield Tournament. of the season competing as “I didn’t know that I won,” the Maroon Raiders’ reguBobadilla said. “I was so lar 100-pounder, said that happy.” competing with and against Bobadilla said that she the boys helped her become loves the social aspect of a better wrestler. the sport. “They’re stronger than “I’ve met and made so me, so it helped me with my many friends from wreswrestling,” Koster said. tling,” Bobadilla said. “Some Koster competes in the of the other girls have offseason with the New helped me with moves. I Jersey girls’ wrestling team. used one of those moves She has received offers from to gain an escape to win a Delaware Valley and Temmatch. I’m pretty proud of ple, schools that offer wommyself.” en’s wrestling as a sport. Koster has been wrestling Temple has just started its competitively for a few women’s program. years now. Finishing fourth “I’ve really worked hard in the state was a major acPhoto courtesy of Mike DiPiano to get where I am,” Koster complishment, forever holdNutley High School junior Mariah Koster (far right) finished ing a place of distinction. fourth in the 100-pound weight bracket at the recent NJSIAA said. “I like the fact that the “After I realized I’m the girls’ wrestling championships at Phillipsburg High School last boys haven’t treated me any differently. They all accept first one in the history week. me and treat me like I’m one

RAIDERS

of them.” Koster said that she has welcomed Bobadilla to the squad. “I liked her attitude,” Koster said. “She really wanted to wrestle and I liked that. I don’t think the rest of the team went easy on her. They were all pretty friendly.” DiPiano, who will not have a wrestler in this weekend’s NJSIAA state championships in Atlantic City for the first time since he started coaching, said that he looks forward to the day where there are more and more girls from Nutley standing on a podium accepting a medal. “The sport is getting popular,” DiPiano said. “There’s something special about the girls. We are going to see more girls’ programs popping up all over. I get emotional thinking about Mariah being our first. You always have to have a first and Mariah is our first.”

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Kearny head coach Tony Carratura, Jr. “We expected our kids to do well. They Continued from Page 9 made everyone proud.” Ramadan has a great the season as one of the future, becoming the first top ranked wrestlers in the Kearny freshman to advance state. Negron earned a hardto the region semifinals fought 4-2 decision over since state champion David Dean. Cordoba in 1999. “I felt like he was riding “He’s the best kid I’ve me a little high, so I could ever coached,” Carratura get him,” Negron said. “It said of Ramadan. “I don’t was just my time. I got have to tell him much. He the two points and startdoes it all on his own. He ed to go crazy. It means acted like he had been there everything to me. As a before. His determination sophomore, it means even and work ethic puts him in more, because I could get an elite class.” other chances to go. No Carratura said that matter what now, I’ll be Ramadan is also an honors there. It’s a really great student. feeling.” “I can’t say enough about Belleville head coach Joe the kid,” Carratura said. Pizzi was impressed with “He was one win away from the way Negron battled AC. He’s got a very bright through the tough weight future.” class at the region. Carratura is sad that his “We didn’t know how Left photo by Jim Hague, right photo courtesy of Joe Pizzi he would do against the Belleville’s Rocco Negron overcame a serious shoulder injury to finish fourth in the Region 3 season came to an end. “We’re ready to for next highly rated kid Dean,” tournament at the 132-pound weight class. RIGHT: Belleville’s Rocco Negron (far right) stands on the podium after finishing fourth at the Region 3 tourney. year right now,” Carratura Pizzi said. “But Rocco had said. “It was a great season been wrestling like a man end’s state championships er, the Lyndhurst/North senior Alex Amorim finfor us.” possessed. Even before he at Boardwalk Hall. Arlington head coach who ished sixth in the 157-pound But the season continues got hurt, he was on a roll, Lyndhurst’s Damian also happens to be Damiclass. for Negron and Weaver, having won 12 in a row. Weaver headed to Region 3 an’s father. “He’s going to “There are no easy on to AC, looking to make We wanted to make sure with an unblemished 26-0 have a chance as good as matches at the regions,” said dreams become reality. he had a chance to get to record this season, but anyone to stand on that AC. We wanted to see if Weaver ran into a buzzsaw podium (with the other he could work his way in the 150-pound finale, los- medal winners among the back after the injury. I’m ing to Andrew Troczynski top eight finishers). I think extremely happy for the he has the right attitude.” kid. He’s a phenomenal kid. via a pin in 42 seconds. Weaver will head to Kearny had a couple of The kid is beyond excited Atlantic City with a shot at wrestlers come close, but about this chance.” redemption. freshman Adam RamaDr. Prakash Dr. Hector Negron is the lone BelJ. Doshi Aguilar “I told him that he had dan finished sixth in the leville kid to qualify for the to put that match in the 106-pound weight class state championships. EATING AWAY AT INFLAMMATION rearview mirror as fast as after winning 25 matches Locally, only two wresInflammation can be a normal that are especially high in fiber, tlers move on to this week- he could,” said Scot Weav- in his rookie campaign and part of healing or it can be a like kimchi, may be particularly

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Kearny’s Covello: Multi-talented… and then some

of the Week earlier this year) would regularly go to Manor Park near their homes and KEARNY – To say Maci take on the boys. Covello is a diversly talented “We must have gone to the high school athlete would be a park three or four times a totally gross understatement. week,” Covello said. “At first, I After all, it’s hard to say was a little nervous, but every what the Kearny High School day I went, I gained more junior’s best sport is. confidence. I felt better each Covello is a lockdown force day. At first, I was a little shy as a defender for the highly taking shots with them, but successful girls’ soccer team. then I took them to the hoop.” And she’s a slugging power And somehow, Covello hitter for the Kardinals on the finds the time to play all three softball field. sports at a high level. Covello In recent months, Covello is plays travel soccer during a do-everything for the Kardi- the offseason for a top club nals’ girls’ basketball team. team and then makes it to the So what’s her best sport? batting cages to work on her “I’d guess I’d have to say swing. soccer,” Covello says sheepBut right now, it’s basketball ishly. “I’ve been playing soc– and Covello has never been cer since I was six years old. better on the hardwood than But I love all of them.” she has played recently. She sure does. Covello had her best game Lately, basketball has of her career, a 27-point, stepped to the forefront, even 12-rebound, five-assist perforthough she’s probably going mance in a stunning win over to get recruited as a soccer Hudson County Interschoplayer. lastic Athletic League front“Whatever season I’m in, runner Snyder. She also had that’s what I’m into,” Cov13 points and 14 rebounds in ello said. “I think if I played a win over McNair Academic, basketball all year round, I’d had 16 points and 10 rebounds might say basketball.” in a win over Hoboken and Last summer, as the COVfinished the run with 16 ID-19 pandemic started to points and five rebounds wane away, Covello worked in a win over Glen Ridge to on her basketball skills, improve the Kardinals’ record doing the thing that makes to 17-9. most girls’ basketball players For her efforts, Covello has improve _ playing with and been selected as The Observer against the boys. Athlete of the Week for the “I would go to Manor Park past week. and play with the boys,” CovFor the season, Covello is ello said. “That’s what Coach averaging 14 points, seven (Jody) Hill told me to do. She rebounds and three assists said that it’s how she became per contest. She also had a better player. So that’s what eight steals in a win over I did. I figured I would give Lincoln and has recorded five it a try and see how it goes. double-doubles (points and Well, that gave me a lot of rebounds) this season. Sure confidence.” looks like a pure basketball Covello and teammate Ava player, right? Hyams (an Observer Athlete “I do love playing all three By Jim Hague

ogsmar@aol.com

her shoulders.” Covello said that she still needs to work on her basketball skills. “I still need to improve,” Covello said. “But I’m pretty impressed with what I’ve become as a basketball player.” When it comes to playing in college, Covello would love to have the chance to play two sports. Softball would finally have to take a backseat to the other two, but Covello would love to get the chance. “I’m putting everything on the table,” Covello said. “No options are off the table. If I can play two, I’d take that chance. It’s still an option.” The Kardinals were slated to face Columbia of South Orange/Maplewood in the opening round of the NJSIAA Photo by Jim Hague North Jersey Section 1, Group Kearny junior forward Maci Covello. IV tournament Monday afternoon. If the Kardinals won sports,” Covello said. “I’m others just want to follow that game, they more than never satisfied, never content her. She’s just a natural born likely would get a rematch with the athlete I am. I keep leader. When she speaks, the with top-seeded Union City, reaching for the stars.” others listen. When she does a team that has defeated the Hill is excited to see what something, she has that much Kardinals twice during the the 5-foot-10 Covello has done of a presence with everyone regular season. this year. else. Her ceiling is higher than And then when the basket“It’s rewarding to see a kid anyone else. When she turns ball season ends, it’s time for excel like Maci has done in it on, we need her to be a lead- softball. Just another day in all three sports,” Hill said. er in more ways than one.” the hectic athletic life of Maci “I think she’s the perfect And Hill loves the way Cov- Covello. example of what a kid could ello has improved as a basket“I have no complaints,” do if she worked hard all year. ball player. said the effervescent Covello. That’s Maci. She really likes “Her passing skills are “I have a lot of fun with my the success she’s had and the better,” Hill said. “Her ballteammates.” attention she’s getting and handling is better. She made Covello’s college recruiting keeps working hard. I think a pass the other day that was process is still in the infant she doesn’t want to disapone of the sweetest passes stages, but it certainly will point anyone. I think she’s a I’ve ever seen. She has so heat up during the summer naturally gifted athlete who is much maturity now. She has months. She doesn’t know going to be good in anything a unique mature personality. what school she will attend, she does.” I’ve watched her go from a but she knows one thing. She For now, Hill loves the Cov- girl to a wonderful young will major in education with ello who plays basketball. woman. She really does so the ultimate goal is becoming “She’s gotten bigger and much for us. When we need an elementary school teacher better,” Hill said. “Her basket- her in tough games, she comes and coach in the future. ball IQ is off the page. And her through. She has accepted And is there anyone in their personality helps. She has that the responsibility of being our right mind who could deny magnetic personality where leader. She really has a lot on Maci Covello of that goal?

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What doctors want you to know to protect yourself from Omicron (StatePoint) Omicron is between 1.5 to 3 times more transmissible than the Delta variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. Additionally, people who manifest symptoms are doing so more quickly than with previous strains -sometimes just two to three days after exposure. And recent evidence shows daily Omicron deaths in the United States have exceeded those from the Delta variant. Amid these troubling facts, there is pervasive confusion about what steps individuals should be taking right now to protect themselves. “Although we have effective tools -- particularly vaccines -- to limit the spread of the virus and severity of COVID-19, the latest surge of cases fueled by the Omicron variant has created new challenges and raises important questions about

masks, testing and isolation guidance,” says Gerald E. Harmon, M.D., president of the American Medical Association (AMA). With easily transmissible Omicron the now dominant variant, here’s what you need to know to keep yourself safe, according to the AMA: • Get vaccinated: Although breakthrough infections have increased with Omicron, COVID-19 vaccines remain extraordinarily effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death. All those who are eligible for the vaccine and booster should get them. Learn more at GetVaccineAnswers.org. • Wear a higher-quality mask: The CDC says that while the best mask is the mask you’re going to wear consistently, well-fitted respirators, such as KN95s and N95s, provide the highest level of protection. N95s are

no longer in short supply, and the federal government recently announced that it is sending 400 million N95 respirators to pharmacies and community health centers across the country, where you can get them free of charge. In lieu of respirators, surgical masks and double masking also offer additional

protection over a cloth mask. • Testing is critical: Visit ama-assn.org/delivering-care for a helpful guide from the AMA on which test is right for you. You should consider getting tested if you have symptoms or if you have had a known close exposure to someone with COVID-19, and maybe before gathering

Obituaries Eva Turner Eva Turner died Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022, after a brief period in hospice care. Miss Turner was the beloved daughter of the late William Turner, Frances Sauer (nee Rispoli) and her step-father, Harry Sauer. Earlier in her life, Eva was a dental hygienist, a home health aide and a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. She lived a quiet, simple life. She enjoyed creating sketches and mixed media art which she gifted to family, friends and her physicians. Despite the many challenges she had in her life, she had a quick wit and sense of humor which made her enjoyable to be around. Perhaps what Eva will be most remembered for is her devotion to her mother and step-father. She provided loving care to both through

their illnesses. She is survived by her uncle, Vincent Rispoli and her aunt, Janet Wright. Eva is also survived by cousins, Angela

Salucio, Josephine D’Addessa, Joseph D’Addessa, Nancy Frank, Daniel Rispoli and Diane Addesso. Theresa Wescott also

her cousin, along with her husband, George, may be credited with maintaining a quality of life for Eva during her illness over the last three

indoors with people outside of your household. If you test positive, the AMA suggests testing negative before ending any isolation period. An antigen test is the best tool to determine whether someone is still infectious. And even if the repeat test is negative when ending isolation, patients are advised to wear medical grade masks for at least five days after ending isolation. You can receive four free, athome COVID tests by signing up here: special.usps.com/ testkits. “We continue to urge those with questions about COVID-19 vaccines to talk to their physician. Vaccinating as many people as possible and taking the preventive health measures we know work are the only ways to slow the spread and move us closer to the end of this pandemic,” says Dr. Harmon. All obituaries must be submitted by email by 10 a.m., Mondays, to obituaries@ theobserver.com. Payment is due at submission. years. They lovingly attended to all her needs medically and otherwise. Eva was very grateful for all their attention and effort in providing for her.

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Tiger thinks your swell, Eleanor

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On of Belleville’s biggest cheerleaders, Eleanor Guarino, 93, got a visit from Belleville’s Bengal recently to mark her birthday. Delivering a fortune cookie topped birthday cake (it’s the Year of the Tiger) and a Valentine heart full of chocolates, the Tiger, accompanied by Belleville Historical Society Trustee Tom Grolimond, enjoyed cake, coffee and chocolates with Eleanor and wished her all the best.

Jarlynn Hyde Broker/Owner

“OUR SUCCESS HAS BEEN BUILT ONE SATISFIED CUSTOMER AT A TIME...” BUSINESS FOR SALE

NEW LISTING! Kearny $518,900 2 Fam. – 2 floor – each unit has LR – DR – EIK – full bath, den. Full Unfinished BSMNT – laundry HKPS. Driveway PRKNG 4+ cars. Being sold “AS IS”

NEW LISTING! Kearny - $255,000 Well known establishment for sale. Comes with all contents: liquor, tables+chairs. Kitchen with all equipment, security camera’s, TV’s, new lighting Liquor license included. Great location!

NEW LISTING!

! ING LIST NEW

Lyndhurst - $299,000 Condo –2 Bdrms - 1 full baths - LR - DR – KTCHN -1 parking space inside of a parking lot.

NEW PRICE! Northvale

Little Egg Harbor $206,838 2 Bdrms – 2 baths – LR – EIK – Lanai – Attached garage and driveway parking 55+ community

355,000 Property being sold “AS IS.” Seller has approval for 3 BDRM 2.5 BATH Reno

COMMERCIAL SALE

NEW PRICE! Kearny - $645,000 1 Fam. – Large

Kearny - $938,680 Mediterranean restaurant - fully equipped kitchen Dining room with capacity for 60 patrons - bar with liquor licenses - 3 car garage and driveway for 10 plus cars - 4 Bdrms modern updated apartment on the 2nd floor. Center of town.

Colonial Tudor style home - 5 Bdrms - 5 Full baths - Central AC and heat - Hdwd floor - Deck / Patio - Large driveway parking

N. Arlington - $683,800 3 Bdrms – 3.5 baths – LR – DR – full finished BSMNT – 2 laundry rooms – attached garage - deck

T RAC ONT ER C D N U

Kearny - $ 429,800 1 Fam. – 3 Bdrms – 1.5 baths – LR – DR – KTCHN – Attached garage backyard

ACT NTR R CO E D UN

T RAC ONT ER C D N U

ACT NTR R CO E D UN

T RAC ONT ER C D N U

ACT NTR R CO E D UN

Kearny - $379,800

Kearny - $439,000 4 Bdrms - 2 baths – LR - DR – modern eat in KTCHN – Attached garage

Belleville - $309,000 1 Fam. – 2 Bdrms –

Kearny - $429,000 1 Fam. – 3 Bdrms – 2,5 baths – LR – DR – Kitchen – Full Prt finished basement – Laundry - Sun porch – Rear Enclosed Porch – Attic – 3 cars parking – Win/AC

Emerson - $679,000 1 Fam. – 3 Full baths – attic

4 Bdrms – 3 baths – EIK – porch – Full Unfinished BSMNT – 1 car garage – 3 non-garage parking spots BEING SOLD AS IS.

1 full bath – LR – DR – Kitchen – Full basement with washer and dryer Hookups – backyard – 4 cars parking

ACT NTR R CO E D UN

T RAC ONT ER C UND

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

Kearny - $549,000 3 Fam. - 5 Bdrms -

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

LR’s – DR’s – EIK’s – Unfin. Bsmt - Sep. Utilities

COMMERCIAL LEASE Kearny - $1,850 Central of town location – 3 room 720 sq ft - 2nd floor office space located within a professional building.

Call (201) 991-5719 APARTMENT RENTALS AVAILABLE - 1, 2 & 3 Bdrm UNITS Call and Ask About our Reduced Rental Fee!

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

– full unfinished basement – Deck – Central AC – Hdwd&vinyl floor. 1 car attached garage& 4 driveway parking

COMMERCIAL LEASE

Kearny - $2,600 Great Location and convenient public transportation! 400 sq ft, modern office. Will be availiable on 03/30/22

RENTAL Harrison - $1,700 2nd floor - 2 Bdrms – LR – Office space – Kitchen – Full Bath – Deck – Use of the Yard

For more properties, visit our website

www.midrealty.com

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

HCCC

Continued from Page 2 EOF was sponsored by then-freshman legislator Thomas Kean. The program has been an enormous success in New Jersey for more than 50 years. EOF’s exceptionally successful strategies include pre-college advisement, immersive summer onboarding of new students, basic skills testing, systematic retention efforts and high-touch coaching and mentoring, peer counseling and tutoring, academic support courses, high-impact learning experiences, multicultural curricula and human relations programming, student leadership development, financial support, and outcomes-based program evaluation, among others. Now nearing its 15th anniversary, ASAP serves students at nine CUNY community and other colleges in all five New York City boroughs. ASAP is designed to assist 50% of students in attaining an associate degree within three years by providing academic, social and financial support. “We analyzed EOF and ASAP and determined that more of our students needed a program providing them with that same kind of holistic assistance,” Dr. Gretchen Schulthes, HCCC associate director of Advisement and Transfer, said. “Ideally, we need to scale up these proven strategies to all Hudson County Community College students. We decided to use a portion of the funding the College received from COVID-19 related federal stimulus dollars as seed money to develop a customized, holistic and sustainable HCCC program we call ‘Hudson Scholars’.” Utilizing some key EOF and ASAP best practices, HCCC formulated the “Hudson Scholars” program to initially serve almost 800 students – four times the number of students currently enrolled in the HCCC EOF program, impacting nearly 1,000

HCCC students on the college’s journey to involve all students in this program eventually. “Hudson Scholars” is open to incoming students enrolled for at least nine credit-hours of coursework at HCCC, including students in their final semester of English as a Second Language (ESL), and all levels of academic foundations English. Working closely with faculty, who provide progress reports on “Hudson Scholars” students through a homegrown early-alert system, “Hudson Scholars” academic counselors assist students in setting academic and career goals; monitoring outside factors that may impact students’ progress; and making referrals to on-campus services such as tutoring and mental health counseling. “Hudson Scholars” students are further incentivized to participate in high-impact practices each month, and receive stipends of $125 to $250 for completing designated tasks and achieving important academic milestones. “Hudson Scholars” student Latisha Straker is a 26-year-old business administration major who looks forward to working for a Fortune 500 company and making a difference in her community. She credits the program with helping her stay on top of her coursework by texting and emailing about assignments and deadlines. “HCCC wants you to learn, and they go step-by-step in helping you understand challenging assignments and assisting with any difficulties encountered in school,” she said. “’Hudson Scholars’ also helped me financially by providing a monthly stipend that aids in paying for books, bus fare, food and minor bills.” Early outcomes of the project are exceedingly positive and indicate the program may be sustained and grown beyond the period of grant funding through its impact on student retention and the resulting increased revenue.

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Washington School announces MP2 honor roll

on Zimmerman, principal of Washington School in Kearny, announces the following students have achieved honor roll status for the second marking period of the current school year. GRADE 4 Principal’s Honors Juan Caycho Bernuy, Isabelle Crucinta Guzman, Gabriel Olivos, Aliza Syeda. Honors Nicholas Afanador, Mayiarah

KPD

Continued from Page 3 was held at the Hudson County Jail. On Feb. 18 at 5:57 p.m., Officers Luis Cazares, David Vazquez and Sgt. Ben Wuelfing were dispatched to a fight at a business at 9 Hackensack Ave. in South Kearny. Their investigation revealed allegations that Cristobal Martinez, 41, of Kearny, engaged in a fight with a co-worker in which Martinez allegedly punched the co-worker in the abdomen and pulled a knife on him. Another coworker seized the knife when the two combatants went to the floor. The officers arrested Martinez for aggravated assault and weapon possession charges. He was later returned to South Kearny, where he was lodged at the county jail. On Feb.18 at 10:41 p.m., Officers Josh Lopez and Danny Maganinho responded to a call of a suspicious incident at a restaurant on Passaic Avenue. An employee told officers two intoxicated people left the restaurant and tried to get into a car. The employee then pointed to the parking lot where a grey Honda SUV was reportedly being driven recklessly in circles while a man was stumbling around outside it. The officers pulled over the SUV and met its driver, Corine R. Espinosa, 39, of Kearny. The stumbling man outside it reported to officers that he was Espinosa’s partner. Officers arrested Espinosa after she poorly performed a set of field-sobriety tests. Espinosa was charged by summons with DWI and reckless driving. She was later released to a responsible person. On Feb. 19 at 2:14 a.m., Sgt. Wuelfing watched a Ford pickup

Almeida, Jean Alvear Garcia, Raheema Bah-Traore, Mathias Campoverde, Isabella Duarte, Michael Herbert, Nali Juarez, Elianny Medina Vargas, Beatriz Mota, Jaden Nieves, Lydia O’Brien, Nathanael Olivares, Jacob Pazmino, Aalijah Ramirez, Evan Rebelo Da Silva, Jessica Rojas, Dylan Serrano, Elizabeth Silva, Ayden Solis, Danisha Vargas.

Heddaj, Fares Hegazy, Logan McDonald, Azaylie Rodriguez. Honors Samantha Garcia, Josue Granados, Pedro Grandizoli Garcia, Giuliana Janeira, Vishal Kathiravel, Gabriella Martinez, Logan Navedo, Leandro Perez Lopez, Jose Quiroga Vilchez, Cristiano Ribeiro Fernandes, Angela Sokolson, Eshal Syeda.

GRADE 5 Principal’s Honors Audrey Bradow, Reeyad truck exit Route 7 onto Fish House Road and then abruptly stop in the roadway, nearly causing a crash. The pickup again began to move and Sgt. Wuelfing pulled behind it. The pickup reportedly swerved while attempting to negotiate the curves of Fish House Road and Sgt. Wuelfing had seen enough. He pulled over the truck, which pulled over to the right lane but reportedly continued to drive slowly for another 100 feet. When driver Santos H. Moncada-Luna, 38, of Belleville, was unable to produce a license and performed poorly at field-sobriety tests, the sergeant arrested him. Following breath testing at the police station, Moncada-Luna was charged with DWI, unlicensed driving and careless driving. He was later released to a responsible person. On Feb. 20 at 5:10 a.m., Officers Maganinho and Anthony Oliveira were dispatched to a car crash at Hackensack Avenue and Routes 1&9. The officers found a one-car crash in which Luke Lazarre, 37, of Brooklyn, had driven onto a cement curb, severely damaging one of his car’s wheels. The officers found Lazarre seated in the vehicle with a Guinness beer bottle cap on his lap. Having observed signs of intoxication, Officer Oliveira administered field-sobriety tests, which Lazarre could not satisfactorily perform. He was arrested. At police headquarters, Lazarre reportedly became quite a handful: refusing to be photographed, urinating on the floor and repeatedly calling the officers the “N-word.” Lazarre was charged with DWI, refusal to submit to breath testing and careless driving and was later released to a responsible person.

Think you can’t refinance because values are down?

GRADE 6 Principal’s Honors Amarie Campos, Sophia Cunas, Miguel Dantas Silva, Isha Lin, Diana Matos, Ashley Moreno, Mia Moreno, Trevor Omudeto, Kianna Orzero, David Tavares, Isabella Villafana, Monika Wyka. Honors Vitor Denadai, Valeria Garcia Payares, Yaribel Rodriguez Nunez.

NORTH ARLINGTON • NJ 07031

RATES AT HISTORIC LOWS!

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FREE

Analysis for Purchase & Refinance!

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

TEL: 201.998.9050 • FAX: 201.820.0505

HARRISON

NEW LISTING!

NEWARK NEW LISTING!

Large Size 2 Family Home in Great Location

2 Family Home Featuring 6 Bed/ 2 Full Bath

Asking $530,000

Asking $600,000

JERSEY CITY

UNDER CT CONTRA

KEARNY

NEW LISTING!

HARRISON

Sun filled Condo featuring 2 Bed/ 2 Full Bath & 1 Car Garage

Asking $419,000

KEARNY

UNDER CT CONTRA

Gorgeous 2 Bed/ 2 Bath Condo in Desirable Society Hill Section

Endless Potential with this Bed/ 3.5 Bath Colonial

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

HARRISON

NORTH ARLINGTON

CLIFTON

Asking $349,990

UNDER CT CONTRA

Asking $499,000

FOR RENT

Asking $449,000

SOLD!

Multifamily Home, 2 Bedrooms in Each Unit

2 Bed/ 2 Full Bath End Unit Condo

Asking $710,000

Asking $2,600

2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom End-Unit Townhome with 1 Car Attached Garage

Asking $439,900

We have Rentals - Call Today!

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

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Observer Classifieds

The Observer 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

Hiring workers for kitchen assistance, pastry assistance, cleaning, front customer service, waiters. Contact/Information 973-816-0328 or vicentesbread@gmail.com. Vicentes Bread Kitchen and Cafe 343 Kearny Ave Kearny NJ.

Local business seeks part-timer with wide availability capable of lifting 25 pounds. Duties include light clerical work, answering phones, running errands, using computer. Driver’s license required. Bilingual preferred. Hours 10a-3p weekdays. Send email indicating interest to jobat07032@gmail.com

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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 38W09

Teacher’s Aide To help with children in Day Care Center in Kearny. Please call after 3:00 pm. (201)991-5684

Driver Wanted/ Kitchen Help 6 1/2 hour Position in North Arlington Clean Driving Record Call 201-991-6800 ex.2040

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Need Driver/ Loader pick-up passengers in van and load in helicopter. Full/Part time position Retires welcome call (862)849-2652 Location Kearny NJ Heliport 42W03

OPEN HOUSE:

WEDNESDAY 2/16/2022 , 2/23/2022 & 3/02/2022 9:30AM to 2:00PM Pathways to Independence, Inc, A day program supporting adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities M-F 8:30AM - 4:30PM Career opportunities for: Direct Support Professionals FT & PT ($14.82-15.25/hr) Van Drivers PT $14.75/hr - Van Aides PT $14.25/hr (split shift for drivers/aides 6:45AM-9AM and return again 2:45PM-5PM)

NOW HIRING: Classroom Aides/Paraprofessionals $13.63 per hour Trained ABA Aides/Paraprofessionals $16.00 per hour Daily Substitute Teachers (Must hold a valid substitute certiﬁcation) $150 per day Long Term Substitute Teachers (Must hold a valid teaching certiﬁcation in the assigned subject area) $263.93 per day If you are interested in applying, please contact: Mark Fasciana Human Resources Manager 201.955.5139 mfasciana@kearnyschools.com 42W03

CDL Driver Wanted Adult Medical Day Care (Belleville) Part Time/ Full Time Driver for adult medical daycare in Essex county needed. A CDL with Class B and Endorsement P a MUST!!! Spanish speaking a plus. No nights or weekends. Competitive Salary. Call Monday thru Friday only between 10 AM and 5 PM. Call (862)-264-0906 518 Washington Ave Belleville 42W03

Superintendent for a building in Belleville No live in, 35 hours per week job consists of cleaning of all buildings inside, cleaning of outside of buildings, cleaning dumpster area, some light plumbing, changing of bulbs, batteries, painting, checking cameras if needed, repairs, etc. Please call 973-284-0900 41W03

Instructor Will train right candidate. Must be reliable. Part time driver wanted Call (201) 246-8000 42W03

Assistant Property Manager Full time, Knowledgeable in Microsoft word, excel, accounting program, writing letters, ﬁling, making and answering phone calls, etc. Please call 973-284-0900. 41W03

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Excellent time off beneﬁts (FT & PT) / and excellent medical beneﬁts for FT Must have HS Dip/GED all positions must have a clean driving record (license not required for Van Aides) 60 Kingsland Ave. Kearny, NJ 07032 or email resume to: pti450@aol.com (or visit us 9:30AM – 3PM M-F to apply) A great place to work & make a difference in the lives of adults with disabilities. eeo 41W03

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The Kearny School District Come join a great team in a rewarding school setting!

Moishe’s Moving Systems, the leader in moving solutions for the past 35 years, is seeking individuals that are self motivated, detail oriented, and have a customer ﬁrst mentality for year-round positions. Who we are: Moishe’s Moving Systems has been the premier moving company serving the NYC market for the past 37 years. Every day we strive to alleviate the moving stressors from every customer we serve with on time service, friendly movers, personalized attention and completing the job to their outmost satisfaction. We always try to go the extra step and differentiate ourselves from the common moving companies. We are a proud partner of many organizations trying to end hunger , poverty and make the world a better place, come and join us. Who you are: Movers must be over 18 You have experience in moving/transportation or you are willing to learn Availability to work every day and some weekends What you get: Hourly pay depending on experience 401k contributions Paid vacation/Sick Days/Holidays Health Insurance Job Types: Full-time, Part-time 800-367-4453 or 551-689-9448

OPPORTUNITIES FOR CAREER GROWTH

Car Hauler - CDL A Lgl Trucking Services LLC Kearny, NJ Starting $1,800 weekly Home every day or on the road Full time Car hauling: 2 years experience required CALL NOW 201-598-8137

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

HARRISON TOWN NOTICE THE OBSERVER RESOLUTION NO. 1575-2-2022 RESOLUTION ADOPTING MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2022 Pursuant to Chapter 23l, Laws of 1975, the following are designated as meetings of the Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the Town of Harrison, N.J. at which Public Housing Agency business may be formally discussed, decided or acted upon. Place & Location Commissioner’s Room Bldg. #1, Harrison Gardens Harrison, New Jersey Purpose Any and all Public Housing Agency Business Date & Time January 11, 2022 Regular –6:00 P.M. February 8, 2022 Regular – 6:00 P.M. March 8, 2022 Regular – 6:00 P.M. April 12, 2022 Regular – 6:00 P.M. May 10, 2022 Regular – 6:00 P.M. June 14, 2022 Re-Organization Meeting – 6:00 P.M. Regular – 6:15 P.M. July & August at Request of Chair September 13, 2022 Regular – 6:00 P.M. October 11, 2022 Regular – 6:00 P.M. November 15, 2022 Regular – 6:00 P.M. December 13, 2022 Regular – 6:00 P.M. In accordance with P.L. 2020 c.11, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 and N.J.A.C. 5:39-1.1 et seq., during an active state of emergency, the Housing Authority may hold any of its meetings virtually, at which point, a notice will be published and posted, including on the Authority’s website, detailing the change and the means of accessing said meeting remotely. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 8th day of February 2022. Raymond Lucas Executive Director Harrison Housing Authority 41W03

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

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Observer Classifieds

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

CLEANING SERVICES

PEST CONTROL

BELLEVILLE

KEARNY

N.ARLINGTON

PEST CONTROL

BELLEVILLE Basement studio. closet space. $900 + 1 months security. Utilities, AC. & Cable included. No pets/smoking. Single woman preferred. Available March 15th (862)202-0581

KEARNY Arlington Section, 1st ﬂ. 4 family. 1 BR. DR. LR. EIK. $1,400+1 month security. H/HW included. no pets/smoking. Available March 1st (201) 998-7268 42WO3

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

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BLOOMFIELD BLOOMFIELD 4 rooms, 2 BR. EIK. LR. $1,000 + 1.5 months security. Utilities separate. No Pets/ Smoking. Close to Transportation. Background check Available March 1st (201)998-2101 43W03

KEARNY Fully Renovated 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths. 1.5 Living rooms, 1 DR. Full kitchen. $2,800/ mth plus 1/2 mth security. Utilities Seperate. No Pets/Smoking. Available March 1st (201)566-1357 42W03

KEARNY Renovated modern 3 bedroom apartment ﬁrst ﬂoor, access to patio , ready for rent March 1, no pets , no laundry, $2100 + 1 .5 security deposit, separate utilities. contact (201)772-9965 42W03

HARRISON HARRISON 2nd ﬂoor. Renovated 2BR, 2 Bath, CA/Heat, laundry, parking. No pets. $2300 + 1 month security. Available March 1st. (646)5290562 42W03

N.ARLINGTON Renovated 1st ﬂoor. 2 beds, 2 baths, ﬁnished basement, laundry, private fenced yard, 1 car garage + 2 car driveway. 1 month deposit + 1 month rent. Separate utilities. Available, March 1st. Text for inquiries. (201)889-2709 43W03

NORTH ARLINGTON Studio, 1 BR, EIK, Bath. 1.5 Months security. Utilities included. No Pets/ No Smoking. 1 person preferred. Available Now (201)428-8815 43W03

KEARNY

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PAINTING & DECORATING

RUBBISH REMOVAL

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

A-1 AFFORDABLE RUBBISH REMOVAL

Attics, Basements, Yard Cleaning. We Haul or You Can Rent 10-15 Cubic Yard Containers. We Accept Visa/MasterCard (201) 998-1262 39W06

B&A ROOFING

High quality job at a affordable price Specialize in Shingles, Flat Roofs, New & repair siding,gutters, Tree Removal

HARRISON Room in Home $500 + 1 months security. Call or text 973420-0056 41W03

KEARNY Nice and Clean N.NEWARK room $600 + 1 mth security. Utilities, mini refrigerator, Cable & interN.NEWARK 3rd Floor. 1 net included. No Kitchen BR. EIK, LR. $1200 +1.5 Avl. Now (201) 279-9966 months security. Heat/ 43W03 Gas included. Belleville/ Bloomﬁeld border. Quiet neighborhood. Close to transportation. No pets. East Newark -Room for No smoking. (973) 202- rent for single person. 6092 41W03 Utilities included, available now (973)868-7999

and windows FREE ESTIMATES (201)719-3074

LANDSCAPING & DESIGN

Licensed & Insured 41W06

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

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

KEARNY Newly renovated furnished 1 bedroom apt. Arlington Section. 1 month Security. No pets. $1100/month + utilities. Available now. (201) 9550996 (201) 889-8536 43W03

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

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FENIELLO CONTRACTING LLC. BASEMENT RENOVATIONS NO MORE WASTED SPACE. Baths, Kitchens, Decks Painting. All types of Home Improvement. Quality work. Fair prices Fully insured. Lic# 13vh03006100

(201) 906-2422 38W06

• Concrete • Brick work • Steps • Stone Walls • Tiles • Painting • Sheetrock • Drywall • Plastering ALL types of Masonry For Free Estimates Call Edinson (973) 943-2254 40W06

C&L Tile Repairs

*Regrouting *Recaulking Repair *Repair Floors. Free Est. Fully Ins. (201)257-1373 43W06

Rooﬁng,

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

The Observer

FREE ESTIMATES 20% Senior Citizen Discounts

Your ad will

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

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G&R BUILDERS

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N.ARLINGTON N.ARLINGTON Beautiful apartment, renovated. Large rooms. 2 BR. LR. and EIK. Plenty of public park. Close to major Transportation. Hot water included. No Pets/Smoking. $1750 + 1.5 months security. Available Now (201)522-4470 42W03

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(201) 893-0656

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FURNISHED ROOM FOR RENT

LACA CORP

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ROOFING/SIDING

KEARNY 5 modern rooms in the manor section. $1,800/mth plus 1.5 mth security (201)2806665 41W03

KEARNY Fully renovated 2 bedrooms, 1 full bathroom, Full kitchen, LR and DR included. $2,100/ mth plus 1/2 mth security Utilities included. No Pets/Smoking. Available March 1st. (201)5661357 42W03

Licensed and Insured

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ROOM FOR RENT

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HARRISON Large 1 BR. Featuring large windows, High Ceilings, View of NYC Skyline. HW Floors, Full Ceramic Tile Bath & more. $1400 + security and utilities. No Pets. Available Now (201)9916942 43W03

Call 973-932-2092

HOME IMPROVEMENT

JOSEPH V. FERRIERO Plumbing & Heating Kitchen and bath remodeling. Carpentry. Hot Water Heaters. Fully Ins. Lic# 165

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Call (201) 991-1600

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

the Year for his off-duty revival of an 18-month-old child who had stopped breathing. He’s been an active volunteer for the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department for 46 years and president of the Fire Commissioners Board. Jack and his wife Gloria Gaudreau, of Nutley, have two children and marked their 48th anniversary this past June.

PARADE

Continued from Page 1 Belleville Fire Department, 2022 Firefighter of the Year. Grand Marshal Dr. John V. Kelly Jr. is a legacy member of the NIAA. He’s proud to follow 40 years later in his father’s footsteps as the grand marshal. John V. Kelly Sr. was Nutley Irish Parade Chairman from 1979 to 2009. John Jr. completed his residency in internal medicine at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center and opened a medical practice in Nutley in 1989, moving it to Bloomfield’s “Four Corners” the following year. A longtime attending physician at Clara Maass Medical Center, Belleville, he was president of hospital’s medical staff from 2013 to 2015 and continues serving on the executive committee. Throughout the pandemic, Kelly’s office remained open to serve the community and he continued tending to hundreds of patients at Clara Maass where he and

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

colleagues administered lifesaving treatments such as monoclonal antibody therapy, for Covid-19 patients. Kelly and his wife, Cynthia, has six children: John V. Kelly III, a Nutley Township Commissioner; Dr. Lauren Kelly Schiller, Elise Kelly DeVault, Diandra Kelly (2015 Nutley Irish Parade Queen), Alexa Kelly Crist and Christa Kelly Winter.

Deputy Grand Marshal Chase Hamilton, whose dad, Michael, was grand marshal of the Nutley Irish’s 2001 St. Patrick’s Parade, lived in Toms River and Kearny before his family moved in 2006 to Belleville where his uncles Sean and Joe McGonigal taught him to play the bagpipes – a skill he showed off in the 2007 Nutley Irish St. Patrick’s Parade. He’s on the current rosters

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of the St. Columcille United Gaelic Pipe Band and the Essex County Emerald Society Pipes & Drums. In 2018, Hamilton traveled to New Ross, County Wexford, Ireland, with the St. Columcille unit where they became the first pipe band from outside Ireland and the United Kingdom to win the All-Ireland Pipe Band Grade 3B Championship. He has performed three times at the World Pipe Band Championships hosted in Glasgow, Scotland. His Irish heritage may be traced back to his grandparents, the late Mary and Skipper Hamilton, who were born and raised in Dublin, before immigrating to the U.S. in 1958. In 2014, Chase joined the Belleville Fire Department and was promoted to lieutenant in May 2021. Member of the Year John “Jack” Wieners’ IrishAmerican heritage dates to the 1860s when his maternal great-grandparents, John and Ann (Drew) Flynn arrived in the U.S. from County Cork, Ireland. Jack was one of six children born to Irene and John Wieners. Irene worked as a nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital in Passaic to provide for the family while caring for Jack’s dad, who had Parkinson’s disease. Jack grew up in Belleville, attended Essex County College and in 1981 he began a 25-year career with the Parsippany Police Department and delegate for PBA Local 131, collecting many honors along the way, including 1984 Parsippany Jaycees’ Officer of

Parade Queen Shayne Martin, 25, is a Nutley High alumna who studied environmental science at Mississippi State University. She’s a manager at Nutley Wine Shop. Her greatgrandparents, Bridget Boylan and John Mulvey, immigrated from County Roscommon, Ireland, to the U.S. Mulvey served in World War I as a sharpshooter with The Flying 69th, Rainbow Division, and, as a civilian, worked in the New York County Clerk’s office. Shayne, daughter of Michael Martin and Lisa DanchakMartin, has volunteered at the Nutley Family Service Bureau thrift shop and as a host sister to foreign exchange students her family hosted from Austria, Germany, France and Italy. Firefighter of the Year Brian Salmon is a 1992 Belleville High School graduate who attended Sacred Heart University and the University of Rhode Island. Family members immigrated from Tipperary, Ireland, and settled in Belleville in 1885. Brian comes from a long line of civil servants, beginning with his great-grandfather, James J. Salmon, who became the first paid firefighter in Belleville in 1914 but was killed in the line of duty two years later. Brian’s great-uncle, Michael Flynn, was the township’s police chief in the 1920s and Brian’s dad, Philip, served 25 years with the police force until his retirement as captain in 1991. Brian joined the Belleville Fire Department in May 2003 and is now battalion chief. He’s a former president – and now secretary – of FMBA Local 229. He was part of the N.J. Essex County Task Force for rescue and recovery operations during Hurricane Katrina. Brian and his wife Courtney has two sons, Brian Jr. and Colin.

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

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development to Belleville, Melham sponsored local legislation calling for creation of a new position— economic development representative — to facilitate a smoother path for prospective builders by explaining what local approvals are needed for their projects and what steps to take in securing those approvals In such situations, Melham said he has encouraged township bureaucrats to adopt “a welcoming tone – our approach is we try not to say ‘no’ to people” bringing ideas for projects beneficial to Belleville because “lost opportunities are lost revenues.” At this point, no salary has been fixed for the new job which, according to township Business Administrator Anthony Iacono, would be a full-time Civil Service slot and would likely pay in the range of $95,000 a year, he added. Rovell, a third-generation Belleville resident, announced on a recent Facebook post that, “over the next several weeks, I will present to you my vision for Belleville’s future, as well as highlight the accomplishments that we have achieved over the last 18 years that I served on the council.” Rovell, who has an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s in management, is certified as a project management professional and currently works at Picatinny Arsenal. In a Vimeo.com posting, Rovell says his priority is to ensure that Belleville remains a “beautiful village,” by putting families first and focusing on issues that will give Belleville residents a better quality of life. At this point, Rovell has at least one council-at-large running mate: Charlie Hood, a retired township deputy police chief who now serves as the township’s director of information technology.

Continued from Page 1 through community pride. Municipal facility upgrades have also strengthened the township, he said. His administration “quintupled” the number of turf recreation fields for schoolchildren, renovated the Franklin Avenue Senior Center and revamped the municipal Home Improvement program with an infusion of $1.6 million generated by developer fees. “We just got this new Home Improvement program off the ground six months ago,” Melham said. Since then, “five or six” projects have either been completed or in process, he added. The mayor also took credit for beginning to make strides in attracting new private development to the township after years of inactivity, such as the 24-acre former Walter Kidde property off the northern end of Washington Avenue where the former fire extinguisher factory site is undergoing a brownfield cleanup for eventual redevelopment as warehousing for light industry; and a 14-acre parcel in the Belleville Industrial Center on Main Street off Rt. 21 where a modern logistics center is planned. There are also two new multi-unit residential buildings cleared for construction fronting on the northern end of Washington Avenue. When these projects—all approved for multi-year PILOTs (payments in lieu of taxation) are completed and occupied, Melham estimated the township would enjoy a total increase in property value of about $250 million — which, he added, should help level the tax rate for the average homeowner. To continue to attract new

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