2017 11 08 obs1

November 8, 2017 • www.theobserver.com • Vol CXXX, No. 27

HIGHLIGHTS Local youth in action.

See Page 26

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

RELIVING HISTORY

Civil War re-enactment finale of Kearny’s 150th anniversary

By Karen Zautyk kzautyk@theobserver.com

KEARNY — On the western side of Belgrove Drive, between Bergen Ave. and Afton St., Veterans Memorial Field slopes down nearly to the banks of the Passaic River. On this grassy expanse, one can see Kearny’s young athletes playing baseball, softball and football.

But sometimes we wonder: On days and nights when the field is empty, and when the wind wafts up from the river, shrouding the hill in mist, could one possibly see others?

Do ghosts walk here?

From 1887 to 1932, the 15-acre site was occupied by the N.J. Home for Disabled Soldiers & Sailors (a/k/a The Old Soldiers’ Home), first housing veterans of the Civil War, and later the Spanish American War and World War I. See CIVIL WAR, Page 4

Main photo by Barbara Goldberg; Inset by Karen Zautyk

Main photo: Actors shoot off Civil War-era rifles at a re-eneactment in Kearny recently. Inset: William Styple, who led the re-enactment, also dressed for the occasion.

Intruder shot and killed by Belleville resident

By Ron Leir rleir@theobserver.com BELLEVILLE/NUTLEY — The calm of a residential neighborhood on the Belleville/Nutley border was shattered Halloween night, Oct.

31, by the grim specter of death.

This was no trick-or-treat prank gone wrong; it was gunfire that, authorities say, took a life.

A press release jointly issued by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and Belleville Police Chief Mark Minichini

said the ECPO’s Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force was “investigating a home invasion that resulted in a fatal shooting.”

Police sources said detectives from both the BPD and the Nutley Police Department were assisting the ECPO

with the investigation since the crime overlapped both jurisdictions.

The ECPO identified the dead man as Michael Ridley, 42, of Orange.

See SHOOTING, Page 25

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

Rescued dogs brought to Kearny

By Ron Leir rleir@theobserver.com West Hudson Publishing Company’s Fastest Growing Free Weekly Newspaper Established 1887 Family Owned & Operated

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KEARNY – A local veterinarian and his staff opened their hearts — and their medical office — to a quintet of canines from the storm-ravaged Southland.

Dr. Herbert Leary, owner of Arlington Dog & Cat Hospital on Passaic Ave., has played host to five pooches transferred from two Texas shelters to New Jersey to make room for other animals directly displaced by the flooding that swamped the environs of Houston in the wake of Harvey in late August.

Leary credited veterinary technician Natalie LaBarbera and fellow employees as the driving force for the canine caretaking commitment.

“When the hurricanes devastated Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico, Natalie and other staff said they were interested in helping pets from the area and I’m happy we can contribute to helping their lives get better,” said the longtime veterinarian who has spent 21 years at the Passaic Ave. facility.

LaBarbera, a North Arlington resident who has three dogs, two cats and a canary of her own, said she was looking for a way to get involved on behalf of the atrisk animal population. She found out “they were trying to clear out the shelters in the Houston area to avoid euthanizing the animals and to make room for the ones displaced by the hurricane.”

After learning St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison was taking in storm-impacted animals, LaBarbera reached out to them

Top photo by Ron Leir; bottom courtesy of Carol Jean Doyle

Above: Gathered in front of Arlington Dog & Cat Hospital, from l., are Dr. Herbert Leary with Lucy, Stephanie Rodrigues with Zoey, Allison Petriccione with Missy and Natalie LaBarbera with Max and Oreo. Below: Mayor Alberto Santos thanks Leary for donating the dog park sign.

but they turned out to be full up and they already had plenty of trained volunteers.

That’s when her employer entered the picture.

“Dr. Leary said he wanted to help and said we could take in five dogs,” LaBarbera recalled, if a way could be found to get them to Kearny.

After calling around to different shelters, the technician made a contact with and learned Traveling 4 Paws Rescue, a nonprofit based in Cranford, was transporting animals up from Texas for adoption in the New Jersey area.

The agency agreed to turn over five dogs to Arlington Dog & Cat Hospital for temporary care and, hopefully,

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In early October, LaBarbera arranged to drive to Cranford to make the first pickup. “There were so many crates filled with puppies and dogs, it was so sad,” she remembered.

“Our first dog was Zoey, a female black Lab, about 4 years old,” she said. Zoey ended up adopted by Pamela Rodrigues, the sister of Stephanie Rodriguez, an office assistant at Leary’s facility.

Next came Oreo, a male 4-year-old black-and-white Terrier mix; and Max, a male, 7-year-old brown-andwhite Jack Russell Terrier. Owners are still being sought for them.

Then there was Lucy, a female light-brown Pitbull whose age is estimated to be about 5, adopted by office technician Allison Petriccione of North Arlington.

Last but not least was a puppy called Missy, a female brindle 7-month-old Dutch Shepherd mix in need of physical therapy for a prior injury. Oradel Animal Hospital has donated its services, providing therapy treatments for the pup twice a week, and Missy seems to be responding well, according to LaBarbera. She, too, is up for adoption.

All five canines have been checked for traces of heartworm disease, which is common among dogs in the South, LaBarbera said. Zoey has begun treatments for it; the others tested negative.

Leary has pledged to provide whatever else may be needed to ensure the dogs are in good health while in his care, including vaccines and spay/neutering. Missy will need to be spayed, LaBarbera said.

The veterinarian has also extended his generosity to the town by donating an identification sign for the municipal dog park in Riverbank Park at S. Midland and Passaic Aves. which opened in May 2016.

Councilwoman Carol Jean Doyle placed the sign’s value at $1,650. She said the doctor and his staff have participated in the town’s UEZ-sponsored PAWrade the past three years.

“The dog park is a great addition to Kearny and, every day, our clients bring their dogs to play there,” Leary said. “It’s a great way for dogs to socialize and for people to bond and it fosters good pet ownership responsibility.”

Inside Opinion ...................................................................................................................................08 Around Town.........................................................................................................................11 NEW! Food & Dining Directory........................................................................................12 Sports & Recreation ...........................................................................................................13 NEW! Health & Wellness Directory ....................................................................................15

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

03

KPD: What’s in a name, a name, a name?

KEARNY — At 11:30 p.m., Oct. 19, Officer Michael Gontarczuk was doing a walk-through patrol in West Hudson Park when he spotted a man apparently trying to gain entry to a locked 2014 Honda parked in a fencedin yard at the dead end of Chestnut St. Failing to get the car open, police said, the individual turned his attention to a tarpaulin on the property and began rummaging through whatever items it was covering. Gontarczuk made his presence known and challenged the rummager, who “explained” that a friend lived in the adjacent house. However, police said, he was unable to provide the friend’s name or address — but he did ID himself as Cabron Mierva.

With the arrival of backup Officer Jose Castillo, Gontarczuk contacted the residents, who reportedly never heard of Mierva.

Questioned again, the man “admitted” he was really Jose Hernandez, 35, of Newark, police said.

At KPD headquarters,

police said, a search of the suspect produced a photo ID — showing him to actually be Gelacio Hernandez, 32, of Newark — along with two smartphones. He allegedly claimed the devices were his but could not provide the phone numbers.

Hernandez was charged with burglary, criminal attempted burglary of a motor vehicle, defiant trespass and hindering apprehension.

••• Other recent reports from the Kearny police blotter included the following: Oct. 19 At 10 p.m., Lt. John View and Officers Castillo and Chris Manolis responded to a report of an enraged man threatening three adults in a home on the 400 block of Davis Ave. At the scene, police said, they encountered suspect Salvador Guerra, 26, of Kearny, who resisted cuffing and, when finally subdued, began to bang his head on the patrol car. A search incident to arrest reportedly produced 15 wax folds of suspected heroin

(stamped “Go Time,” “999” and “Mafia”) and two Xanax pills.

Guerra was charged with making terroristic threats and possession of CDS and drug paraphernalia.

Oct. 27 Officers Jason Rodrigues and Sean Podolski responded to a 10 p.m., twovehicle accident at Rts. 1/9 and Hackensack Ave. and, while interviewing one of the drivers — Tyrone Alba, 31, of Jersey City — reportedly detected the odor of alcohol.

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with the aid of Sgt. Chris Levchak, brought it to a stop at Locust Ave. and Franklin Place.

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

CIVIL WAR

Continued from Page 1 Exactly how many veterans found a haven here, we don’t know. But a haven it was for 45 years.

On the opposite side of Belgrove stood the facility’s stables and the residence of the home’s supervisor. The former building was later converted to American Legion Post 99; the latter, to VFW Post 1302. Those structures, and the statue of a Civil War infantryman that stands between them, are all that remain of this episode of Kearny history. But on Oct. 28, thanks to Civil War historian and author William Styple, reenactors set up a small encampment to provide a living history

lesson as part of this town’s Sesquicentennial.

Styple, armed with a laptop and computerized maps, even led a walking tour of the Old Soldiers’ Home property, but since that entailed tramping up and down a steep hill, your correspondent unfortunately had to skip that part. But we still learned much.

Before the tour, Styple gave a short lecture by the aforementioned statue, which had originally stood guard in front of the home.

After that closed, the statue was removed, somehow damaged, placed in storage and forgotten — until about 10 years ago, when it was discovered at the National Guard Armory in West Orange.

(Members of the General Phil Kearny Memorial Committee reportedly

raised funds to restore it and place it at its current location, where it was formally rededicated in September 2007.)

The infantryman, now standing on a 7-ton boulder from the Gettysburg Battlefield, gazes across Belgrove to his former post.

Styple also noted that from 1861 to 1865, Civil War wounded were taken to a military hospital in Newark, but the State of New Jersey realized that many veterans would need longer-term treatment and housing. According to the N.J. Department of Veterans and Military Affairs, the first such home in the state — and the nation — was opened in Newark in 1866. Others followed, across N.J. and the U.S.

‘Residents became part of the community ... by participating in the township’s elections, celebrations & sorrows.’

— Emma May Vilardi

Photos by Karen Zautyk

Lawrence Sangi of the 15th N.J. Volunteer Infantry is the proud owner of an 1856 silver Waltham pocket watch, which could be called the Rolex of its time.

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In her 1967 book, “Heritage and Legacy” — marking Kearny’s Centennial — Emma May Vilardi wrote about how the residents of the Belgrove Drive home “became a part of the community,” participating in the township’s “elections, celebrations and sorrows.”

She continued: “At the turn of the century [19th to 20th], an unforgettable sight took place on Memorial Day, when the children of Kearny, laden with flowers, helped the old soldiers decorate the graves of their comrades-in-arms, laid to rest in the Arlington Cemetery” on Schuyler Ave. During the encampment, held in the small park next to

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the VFW, reenactors pitched tents, drilled in formation, and explained to attendees the fine points of Civil War camp life.

Such as the vittles — like hardtack and beans. Yum. The troops were under the command of Lawrence Sangi of Bayonne, Company E, 15th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, who supervised the drills and educated the onlookers about such things as the history of the uniforms being worn. When the Civil War began, the Yankee soldiers were issued really nifty-looking frock coats, which cost $14 each in 1861 Continued on the next page

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

Continued from previous page (according to Google, about $370 in 2017 currency). In time, the budget-minded government replaced these with short jackets costing $3 ($44 today).

The infantryman statue atop the boulder was lucky and got a frock coat.

Other tidbits: • The familiar “kepi” caps the troops wore were copied from the French army.

• The Civil War marked the first mass production of right and left shoes.

• For some of the soldiers, Army-issued drawers were the first underwear they ever had.

(Supposedly, a common practical joke among troops was to tell such an individual that the drawers were to be worn over their slacks.)

We learned lots more, and we were there a relatively short time.

Personally, our hope is that we’ll have the

opportunity to attend another encampment sometime in the future.

One other “lesson”: At one point, we were talking to Styple — who has been a re-enactor since 1974 — and we had our back to the troops. Ergo, we did not see that they were preparing to fire their rifles. When the shots rang out, we shrieked.

(Styple did not even flinch.)

It was only later that the obvious occurred to us: If that was the sound of just four soldiers firing, what kind of hellish noise filled a battlefield? (And why did that never cross our mind before?)

We will be thinking about that this Saturday, when the nation marks Veterans Day. We will be thinking about it especially during the minute of silence at 11 a.m. And we will be thinking about the ghosts of the brave who died for our country.

So many, many ghosts.

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Photo by Karen Zautyk

Two of the Civil War re-enactors Jim Madden (l.) and Doug Reed. Madden wears the uniform that was standard for the residents of the Old Soldier’s Home.

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

NEWS IN BRIEF Bomb scare triggers evacuations HARRISON — Residents were evacuated and part of Harrison Ave. was closed to traffic in response to a potential bomb threat Sunday, Oct. 29.

Harrison Police Department Det. Lt. Dave Doyle said headquarters received a call at 3:27 p.m. from a resident reporting that someone had a left

a pressure cooker and a bag containing batteries and other items on a bus stop bench at the corner of Harrison and Davis Aves.

Doyle said officers responded to check out the situation and, as a precaution, cordoned off the area and evacuated residents along both blocks who could be exposed in a “blast area,” should the items discovered have explosive potential.

This action was taken, he

said, based on incidents of violence that have happened elsewhere involving the deployment of such items as part of homemade explosive devices.

At 3:44 p.m., Doyle said, the HPD reached out to the Jersey City Police Department, requesting that they send their K9 bomb sniffing unit to the location, which they did, arriving at 4:13 p.m.

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An “all-clear” was given by about 5 p.m. and, at that point, residents were permitted to return to their homes and Harrison Ave. was re-opened to traffic, Doyle said.

An investigation by the HPD — aided by the town’s street cameras — subsequently revealed an elderly resident who had reportedly intended to bring the items to a friend got distracted and forgot to pick up the merchandise he’d placed on the bench, Doyle said.

“It was all totally innocent,” he said.

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HARRISON – An intense fire at a Central Ave. garage was quelled by firefighters last Tuesday (Oct. 31) morning.

Harrison Fire Department Director Harold Stahl said the fire at the garage on the south side of Central used by the owner of a 3-family home fronting on Fifth St. “was really going” when the first responders, led by incident commander Fire Capt. Henry Zinowicz, arrived at around 6:30 a.m.

But a quick attack by firefighters from Harrison, aided by the Kearny Fire Department’s engine and ladder truck, achieved “pretty quick” knockdown of the blaze, preventing it from spreading to the 3-family residence and a newly built 2-family structure cattycorner to the garage, Stahl said.

East Newark’s volunteer fire department provided stand-by coverage for the rest of the town.

Luckily, according to Stahl, no individuals and no vehicles were in the garage at

the time of the fire.

Flames charred the garage doors, roof and siding but not enough to compel the owner to demolish the structure, Stahl said. “They’ll have to rebuild.”

The cause of the fire is believed to be electrical, said Stahl, and the rapidity of its build-up possibly was abetted by the rain and dampness.

Because the fire developed at a “change of shift” time, the HFD benefited by making use of two additional personnel who helped battle the blaze, Stahl said.

No injuries were reported.

South Kearny Coca-Cola plant sold KEARNY – A long-vacant industrial property in South Kearny has been sold, reportedly with a prospect for turning the eyesore into a future ratable.

River Terminal, a large industrial landlord in that area of town has extended its real estate holdings by having acquired the old Coca-Cola bottling and distribution plant at 2 N. Hackensack Ave., just off Truck Rts. 1&9, from S & R Realty, according to Kearny Tax Assessor John Peneda.

Peneda said the new owner closed on the deal Sept. 13, having agreed to pay $8 million for the 8.3-acre tract occupied by nearly 240,000 square feet of structures sitting on two lots currently assessed at $798,000.

The sale price, Peneda noted, was well above the market value of the property which he placed at about $2.8 million.

Peneda said he’s been advised by a representative of the buyer that the existing buildings will likely be demolished and replaced by a new development, “built to suit a prospective tenant or tenants.”

— Ron Leir

Submit your news To submit a press release to The Observer, send all pertinent information (text, photos, etc.) by email to editorial@theobserver.com. We cannot guarantee placement in the newspaper, but we will do our best to publish your news.

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

thoughts&views The contents of letters do not reflect the opinion of The Observer staff. Letters must be kept to a maximum of 250 words. Any letters that exceed the maximum will be edited, at the discretion of the publisher, who reserves the right at any time to reject or edit the letters for space. Letters must include the writer’s name, address, and telephone number for verification purposes. The deadline for letters is Thursday at 5 p.m. Any letters that arrive after deadline will not be considered for the upcoming publication. Letters can be sent by e-mail to editorial@theobserver.com or mailed to 39 Seeley Ave., Kearny, N.J. 07032. Anonymous letters will not be published under any circumstances.

In praise of parks, in fear of frats T

By Ron Leir his past Sunday, I attended a memorial event for a buddy of mine who, despite having been at an advanced age, rarely showed signs of slowing down, physically or mentally.

About 18 months ago, Arnie suffered a stroke and subsequently fell into a coma. But, months later, Arnie miraculously regained consciousness and there was hope he’d regain the full use of his lungs and limbs.

Those of us who knew him well thought he had a good chance because Arnie was a stubborn cuss. But his body was worn down and he didn’t make it.

I mention Arnie not only because I considered him a true friend but also because he advocated for the downtrodden as a New York social worker and also because he loved the outdoors — in particular, our national parks, which he never tired of visiting, some more than once.

As his closest companion, Laura, told me, “Arnie loved the natural world’s beauty but he also loved to move through it.” That was characteristic of Arnie’s driving force in pursuit of a goal. I can personally testify to that trait because I was with him in Death Valley National Park, straddling the California/Nevada border, where — despite the intense heat — he hiked up a small mountain trail while I stayed in our motel pool.

It was in this connection that I’d been thinking of Arnie in recent weeks after reading that the U.S. Interior Department plans to hike (no pun intended) the weekday admission fees at 17 national parks, mostly out west, to help pay for deferred maintenance and repairs. At some parks, the increase would be double; some triple, up to $70 for a weekly pass, instead of asking Congress to fund the work.

This could happen – despite the fact that the parks continue to draw record-breaking numbers of visitors – so it can’t be that the National Parks Service is lacking for revenues.

Parks that would be impacted are:

Wikipedia

Inside Yosemite National Park in California

Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands and Zion, all in Utah; Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Joshua Tree, all in California; Grand Teton and Yellowstone, both in Wyoming; Rocky Mountain in Colorado; Mt. Rainier and Olympic, both in Washington; Shenandoah in Virginia; Acadia in Maine; and Denali in Alaska.

At the same time, U.S. Interior

Secretary Ryan Zinke has talked about opening up lands in some national parks for fossil fuel exploration, both on land and off-shore. There are prospects for Congress lifting the current ban on uranium mining near the Grand Canyon and opening up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling for oil and gas.

Meanwhile, funding for acquisition

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of additional national parklands would be frozen.

If Arnie were still with us, I know he’d be in the forefront of a campaign to protect our precious national resources before they’re put up for sale to the highest energy bidder.

••• Speaking of parks, I see where the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection is seeking bids for a prospective concessions operator for Liberty State Park in Jersey City. What a disgrace that a park that overlooks the Statue of Liberty and attracts thousands of visitors annually can offer no on-site refreshments. The built-in vendor space at the park’s south end has remained empty for many years.

Let’s hope this go-round will be more productive.

••• When are our so-called institutions of higher learning going to crack down on the stupid and often dangerous hazing rituals perpetuated by fraternities on campuses across our nation?

How many needless deaths — like the 19-year-old engineering student at Penn State in February — have to happen before the madness ends?

Certainly the court system in Pennsylvania didn’t help the situation when a judge failed to hold the Beta Theta Pi frat brothers responsible for forcing their pledge to guzzle down alcohol, resulting in the teen losing his balance and toppling down stairs to his death.

The university did suspend that frat — and a second — and placed alcohol restrictions on all campus frats, but campus police this month filed charges against that second frat, Delta Tau Delta, after an 18-year-old student suspected of drinking there was found unconscious in the street and hospitalized.

Maybe every campus has its own version of “Animal House” but, short of forming a Temperance Society chapter, there must be a more enlightened way for uptight kids to let off steam. Let’s try and find it … to keep one more person alive.

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

09

Vartan, others star in ‘Alice @ Wonderland’ The West Hudson Arts & Theater Company (W.H.A.T.) presents a modern retelling of the classic tale “Alice in Wonderland” with “Alice @ Wonderland,” by Jonathan Yukcich, with the remaining performances set for Friday, Nov. 10, at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Nov. 11, at 1 and 4 p.m., at the W.H.A.T. Theater, at First Lutheran Church, 65 Oakwood Ave., Kearny.

The production explores what would happen if a 21st century Alice collided with Lewis Carroll’s legendary Wonderland. This modern version of the classic children’s story has all of the same characters, including the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit and the Queen of Hearts.

The story is laid out in traditional style, except Alice is distinctly contemporary, complete with cell phone in hand.

The show is directed by Maura Huelbig, and has a large cast, including Lauren Gold (Alice), Michelle Barbosa (White Rabbit), Mariclare Rivera (Queen of Hearts), Deborah Vartan (Caterpillar), Amaya Kelly (Frog Newsie), Camila Marrero (Fish Newsie), Jen Sassaman (Cheshire Cat), Tim Firth (The Mad Hatter), Noelle Haefner (March Hare), Nathalie Reyna (Dormouse), Christian Florio (Tweedle Dee), A.J. Ford (Tweedle Dum), Michael Bradow (Humpty Dumpty), Don Filicetti (King of Hearts),

Nicholas Rena (Door #1/ Daisy, Violet), Caleb Almeida (Door #2/Rose, Lily), Wendy J. Garcia (Door #3/Chorus), Maria Pereira (Tiny Door/ Chorus), Sarah Barbosa (Queen’s Guard/Chorus) and Alyssa Herrera (Chorus) The audience is invited to meet and greet the cast after each performance, so bring a camera.

Debbie Vartan

General admission tickets are $8. Reserved seating is available for groups of 25 or more. To buy tickets or for additional information, visit www.whatco.org, call 201467-8624 or visit the theater box office 30 minutes before curtain.

Every audience member must have a ticket. Parking is available behind the theater.

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

KPD

Continued from Page 3 to reports of a large disturbance at Pine and Hickory Sts., reportedly the aftermath of an “out-ofcontrol” party at a nearby residence. Police said most of the crowd was dispersing, but Marcos Opazo, 23, of Kearny, apparently “had issues” with a female at the scene, started running toward her and had to be tackled to the ground

by Sgt. Levchak. Subdued by the sergeant and Officers Rodrigues and Manolis, he reportedly began screaming at and threatening them.

Opazo was charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest — and with lewdness.

Police said he exposed himself while being booked. (Sources told us this did not occur while his photo was being taken. We asked.)

••• At 2:30 a.m., HQ received a report of a 2003 Ford, with Maryland plates, being operated erratically at Kearny and Laurel Aves.

Officer Podolski spotted it and followed it north on Kearny, stopping it at Stuyvesant Ave. With Officer Andre Fernandes as backup, Podolski conducted FSTs — after driver Bayron Duche Baquerizio, 42, of Jersey City stopped holding onto the car to maintain his balance, police said. In the vehicle, police said, were a 38-year-old female and three children, ages 9, 6 and 4.

Baquerizio was charged with DWI, DWI in a school zone, reckless driving and failure to secure a child with a seatbelt.

Oct. 30 Officer Damon Pein responded to a 6 a.m. call from Quick Mart advising that a person suspected of a series of thefts from the Belleville Pike store was back on the premises. The man allegedly had stolen cartons of cigarettes from a secured area on three prior occasions: Oct. 18, Oct. 24 and Oct. 27. Police said Leszek Czolpik, 52, of North Arlington, admitted guilt to Pein and was arrested for theft and trespass.

At HQ , police said, Det. Neil Nelson questioned

Czolpik, determined that a van belonging to him was parked near the store and obtained his consent to search it. In that search, Nelson and Lt. Paul Bershefski reportedly recovered 94 cartons of cigarettes.

Nov. 1 At 8 a.m., police said, Officers Jason Ward and Thomas Bannon were called to Quick Chek to deal with “an unwanted, disorderly person” and confronted Daniel McKeown, 49, formerly of Kearny, now believed to be homeless.

Since this was the third time since 6 that morning that the KPD reportedly had been asked to remove him, McKeown was advised he was now under arrest for trespassing.

Police said McKeown insisted that he needed his coffee, refused to put down the cup, and a struggle ensued. Ward and Bannon, along with Officers Patrick Becker and Rich Carbone, subdued him and placed him in Carbone’s patrol car, where the arrestee reportedly tried to kick out the

rear window.

In addition to trespass, McKeown was charged with resisting arrest and on a prior $500 defiant-trespass warrant from Kearny. At HQ , he allegedly spit on Officer Alan Stickno, so a charge of “throwing bodily fluids” was also filed.

Police said he then refused to be fingerprinted and photographed, adding to his resume a charge of obstructing the administration of law. McKeown was taken to the Hudson County Jail, to which a KPD officer would also have to travel to obtain the prints and photo.

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

Belleville

Library activities Here’s what’s ahead for the coming week at the Belleville Public Library, 221 Washington Ave., for all ages: For adults & young adults: PS2 Games, Thursday, Nov. 9, 3-5 p.m. Kids in grades 7 & up play games on the big screen every Thursday.

Coloring Club, Friday, Nov. 10, 3-5 p.m. For grade 7 & up.

Movie Mondays, Nov. 13, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Board Games, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 3-5 p.m. Enjoy such games as Jenga, Monopoly, Chinese checkers, chess, Scrabble & card games. For grades 7 & up.

DIY Foil Art, Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 4 p.m. Repurpose aluminum foil to create art.

Break Out EDU: “A Case of the Mondays,” Friday, Nov. 10, at noon. Players use teamwork and critical thinking to solve a series of challenging puzzles to open a locked box.

For children: Storybook Friends, Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 10 a.m. Kids ages 3-6 enjoy stories, songs & crafts.

Yoga with Zahra, Thursday, Nov. 9, at 10:30 a.m. Kids ages 3-6 explore body awareness through breath, movement and relaxation.

Kids Coloring Club, Friday, Nov. 10, 3-4 p.m. Supplies provided. For kids ages 4-11.

Bookworm Bingo, Monday, Nov. 13, 5-6 p.m. Kids ages 5-11 play bingo for prizes.

Roblox Free Play, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 3-6 p.m. Kids create adventures, play games, roleplay and learn with friends on the Children’s Room computers.

Senior Health Fair upcoming Clara Maass Medical Center/RWJBarnabas Health, together with Mayor Raymond Kimble and the Township Council, sponsor a Senior Health Fair Monday, Nov. 13, at noon at the Senior Building, 125 Franklin Ave. Open to the public, the fair will address the aches, pains and medical procedures associated with joint and arthritis pain. Stop by for complimen-

tary glucose and blood pressure screening.

A light lunch will be served.

To register, call 1-888-7247123. Walk-ins are welcome.

Book talk Join moderator Dorothy Meissner on Wednesday, Nov. 8, for the Kearny Public Library’s monthly Book Discussion Group. This month’s Harrison topic will be Nevil Shute’s “A Town Like Alice.” A limited Veterans Day ceremonies Nov. 11 number of copies of the book The Harrison Veterans are available at the library.

Association hosts services The session gets underway at at Veterans Plaza in Library 6:30 p.m. on the lower level of Park Saturday, Nov. 11, at 11 the main library, 318 Kearny a.m. Services will be hosted Ave. The KPL welcomes new

by Commander Robert Germembers to the group and is ris, of the Harrison American also actively seeking local auLegion. Invited guests include thors who might be interested Mayor James Fife, members of in doing book talks. the Town Council and clergy.

After the services, refreshKids learn to cook ments will be served at the Instructor Martina NeHarrison/East Newark Elks, vado returns to the KPL for a 406 Harrison Ave. new Children’s Cooking Fall Workshop in the kitchen at American Legion meets Nov. 8 the main library, 318 Kearny The Harrison American Ave. Youngsters in grades 3 Legion meets Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. and up are invited to celebrate at the Harrison-East Newark Veteran’s Day with a culinary Elks, 406 Harrison Ave. All lo- project Wednesday, Nov. 8, at cal members are encouraged 11 a.m. to attend.

Films at the library Polish club beefsteak dinner Check out the latest movNov. 12 ies being screened for free The Polish American at the Kearny Public Library, Citizens Club, 730 New Jersey 318 Kearny Ave., on the lower Ave., hosts a beefsteak dinner level. Here’s the first one on Sunday, Nov. 12, at 4 p.m. The the schedule: “Cars” (G/117 dinner includes beef, pasta, mins.), starring Owen Wilson fries, drinks and football. The and Bonnie Hunt, is the origicost is $48. nal classic from 2006 about a hotshot race car named LightKearny ning McQueen, Monday, Nov. 13, at 4 p.m. Popcorn and light Turkey Day dance at PBGC refreshments served.

The PBGC, at 663 Kearny For more information about Ave., hosts its annual Turkey any library program, call Day Dance on Friday, Nov. 10, 201-998-2666 or visit www. from 7 to 10 p.m. DJ Brian will kearnylibrary.org. spin the latest club music and special requests. Tom Fraser Helping families win and the PBGC board of direcThe Liberty Family Success tors will supervise the dance Center, 341 Kearny Ave., offers that is for teens only. Be sure these activities during the to wear white or neon for an upcoming week: awesome black light experi• Time for Tots Play Group, ence.

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 11 a.m.noon. Parents are invited to Honoring veterans bring small children and use Kearny American Legion the play space for socializaFrobisher Post 99 will host tion and fun. Parental supervithe annual Veteran’s Day sion is required. event Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. at • NJ Family Care EnrollVeteran’s Park, Beech St. and ment, Thursday, Nov. 9, 1-3 Kearny Ave. A reception folp.m. A WellCare representalows at the Legion’s post hall, tive will answer questions 314 Belgrove Drive. about enrolling in no-cost or low-cost NJ Family Care

insurance.

• Let’s Chat! English Group, Thursday, Nov. 9, 6-7 p.m.

Come and have coffee while practicing English skills in a fun and relaxed environment. Gain confidence, learn more words, increase your vocabulary and meet new people. Call the center at 201-998-2666 to RSVP. Space is limited. The program is provided by Montclair State University’s National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society.

• Family Fun Fridays, Nov. 10, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Parents and children enjoy arts & crafts, movies and more. Refreshments will be served.

• Beautiful ME, Saturday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. RSVP required. Call the center.

• Let’s Zumba, Monday, Nov. 13, 11 a.m.-noon. Classes are free but space is limited. Call the center to RSVP • Gobble Gobble Craft, Monday, Nov. 13, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Make a fun pre-Thanksgiving craft. Space is limited. RSVP required.

• Hablamos Espanol, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Basic Spanish conversation for kids ages 7-14 with interactive games and chances to win prizes. Call to RSVP. Space is limited. Sponsored by MSU’s National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society.

11

Alaris Health.

Lyndhurst Pantry seeks donations The Lyndhurst Food Pantry is accepting donations for the upcoming holiday season. The pantry is in need of cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, canned gravy, vegetables, rice, beans, pasta, pasta sauce, tuna, peanut butter, applesauce and apple juice. Gift cards, turkeys and hams are also welcome.

Please check items for expiration dates. Donations can be made Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The pantry’s regular business hours are Monday through Thursday from 1 to 3:30 p.m. To be a member of the food pantry, one must provide proof of Lyndhurst residency and proof of hardship. Donations are sincerely appreciated.

Italian Heritage Awards dinnerdance Join the Italian American Club of Lyndhurst at the Brownstone — 351 W. Broadway, Paterson — Saturday, Nov. 11, for a night of dinner and dancing as the club celebrates its 25th anniversary.

The club will honor one of its founders, Mayor Robert Giangeruso, communityminded businessman Ralph “Junior” Oppido, formerly of Jo Jo’s Pizza, and communityWCA meets Nov. 14 minded student service The Woman’s Club of Arleaders Marisa Hackett and lington meets Tuesday, Nov. Jennifer Wartel. The Cameos 14, at 1 p.m., at the Girl Scout and Dominique & Julian will House, 635 Kearny Ave. provide entertainment. CockThe meeting will include the club’s annual baby shower tail hour begins at 6 p.m., with to benefit local women and dinner to follow. For tickets, their infants and toddlers. contact Steve Vendola at 201Participants are asked to bring 310-7240. donations including blankets, North Arlington diapers, wipes, new outfits, books, sleepers, socks, hats, K of C memorial meal bibs, winter coats, toys and The Queen of Peace bathing supplies — which will Knights of Columbus sponsor be presented to and distributed by the Salvation Army in a memorial breakfast in honor of its deceased members Kearny.

Sunday, Nov. 12, at 10 a.m. at Rose Popolizio will serve the Columbian Club hall, 194 as greeter. Hostesses for the River Road. Admission is $10 meeting will be Julie McCafor adults, $5 for children ages rthy, Carolyn Gretchen and 6-12 and free for kids under Pat Magistro.

6. Tickets may be purchased This month’s service project is to decorate Thanksgiv- at the parish rectory, the club hall or by calling 201-988-0183. ing bibs for senior citizens at

12

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

has gone

MOBILE. Feds fund effort to help

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stop scourge of drugs a “reflection of the strong collaborative relationships already KEARNY – in existence with our The Kearny Prevencommunity organization Coalition (KPC), tions,” adding that the an arm of the Kearny grant “will allow us to Municipal Alliance, has expand those relationbeen awarded a federal ships as we continue to Drug-Free Communibuild a healthy, positive ties Support Program environment for our grant of $625,000 grant youth.” for five years, it was Echoing that pledge, announced by Richard KPC program director Baum, acting director Jack Corbett said the of National Drug Congoal “is to make Kearny trol Policy. a safe and drug-free Kearny was one of place for our youth” 719 grantees awarded and KPC project coor$89 million nationwide dinator Jane Mackesy and only one of three added the coalition from New Jersey, the “will use this funding others being Basking to help youth in Kearny Ridge’s Community make healthy choices in Crisis, Inc., and the about substance use.”

Madison Area YMCA/ Mackesy noted that Madison-Chatham the grant guidelines Coalition. call for the town of According to Baum, Kearny to provide a the grants provide local “100% match” of the community coalitions federal dollars commitfunding to prevent ted to the program but youth substance use, that match may be eiincluding prescripther in the form of cash tion drugs, marijuana, or “in-kind services,” tobacco and alcohol. such as making avail“We’re losing more able meeting space and than 60,000 people access to other municiper year to drug overpal resources. dose, but if we can stop Local coalitions can young people from apply for one additionstarting to use drugs in al 5-year grant renewthe first place, we can als, she said. save lives,” said Baum.

Asked how the KPC “Our local DFC coaliwould use the funding, tions are a key part Mackesy said that has of this effort because yet to be determined, they are bringing toadding that one of the gether parents, groups, grant’s purposes is to schools, healthcare allow each local coaliprofessionals, law ention to “do surveys of forcement, businesses the community to see and others to prevent what our needs are so drug use and improve we can develop a comthe health of the comprehensive plan – not a munity.” shot in the dark.”

Kearny Mayor AlStill, Mackesy said, berto Santos said the the KPC has already award to the KPC was developed a lead

By Ron Leir rleir@theobserver.com

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through a school survey it did last year, asking students from grades 8, 10 and 12 about substance use and engaging in conversations with “high school-age” youths and recently KHS graduates on the same topic.

Because “we’re still processing” the results of those surveys and interviews and haven’t yet shared that information with the local school district, Mackesy said she preferred not to disclose specifics. “We need to do more surveys,” she said.

However, what they’ve learned to date, she said, is that “marijuana use” among certain older students “is more prevalent than tobacco use.”

And that discovery squares with research compiled by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy which, according to a press release from that office, “indicates that high school seniors are more likely to smoke marijuana than cigarettes.”

Under-age alcohol drinking is also likely to be a focus of the coalition, she said.

Down the road, Mackesy said, the KPC – like other coalitions in the mix – will be sending two people to a 3-week training program sponsored by the national Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) to gain further insight into researching substance use patterns and planning targeted prevention programs.

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13

sports&recreation

Blue Tide rolls along in state playoffs

SPORTS VIEW

Defeats Mountain Lakes to continue November run

CONTACT JIM HAGUE AT OGSMAR@AOL.COM

Nutley, Lyndhurst qualify for NJSIAA grid playoffs When the Nutley High School football team started the 2017 season with three straight losses, there were a lot of people who believed that the Maroon Raiders were done.

“We were concerned,” Nutley head coach Steve DiGregorio said. “Being 0-3 makes everything difficult.”

But through it all, DiGregorio, in his second stint as head coach of the Maroon Raiders, never lost faith.

“I never said, ‘There goes the playoffs,’” DiGregorio said. “We just had to worry about the next one.”

Over at Lyndhurst, the Golden Bears lost to Pompton Lakes, 52-7, three weeks ago, a loss that dropped the team’s record to 3-3. To make a second straight appearance in the NJSIAA state playoffs, the Bears pretty much needed a miracle.

They needed to win their last two regular season games and then have a host of other things take place.

“I always thought that there was a chance,” said Lyndhurst head coach Rich Tuero. “We just needed to win and we needed Glen Rock, Pompton Lakes, Hawthorne

and New Milford to win.”

Gee, that’s all?

“It was crazy, but we had the kids believing that they could get in,” Tuero said.

Last weekend, Nutley faced Barringer in a crucial regular season game.

The Raiders won, 29-20.

And Lyndhurst faced Garfield with their state playoff hopes hanging tenuously in the balance.

The Bears won, 28-6.

With that, both local teams qualified for their respective bracket in this weekend’s NJSIAA playoffs.

The Maroon Raiders, now 5-4, earned the No. 6 seed in North Jersey Section 2, Group III and have to travel all the way out to Hunterdon County Friday night to face third-seeded Voorhees in Glen Gardner at 7 p.m.

The Golden Bears, now 5-3, won’t have to travel as far for their first round game in the North 2, Group II bracket.

They are the No. 8 seed and will travel the short distance to face local rival Rutherford Friday night at 7 p.m.

Two local teams who once thought perhaps all hope was lost found their salvation in a state playoff berth. Both teams return See VIEW, Page 15

Photo by Jim Hague

Harrison junior midfielder Kalleb Braga (8) controls the ball during the Blue Tide’s 4-0 win over Mountain Lakes last Friday afternoon in Harrison.

By Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com

HARRISON –

Sometimes in high school soccer, things just don’t go according to plan, especially when November comes and it’s time for the NJSIAA state playoffs.

Even the best of teams, the ones with the rich and storied tradition of success in the state playoffs, might tend to feel a little pressure when the ball just doesn’t find the nets like they normally do.

Take for instance the Blue Tide of Harrison High.

Harrison was facing Mountain Lakes in the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2, Group II quarterfinals Friday afternoon and for the first 30 minutes of the match the Blue Tide was dominating play, but had nothing to show for it.

But the Blue Tide players all remembered the words of their head coach Mike Rusek.

“Mr. Rusek always tells us to stay composed,” said senior captain Deydiry Chamba. “He says that no matter what the

score is, we have to just play like we normally play and the goals will come.”

“We just have to keep playing good soccer,” said junior forward Omar Sowe. “There was no need to rush it. We just had to take our time and play the same way. The goals will come.”

Sure enough, the goals came for the Blue Tide in rapid succession.

First, sophomore Steven Espinosa broke the seal on the contest by knocking home a brilliant pass from Sowe in the 34th minute, giving the Blue Tide a 1-0 lead.

Four minutes later, it was Sowe who scored on a header off a great corner kick from Israel Dos Santos, pushing the lead to 2-0 at the break.

“Once we got the first one, the gates opened,” said Sowe, who now has an amazing 36 goals and tallied 30 assists this season. “We knew we could get more if we just kept playing.”

In the second half, it was more of the same, two goals within the span of a minute.

First, Chamba scored off a feed from Dos Santos to push the lead to 3-0 and then Sowe capped the scoring with a goal in the 70th minute off a pass from Chamba.

The result was a 4-0 win for the Blue Tide, a solid win all the way around.

And the win makes Rusek look like a fortune teller, because his prophecy about being patient certainly had some truth.

“I think it’s easy to explain,” Rusek said. “But it’s a lot harder for the kids to do it. I tell them that it’s a long game and things will eventually come to you.”

Rusek said that Sowe’s goal right before halftime really gave the Blue Tide the impetus to secure the victory and improve to 19-2 on the season.

“I think the second goal was big, but we still were playing hard to get the third goal,” Rusek said. “We’re not known for our defense, but our defense was solid as well.”

Kalleb Braga was especially See BLUE TIDE, next page

14

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

BLUE TIDE Continued from Page 13 tough controlling the ball in the midfield. Eduardo Nelson and Joshua Tapia both got playing time in net for the Blue Tide, sharing the clean sheet by making 13 saves.

The Blue Tide was scheduled to move on to the sectional semifinals against 12th seed Morris County Tech on Tuesday. The winner of that semifinal will face the winner of Dover-Garfield in the

sectional title game on Friday.

If the Blue Tide managed to defeat Morris Tech (11-5-2), then the sectional championship game will be at Harrison on Friday afternoon.

“We are a very strong team on our home field,” Rusek said. “The whole season is played for the state tournament. Our goal this season has been to play our best soccer come November. I’m really happy with the way we played here. We’re playing real well right now, playing our best soccer. I just hope it continues. I want this team to keep

winning because they really love being together and having fun playing. We have good team chemistry.”

Sowe knows how important the games are now.

“We have to play every game like it’s our last one,” Sowe said. “We just kept focused and kept our minds on winning.”

“When it’s November, then it’s our season,” said Chamba, who now has 25 goals and 11 assists this season. “It’s amazing how we have so many different players scoring and contributing. I’m so proud Photo by Jim Hague

Your local news source for over

130 Years!

Harrison sophomore forward Israel Dos Santos (17) has the ball on his toe during the Blue Tide’s 4-0 win over Mountain Lakes in the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2, Group II quarterfinals Friday afternoon at Harrison. Dos Santos had two assists in the win.

to be a part of this team. It’s incredible. And Tuesday is my birthday, so we have to make it a happy birthday for me, of COVERING: BELLEVILLE • BLOOMFIELD • EAST NEWARK • HARRISON KEARNY • LYNDHURST • NORTH ARLINGTON • NUTLEY

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And playing for a state sectional championship Friday would be even better.

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VIEW

Continued from Page 13 to the state playoffs after missing out last year. The Maroon Raiders last qualified in 2015, when they lost to West Essex.

The Bears lost to Rutherford in consecutive games to close out the 2015 campaign.

DiGregorio led the Maroon Raiders to the state sectionals in his last year of his first stint in 2011, when they lost to Parsippany Hills, so he’s able to return to the states in his first year back at his alma mater.

“After going 0-3, we wanted to get as many wins as possible,” DiGregorio said. “The kids found a way against Barringer and played a terrific second half of football.”

Vin Russo had a huge game for the Raiders, collecting a sack, an interception, eight tackles and caught two touchdown passes from Josh O’Neill.

“Vinnie continues to have a great season for us,” DiGregorio said. “Josh now has 1,460 yards and 19 touchdowns passing. Nick Maineiro has 1,200 yards rushing. We have a pretty balanced team. Nick had 117 yards in the second half.”

The Golden Bears received another stellar performance from running back Piotr Partyla. The recent Observer Athlete of the Week had 194 yards rushing and four touchdowns against Garfield. Jeff Grasso led the way defensively with 15 tackles and a fumble recovery.

The two coaches know that they have their work cut out

15

matchup with Hopewell Val1-0, at the half. ley. The 9-10-2 Maroon RaidDeirdre Kearns scored the ers were the 14th seed entering Golden Bears’ other goal two minutes prior to Pezzolla’s the tournament. They remain score. the highest seeded team left The Golden Bears were playing in the state tourney. set to face Hanover Park in In cross country, Nutley’s the semifinals. Hanover Park Jimmy Quinn finished seventh eliminated the Golden Bears in the North 1, Group III secfrom the state tournament last tionals at Garret Mountain last year.

Saturday to advance to this “That’s something that weekend’s Group III chamwill not be forgotten,” said pionships at Holmdel Park.

Lyndhurst head coach Kim Quinn finished in 16:35.

Hykey. “I think the nerves North Arlington’s Sirish are now gone. The kids know Modhagala was seventh in Photo by Jim Hague who they’re playing and they the North 2, Group I sectional Nutley head football coach Steve DiGregorio is bringing his team remember.

They saw how at Greystone Park in 16:49. to the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2, Group III playoffs this close they were last year and Modhagala also punched his weekend against Voorhees. DiGregorio brought the Maroon Raiders ticket to the Group I meet at to the playoffs in the last year of his first stint as head coach back they want to get the job done this time. It’s good for us to be Holmdel. in 2011. playing at home. We play well Kearny’s Maria Laverde moves on for them Friday night. The Maat home.” was 23rd at the North 1, Group The Lyndhurst girls’ soccer roon Raiders have a 90-plus The Golden Bears have IV meet at Garret Mountain, minute bus drive to get to their team advanced to Monday played well all season, posting while Kelly Weckstein and afternoon’s North Jersey Secgame. The Golden Bears face a 19-2 record thus far.

Megan Rudden of Lyndhurst an undefeated neighbor that is tion 2, Group II semifinal game Nutley’s boys are the only saw their impressive season with a 2-1 win over Caldwell enjoying a brilliant campaign. other local team still playing. come to an end at Greystone “It’s Rutherford, man,” Tuero last Thursday. Giulia Pezzolla The Maroon Raiders defeated Park. Weckstein was 16th and scored the game-winning goal Ferris, 2-1, in Jersey City Friday Rudden 29th in North 2, Group said. “We’ll be alright. It’s our with 18 minutes to go, capping to advance to the North 2, rival. The kids will be ready, II. The Golden Bears were a comeback win after trailing, Group III semifinals and a regardless of what happened sixth as a team. the last time.”

In 2015, the Bears lost to Rutherford in the regular season finale, 35-0, then dropped the state playoff game a week later, 35-12.

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

North Arlington’s Kearns running wild for Stonehill College

the coaching staff at Stonehill is in love with Kearns Jr. as well.

Brian Kearns Jr. was a “From the beginning, I knew standout running back at St. I didn’t want to go to a school Joseph’s of Montvale during that was too big,” Kearns Jr. his high school days. When said. “I just liked it so much the time came for the North from the beginning. It was a Arlington native to choose a big decision for me.” college, he decided to attend Just like it was a big deciStonehill College in Easton, sion for Kearns Jr. to attend Mass.

St. Joseph’s of Montvale for “I was talking to a lot of dif- high school instead of staying ferent schools, but I just had home to attend North Arlinga great feeling all along that I ton. was going to go to Stonehill,” “I know a lot of people Kearns Jr. said. “It was the best would have liked me to stay opportunity for me, both on home,” Kearns Jr. said. “But I and off the field.” had a cousin who went there.

Kearns Jr. had offers to go to I went to some of the games Wagner, Assumption, Bentley and I fell in love with St. Joe’s.” and Lafayette, all of which are It looks as if Kearns Jr. is good schools with solid foottwo-for-two with his schoball programs. But Kearns Jr. lastic decisions, because he’s just fell in love with Stonehill. been phenomenal for the SkyNow as a sophomore for the hawks and second-year head Skyhawks, it’s safe to say that coach Eli Gardner.

By Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com

Gardner, a New Jersey native from Hunterdon County and Delaware Valley High School, was well aware of Kearns Jr.’s abilities from his high school days.

“Brian’s tape just spoke for itself,” Gardner said. “He had great moves and vision. I was impressed with his football IQ. I love the way he approaches every time he touches the ball. The biggest thing he’s shown is his ability to make people miss. He also can run people over and then showed the ability to run away from people. He’s really a complete Photo courtesy of the Stonehill SID tailback.”

Kearns Jr. didn’t know how North Arlington native Brian Kearns, Jr. has been the stalwart much he would be able to play of the Stonehill College football as a freshman. team this season and recently “I thought I might have a received the prestigious Gold Helgood shot to play, but I didn’t met Award from the New England know how much,” Kearns Jr. Football Writers Association for his great game against Bentley said. “I didn’t play a ton at College two weeks ago. first, but I stayed focused and eventually got much chance.”

Kearns Jr. rushed for 247 yards and two touchdowns as

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a freshman last year.

When the 2017 season started to take form, Kearns Jr. was elevated to the starting role.

Before the beginning of training camp, Kearns Jr. was a regular at FASST (Functional Athletic Strength and Speed Training) in Lyndhurst, the facility that has aided so many local athletes in their preparation for their seasons.

“I was able to lose about 10-to-15 pounds and I still got stronger and faster,” Kearns Jr. said. “I came to camp this year in the best shape of my life. A lot of people were surprised that I was able to lose so much weight during the summer.

I thought I had a little bit extra. I definitely had more explosiveness and power. I felt better.”

Kearns Jr. was enjoying a solid season for the Skyhawks through the first six games of the season, including a 135Continued on the next page

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

yard effort in the season opener against Bloomsburg.

But Kearns Jr. was battling a few nicks and bumps prior to facing local rival Bentley two weeks ago.

“I didn’t play that much the week before (a tough 23-22 loss to New Haven),” Kearns Jr. said. “I had a few little injuries, but I felt fresh going into the Bentley game.”

As it turned out, it was the best game of Kearns Jr.’s college career.

Kearns Jr. rushed for 243 yards on 34 carries and scored two touchdowns, leading the Skyhawks to a 41-35 victory over Bentley.

Kearns Jr. received the Gold Helmet Award from the New England Football Writers Association. Kearns Jr. received his award at the luncheon held at Harvard University.

Incredibly, Kearns Jr. came within four yards of matching the yardage total he gained for the entire year last year.

Kearns Jr. became only the third Stonehill running back to ever receive the prestigious Gold Helmet honor.

And for his efforts, Kearns Jr. has been selected in rare fashion as The Observer Athlete of the Week for the past week. The weekly feature has focused mainly on the exploits of high school athletes, but there has been the rare occasion that a college athlete has been featured.

The Skyhawks defeated Pace last Saturday, 56-30, to improve their record to 5-4 with one more game remaining in the season.

“I think I’ve proven myself now that I can play at a top college level,” Kearns Jr. said.

“From now on, this has to be the game plan for me. I have to push myself to the limit.

I’m going to be a problem for the opposition to deal with

for the next two years. When you receive an honor like this (the Gold Helmet), it makes everything more enjoyable.

I’m really pleased with the way we’re playing. I have good guys up front blocking for me. It’s fun to go out there and play with them. We have a close knit group of guys and we work hard together.”

Kearns Jr. comes from a close family as well. His father, Brian, Sr. is a retired police officer and his uncle Bob is the former head coach at now-defunct Queen of Peace.

Kearns Jr. is a business management major at Stonehill and has been doing well in the classroom as well. It’s safe to say he’s living a dream with a football in his hands. He’s rushed for 684 yards and eight touchdowns this season.

“It’s tremendous to know that every time you give the ball to Brian, he’s going to get six, seven, eight yards,” Gardner said. “It’s always good when you can rely like that on your tailback. It’s huge for our offense, especially close to the goal line. When I think of Brian, he’s a blue collar guy. He works his tail off and has a real steady approach.

He has good experience in football and came to us from a good background. So he’s just a blue collar football player.

He’s a focused individual who was raised right by his parents. He’s very mature and has a professional approach.”

So the kid from North Arlington made the right decision once again to go to Stonehill. That decision has definitely paid dividends.

“It’s very rewarding,” Kearns Jr. said. “I want to be the one who’s carrying the ball for us.”

Sure looks like he will be carrying the bacon for the next two years as well.

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Class of ‘67 reunites at KHS

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The Kearny High School class of 1967 had its 50th reunion Oct. 21, at the Renaissance Meadowlands Hotel, Rutherford. The alums toured Kearny High School and attended the football game on Friday, Oct. 20.

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

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Gerry Kerr bade farewell to Kearny last week after 13 years and two months as DPW superintendent.

At 55, Kerr could have opted to stay on in the post — which pays him $105,756 a year — but he figured it was time to take a well-deserved breather from public service.

“I just finished my master’s in public administration and I may bring that into play in the future,” Kerr said, possibly as a municipal business administrator or as a consultant.

But for right now, he said, “I’ll take a little time off [and] visit family and friends in New England.”

Photo by Ron Leir

Gerry Kerr (l.) packs it in as DPW superintendent as deputy superintendent Kevin Murphy prepares to take the helm.

After that, he may head south … to Mexico.

“I like Mexico,” Kerr said. “The hotter the better.”

Although he’s spent much of his life in New Jersey — after immigrating with his family from his native Ireland,

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“I hate snow. Even as a kid, I never liked snow,” Continued next page

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

he said.

But he’s certainly made a career dealing with it — modeling himself after his dad — who was director of buildings and grounds for the Montvale Board of Education. Kerr worked as an employee in the Teaneck DPW where he worked his way up the ladder to superintendent in 11+ years — and then with Kearny where he replaced Jim Waller as the top dog.

“When I was in Teaneck, the DPW was run by an engineer and I wanted to be a department head so I began looking around for an

we’re down to a little over 20 full-timers.”

He attributed the decline to the town’s attrition policy in, by and large, not replacing retirees, compelling the department to get the work done more efficiently with fewer hands.

“We are now in the process of hiring seasonal labor,” he added, referring to part-timers who will do the normal DPW jobs with the exception of driving the big trucks because that requires a commercial driver’s license.

The personnel squeeze notwithstanding, Kerr

Still reeling from the after-effects of Sandy, Kearny has spent several years trying to recoup expenses from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), he said. “We had a lot of trees down, sidewalks uprooted and flooding that left us without power for several days. We were moving around portable generators to get our [sewer] pumps going.”

Kerr said he cut short a post-surgery recovery to come back to work to help supervise the postSandy cleanup effort that, he recalled, triggered “hundreds of hours of

‘I’m glad I came to Kearny — it’s been a great town to work for.’

— Gerry Kerr, retired DPW supt. opportunity and I saw an ad for Kearny DPW superintendent in the New Jersey League of Municipalities job listings,” Kerr said.

He had the credentials: a CPWM (Certified Public Works Manager) certification and C-3 (public wastewater collection system operator) license, so he applied and got the job in September 2004. During his time in Kearny, he also obtained a recycling certificate.

Soon after getting his footing on the new job, Kerr instituted a work order system for tracking the handling of residents’ service requests, whether it was for fixing a pothole, trimming a tree or unclogging a sewer line, by logging each by number, date and time and category of service, all to better follow through on getting the work done.

During his tenure in Kearny, Kerr said he’s seen a significant drop in the number of DPW personnel. “When I started, we had 45 full-time people and four seasonal workers,” he said. “Now

said the department “has been very fortunate” in the mayor and Town Council having purchased new rolling stock to replace aging equipment. These items include a tree truck, mechanical sweepers, roll-off trucks, large dump trucks for plowing and salting, mason dump trucks and pickup trucks.

Acknowledging that the town’s torn-up roads are in constant need of attention, Kerr said currently, several streets in the Manor section, along with several on the “east side” could benefit from milling and paving.

“We did get to do Peden Terrace this year and that should help with ice conditions this winter,” he said.

Probably the biggest challenges the DPW faced during his time in Kearny, Kerr said, were the snowstorm of 2015 that dumped 39 inches of the white stuff in town — “that’s where we got contractors to assist with the snow’s removal” — and Superstorm Sandy in October 2012.

overtime” for his DPW crews.

But it was all worth it, he said.

“I’m glad I came to Kearny — it’s been a great town to work for,” Kerr said. “The residents were great, for the most part. My staff was great — they made me look good. I’m going to miss them and dealing with the police and fire departments, the town administrators and Kim Bennett in personnel who helped me with hirings.

“But now it’s time to move on.”

Kerr said Deputy DPW Superintendent Kevin Murphy, who has served in that spot more than five years, will serve as the department’s caretaker in that title, at least for now, with a little help from Neglia Engineering, the town’s consulting engineers. On Oct. 24, the Lyndhurst firm was contracted by the town to provide C-3 operator licensure services on a month-to-month basis, at $800 per month, for up to one year.

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20

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

Kearny survives scare from old rival Clifton in overtime thriller

were the better team,” said Kearny head coach Bill Galka.

In the NJSIAA state soccer playoffs, you can throw regular “The second half, we struggled a bit and it showed.” season records right out with “I was a little worried, but the weekend trash and the old I believed in my team,” said newspapers.

Kearny’s brilliant junior midWhen undefeated and topfielder Jose Escandon, who seeded Kearny met eighthscored the Kardinals’ first goal seed Clifton in the quarteron a direct free kick in the finals of the NJSIAA North first five minutes of the match.

Jersey Section 1, Group IV state playoffs Friday afternoon “No one feels great going into overtime. Once we got to overat Harvey Field, it didn’t matter that the Kardinals (17-0-3), time, we stayed together. We kept the faith that we could get the No. 3 ranked team in the one.” entire state, was taking on the And the Kardinals were forMustangs with a 14-7-2 mark. tunate to have Marcos Hidalgo Because it was the state on their side. tournament and especially in For the last few weeks, Hisoccer, anything can happen. dalgo has been finding himself Especially in a match that has in the right place at the right been such a heated rivalry for time.

He scored a big goal in so many years. The records, the Hudson County Tournathe state ranking, the sectional ment semifinal win over Harriseeding meant absolutely son two weeks ago and added nothing. a goal in the county tourney And it sure looked that way title game against St. Peter’s for 80 minutes, when the two Prep last week. rivals played to a 1-1 draw and Sure enough, three minutes headed into overtime. Once into the extra session, Hidalgo a soccer match goes into the found himself with the ball in extra session and then perhaps prime position after Escanthe dreaded and unfair way don set up a play that led to of deciding a victor, the silly a three-on-one break for the penalty kicks take place, then Kardinals and Escandon fed really anything could happen. the ball to Ryan Valdez.

“The first half, I thought we

KEARNY –

She’s a weiner winner

Photo by L. Feorenzo

Donna Lang, of North Arlington, recently won a contest that brought the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile to N.A. Lang, second from l., was one of 25 winners from throughout the country.

Photo by Jim Hague

Kearny’s Juan Rendon (8) tries to secure the ball against two Clifton defenders in Friday’s 2-1 overtime win in the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1, Group IV quarterfinals at Harvey Field.

“It was hard when we got to overtime, because we were all tired,” Hidalgo said. “But we had to push to play a little better. It just happened that I was there in front with the ball. I didn’t think about anything except putting it in the net. It had to be the one to go in.”

Sure enough, Hidalgo was clutch once again, firing home the goal that catapulted the undefeated Kardinals to the

sectional semifinals.

The 2-1 win enables the Kardinals to advance to face Fair Lawn in a match that was played after press time Tuesday. If the Kardinals were able to defeat fifth seed Fair Lawn, then they would play host to the winner of the other semifinal matchup between Montclair and West Orange Friday afternoon at Harvey Field.

“We did what we had to do,” said Escandon, who tallied his 19th goal of the season in the first half. “We didn’t panic in overtime. We made the play when we had the chance.”

Hidalgo can’t believe his late season fortune. He has three goals on the season and all three have been in huge games over the last three weeks.

“But this one was way better,” Hidalgo said. “I never would have dreamed that I would be the one to score the goal in overtime. I’m so happy that we keep going.”

“I think Marcos is getting motivated by the rest of us,” Escandon said. “We’re pushing him a lot and now he’s coming through for us.”

Galka was proud of his team.

“They showed a lot of character coming back after giving up the tying goal,” Galka said.

“Marcos came up big again in the big game. We knew that this game was going to be a struggle. Kearny and Clifton always have such good battles. We have some history together. In a game like this, it could have gone either way, but Marcos got us the big goal.

We survived the big scare and we’re moving on.”

Senior Division diamond champs

The 2017 senior division Kearny recreation baseball champions are the Cardinals, who defeated the Padres by a score of 6-0 on Oct. 25. They were a perfect 11-0 for the season. Pictured are the Cardinals, in the front row (from l.) Enyel Robinson, Jonathan Dapena, Aaron Milne, Enrique Hernandez and Emma Carson. Middle row (from l.) are Derek Brand, Jaiden Malave, Jonathan Hernandez, Chris Carson, Lucas Perez, Nate Matthews, Adam Lopez and Jeanpaul Luna. In the back row (from l.) are coaches Mo Lopez, Jesus Perez, Paul Luna, Dennis Milne and Bobby Carson.

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

To submit an obituary: fax: 201-991-8941

obituaries@theobserver.com Alfred E. Beck Alfred E. Beck, 74, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 22, at Clara Maass Medical Center, Belleville.

Relatives and friends had visitation at the Thiele-Reid Family Funeral Home, 585 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, on Sunday, Nov. 5. The funeral service was held in the funeral home on Monday, Nov. 6. Interment will follow in Arlington Cemetery, Kearny.

Mr. Beck was born in Glen Ridge and was a lifelong resident of Kearny.

He was a U.S. postal worker at the Midland Ave. Post Office in Kearny for 30 years before retiring in 1996.

Alfred was a member of the Irish American Club of Kearny.

He is survived by his sister, Elizabeth Zuzzio; one niece and one nephew and two greatnieces and two great-nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, George R. and Bertha (Young) Beck.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the United Irish Associations of West Hudson.

Robert W. Carr Robert W. Carr, 76, passed away suddenly on Thursday, Nov. 2, in Lincoln Park.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit at the ThieleReid Family Funeral Home, 585 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, on Wednesday, Nov. 8, from 6 to 9 p.m. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Thursday, Nov. 9, at 11 a.m.

Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. Condolences and memories may be shared at thielereid.com.

Robert was born in Jersey City and lived there until moving to Kearny in 1991.

He was a tractor-trailer driver for National Packers in South Kearny for 20 years before retiring in 2007. Previously he drove for Old Dominion for 10 years.

Mr. Carr was a member of the Scots American Athletic Club in Kearny.

Robert, also known as Fun Bobby and Ol’ Blue Eyes, was an avid sports fan. He loved to bowl, play golf and cheer on his favorite teams, the N.Y. Yankees and the N.Y. Giants. He was a

obituaries

happy-go-lucky man, always smiling, sharing jokes and enjoyed making memories with his family and friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth (Bellini) Carr and his cherished daughters, Theresa Tuohy and her husband, Thomas and Vicki Carr and her boyfriend Nicholas Recchione. He also leaves behind his grandson and best friend Thomas Anthony Tuohy.

Alice Mary Dunne

Alice M. Dunne, 78, (nee Buckley), passed away on Thursday, Nov. 2, at Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack.

The funeral will be from the Thiele-Reid Family Funeral Home, 585 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 9 a.m. A funeral Mass will be offered at St. Stephen’s Church, Kearny, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. Relatives and friends are invited to visit the funeral home Tuesday, Nov. 7, from 4 to 8 p.m. Condolences and memories may be shared at thiele-reid.com.

Alice was born in Jersey City on Feb. 9, 1939, to John and Margaret Buckley, one of 14 children.

Growing up in the Marion section of Jersey City, she attended St. John’s Elementary school. After graduation she attended St. Aloysius High School where she met the love of her life and future husband Jack Dunne.

Alice and Jack raised their five children in the Greenville section of Jersey City and

worshiped at St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church. All five children attended St. Paul’s Elementary School as Alice always valued Catholic education.

She was employed as a librarian assistant for the Jersey City Board of Education for 25 years before retiring in 2001. It was in the school setting where Alice influenced many children’s lives through her caring and devotion.

After living in Jersey City her entire life, she and her family moved to Kearny in 1995.

Alice was a proud member of the Kearny Seniors. She attended Mass at the Chapel of the Sacred Heart on Belgrove Drive in Kearny.

The Chapel and Archdiocesan Youth Retreat Center, there on Belgrove Drive, became a very special place in her life.

Shortly after the passing of her beloved husband, John “Jack” Joseph Dunne Jr. in 1999, she and her children dedicated a statue of the Pieta in the Monsignor Robert Egan Memorial Prayer Garden, on the grounds at the retreat center. The intimate statue of the Virgin Mary holding her son, the dead Christ, is one of the main focal points in the elegant garden.

Mrs. Dunne is survived by her beloved, devoted daughters: Barbara Dunne and Carol Schementi and her husband, Charles; her loving sons, John “Jack” Joseph Dunne III and his wife, Kelly; Joseph Dunne and his wife, Tracy and Patrick Dunne and his wife, Mary Lynn. She was the sister of John, Joseph and Dennis Buckley, Carol Sullivan, Margaret De Filippo, Janet Scerbo and Debbie Abeltin. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Joseph, Gillian and Kaylee Dunne; Charles and Anthony Schementi; Nicolette and Jaclyn Dunne; and Patrick, Megan and Molly Dunne. She was the aunt to many nieces and nephews

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21

To submit an obituary: fax: 201-991-8941

obituaries@theobserver.com

and great-nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, John “ Jack” Joseph Dunne Jr. and sisters: Jacqueline Buckley, Patricia Kent and brothers: Leo, Robert, Thomas, and Kenneth Buckley.

Alice will always be remembered as an elegant, strong woman and a devout Catholic.

Alice lived a wonderful and happy life. She was the heart of her family. Family was everything to her and she was everything to her family. Her commitment to her faith, family and love was supported by the belief that her life was “in God’s hands.”

Her home and heart were open to all with unconditional love. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and sister who was respected, adored and will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Stephen’s Heritage Fund may be made in Alice’s memory.

“If roses grow in Heaven Lord, please pick a bunch for me. Tell her that I love her and miss her, and when she turns to smile, place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her awhile. Because remembering her is easy, I do it every day, but there’s an ache in my heart that will never go away.” -- Kristen Preus Anna Marie Crefeld Anna Marie Crefeld (nee

Nash) died Oct. 22.

She was 59.

She lived most of her life in Kearny.

Memorial visiting takes place Sunday, Nov. 12, at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, beginning at 11 a.m. A service will follow at 1 p.m. in the First Lutheran Church, Kearny.

Anna Marie was the wife of the late Frank Crefeld and mother of William Crefeld, Dawn Bolli and Charlene Crefeld. The sister of Thomas, Michael, James, Anthony and Philip Nash, she is also survived by five grandchildren.

Emmy Y. Duverge-Martinez

Emmy Y. Duverge-Martinez, entered into eternal rest in the Dominican Republic, on Tuesday, Oct. 24. She was 36.

A funeral service was held at the Mulligan Funeral Home, 331 Cleveland Ave., Harrison, on Saturday, Nov. 4. Her interment took place in Arlington Cemetery, Kearny.

Born and raised in Sabana See OBITS, Page 24

WILFRED ARMITAGE & WIGGINS FUNERAL HOME Mark G. Wiggins, Manager N.J. Lic. #3916

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.

Wilfred Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home

596 Belgrove Dr. • Kearny, NJ 07032 (201) 991-0657

24 22

THE OBSERVER OBSERVER || WEDNESDAY, 2,2017 2015 THE WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER NOVEMBER 8,

www.theobserver.com www.theobserver.com

TheObserver Observer is is not responsible The responsiblefor fortypographical typographical errors.

Credit for errors will not benot granted after the errors.

Credit for errors will be granted next week’s publication.

No changes or refunds. after the next week’s publication.

Deadline for changes. classifiedsNo is Monday by 3:00 PM. $10 fee for refunds.or Credits.

Deadline for classifieds is Monday by 3:00 PM.

CLASSIFIEDS

To place an ad call: 201-991-1600 classified@theobserver.com

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

PARKING FOR RENT

ITEMS FOR SALE

SERVICES OFFERED

HARRISON

KEARNY

NUTLEY

Parking for 14ft. trucks, SUV’s or Small vans call (201) 997-1500.

HARRISON completely renovated 1st fl. 1 BR, w/appliances, $1,350/ month + 1 month security. Close to Public Transportation. Avl. Now. (917) 776-0607 from 4pm-9pm.

KEARNY Newly renovated, hardwood floors.

Laundry onsite. HT/HW included. 2 BR start at $1,250. 1 BR start at $1,050. Jr. 1 BR start at $975. (201) 289-7096

KEARNY 2 BR, 1 Bath in nice location, corner on Devon and Stewart, with basement for storage. $1,300/ month. 1 1/2 months security, no pets. If interested please contact Joanne at (973) 699-3146.

NUTLEY 2nd fl. 6 room apt. 1 1/2 months security + 1 month rent. Plus utilities. C/A. Avl. Now by appt. only (973) 6614717

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT

2 piece New Birdcage on rollers 50x20 with all accessories $150 or best offer. Rotro Phaser all accessories $150 works with all instruments Dean (973) 751-0175 Leave message.

Home health care aid Avl. to work with elderly during the day MondayFriday. Please call Rosemarie (973) 932-9916.

HARRISON Newly Renovated 2 BR, $1,250/ month + utilities. 1 1/2 months security.

No Pets. No Smoking.

Avl. Now. (347) 276-0105

KEARNY 1 BR apt. HT/ HW included. New Kitchen & Bath Elevated building. Laundry facility on premises. from $1,150/ month,. Call Sofia after 3pm 201-998-3516 or see super after 3pm 654 Elm St. Apt Basement 1.

HARRISON New Home 2nd fl. 3 BR’s, 2 Baths. $2,000/month. Close to transportation. no pets.

(201) 709-0645 (973) 481-3970 (973) 3914857 Leave Message.

View the Entire Issue online www. theobserver.com (201) 991-1600

HARRISON 1 BR, LR, Kitchen and Bath, A/C, Third floor, HT/HW supplied, $1,050/month, security and references.

(201) 978-8795.

LYNDHURST

FURNISHED ROOM FOR RENT KEARNY Furnished rooms with all new furniture, refrigerator, microwave. all utilities including internet. $650/month.

Smoke free. References a must. 201-697-0541

LYNDHURST Large 1 BR, Convenient Location. 1 1/2 months security. Semi-Furnished.

No Smoking. No pets.

Call evenings until 9pm.

(201) 933-1970.

KEARNY Furnished room for rent, private entrance, female preffered, wifi included. Avl. Now. N.ARLINGTON (201) 208-1580.

KEARNY 3 rooms, 1 BR, garden apt. complex 1st fl. $1,100/month. supply own utilities. 1 month security. 1 parking space avl. no pets. credit check.

Call btw 10am-7pm only N.ARLINGTON 1 BR garden apt. $1,100/ (201) 997-2341. month. HT/HW included.

Parking space. No pets.

KEARNY 1 BR . HT/HW (201) 342- 2206. included. From $1,100/ month. See super 6 woodland Ave. Apt. 1, or call after 5pm 917-858- N.ARLINGTON 2 BR, 8246 for appointment. apt. 1 bath, LR, Kitchen, basement laundry room, garage and backyard. $1,800/month Close to KEARNY Elegant apartment located on schools and transortasecond floor above the tion. Quiet St. No pets.

No smoking. Avl. Now Thiele-Reid Family (201) 970-2557 Funeral Home on Belgrove Drive. Three (201) 997-3517 or BR, LR, DR, Sitting Room. (551) 253-9360.

Kitchen with all appliances including Washer NEWARK & Dryer. Heat, HW, WiFi and off street parking included. $2400.00/ month. 1 month security. NEWARK 1st fl. 1 BR, Contact Steven Thiele at Kitchen, LR & DR. $1,100/ month. HT/HW included.

201-218-3370.

1 1/2 month security. Avl. Now. (862) 955-8624.

KEARNY Remodeled 4 BR, DR/LR, 1 bath, N.NEWARK Duplex, laundry hook up. Utilities Seperate. $2,000/mth. 1 ½ mth N.NEWARK SECTION 8 security. 973-767-8212 preferred, 1 BR, 1st fl.

2 BR and 3 BR. Near all Transportation and KEARNY Studio, $780/ Buses. Completely month. No Kitchen. 1 renovated. Call 973-2021/2 month security. Avl. 8580.

Now. (551) 580-6450.

ROOM FOR RENT BELLEVILLE Nice area Room for rent. $420/ month. 1 month security. Call after 4:00pm.

Avl. Now. (973) 336-5335 (862) 215-9440.

N.NEWARK Room for rent, Forest hill section. $400/month.

Shared Bath, No Kitchen. Utilities included. 1 month security. No smoking.

No pets. Call after 4:30pm (973) 752-6877.

KEARNY room for rent.

1 month security. Shared Kitchen. Female Preferred. No smoking. No pets. Avl. Now. (551) 580-8183.

KEARNY off Kearny Ave. 3rd fl. Clean, Small Kitchenette, $500/month. 1 1/2 months. security.

Female Preferred.

No pets. Avl. now. (973) 668-8305

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY FOR RENT KEARNY 2nd fl. 4 BR’s LR, DR Kitchen, 1 Bath.

No smoking, No pets, No parking. 1 1/2 months security. Avl. Dec. 1st.

(973) 418-5677.

KEARNY Newly Renovated, 1 BR, $1,100/ month. 1 1/2 months security. Avl. Dec. 1st. (201) 407-0773.

KEARNY

COMMERCIAL SPACE ON 1ST FLOOR. BASEMENT AND WHOLE PARKING LOT INCLUDED. $2,850/MONTH PLUS 1 ½ MONTHS SECURITY DEPOSIT. 1,800 SQ.FT APPROx. PLEASE CALL (201) 991-4165 OR (973) 462-5280

KEARNY Professional office space on Kearny Ave. 1 1/2 months security. 900 sq.ft. Proximity to PATH & Bus lines. Avl. Nov. 1st. (201) 362-5028 or (201) 889-3118.

HARRISON Harrison Office/Studio space. 200 to 10,000 sq.ft. available.

4 blocks to PATH. Prime location. Affordable rent.

(973) 223-5502

Table with tile top, 65 inch long and 35 in wide.

Comes with bench. Good Condition $75.00 Steel Blue bird cage with play top 18 inc. wide and 49 in hugh on stand $75.00 (201) 655-3819

HALL FOR RENT

SELF STORAGE FREE $30 Amazon gift card when you lease any self-storage unit at Kearny Drive-Up Storage!

Also, receive entry to win a $100 Amazon gift card when you mention OBSERVER. Offer through November 17th. Drive-Up Storage located at 445 Hickory Street in Kearny, NJ (off Midland Ave). Call 201-997-1787.

ESTATE SALE N.Arlington 11 Chesnut St. Friday, Nov. 11th, Saturday Nov. 12th. 9am4pm. Everything Must Go.

MOVING SALE November 11, 9am-5pm Furniture, treadmills, Oil heaters, massagers, Couch, and much more 257 Forest St Kearny, NJ After Saturday By appt. only (201) 428-7737.

Orders Coordinator Gift Wrap Manufacturing company in Newark NJ is looking for an orders coordinator with experience in gift wrap manufacturing .

$$ NOW HIRING! $$ Property Inspectors FT/PT in your area.

Free training provided. msangelabove@ comcast.net.

(732)766-4425

SEEKING APARTMENT Looking to buy one family home (attached/ row/townhouse) in Kearny for less than $180,000.

NO REALTORS, we are small family of 3 willing and able to close before the xmas/ New Year. Please email gyeennj@hotmail.com with address, pictures and asking price.

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

HIGH-PAYING PART TIME text (973)277-6428 Hall Available Mid week special.

Price Break-Call Parties, Business Meeting, & Functions (201) 991-9865 (203) 864-8243 Max 80 people.

REFLEXOLOGY

THE LOTUS Spa & Tea

by Lemarx Specializing in Traditional Eastern • Foot Reflexology • Deep Massage Aromatic Herbal Teas 613 Bloomfield Ave. Verona, NJ 07044 (973) 559-1193 www.THELOTUSSPATEA.COM

SERVICES OFFERED Certified aide seeks Position to take care of the elderly. 5-7 days, Live in/out. Excellent references.

(201) 407-1903.

Bus Drivers Part time per diem bus drivers needed to transport residents on local routes. Must possess a valid NJ driver’s license CDL class B, passenger endorsement. Shifts: Mon – Fri, 8am – 4pm or Sat – Sun 8am – 1pm. Salary up to $22 per hour. See Town of Kearny Website for application http://www.kearnynj. org/JobOpportunities Drivers: $.50cpm Loaded & Empty! $500.00 Orientation Pay! $16.00/ hr.

Detention Pay! Medical, Dental, Vision, Home EVERY Weekend! 1yr CDL-A: 855-518-2813.

Computer Experience, order entry and take order over the phone.

Customer Service Experience in Outlook & Excel F/T MON-FRI Please apply in person 260 Schuyler Ave., Kearny, NJ Hiring in Kearny Warehouse Personel and Delivery Helpers F/T Bilingual in Spanish.

Start $10.50 Mon thru Friday Apply in person 969 Newark Tnpke, Suite D Kearny.

(201)997-7689 x1104

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

Security Guards Part time positions in Municipal library and Recreation Depts.

Under direction, patrols municipal library and/or recreation parks, playgrounds and fields, enforces policies, deters vandalism, controls users of facilities, closes buildings and other related duties.

Possession of a valid NJ driver’s license required. Experience a plus. 24.5 hours per week, $12/hour.

Application available online only at http://www.kearnynj. org/JobOpportunities Looking for worker with experience in carpentry, tiles, plumbing and electricity. Work all year around. Good pay.

Contact Ramone (201) 889-8994 Busco trabajador x dia con experiencia en carpintería, cerámica, plomería y electricidad. trabajo para todo el año. buen pago contactar Ramone al (201) 889 8994

Dump truck driver clean class B CDL license with 2 years experience local work Newark area.

973-482-3462 Auto Bodyman and Man to Polish, Buff & assembles needed for Body Shop on Schuyler Ave., Kearny.

Call (201) 997-0295 (201) 889-5251

ANNOUNCEMENT

WE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING THURSDAY, Nov. 23rD AND FRIDAY, NOV. 24TH DEADLINES FOR CLASSIDIEDS WILL STILL BE ON MoNDay before 3PM. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS YOU CAN REACH US AT (201) 991-1600.

24

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2015

www.theobserver.com www.theobserver.com

The TheObserver Observerisisnot notresponsible responsiblefor fortypographical typographical errors. errors.Credit Creditfor forerrors errorswill willnot notbe begranted grantedafter afterthe the next week’s publication.

No changes next week’s publication. No changesor orrefunds. refunds.

Deadline for classifieds is Monday by 3:00 PM. Deadline for classifieds is Monday by 3:00 PM.

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

Looking for some Extra holiday cash?

Seasonal Christmas Employment could be your answer… Christmas Kettle Workers Ages 14+ (working permit required from your school for ages 14-17) $8.44 per hour November 17th- December 23rd, 2017 Monday-Saturday Applications Available September 8th from 9:30-1:00 p.m.

(Monday through Friday) The Salvation Army of Kearny 443 Chestnut Street (201) 991-1115 Contact: Lt. Hwang Lim or Rebeca Escobar

JC On the Move C&C Transport Inc. 1 Slater Drive, Elizabeth, NJ

WE ARE LOOKING FOR CLASS A RIVERS FT/PT, EXCELLENT PAY, FLEXIBLE HOURS 100% DROP & PICK. NO PIER WORK WE DISPATCH 24/7 365 DAYS A YEAR.

(973) 620-0073.

HABLAMOS ESPANOL Y FALAMOS PORTUGUES

CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

HANDYMAN SERVICES

Taxi driver needed for Classic CompanyNewark and bookkeeper for office. Please Cal l (862) 202-5765 or Fax resume to (551) 580-7294.

C.N.R. Contracting

HANDYMAN Do all types of home repair at reasonable cost.

Free Estimate AUGIE (973) 614-4679

A.A.

Drinking Problem?

We can Help?

Call A.A. 24 hours 1-800-245-1377 www.nnjaa.org CLEANING SERVICES

PT Dishwasher needed in busy restaurant in Lyndhurst. 4-10pm.

Fridays & Saturday.

(201) 935-0004.

Short order cook/ kitchen help & Light Cleaning needed for restaurant in N.Arlington. FT/PT flexible hours (917) 816-2419 FOR MORE INFO.

Couple from Poland will clean houses, apartments, offices.

References.

(201) 997-4932 Leave message.

Looking for FT Lead Teacher w/experience for Pre-k. For more Info. Call (201) 998-8100.

Drivers: Up to $.54cpm Loaded & Empty! $500.00 Orientation Pay! $16.00/ hr.

Detention Pay! Medical, Dental, Vision, Home EVERY Weekend! 1yr CDL-A: 855-518-2813

“ Susan Sparkles” I provide own supplies. Good Rates and Great References.

Call Susan at (973) 743-2039.

Now Hiring Harrison Nails Must Have Experience Positions Available Immediately Call (973) 268-2559

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

• Concrete • Brick work • steps

• Driveway Seal

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24

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

South Kearny’s landscape changing

By Ron Leir rleir@theobserver.com KEARNY — South Kearny is becoming a rapidly changing landscape, with some of the shape-shifting now readily evident, and more likely to come in the near future.

And it all has to do with transportation infrastructure to make the area more commuterfriendly, both for the general public and for development

interests.

Take, for example, the colossal structure now being built for $480 million to replace the Wittpenn Bridge linking Kearny and Jersey City.

N.J. Department of Transportation spokesman Dan Triana said, “Rt. 7 is being realigned north to accommodate the new bridge. … In Kearny, the new roadway to and from the bridge will join the existing

Rt. 7 before the NJ Transit overpass. There will also be on and off ramps from the bridge to Fish House Road.”

As part of the run-up to final alignments, DOT’s general contractor on the bridge project, George Harms Construction Co., of Howell, implemented a new traffic pattern on Oct. 28 which, according to DOT, “will remain for the next several months.”

Here’s the new setup:

Notification of Environmental Investigation and Cleanup Bergen Drive In Cleaners 299 Hickory Street, Kearny, NJ (Block 212/ Lot 44) NJDEP Preferred Identification #719652 October 2017 In accordance with New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) regulations for “Notification and Public Outreach”, the Estate of Anna Jackson is required to provide information relating to environmental conditions and remedial activities being conducted at the above referenced site.

Former operations conducted at the site include a spill or discharge condition associated with dry cleaning operations causing a local groundwater plume. Chemicals associated with site operations include, but may not be limited to several Halogenated Volatile Organic Compounds (HVOCs), such as Chlorodibromomethane, Trichloroethene, Bromodichloromethane and Tetrachloroethene.

These compounds were initially detected in the groundwater in 2016. Since this time, the person conducting the remediation has determined that the contamination in the groundwater has migrated from the site and will continue to investigate until the extent of contamination is determined.

LSRP David Morris is conducting investigative activities in accordance with the requirements of the NJDEP to address the chemical contaminants detected. The person conducting the remediation has evaluated the environmental impacts from the site including the potential for the contamination from this site to affect the quality of indoor air to ensure that any impacts from the contamination is promptly mitigated.

For additional information or to obtain a copy of the complete fact sheet for this site, please contact the Estate of Anna Jackson at (201) 963-1616 and the LSRP of record at (973) 467-5850.

• Rt. 7 eastbound traffic approaching the bridge crossing can either continue on Rt. 7 eastbound or follow signs for the new right side temporary exit onto Fish House Road.

• Fish House Road northbound motorists should follow posted detour signs onto Rt. 7 westbound for a U-turn onto Rt. 7 eastbound.

On the Jersey City side of the bridge, meanwhile, here’s what DOT is planning: Rt. 7 will connect from the bridge to Rts. 1&9 by using overpass ramps to be constructed as part of a separate Rts. 1&9 project completed a few years ago.

There will be three exit ramps: one for Newark Ave., a second for Tonnelle Circle/Rt. 139 and a third for St. Paul’s Ave. Going to the bridge, there will be two ramps: one from the Tonnelle Circle/Rt. 139 and a second from Rts. 1&9 Truck.

A new jug handle movement for Rts. 1&9 southbound to Newark Ave. westbound will also be added.

(We hope that’s all clear.)

Then there’s the matter of the 138-acre former Koppers Coke site straddling the Hackensack River along Rt. 7 whose current owner, the Hudson County Utilities Authority, designated the Morris Companies as redeveloper for warehousing in August 2014. N.J. Transit, meanwhile, is proposing to build a micro-grid across the central portion of the site.

Engineers, planners and lawyers for all three parties have been hashing out plans for developing the property and, according to one participant, a central theme continues to crop up in the conversations – facilitating transportation in and out of the largely land-locked site.

“Access is necessary to develop the Koppers Peninsula, as envisioned in the redevelopment plan for the site,” said Michael O’Connor, director of planning and energy for the HCIA. “This is a critical issue – to secure and create

adequate access – to the east via Fish House Road and to the west via Rt. 7 – to unlock the full economic potential of the Peninsula.”

In furtherance of this goal, the HCIA Board of Commissioners voted Sept. 9 to authorize its chairman and CEO, together “with counsel and such professionals, consultants and members of the [HCIA] staff deemed necessary and desirable … to investigate the process for and feasibility of the acquisition of the Diamond [Shamrock Chemicals site] and Bellezza site by the authority.”

The former Diamond Shamrock property, later known as the Tierra Solutions site, and now owned by Mariana Properties, an affiliate of Occidental Chemical Corp., is an environmentallycompromised tract now in bankruptcy. It lies on the western side of the Koppers Peninsula and is adjacent to the aged Portal Bridge, on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor line, which is due for a major federallyfinanced rehabilitation.

The Bellezza parcel, which is adjacent to N.J. Transit’s Morris-Essex rail line, is owned by James M. Salerno Enterprises. It is located at the eastern end of the Peninsula, on Fish House Road, just below the existing Wittpenn Bridge, and leases space for trucks.

With the additional land, the HCIA figures it can more easily facilitate transit in and out of the site.

How the acquisition would happen remains to be determined, whether it could be accomplished through negotiations, for example, or through the authority’s use of the power of eminent domain is an open question, O’Connor said.

Asked about compensation for the land, O’Connor said: “Issues like that will need to be resolved” at some point down the line.

When it could happen is also one of those issues but O’Connor said the authority is “confident” that it will, ultimately, happen.

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

SHOOTING

Continued from Page 1 A Nov. 3 release from the ECPO said that, “shortly before 10 p.m. Ridley entered a home on Berton Place.

Ridley, who was armed, shot the resident. A struggle ensued and the resident gained control of the weapon and fatally shot Ridley.”

The 32-year-old resident “sustained non-life threatening injuries. He was treated and released from the hospital, “ the release stated.

“Ridley, who fled the home and collapsed in Nutley, was pronounced dead at the scene.”

ECPO spokeswoman Kathy Carter said she couldn’t provide any additional details on the case, but she did say that the resident has not been charged in connection with the fatal shooting.

Carter declined to explain the circumstances behind the reported home invasion nor would she say whether a weapon was recovered from the shooting scene.

A law enforcement official

familiar with the case said the initial crime – the apparent home invasion – originated in Belleville on Berton – one block long – and ended up with both the dead man and the victim ending up in Nutley, near the intersection of Berton and King St. One neighborhood resident who lives in an apartment above half a block down from that intersection spoke to The Observer last week about his experience that evening.

Justin Bell, 22, who works as a transporter at Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, said he was settling in at home, watching TV, at around 9:30 p.m., “when I hear pop, pop, pop, about 10 times, and one last one.”

At first, he thought it might be firecrackers but then he nixed that idea because the sound “was so loud and clear” – more like gunshots.

So he went outside to investigate “and in about 10 minutes, there were about 10 cop cars all over” and then his eyes were drawn to the

Photo by Ron Leir

Neighborhood resident Justin Bell recalls hearing the shots that ended in the killing of a “home invader” just up the block at Berton Place and King St.

sight of “a guy on the ground dressed in black – flat out lying there under the street sign – he wasn’t moving at all.”

Police officers, meanwhile, “told everyone to go back inside,” which he said he did.

They remained on the scene until around 2:15 a.m., he said.

’

The only visible reminder of police presence as of last Wednesday, Nov. 1, was a shred of partially ripped yellow tape dangling from the door of the corner residence at Berton and King and from the street sign post.

In the 3+ years Bell has lived in the neighborhood,

25

this was the first violent incident he can recall. “This is a quiet place,” he said.

“That’s why we think [the home invasion] was targeted.

Maybe somebody who owed someone money. Because there’s no street element here.”

Was he now frightened by this sudden intrusion of violence?

“For me, not really. But for my daughter, a little bit,” said Bell. His daughter is just a year and a half old.

When The Observer visited the area Wednesday afternoon, things seemed relatively normal as people went about their business, including an Italian bakery off Union Ave., just a short distance from the shooting site where, according to one staffer, the baking of bread will continue, unabated.

Meanwhile, the ECPO said, its investigation “is active and ongoing” and “anyone with information is asked to contact the office’s Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force tips line at 877-TIPS-4EC or 877-8477432.

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

Waystation for winged creatures

Photo courtesy Michael Landy

For the past two years, students at Harrison’s Washington Middle School have been planting butterfly-friendly fauna and bushes in the school’s outdoor garden. That effort paid off a few weeks ago when Monarch butterflies alighted there to eat and rest before proceeding on their migration to Mexico. At the same time, members of the school’s Environmental Club, led by Amanda Kartanowicz, partnering with kids from the nearby Children’s Studio daycare center, released several Monarchs that were grown in the center under the direction of Sue Dasilva. Students displaying Monarchs, from l., are Chelsea Oliviera, Melanie Soto, Rosemary Casteneda and Isabella Abrantes.

Having a super day

Thanks to support from the Kids Helping Kids Foundation North Jersey, Inc., children who are inpatients at Clara Maass Medical Center, Belleville, a facility of RWJBarnabas Health, are able to take part in holiday festivities, including Halloween. The gift enables hospital staff to distribute ‘treat bags’ stuffed with candy, toys and other fun items to pediatric inpatients on major holidays that include Halloween, Easter and Christmas. The bags are then distributed to pediatric inpatients by Certified Child Life Specialist Laura Pantusco. In photo, from l., are Pantusco with 10-year-old patient William McCusker.

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201-991-1600

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

New Bergen patrol units aid local PDs Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal and Sheriff Michael Saudino last week announced the launch of a law enforcement initiative designed to promote both public and police safety across the county.

As of Nov. 1, the County Regional SWAT Team (RST) began deploying two patrol units countywide that will allow “highly trained and specially equipped RST officers to respond more quickly to critical incidents.”

The new units will primarily provide back-up and support services to municipal officers responding to dangerous calls for service, such as domestic violence calls, shots-fired calls, crimes in progress or high-risk motor vehicle stops.

In addition, they will support traditional RST calls for service, including active shooter, barricaded subject, or hostage situations. Because they will already be on the road, they will be able to respond more quickly to such calls and in some cases, avoid a full RST deployment when the quick-response unit alone is sufficient, authorities said.

On a daily basis, the RST

officers also will be checking schools, hotels, office and government buildings and other sites identified as “critical infrastructure.”

The general public might be unaware of how dangerous some “routine” calls can be.

According to a 2016 study by the U.S. Department of Justice, 34% of police officers killed between 2010 and 2014 were alone without back-up when they were killed.

The same study noted that in more than one in five (or 22%) of these instances, the slain officers were responding to a routine domestic-violence call. The report concluded that the “necessity of having three or more officers at a domestic situation to adequately separate parties, monitor family members and, if necessary, physically restrain and arrest a suspect, is apparent.”

“The goal here is to have these new units serve as a force multiplier for our local departments to ensure officer safety when responding to dangerous calls for service,” said Grewal. Such a response, he noted, “will be of particular benefit to our smaller, as well as our busier, departments.”

And the contest winners are ...

The Junior Woman’s Club of Arlington recently hosted a reception for the 44 entries to its Kearny Sesquicentennial Photo Contest. Over 100 people gathered at the historic Fire House on Halstead St. to enjoy a collection of finger foods and desserts and celebrate the contestants in eight categories of competition.

The photos were a collection of Kearny-scapes and representations of community.

“The Junior Woman’s Club wanted to contribute an event to commemorate Kearny’s Sesquicentennial year. Seeing the uniqueness of our town through the eyes of our residents, especially the youth, was exciting.

Being able to showcase the images in the historic firehouse, Kearny’s only building on the National Register of Historic Places, made the whole experience extra special. Many residents are not aware of the importance of this space,” said Brandi-

Leigh Miller, club president and member of Kearny’s Sesquicentennial Committee.

The contest was coordinated by JWCA Arts Chairwoman Bernadette Oberndorf and a committee of JWCA members: Denise Ganzer, Jenny King, Jennifer Mead, Sandra Uhler and Miller, along with the help of George Harris, Deputy Fire Chief Robert Osborn and Kearny FMBA Local 218 and Local 18, which made the firehouse available.

Contest judges included Mayor Alberto Santos, Councilwoman Carol Jean Doyle, Harris, local art instructor Desiree Mills and taking a turn from being behind her own camera, local photographer Barbara Goldberg.

The overall winner was Faith Kennedy, whose entry was called “Memorial Sunday.”

The winning photos in each category are now on display at the Kearny Main Library, 318 Kearny Ave.

U p p e r S c h o o l • L ow e r / M i d d l e S c h o o l All Girls 9 - 12 • Pre-K–8 Coed

/theobservernj She is survived by her beloved husband Alan, her loving children Nathan, Melanie Continued from Page 21 and Alainie; her dear cousin Socimo; her devoted siblings Palenque, Dominican Repub- Carlos, Sadery, Dayana, Juliana, lic, Emmy lived in Kearny for Gary and sister-in-law Amber; the last year. Prior to that she her cherished mother Melalived in Newark, after coming to nea; caring niece and nephews the U.S. with her family when Saribel, Ivan and Aiden; her she was 13. grandmother Mercedes; and She worked as a mail clerk for her devoted friends Veronica the U.S. Postal Service, Newark. and Iris.

She attended East Side High If you would like to send conSchool and later graduated Bar- dolences to her family, please ringer High School, Newark. visit www.mulliganfh.com.

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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017

E X P E CT B E T T E R

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