e-Newspaper for April 3, 2024

KEARNY’S TOP COP

Peers choose Perez-Fonseca nearly unanimously after his suspicions led investigators to murdered teacher

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

It isn’t often a slam dunk when the Kearny Police Department’s valor committee gets together to choose a Police Officer of the Year. But for the year 2023, it was. In fact, one of the nominators says he’s never before seen such overwhelming support for one officer.

That officer is Jose Perez-Fonseca, whose intuition last year led him to pull over a suspicious vehicle in South Kearny. That pullover ultimately led investigators in locating the remains of a former Jersey City teacher Luz Hernandez, who had been murdered mere days earlier, and who had until then been missing.

And that wasn’t the only major crime Perez-Fonseca had a hand in solving, either.

Last summer, when a man was shot on Quincy Avenue, he had a direct impact on that case, as well.

The Observer recently conducted a Q&A with him — so we present you the 2023 Police Officer of the Year in his own words.

The Observer (TO): Tell me about you a little. Where did you grow up? Go to high school?

Jose Perez-Fonseca (JP): I was born and raised in Newark. I attended Seton Hall Preparatory School and graduated in 2006.

TO: When did you decide you wanted to be a police officer? Expand on that if you could.

JP: Law enforcement runs in the family. My father is a former Newark Police Officer. My cousin, Det. Cesar Negron, is currently assigned to the Detective Bureau with the Kearny Police Department. I also have cousins and uncles in law enforcement at both the local and federal level. I guess you can say it was an easy choice when the law enforcement entrance exam came out.

TO: When did you join the Kearny PD?

JP: I have been with the Kearny Police Department since 2015, having graduated from the Bergen County Police Academy.

TO: Sgt. Neil Nelson reminded me of a case where you pulled over a vehicle in South Kearny that led to the body of deceased former Jersey City teacher Luz Hernandez. Can you tell me that story about how it all went down

See JOSE, Page 18

Belleville a top ‘Healthy’ municipality for third consecutive year

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

Belleville has again been recognized by a statewide program that examines and evaluates how municipalities encourage fitness, proper diets and the overall health and well-being of residents. Belleville, which hosts a community

garden to grow vegetables, offers several recreational opportunities for its youth and engages in other health-focused initiatives, has been selected as a “Healthy Town to Watch” through the annual statewide Mayors’ Wellness Campaign.

It is the third time Belleville has been recognized by the program, which is run by the New Jersey Health

Care Quality Institute in partnership with the New Jersey State League of Municipalities.

Belleville was one of 19 towns across the state to be designated as a 2023 Healthy Town to Watch.

There were 17 towns that received the top designation, “Healthy Town Winners,” while 12 received the “Healthy Towns Up-and-Coming.”

“Diet and exercise are closely linked to good health, but ‘health’ can be defined in many other ways, from a stable local economy to accessible transportation to quality housing,” Mayor Michael A. Melham said. “We have countless times asked the question, ‘But is it good for the health of the people of Belleville?’ Their health

See BELLEVILLE, Page 15

Contributed photo

Kearny’s 2023 Police Officer of the Year, Jose Perez-Fonseca, is seen here with his wife, Nadia.

Nutley teen, a Prep sophomore, collecting books for the less fortunate

t. Peter’s Prep sophomore Aidan Poole, a young ambassador to the Henrik Lundqvist Foundation, hosts a book drive now through May 3. Residents may donate new or gently used books for people from newborns through high school age at Petracco’s Deli, 507 Bloomfield Ave., Nutley.

Books may be left at the deli whenever it is open for business.

Books will be distributed to underprivileged and at-risk kids throughout New Jersey. Lundqvist is a former New York Rangers goaltender. Poole is a Nutley resident.

— CANESSA

NAPL hosting Jack the Ripper special program

The North Arlington Public Library will host “Jack the Ripper: a Mystery of Mysteries,” by Mark Vogel, Saturday, April 13, at 1 p.m. Vogel, a clinical psychologist who used to write a food column for The Observer, has studied this cold case extensively, reviewing original police files and visiting the murder sites.

He will discuss the identity of Jack the Ripper and other mysteries contained within this mystery. Was the Ripper a doctor? Did he have an accomplice? Why did he keep some of the victims’ organs? Are the famous Ripper letters authentic or a hoax? How was he able to avoid being caught? Why did he stop killing?

Vogel’s books will be available for sale after the program. Space is limited. Please visit the NAPL Reference Desk to register.

KGC hosting car-show fundraiser

The KGC cheer team sponsors a car, truck and bike show fundraiser April 13 (rain date April 14) at the American Legion, 314 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. Registration takes place from 9 to 11 a.m. Judging begins at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and awards will be presented at 3 p.m. There will also be music and a food truck on hand.

Troop 305 hosting fundraiser April 20

Boy Scout Troop 305 of Kearny hosts a Texas BBQ & tricky tray fundraiser Saturday, April 20, from 6:30 p.m. at Hedges Hall, of St. Stephen’s Church. There will also be a 50/50 and a live band in addition to typical tricky tray prizes. Tickets are $45 and may be purchased at 305texasbbq.eventbrite.com. Those wishing to contribute prize donations may send a note by email to friendsof305@gmail.com.

Kearny street hockey registration open

Spring registration is underway for Kearny Recreation street hockey through April 5, for children 6 to 17. Visit www. kearnynj.org for forms.

PBA donates treats for rabies clinic

The Town of Kearny recently hosted a rabies clinic and at it, PBA No. 21 offered dog treats to those who attended. PBA President Mina Ekladious, seen here, secured the treats in donations from Wal-Mart.

Kearny’s annual Town Wide cleanup is coming soon — and organizers say they can use your help.

The event will take place Saturday, April 20, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, with five signup locations — Frank A. Vincent Marina, 277 Passaic Ave.; Arlington Depot Park, 470 Elm St.; the Girl Scouts House, 635 Kearny Ave.; the Portuguese Cultural Association, 408 Schuyler Ave.; and Kearny Town Hall, 402 Kearny Ave. Coordinators will be at each of the

aforementioned location to direct volunteers where to go to participate.

Volunteers of all ages are needed, though minors must be

TWoman’s Club hosting annual Author’s Tea later this month

he Woman’s Club of Arlington hosts its 12th annual author event

Sunday, April 14, 2024, at the Henrietta Benstead Senior Center, 60 Columbia Ave., Kearny from 2 to 5 p.m.

The event features co-authors Helene Stapinski and Bonnie Siegler.

They will be discussing

“The American Way, A True Story of Nazi Escape, Superman and Marilyn Monroe.” In it, the publisher of DC Comics comes to the rescue of a family trying to flee Nazi Berlin, their lives linking up with a dazzling cast of 20th-century

icons, all eagerly pursuing the American Dream.

Stapinski began her career at her hometown newspaper, The Jersey Journal. She is the author of three memoirs: “Five-Finger Discount: A Crooked Family History,” “Baby Plays Around: A Love Affair with Music” and “Murder in Matera.” Her essays have appeared in several anthologies, most recently, Drinking Diaries: Women Serve Their Stories Straight Up. She has also written extensively for The New York Times, The Washington Post, Travel & Leisure, Food

& Wine, Salon, Real Simple, New York magazine and dozens of other newspapers, magazines and blogs.

She’s been featured on NPR’s “All Things Considered,” “The Today Show” and as a performer with The Moth main stage. Stapinski received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from New York University in 1987 and her master’s degree from Columbia in 1995. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two children.

Siegler is the founder of the design studio Eight and a Half and, before that, co-founded the design studio Number

Seventeen in 1993. Her clients include Participant Media, Late Night with Seth Meyers, Saturday Night Live, HBO, the Brooklyn Public Library, Random House, , The New York Times, Nickelodeon, and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. She is also the author of two books published in 2018.

“Signs of Resistance: A Visual History of Protest in America” describes the efforts and art of protest from 1754 through to today. The other is “Dear Client, This Book Will Teach You How to Get What You Want from Creative People,” with 66 short chapters that guide readers

through different aspects of the process of working with creatives.

Both books were published by Artisan Books, a division of Workman Publishing Company

An afternoon luncheon will be served including mini sandwiches and salad. A dessert bar of homemade delicacies will be provided by the members of the Woman’s Club of Arlington.

Members and friends are welcome to attend. Tickets are $40. Checks, payable to the Woman’s Club of Arlington, may be mailed to 210 Argyle Place, Kearny, N.J. 07032, attention Patricia Sherwen. Limited seating is available.

leaving a depleted market. As a result, prices rise. Housing bubbles have a direct impact on the real estate industry. Demand is caused by several factors such as low interest rates, easy access to credit, a rise in economic activity, and increased prosperity, all of which tend to feed off one another. Housing bubbles burst when excessive risk-taking becomes pervasive,

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Whether you are buying or selling, we are the real estate professionals you’ll want to guide you to a successful conclusion. The rigorous training, years of experience, and love of what we do make us eminently qualified to lead you through the realities of real estate transactions. Because of our contacts and access to numerous tools for finding the solution you’re hoping for, we can make the process easy for you. All it takes is a call our office to set up an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you. “Our success has been built one satisfied customer at a time.”

Nutley PD: 2 teens arrested breaking into cars

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

Two boys have been caught breaking into vehicles and are under arrest, the Nutley Police Department said.

Police Chief Tom Strumolo says at approximately 10:45 p.m., Thursday, March 28, Belleville police notified Nutley it received a report of two males wearing ski masks trying door

handles there. Nutley officers canvassed the town and located two boys attempting to enter vehicles along Ohlson and Ridge Road. The two 16-year-olds, both of Newark, were charged with attempted burglary, conspiracy and hindering by providing false names.

Both were released into their parents’ custody, pending juvenile hearings.

Director Alphonse Petracco commended police for apprehending the juveniles and thanked Belleville for their assistance.

“Thursday morning, we had a Mercedes Benz stolen from Beech Street and an attempted burglary on

Dogwood Lane,” Petracco said. “Two juveniles were apprehended exiting a stolen car by the NJSP Auto Task Force later that day. He said the chief and I are continuing our efforts to keep Nutley safe and working closely with other agencies to get a handle on this statewide problem. We continue to urge our residents to remain vigilant, secure their vehicles and notify police if they see anything suspicious.”

COMMENTARY

After 40+ years, Kathleen Astrella keeps inspiring in the Kearny School District

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

Ifirst met Kathleen Astrella when she was Kathy Murray, a music and chorus teacher at Schuyler School, in Kearny. That was December 1985, when I first moved from Jersey City to Kearny as an 11-year-old sixth-grader. She was in her infancy as a teacher. And in a way, my infancy as a Kearny boy was real, too. I left a place I knew intimately, a school I loved and friends I thought I’d be around forever.

But the move to Kearny was necessary and getting to meet Astrella, then, was fortuitous for me. Because I hated it here at first, so much so my mother agreed to let me go back to St. Anne’s School in Jersey City at the start of the 1986-1987 school year, or for what would have been my seventh-grade year.

But for a bunch of reasons, I decided to stay here. And one of the major reasons was because of Astrella. I may never have told her this. Though she was young, herself, at the time, the moments we spent with her was always therapeutic. I can still remember the first song she taught us, while I was there, “That’s What Friends Are For.” It was a new song then, but it was wildly popular at the time.

And in a way, it was a perfect title for the purposes of this story. Because for scores of students, for more than 40 years, looking back at Astrella’s work, she was a friend to everyone. She went on to other schools and ultimately, to Kearny High School. And she’s now the director of the Visual and Performing Arts program for the entire district.

Recently, she dubbed as the business manager for “The Addams Family.” All she’s ever done has had a positive impact on the lives of all the students who have ever known her. And all these years later, she’s as dedicated to her craft as she was in 1985.

There are dedicated educators — and there is Kathy Astrella. When I first came to The Observer in 2006, I was so surprised, yet thrilled, she was still in the Kearny school system. That was 18 years ago already, though it seems like a day ago, and continues to be a remarkable educator who has touched thousands of lives. I still can’t believe I get to call Miss Murray, “Kathy” now.

I know I am so very grateful for her. I am certain most if not all who ever known her as a teacher would say the same. And I am beyond honored to say “thank you” to her in this public way today. After all, “That’s What Friends Are For.”

Kearny marks Ramadan for the first time

For the first time ever, the Town of Kearny hosted a celebration of the holy season of Ramadan. Mayor Carol Jean Doyle, second from left, and Councilwoman Marytrine DeCastro, far left, are seen here at the March 23 event at Town Hall with representatives of the local Muslim community. Town of Kearny photo

The Observer accepts letters from readers on topics germane to our readership area. They must be no more than 250 words and all letters must be signed with a phone number for verification purposes. Anonymous letters will not be published under any circumstances. On occasion, The Observer accepts letters more than 250 words as op-eds — they are judged for publication on an individual basis. Opinion pieces are published based on space availability. We do not guarantee the publishing of any letter or op-ed. All letters should be submitted to editorial@theobserver.com.

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Judy A. Hyde

Judy Hyde (nee Landi) died March 30, 2024.

She was 80.

Born in Newark, she lived most of her life in Kearny.

Visiting will be Thursday, April 4, 2024 from 3 until 7 p.m. at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home in Kearny. Mass will be celebrated Friday at 11 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Church and burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.

Judy was a very civic minded woman. She was active with UNICO and the Kearny P.T.A. She was Local and N.J. State P.T.A. President. She was an

OBITUARIES

elected official on the Kearny Board of Education. Judy was also a founding member of Kearny High School Project Graduation.

Wife of the late James L. Hyde, she was also the loving mother to Jim Hyde (his wife Susan), Mike Hyde (his wife Sandy) and Dennis Hyde (his wife Jarlynn). Sister of the late Tom Landi, she was the grandmother of Robert, Kayla, Kevin, Michael, Danielle and the late Kyleen and Krysten. Also surviving are her greatgrandchildren Hudson, Briggs, Alfredo and Nico.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to The Kyleen and Krysten Hyde Scholarship Fund, c/o the funeral home.

John F. King

John F. King died March 22, 2024. He was 68.

Born in Newark, he lived many years in Kearny.

Visiting was at Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, April 3, at 11 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Church in Kearny. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.

John was a mechanical engineer for Roche Molecular Systems in Branchburg. He was a member of the North Arlington Knights of Columbus.

Husband of the late Nancy A. King (nee Miles), he was the father of Jennifer King-Carbone (her husband Rich) and brother of the late Peggy King (her late husband Ed). Also surviving are

his grandchildren Rickey and Johnny.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the American Front Line Doctors.

Raymond J. Sawicki

Raymond J. Sawicki died peacefully on March 20, 2024, at his home in Kearny, at the ripe age of 93.

Ray was born in Jersey City in 1930 and stayed in the state his entire life, except for his time in the military. He served three years in the Army from 1951 until 1954 as a chauffeur and received a Good Conduct Medal and a Nat Def Svs Medal for his service overseas during the Korean War. Upon his return, he attended Cooper Union where he met many of his lifelong friends including

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

Mikio and Setsu Kawakami, Ted Hurwitz as well as Alex Karpilov. Mr. Sawicki was a graphic artist for Ecofa, Inc., in Long Island City, New York, for 30 years before retiring in 1994. He was always up for an adventure, or a spirited discussion: he had a curious mind and loved to learn. He was a very accomplished painter and dabbled in photography, mosaic work and a variety of other mediums. Perhaps most importantly, he had a twinkle in his eye and a razor-sharp sense of humor: he will be sorely missed by friends and neighbors. Rest in peace “Pan” Sawicki! Funeral services were private.

Continued on Page 13

Nutley hosts recruitment event for prospective police officers

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

The Nutley Police Department hosted its first police hiring workshop March 20, as a way to offer information for those interested in becoming a Nutley or Essex County police officer.

“I’ve been a police officer for over 24 years so I’m coming into this and seeing a lot of faces of people in the community,” Lt. Michael Padilla

said to open the meeting. “It’s been a great opportunity and journey for me. It’s a rewarding part of what I do. Joining the police force not only employs you but also immerses you in the town you live in.”

Padilla covered many topics such as the minimum requirements to become an officer — one must be 18 or older; need for a high school diploma (or equivalent) and U.S. citizenship.

Along with this, a test has to be taken with scores being

put into consideration for hiring.

A physical examination of strength is also an important component of the exam.

Applications to join the police force opened March t and must be submitted by 4

The Harrison Water

will flush hydrants throughout Harrison beginning the week of April 8th 2024. Crews will work Monday through Friday between 9pm and 1am to minimize customer inconvenience. The flushing program is expected to last for about 6 weeks. Ending May 17th 2024.

Flushing removes harmless minerals that collect in the water mains. The project is part of the Town routine maintenance program to assure high water quality. Flushing hydrants help to maintain the integrity of the distribution system by keeping the water lines clean. It is also necessary for fire protection because flushing ensures that the hydrants are working properly.

During the flushing process, customers may experience low water pressure or discolored water. While the water is safe to drink, customers may prefer to wait until it runs clear before drinking or washing clothes or dishes.

Residents with questions or problems can call the Harrison Water Department at 973-268-2468. Website www.townofharrisonnj.com.

p.m., April 1, 2024. A 5-month academy will start sometime this summer. These applications are open for multiple departments and municipalities with a $30 fee for each municipality.

“I see a lot of familiar faces

in the crowd which makes me happy,” Commissioner Alphonse Petracco said. “Being a police officer is a great career, especially in a great township like Nutley. I look forward to seeing all of you join us someday soon.”

SPORTS & HEALTH

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

In just its second year as a varsity program, Nutley’s boys volleyball turned quite a few heads with a 20-5 record that included wins in the Essex County and state tournaments.

Now comes the difficult part for the Raiders - becoming a program that consistently finds itself among the best in Essex County.

That’s the challenge that Nutley will face as it will face unprecedented outside expectations while replacing multiple key starters from a year ago.

“These guys really do want to be one of those powerhouse schools, but we also are very aware that we are still a program in its infancy to a degree in year three,” head coach Kevin Reilly said. “I think the thing that we’re working through right now

is we graduated so many talented players that we’re retooling now to prove that we can find that consistency that through graduating talent, we bring up a new crop of talent and we are that consistent program.”

Helping ease the transition for Nutley is that it returns both outside hitters from last season in three-year starters Gavin Warburton and Ilhan Ilhan.

Warburton, a 6-foot-1 junior, was one of the county’s breakout performers a year ago with 214 kills.

“I think his skill level since his freshman year reflected that of an upperclassman and have watched his game grow as his leadership has grown,” said Reilly. “I think he’s really starting to feel that confidence that he can be a player that can control a match.”

Ilhan, a senior, enters his third season as captain and is

Nutley boys volleyball looks to build upon early success

coming off a solid year himself with 84 kills, while being a strong passer and defender.

“He’s been a captain since he was a sophomore. He’s a voice that we look to constantly on the court,” Reilly said. “He is everything you could hope a captain would embody and display for a program.”

Another returning starter is junior Shane Castellanos, who shifts over from the middle to opposite hitter. It’s a move that should further bolster the Raiders’ offense and overall production for Castellanos, who had 62 kills and 19 blocks last year.

“He could be an outside (hitter), a right side (hitter). He has incredible hands so he could set for us in a pinch,” said Reilly. “We’ve pushed out to the right side in hopes of creating a well-balanced offense.”

Castellanos’ move outside

and the graduation of Alex Tramontana has resulted in a pair of new starters in the middle Filling that void will be a pair of seniors, Kaan Aydin and Saman Hashemi.

Another new face is a setter where freshman Evan Petrov has emerged as the starter and will be one to watch for the next four years. While Petrov enters with the unenviable task of replacing Joseph Duca, his maturity and 6-foot-1 height will bring a new dimension to the lineup.

“He can really distribute the ball across the net. And with his height he is a huge asset defensively,” Reilly said. “He’s really looking like someone who’s played with these guys for more than just two weeks. There’s a level of confidence in his game.”

Another freshman set to make an early impact is Lucas Samaloff who is currently

competing with senior Finlay Miruelo for the libero spot. Both Samaloff and Miruelo are sure to see plenty of time with the other set to serve as a defensive specialist when called upon as well.

Coming off the bench, senior Aerell Bitalac is a guy who Reilly termed “a swiss-army knife,” who will see time at multiple positions.

Three other underclassmen set to see meaningful time off the bench include sophomore middle James Colarusso and a pair of freshmen in John Sarango and Noah Tan.

Nutley’s defense of its Super Essex ConferenceColonial Division title began on Monday, April 1 at home against Newark Tech. The Raiders then travel to Eagle Academy of Newark on Wednesday before an anticipated independent game on Thursday at Belleville.

Photo courtesy of Kelly Reilly

Madison Morales and Ally Carbajal will also see some spot innings in the circle as well.

They’ll be pitching to a new catcher in 2024 as senior Yulenny DeLeon takes over behind the plate after serving as the backup the last two seasons.

Junior Helen Martinez will also see time at catcher as the backup.

Sophomore Breaghan Toal takes over as the starting second baseman.

field will be bolstered later in the spring as Samantha Guerrero works her way back from an injury suffered at the start of last season.

Freshman Daniela Gutierrez will also find herself in the outfield mix as well as at first base, while senior Yanirys Amador is set to see time at several positions across the diamond.

Harrison will sport an entirely new outfield this spring. Senior Yamile Bermudez, who didn’t play last season, is back

and takes over as the starting center fielder. Freshman Kyleen Galarza has emerged in presea-

son and will be the starter in left field. Right field is currently a three-way competition with Morales and freshman twins Thalia and Romina Sosa. Mair is hopeful that the out-

Harrison started its season on Monday, April 1 with a home matchup against Manchester Regional. It is the first of five home games to start the year for the Blue Tide, which will host Paterson Charter on Wednesday and concludes with an April 11 matchup with Kearny.

CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME

Chronic fatigue syndrome, or myalgic encephalomyelitis, is a complex and debilitating condition characterized by persistent and unexplained fatigue not relieved by rest. It often accompanies other symptoms, including cognitive difficulties, muscle pain, sleep disturbances, and post-exertional malaise. The exact cause of CFS is unknown, but factors such as viral infections, immune system dysfunction, and hormonal imbalances may play a role. CFS significantly impacts daily functioning, leading to a reduced quality of life. Diagnosis can be challenging, as there are no specific diagnostic tests, and the symptoms can vary from person to person. Treatment for CFS focuses on managing symptoms and improving overall well-being through

a multidisciplinary approach, including rest, lifestyle modifications, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and graded exercise therapy.

Fatigue can be a symptom of many illnesses. In general, see your doctor if you have persistent or excessive fatigue. To schedule an appointment, please call PREMIER CARE ASSOCIATES OF WEST HUDSON at 201-998-7474, or visit us

Danica Carr

Hailey Scocco Samantha Guerrero

Yulenny DeLeon

Photos are courtesy of Thomas Guarino, Harrison HS Yearbook Photographer

Added depth has Belleville boys volleyball thinking big

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

There have been years where Belleville boys volleyball coach John Spina looked at his bench with great concern about what would happen if any of them had to come in due to injury.

This preseason, when Spina has looked at his bench, the thought has instead been how do I incorporate all of these players with the potential of making an impact.

“Last year, if somebody got sick or hurt, there was a huge impact on the team. The backups were just not ready,” said Spina, calling this the deepest roster he’s had. “This year , I don’t really have to worry about the next guy in line hurting the team.

“I’ve never ever, ever had this much depth.”

Three starters are back from last year’s 10-11 squad, headlined by junior outside hitter

Gabriel Campos. The 5-foot-11 Campos, had 111 kills and 118 digs and has the potential to be the lead hitter on the attack.

“Gabe has stepped up nicely,” Spina said. “He’s probably our hardest hitting outside hitter, he hits a heavy ball and he has great control over the ball where he creates a lot of topspin.”

Senior Joshua Nodong, who started at middle and opposite hitter last season shifts over to the other outside spot. Nodong, who had 40 kills and 15 blocks a season ago, also has some prior experience on the outside, making him one of the team’s most versatile players.

“I asked him if he wanted to give outside another shot,” Spina said. He’s a great kid and was like ‘I’ll just do whatever the team needs.’”

The unofficial title hardest hitter on the team belongs to junior middle hitter Aleka

Dusic. The 6-foot-2 Dusic saw action late last year and has the potential to be an impact player.

“When he gets on a ball, man that ball finds the floor fast,” said Spina. “He’s very good at blocking and I think he’ll be the player with the biggest impact if we can find ways to get him the ball.”

Another junior, Barron Tran will start at the other middle after playing primarily on the outside on the JV level. While Tran might not possess prototypical height, his athleticism and hitting ability have allowed him to find a home at the new position.

Juniors Jeraldi Sylvain and Matt Ang are currently competing at opposite hitter, where they each bring athleticism to the position.

Senior David Guato is set to take over as the primary setter with senior Vincent Pan also

sure to see plenty of time at the position as well as, potentially, highly-regarded sophomore Peter Garcia.

Senior Kevin Phan, who led the team in digs a season ago with 192, is a returning starter at libero. Junior Michael Hernandez returns as a defensive specialist.

Also vying for time in the lineup is sophomore Kalib Laquindanum, an outside hitter with immense potential. Also competing for time at outside hitter are seniors Ryan Merceda and James Suba as well as sophomore Jason Dong.

Senior Aiden Rodriguez brings additional depth in the middle with sophomores David

Ochoa, Caleb Love and Aiden Laxamana looking to crack the rotation as well. Alexander Gonzalez and Miles Ramada are vying for time at opposite hitter, with Rodolfo Candalera providing additional depth at setter.

Victor Toledo and Marcos Quinde are also looking to see action on the back line.

Belleville will be tested right away as it opened the season on Monday April 1 at home against Montclair. Home matches against rivals Bloomfield and Nutley follow on Wednesday and Thursday before traveling to defending North Jersey, Group 1 champion West Caldwell Tech on Friday.

ELEBRATING 25 Y EARS !

DIAGNOSING RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a genetic eye disorder that changes how the retina responds to light. It is a progressive condition that causes gradual eyesight loss, although most people diagnosed with RP do not become completely blind. There are many forms of RP, and the type determines the severity of the condition and which treatments may help improve eyesight. Genetic testing can help diagnose RP, determine its severity, and see whether gene replacement therapy is a treatment option. Electroretinography, a test similar to an EKG, can help diagnose the condition based on the retina’s electrical response to light. An imaging test called OCT takes detailed pictures of

the retina to diagnose RP and look for the cause.

Eye doctors can check for RP as part of a comprehensive dilated eye exam. The exam is simple and painless — the doctor will give you some eye drops to dilate (widen) your pupil and then check your eyes for RP and other eye problems. The exam includes a visual field test to check peripheral (side) vision. To schedule an appointment, please call 201896-0096. We are located at 20 Park Avenue, Lyndhurst. To reach our optical shop, call 201-896-0007. We accept most insurance.

P.S. There are over 100 gene mutations that cause retinitis pigmentosa, so there is no onesize-fits-all treatment.

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Zentai Martial Arts marks International Women’s Month

Zentai Martial Arts, a martial arts school with locations in Belleville and North Arlington, among others, celebrated International Women’s Month by hosting a self-defense workshop at KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy. The

March 23 event aimed to empower women with practical self-defense skills and promote awareness of personal safety.

Allen DePena, president and co-founder of Zentai Martial Arts, led the workshop, along many other female instruc-

tors, demonstrating practical techniques for situational awareness and basic survival skills. “We believe in the power of women and the unique contributions they bring to the table,” he said. “Our goal is to equip women of all ages with the confidence and skills

to defend themselves and thrive in all aspects of life.”

On the same day, Belleville Councilwoman Naomy De Pena, also a co-founder of Zentai, was a keynote speaker at the “They Inspire Us” event at Rutgers University by Mujeres Valiosas y de Poder. She shared her journey as a small-business owner and public servant. Her words, she says, resonated with attendees from diverse backgrounds, highlighting the importance of growth and contribution to grow the reach of female leadership and empowerment. “We are proud to have

Zentai’s executive team comprised of three women, including our newly appointed vice presidents, Sol Aulestia and Rachel Soto,” Allen De Pena said. “Sol serves as the VP of Customer Experience, ensuring our students receive the highest level of service and support. Rachel, our VP of Growth and Innovation, spearheads initiatives to foster innovation and expand our reach.”

The self-defense workshop and keynote brought together women from various communities.

Santillan, Sophia Lopes, Joao Beltran Santiana, Sebastian Remache Gregorio, Bruno DaSilva Freitas, Julissa Huancaya, Isabella Salcedo, Daniel Sabino, Marcelo Valdivia, Jean Geraldi, Mila Paterson, Esteban Cardenas, Eileen Marte, Mia Viteri, Summer Tice, Sebastian Estrella Lopez, Castiel Zapata, Aya Herhour, Chloe Marinez Tejeda, Makenzie Carrasco, Miguel Estrada, Lianna Solano, Neela Valdez Marte, Anna Varghese, Noah Portuesi, Derek Rodriguez, Vincent Lin, Daniela Flores, Valentino Calderon Echeverry, Luciano Barrionuevo, Nicoly Batista Domingos, Brian Gumb, Ian Cortavarria, Antonella Lara, Omayra Juarez, Brandon Mesarina, Joseph Novillo, Amaia Soto Rosario, Jazlyn Arosemena Ahuanari, Kamily Silva, Dylan Marin Jimenez, Gianna Gonzalez, Sofia Pechnikova, Agustin Mahecha Castro, Sienna Martins, Pedro Doti, Kyle Sarmento, Felicity Verona.

Some of the self-defense instructors.

John Martin Prebula

John Martin Prebula, 78, died peacefully in Edison on March 24, 2024, with his nieces Carol and Holly holding his hands.

John was born May 26, 1945, to John and Mary (Yesalavich) Prebula in Newark. He attended Kearny High School and was inducted into the United States Army in 1965. He served one tour of duty in Vietnam and was a proud United States veteran.

John was employed by the United States Postal Service for 25 years prior to his retirement. He was also a Scoutmaster at St. Cecilia Parish in Kearny for over 20 years.

John was a man who enjoyed the simple in life. He loved fishing in the Thousand Islands and at the Jersey Shore with his friends. He loved relaxing on

OBITUARIES

his sister’s porch in Maine and he loved to garden and loved to share the fruits of his labors with his family and neighbors.

John was never one to turn down a meal.

John was also, from a very young age, a very kind and gentle person, devoted to his family. He is remembered as a loving caregiver for his mother and his aunt and uncle during the later stages of their lives. John spent countless hours selflessly tending to the needs of anyone who needed help and he never asked for anything in return.

John is survived by his sister Joan; his brother-in-law, Alex; and his nieces Carol Ann and Holly. He was deeply beloved and there will forever be a hole in our hearts. Services will be private and a memorial Mass

Mulligan Funeral Home

331 Cleveland Avenue, Harrison

Arrangements may be made in Spanish, Portuguese or Polish

Frank X. Mulligan III, Manager, NJ Lic. 4221

Frank X. Mulligan, Jr. Inactive

will be scheduled at a future date. The family thanks the Menlo Park Veterans Memorial Home in Edison for their care during the later stages of John’s life.

To honor John’s life, memorial contributions may be made to St. Stephen’s Boy Scout Troop 305, 141 Washington Ave., Kearny, N.J. 07032, or to the Traveling Vietnam Wall, in care of and payable to VFW Post 133, 485 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, N.J. 08816.

John P. Kearney

John P. Kearney, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather. John was born Nov. 22, 1958, and died March

Miracle Prayer

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

M.F.

26, 2024, at the age of 65.

John leaves behind his “Beautiful Bride” Elaine Faulk; his cherished children Toni Hamilton, John P. Kearney Jr., Erin Lee Kearney, Shane Kearney, Travis John Kearney, Brian Joseph Kearney, Heather Nicole Faulk and Dawn Gills. He is lovingly remembered by his brother Barry Hodgdon Jr., his wife Laura and their son, Sawyer. John also leaves behind his four-legged best friend Java, and a host of many more extended family and friends.

John was characterized by his kindheartedness and handy

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

nature. He was a jack of all trades, our Renaissance man. He took immense fulfillment in all his hard work. His humorous ways and storytelling will live on through his children.

John enjoyed helping others without question or hesitation. He received many pleasures from life, whether it was nature while hiking on trails or driving on country roads. John loved the simple things, such as sunrises, sunsets, or picking up fresh fruits and vegetables from the local farms (sometimes not so local). He loved to get lost

See OBITS, Page 15

Private Parking at 10 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. North 973-481-4333 visit us at: www.mulliganfh.com Wilfred

Sharon Ann Zonak

On the one year anniversary of her passing, April 7, we celebrate the life of Sharon Ann Zonak. Originally from Newburgh, NY, she moved to Kearny and raised her children while working and going to school. Always one to chat over coffee, dance in the kitchen and share supernatural stories, she gave us all she had and more. Sharon retired in Gloversville, NY. She’s survived by her husband John Zonak, her sister Kathleen Faith Kiski, her children: Byron Dean MacDowell, Eric Reichelt, Dawn Reichelt, Jennifer Hall & Heather Ostanski (Pulido), 9 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She joins her brother Robert and his wife Rose Shanahan in peaceful rest.

Mark

You will feel as if friends of family have taken over when you entrust funeral arrangements to the Wilfred Armitage Funeral Home. The family-owned firm has been in business for 100 years, serving generations in West Hudson and South Bergen. Its beautiful facilities, in a setting reminiscent of a colonial mansion, reflect the graciousness and tact of its understanding personnel.

OBITS

Continued from Page 13

driving. He always looked forward to attending the annual Bloomsburg Fair in Pennsylvania.

John was a city boy but a country man at heart.

Those who have been able to encounter John know he was a gentle guy with a heart of gold. His memory will forever be a treasure held in the hearts of all fortunate to cross his path. There are not enough words to express the love that we have for John and how deeply he will be missed.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend John’s memorial Mass which will be offered at Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 115 S.

Third St., Harrison, at a future date and time to be announced.

For updated service times or to share a fond memory or expression of sympathy, please visit www.mulliganfh.com.

Emil J. Nigro Jr.

Emil J. Nigro Jr., 89, of Toms River, formerly of Kearny, died at home on March 30, 2024.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation for Emil at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, on Friday, April 5 from 4 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be celebrated in the funeral home on Saturday at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Born in Kearny, Emil was a longtime resident until moving to Toms River in 1994. He proudly served in the Army during the Korean War, and later worked for Monsanto until becoming a Kearny firefighter for many years until his retirement 30 years ago.

An avid fan of the New York Yankees and New York Giants, Emil especially enjoyed following boxing.

Emil was the beloved husband to Lorraine (nee Robinson) Nigro; loving father of Michelle Flood and her husband Frederick and Steven Nigro (Nancy Montero); grandfather of Steven Nigro Jr., Isabella Nigro, Andrew Flood (Elena) and Rebecca Pinghera (Anthony); and great-grandfather of four. He was predeceased by his siblings Anne, Carmen, William and Albert and is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Flowers are appreciated, or if preferred, donations in his memory may be made to the MS Society, or to Autism Speaks.

BELLEVILLE

Continued from Page 1

and well-being, from a comprehensive perspective, will always be paramount while I’m mayor of this great town.”

To that end, Melham says the township relies on several partners to provide a wide array of services, many of which are free of charge. Long-standing collaboration with RWJBarnabas Health’s Clara Maass Medical Center, Good Health Pharmacy and boards of health and education have resulted in effective healthy programming for the entire community.

Gabrielle Bennett-Meany, the team leader of the township’s Green Team and president of the Belleville Board of Education, praised the work of the the committee.

The committee is made up of the township, school district and community partners and volunteers, all who provide free educational

programming and events that are dedicated to health, nutrition, recreation and physical activity for families with children, adults and senior citizens of the Belleville community. Residents gain access to health education, health screenings, exercise opportunities, healthy lifestyle choices, health news and disease prevention.

The district recently renovated all outdoor areas around school properties which includes playgrounds and ballfields, and opened a free indoor training facility accessible in all weather for our student athletes to train, but also hosts open gym, yoga, self-defense, health clinics and camps open to the whole community.

In addition to the opening of the training facility, Belleville scored points with the members of the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute by continuing to offer places for people to be active. Pet parks, pocket parks and a professional-grade track have opened to the public over the past few years.

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TECHNICAL ASSISTANT, MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Salary Range ($46,874-$70,702) DEFINITION:

The Town of Kearny seeks an Information Technology (IT) /Management Information Systems (MIS) Technical Assistant with strong communication, organizational, and technical skills. Under supervision, is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the Town’s Information Technology (IT) and Management Information Systems (MIS) computer network(s). Applicants must be familiar with maintaining a network’s active directory and IP addresses. Applicants should have strong customer services skills to provide troubleshooting in person and through a helpdesk ticketing system. Applicants should be familiar with industry best practices for installation, operation and maintenance of servers, switches, racks, cabling, and UPS equipment. Applicants should be knowledgeable with installation and operation of both hardware and software. Applicants must be familiar with cyber security best practices involving the installation, operation and maintenance of web filters and firewalls. Applicants should be familiar with Microsoft 365 environment. Applicants should have a working knowledge of how to program and configure mobile phones and the Town’s Avaya telephone network. The successful candidate will also be required to attend evening meetings of the Mayor and Council and operate the audio/visual system in the council chambers. Applicants must possess a valid New Jersey Driver’s License. Applications are due April 12, 2024. The Town reserves the right to hire the best qualified candidate before the application due date. For Application and instructions see: https://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/ 46W04

RECREATION PLAYLEADERS

Playground Play leaders needed for summer recreation program. 6/24 -8/23 Play leaders will supervise playground activities during our summer recreation program. 25-30 per week. Starting Rate is $12.00 per hour.

Application deadline 5/1/24

For application Go to https://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/ 48W04

LIFEGUARD Lifeguards/Lifeguard supervisor needed for summer open swim program 6/24-8/30.

Valid lifeguard training & CPR cert req. 35 hours per week. starting rate is $16 per hour.

Application deadline 5/1 For Applications go to https://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/ 48W04

N. ARLINGTON 1 bedroom studio w/ full granite kitchen Small private entrance building on Ridge Road $1450 all utilities included 1st floor/ Available March 1st Credit check required Call owner (973)800-8582

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271 Davis Ave. - Kearny Realtor Exit Realty Lucky Associates 908-354-6000 Apartment for Rent: 2 bdrm , living room, dining room, kitchen, office and 1

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Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the

action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows:

Plaintiff, Djuna Crawford-Thomas, has filed a Complaint seeking an

divorce upon the ground that Plaintiff and Defendant have lived separate and apart for more than one year next preceding the bringing of this action.

You are required to make a defense to such pleading no later than forty (40 days) after Apil 10, 2024, and upon your failure to do so, the party seeking service against you will apply to the Court for the relief sought.

NOTICE:

to Cape May Street Town of Harrison

https://www.hudsoncountysafetyimprovements.com/FER

Hudson County, together with the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA), will be hosting an In-Person Public Information Center to inform local residents, officials, businesses, and the general public about proposed safety improvements on Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard from Harrison Avenue to Cape May Street. The purpose of this Public Information Center is to share information on the project and solicit input on the corridor-wide safety improvements.

This project is being funded through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This meeting will be held at the Harrison Recreation and Community Center located at 401 Warren St, Harrison, NJ 07029 on Thursday, April 18th from 6:00-7:00 PM with a presentation followed by a question and answer session. A recording of the presentation will be available on the project website. It is being conducted in conformance with Federal and State regulations and is open to all members of the public.

Meeting Details

Date: Thursday, April 18, 2024

Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Where: Harrison Recreation and Community Center 401 Warren St, Harrison, NJ 07029

Written Comments

Written comments on the project may be made via the Comment Form at https://www. hudsoncountysafetyimprovements.com/FER or mailed to:

Jose M. Sieira, Director of Traffic and Transportation Hudson County Engineering 830 Bergen Avenue, Floor 6B Bergen Square Center Jersey City, NJ 07306

Comments will be accepted through Friday, May 3, 2024.

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JOSE

Continued from Page 1

— and your intuition that night? Some officers might not have even bothered with something at that hour — but you did and it had epic results.

JP: Unfortunately, since it is an open case, I cannot provide any further details that haven’t been released by the

Kearny Police Department or the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office. I am glad I was at the right place at the right time.

I am also grateful for my back up that night, Officer Bryan San Martin and Officer Anthony Oliveira. It goes to show how we have each other’s backs. I remember seeing a brown bag full of food Bryan had just purchased on his

passenger seat that night. He stopped doing what he was doing to back me up.

Anthony came from uptown to South Kearny to back me up, possibly having a sense that something was not right. Again, it just goes to show that we have each other’s backs. I don’t think it’s a night I will ever forget. I would also just like to add that although our involvement was small in this

case, I am extremely grateful that it led to some sort of closure for a family.

n

TO: This is not the best of times to be a police officer — unfortunately — and yet you go about your job daily and do it so well. How are you able to do it in a world where there is so much negativity about the police, etc.

JP: There is definitely a

different sentiment toward law enforcement. Even in the short time since I have been a police officer, there has been a lot of negativity toward the profession. I think the key is to just go to work and focus on doing your job to the best of your ability and treating everyone with respect. It comes down to doing the right thing, no matter the situation.

n

TO: What else should we know about Jose? You mentioned you’re married yes and have kids?

JP: I have been married to my wife, Nadia, for seven years now and we have two great boys, Nathaniel, 7, and Logan, 6.

n

TO: Lastly — is there or was there a cop or two who have had a great influence on you?

JP: The list would be too long. I don’t think I can only name one or two. Over the years, I have learned a lot from all my supervisors and fellow officers. I work and have worked with a great group of men and women. I continue to learn from them every day. I don’t think I would trade any of the supervising officers I have had over the years.

Perez-Fonseca