Wednesday, July 1, 2026 n www.TheObserver.com n Volume CXXXIX, Issue No. 8
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!
w
The Observer’s office will be closed Friday, July 3, in observance of the holiday.
BELLEVILLE n BLOOMFIELD n EAST NEWARK n HARRISON n KEARNY n LYNDHURST n NORTH ARLINGTON n NUTLEY
Nutley’s Rusty Myers elected New Jersey Sons of the American Legion commander By Kevin A. Canessa Jr.
A
kc@theobserver.com
local man is taking on a significant role with the Sons of the American Legion. Russell “Rusty” Myers III, of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 70 of Nutley, was elected state commander of the Detachment of New Jersey at the 63rd Detachment Convention in Wildwood in June. “Brother Sons, I’m humbled and honored that you have placed your trust in me to be the face of this Detachment for
the next year,” Myers said. “I pray I’m up to the challenge.” Being elected to that office, Myers is now responsible for leading New Jersey’s over 10,200 Sons from 130-plus squadrons across the Garden State. He is the first state commander ever elected from Nutley, and the first out of Essex County since 1990. In a speech given at a social in Wildwood by American Legion Department Executive Committeeman Darrell Collins, of Montclair, he called Myers “Essex’s favorite Son.” In convention, with 45 squad-
rons represented, Myers was elected by unanimous vote to be the newest detachment, or state, commander with a oneyear term which ends in June 2027. His slogan for the year is “Honoring Our Past, Serving Our Future,” with an additional focus on administrative change to adapt to changing times and technology. He calls this year’s state officer’s commitment to serving the organization and our veterans “servant leadership.”
See RUSTY, Page 4
Belleville Community Garden continues to expand Belleville’s new and expanded Community Garden is quickly spreading its roots. The 37 plots in Fairway Park that will soon yield rows of red bell peppers, earthy green cucumbers and Jersey tomatoes are sold out for the year. The plots, fertile ground for sunflowers, pansies and coneflowers to grow, are reserved through requests and paid for at Town Hall. The owners consist of residents and local
organizations; their gardening season runs from April through November. Mayor Michael A. Melham says the success of the expanded garden promotes sustainability, healthy living and more. “The Belleville Community Garden brings together neighbors who share a passion for literally getting their hands dirty,” Melham said. “The sharing of hand trowels, pruners and gardening tips on spring afternoons fosters a community within the community.”
Said Mayor-Elect Frank Velez: “The expansion of the Belleville Community Garden is a reflection of where we’re headed as a township — building spaces that are inclusive, sustainable and alive with community spirit. I’m proud to see Fairway Park growing into a destination for all of Belleville.” The new garden is double the size of the previous one, and just one of the improvements that have been made at Fairway Park, at 10-44 Riverdale Ave.
Township Manager Brian Banda said not only is the garden double the size of its predecessor, but residents also stop by to use the new basketball courts, inclusive playground and dog park. “Future improvements coming this year will include a new ball field and river walk,” Banda said. “We are pleased with the progress and look forward to more enhancements for our residents to enjoy.” — CANESSA
Unlock the value of your gold! We will pay top dollar!
KEARNY GOLD STORE Your trusted family jewelers
Diamonds | Chains | Necklaces | Watches | Bracelets | Earrings
181 Kearny Ave. | Kearny, NJ | 201.998.4832