June 11, 2014 • www.theobserver.com • Vol CXXVII, No. 3
COVERING: BELLEVILLE • BLOOMFIELD
Awards presented by the KFD
Peace & joy
By Karen Zautyk Observer Correspondent KEARNY – The Meritorius Acts Review Board (MARB) of the Kearny Fire Department recently held its 1st annual awards ceremony, honoring both firefighters and civilians. The board, comprising deputy chiefs, captains and firefighters, presented the citations at a dinner at the former Boystown campus, attended by not only the award recipients but friends and family. Unit Citations, represented by a new uniform bar designed by Capt. Kevin Donnelly, were presented to men who took part in two particular 2013 incidents, their actions judged to be “in the highest tradition of the fire service.” Cited for their actions during a March 10, 2013, fire at 600-602 Frank Rodgers Blvd. in Harrison were KFD Capts. Jerry Coppola and Rod Nardone and Firefighter Dave Russell. Kearny had responded along with Harrison, East Newark and Jersey City but, as noted in the letter of commendation, “conditions rapidly deteriorated, resulting in a major backdraft explosion.” Three Jersey City firefighters were thrown see KFD page
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• EAST NEWARK • HARRISON • KEARNY • LYNDHURST • NORTH ARLINGTON • NUTLEY
Photo by Karen Zautyk
The view from the pulpit in St. Stephen’s Church. which was dedicated 75 years ago.
By Karen Zautyk Observer Correspondent KEARNY –
A
t the corner of Kearny and Laurel Aves., there stands the magnificent grey-stone edifice
much older.” It’s not that the church appears age-worn. Far from it. But the classic Gothic architecture calls to mind those centuries-old houses of worship found across Europe. The soaring structure
of St. Stephen’s R.C. Church, which this year is marking the 75th anniversary of its dedication. When your correspondent mentioned that to some friends, the reaction was, “It’s only 75 years old? It looks so
is reminiscent of a medieval cathedral. Of course, no one’s going to think a Kearny church dates to the Middle Ages, but what is its history? The parish was founded in see CHURCH page
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Borough gets new school leader By Ron Leir Observer Correspondent EAST NEWARK – Patrick W. Martin is the new superintendent/principal of the East Newark Public School. He was hired May 9 at the Board of Education’s annual reorganization meet-
ing after his proposed contract was approved by the executive county superintendent. Martin, who replaces William Shlala July 1, has been given a three-year contract by the BOE. In his first year, Martin will collect $115,000; in his second year, he’ll make $120,000; and, in year 3,
$125,000. Shlala’s two-year term as interim superintendent/principal ends June 30. The board is also seeking a new part-time school business administrator. Tom Havlusch is leaving that post to seek another position outside the district. He was earning $30,000
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