2018 01 17

January 17, 2018 • www.theobserver.com • Vol. CXXX, No. 36

HIGHLIGHTS A fundraiser will help those who lost it all in Maple St. fire.

See Page 18

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

FOREVER A HERO Photo by Karl Petry

A painting of the-late Kearny Firefighter Robert Hamilton, who died in the line of duty Jan. 13, 1941, is revealed by his relatives, Lt. Chris Hamilton (l.) and Capt. David Hamilton (r.), both of the Nutley Fire Department, at a moving ceremony in his honor at Kearny Fire Headquarters on Saturday, Jan. 13.

It was the 77th anniversary of his death. Until recently, Hamilton’s passing was not listed as a line-of-duty death. Read the entire story, beginning on Page 4.

#1 LIStIng And SeLLIng reAL eStAte COMpAny In 2015 & 2016!

201-460-8000

LyndhurSt OFFICe 761 ridge road, Lyndhurst, new Jersey C21Semiao@Century21.com

SCAn here!

CENTURY

Semiao & Associates

www.Century21Semiao.com

Download

http://kay

21 Semia

o and Assoc

iates http://www.ce - Hudson Coun t... ntury21semi ao.com

QR Code

Reader (App

R3I

Store &Andro

KeArny OFFICe 531 Kearny Ave, Kearny, new Jersey

C21Semiaokearny@Century21.com

wa.me/aB

the Kaywa

201-991-1300

id Market

BASed On nJMLS, KeArny, nOrth ArLIngtOn, LyndhurSt, hArrISOn, eASt newArK ) and scan

your code!

02

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

Harrison’s new police chief will be ...

By Ron Leir rleir@theobserver.com HARRISON — Harrison Police Lt. David Strumolo has come out first on the state Civil Service test for municipal police chief among the four applicants who took the exam.

Rounding out the list, Lt. Dennis McAlinden, with 33+ years of service, was No. 2; Lt. Edward Markowski, with 23+ years, was No. 3; and Lt. Dean McGee, with 28 years, was No. 4.

Strumolo was promoted to lieutenant in 2015; McAlinden, in 1997; Markowski, in 2014; and McGee, in 2012.

“All four are great guys,” Mayor James Fife said.

Whether Strumolo will get the top job in the HPD remains to be seen, however, because of the so-called “Rule of Three.”

In Civil Service parlance, that provision gives “an appointing authority” the latitude “to appoint any one of the top three interested eligible from a certification [list] to a permanent position.”

Until that is worked out, Lt. Edward Markowski, who finished No. 3 on the test, has been named acting Strumolo chief, effective last week when Chief Derek Kearns began what town CFO Gabriela Simoes Dos Santos described as an “extended vacation leave” that will end with his retirement on March 1.

Markowski’s temporary designation was made by Kearns, who, according to Fife, has recommended him as his replacement.

Fife said Markowski has previously served as the acting head of the department, at the chief’s discretion, to fill in during those times when the chief has been away or unavailable.

Next step, said Fife, is in the hands of the Town Council’s Police Committee, whose members – chairman James Doran, Jesus Huaranga, Caroline Mandaglio and Larry Bennett – met in closed caucus after last week’s council meet-

ing to discuss the “ground rules” on how to proceed.

Doran told The Observer the committee plans to McAlinden interview the top three candidates and, ultimately, make a recommendation to the full governing body. No timetable has been set for the task, he said.

The committee, he said, has several options: It can propose the hiring of a civilian police director in lieu of naming a uniformed chief; it can appoint the top-ranking candidate as chief; or it can go with the “Rule of Three.”

Asked about the director option, Fife said the police committee had previously kicked around the notion of a police director running the department – the town has, for several years, deployed a civilian part-time director with prior on-line experience to run the Fire Department – “but they never posted the job, they never sent out feelers.”

Winter Savings Event At Frank’s GMC CONQUEST LEASE CUSTOMERS LEASE FOR

$

2018 GMC TERRAIN SLE E FWD

179

PER MONTH 27 MOS.

• Matrimonial & Municipal Courts • Home and Business Sales • Wills and Estates •Labor and Criminal Law

LL TERRAIN T RRAIN PACKAGE PA KA PACKA KAGE GE 2017 GMC ACADIA SLE-2 AWD ALL

SAVE OVER

$

31,675

27% OFF MSRP

OR

Experience • Compassion • Results

Vehicle Color Is Crimson Red

CIFELLi & DAVIE

12,070

$

SAVE

0% APR UP TO 72 MONTHS

PLUS $2,250 DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE 6 cyl, auto, p/str/brks/abs/wind/locks/seat, a/c, dual sunroof, remote start, backup camera w/rear sensor and park assist, am/fm/mp3/OnStar/nav/sat/Bluetooth, traction control, security system, tire press. monit., alloy wheels, Driver Alert Package, Bose premium speakers, advanced all wheel drive system. MSRP 43,745.00 VIN# HZ257070 Stk# 26149. Lease Loyalty cash requires currently leasing a GMC, Buick or Chevy vehicle to qualify. All prices include all applicable rebates, incentives and discounts. Price excludes taxes, licensing costs, registration fees. Offer expires January 31, 2018.

2016 GMC SIERRA 1500 BUY FOR ONLY

$

SAVE

36,995 $7,920 OFF MSRP

DOUBLE CAB SLE 4WD PICKUP

334 Harrison Ave. • Harrison, NJ (973) 482-1180 or (800) 303-7716 Fax (973) 482-0223 kdavieesq@gmail.com

Inside this edition ...

Vehicle Color Is Onyx Black

8 cyl, auto, p/str/brks/abs/wind/lock/mirr/seat,remote start, backup camera, 110 volt outlet, duel zone a/c, am/fm/ mp3/onstar/sat., SLE Package, universal home remote, spray-on bedliner, alloy whls, tire press. mon., airbags, traction control, trailer tow pkg., security system. MSRP $44,915 VIN# GZ368128 Stk# 25569. Purchase Price includes all factory rebates and dealer discounts. Prices exclude taxes, licensing costs, registration fees. Offer expires January 31, 2018.

“We treat you like Family”

the Harrison Police Department that I can remember has the town resorted to using the ‘Rule of Three,’” Ford McGee said.

There’s no reason why the town should “skip over” the individual who came out first on a test for the most important position in the HPD, Ford asserted.

As for the departing chief, Doran said: “Chief Kearns spent a good portion of his life working for the Harrison Police Department. We’re sorry to see him go. We’re grateful for his years of service.

Simoes Dos Santos said the town will calculate Kearns’ accumulated vacation and sick time balances for a terminal leave package upon his retirement and payment will be made in three installments spread over three years in April 2018, January 2019 and January 2020.

She said the chief’s contract provides for sick leave to be capped at $15,000 plus unused vacation which, she estimated, could total “approximately $95,000.”

Ken Davie “Your Family’s Lawyer”

Vehicle Color Is Summit White

4 cyl, auto, p/str/brks/air/abs/wind/lock, backup camera, remote start, a/c, am/fm/mp3/Bluetooth/USB/on star, airbags, traction control, alloy wheels, security system, keyless entry. MSRP $ $28,815 VIN# JL232364 Stk# 26755. Lease total payments $4,833 Residual $17,865 Price includes $2,051 down payment with $2,230 due at inception which includes first month payment. Lease is for 10,000 miles per year, .25 cents thereafter. Lease Price includes $2,950 factory rebate and $1,500 competitive lease cash which requires currently leasing a non GM vehicle to qualify for this rebate, see dealer for details. Lease thru GM Financial. All prices include all applicable rebates, incentives and discounts. Price excludes taxes, licensing costs, registration fees and bank fee of $595. Offer expires January 31, 2018.

QUALIFIED GM LEASE LOYALTY CUSTOMERS CAN BUY FOR ONLY

Still, Doran said, the proposal is still on the table.

When Kearns first made the governing body aware he was Markowski considering retirement last year, “the union (PBA) asked us to call for a [chief’s] test so we did that,” Doran said. And Civil Service subsequently issued an eligibility list which is good through Jan. 3, 2021.

Doran echoed the mayor’s comments about the worth of all four superiors who took the test. “They’re all great candidates, they’ve all had great careers with the Harrison Police Department. … [But] we can still post for a police director.”

“We want to be thoughtful and reflective,” Doran said, in evaluating the situation.

“Here’s an opportunity to see what option is in the best interests of the town. We’re in a good position with the department being at full capacity at 39 with the chief.”

But for Harrison PBA President Allan Ford, there should be only one option to choose – appointing the candidate who finished first on the state test.

“Never in the history of

Proudly Serving & Supporting Our Community Since 1930

325 ORIENT WAY • LYNDHURST, NJ

201-939-7708

FranksGMC .net See dealer for details and limitations. Not responsible for typo errors.

Hablamos Español

Opinion....................................................................8 Food & Dining Directory.............................................12 Sports & Recreation...................................................13 Real Estate..............................................................20 Real Estate Directory................................................20 Obituaries................................................................21 Classifieds...............................................................22 Business Directory....................................................24 Health & Wellness Directory......................................25

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

03

A Starbucks? In Kearny? Maybe N.J. Transit property in the process, Hill said. The project should be done by the end of 2018, he added.

• Got a report from Kevin Murphy, deputy DPW superintendent, on

By Ron Leir rleir@theobserver.com

done by 11 a.m., he added, and by nightfall, virtually all streets had been plowed more than once. “I can’t remember another time when we had 13 plows out,” he said.

HIGHEST CASH PAID ON THE SPOT FOR YOUR OLD GOLD & DIAMONDS

Arlington

Jewelers

JEWELRY PROFESSIONALS FOR OVER 38 YEARS

Near Gold is r oz.! pe $1,270 antage v d Take A W! NO

Custom Jewelry Design • Watch & Jewelry Repair • Largest Selection in the AREA!

$2

HUGE 70%

WATCH BATTERIES

Bring in this coupon for a $2 watch battery.

High line watches not included. 3 per customer.

Expires 1/31/18

SELECTIONS

up to

15% OFF

OFF!

14k Gold Jewelry, Diamonds, Watches, Earrings, Pendants, Bridal, Silver. Exp. 1/31/18

ALL NEW JEWELRY & WATCH REPAIRS

Coupon MUST be presented when item is first brought in for repair. One offer per customer. Expires 1/31/18

36 RIDGE ROAD • NORTH ARLINGTON • 201-998-5036 We Specialize in Repast

11-35 River Road | North Arlington, NJ | 201.246.0100 CentanniNJ.com | Centanni Ristorante

PRE-ORDER YOUR FOOTBALL TRAY PACKAGES FOR

$

26

+ tax

18” LARGE PIE BUFFALO WINGS (12) CALAMARI ONE 3FT HERO

$

35

+ tax

18” BUFFALO PIE 18” PIZZA PIE TWO 3FT HERO MOZZARELLA STICKS (14)

PACKAGE 3

18” LARGE PIE MOZZARELLA STICKS (7) BUFFALO WINGS (12)

$

45

+ tax

PACKAGE 4

FEBRUARY 4, 2018

PACKAGE 2

be allowed. Dual-service drive-thru windows would be prohibited.

• Business hours would be limited to 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• Only drive-thrus that are “accessory to a coffee shop” would be permitted.

• Drive-thrus must be “adequately screened with landscaping from adjacent properties and roadways, and not visible from either.”

• Drive-thrus cannot directly “access onto a public thoroughfare” and cannot be “closer than 500 feet from any other existing or proposed drive-thru.”

Additionally, coffeehouse businesses in mixed-use/ overlay areas “shall require one parking space per 400 square feet or one space per eight seats if more stringent.”

No applications have yet been filed with the Kearny Planning Board for coffeehouse businesses.

Before the ordinance can be considered for final adoption by the mayor and council, the issue must go before the Kearny Planning Board for its review. The next council session is slated for Jan. 23.

In other business, the governing body: • Heard a briefing by Conrail’s Ryan Hill, director of design and construction, on plans by the rail agency to upgrade a double-track main line on the Passaic & Harsimus line which takes freight trains from the Northeast Corridor and Lehigh Line near Newark Liberty International Airport northeast and east through Kearny and into Jersey City. Conrail is applying for federal transportation funding to facilitate the improvements and must acquire some

PACKAGE 1

KEARNY — Could there be a Starbucks in Kearny’s near future?

The town’s elected officials perked up at the possibility as they voted unanimously last week to introduce an ordinance amending the Passaic Ave. redevelopment plan to include coffee shops with drive-thrus as a principal permitted use in mixed-use/ overlay districts.

The site reportedly targeted for accommodating the proposed use lies on the west side of the county roadway, close to the fitness center formerly occupied

by PathMark and near the new residential apartments now under construction, according to town sources.

Asked whether the giant coffee chain has expressed interest in locating in Kearny, Mayor Alberto Santos told The Observer, “Yes, that’s one of the inquiries that have been made regarding drive-thru restrictions.”

During the initial planning stages for the redevelopment of Passaic Ave., the thinking among town officials and professionals, according to Councilwoman Susan McCurrie, was that a drive-thru was something “contrary to” what was envisioned for the redevelopment area.

But now, said McCurrie, who chairs the council Ordinance Committee, after more consideration, officials are more inclined to accept the concept if it’s “limited to a single use.”

And the ordinance is structured to place several restrictions on how such a drive-thru could operate, as follows: • Vendor services would be limited to preparation and sales of hot and cold drinks such as hot coffee, espresso, café latte, iced coffee, tea, iced tea and other related coffee and tea beverages; hot and cold sandwiches; and pastries, bagels and desserts.

• Only “single service” drive-thru windows would

the DPW’s response to the early December snowstorm.

Instead of splitting up work crews into shifts, “we threw all the men into the streets in one shot,” he said. “It worked.” Dead-ends were

18” BUFFALO PIZZA PIE 18” HAWAIIN PIZZA 1 HALF TRAY PENNE VODKA 1 3FT HERO

$

60

+ tax

Make your Reservations for

Valentine’s Day! BUY 1, GET 1

BUY 1, GET 1

BUY 1, GET 1

BUY 1, GET 1

Eggplant or Chicken Parmigiana

Grilled Chicken

Chicken Marsala & Chicken Francese

Baked Ziti

FREE!

served over Pasta

FREE!

served with Vegetable Medley

FREE! over Pasta

FREE!

Sun. thru Thurs. 1 per customer. Cannot be combined. Must be dinner size entree. Any subsitutions will be extra charge. Not valid on holidays. Expires 2/15/18

04

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

ONCE FORGOTTEN, LATE FF

By Karen Zautyk kzautyk@theobserver.com KEARNY — Last Saturday afternoon, exactly 77 years to the day — and to the hour — that he gave his life fighting a meadowlands blaze, Firefighter Robert Hamilton was honored by the Kearny Fire Department, township officials and local residents for the supreme sacrifice he made.

It was a solemn, and somewhat emotional, ceremony, starting with a formal procession of the KFD honor guard, led by a piper playing “America the Beautiful,” and ending with the unveiling of a portrait to be added to the department’s Wall of Honor, and a plaque — already placed on KFD Engine 4 — citing Hamilton’s years of service and his line-of-duty death.

Hamilton had joined the KFD on Jan. 1, 1922, and died of a heart attack while fighting that brush fire on Jan 13, 1941.

So, why did it take so long to honor the man? Because, until fairly recently, no one in Kearny had known his story.

And because it wasn’t until well after 1941 (we are still trying to find the exact year the rule changed) that heart attacks — even those suffered by someone on active duty — were officially defined as lineof-duty deaths.

As we first reported in The Observer this past Aug. 23: “When the last group of Kearny Fire Department recruits was at the Fire Academy, they and the rest of the cadets were given an assignment by an instructor, Capt. David Hamilton: Research line-ofduty deaths in the department they planned to join. “‘Every recruit class gets this assignment,’ noted Hamilton, who serves with the Nutley Fire Department.

‘It’s educational, and they can give their report to the families of the firefighters and to the

Photo by Karl Petry

Firefighter Wil Lopez served as master of ceremonies at the special ceremony for Robert Hamilton.

department.’

“The KFD cadets learned that two members of the township department — Firefighter Emanuel ‘Manny’ Gennace (Dec. 24, 1977) and Capt. Robert E. Ball (Nov. 12, 1973) — had died in the line of

duty. They reported same to Hamilton, and he told them, ‘There was actually a third.’”

Capt. Hamilton knew this only because FF Robert Hamilton was his greatgrandfather’s brother and he had heard the story as a boy

from his grandfather.

Capt. Hamilton, who attended Saturday’s program with his own brother, Lt. Chris Hamilton of the Nutley FD, told us that after his Continued on the next page

Il Villaggio “Perfecting our traditional cuisine and service for more than 38 years”

Excellent Service, Exquisite Cuisine.

Specializing in classic northern Italian dishes, which include a wide variety of fresh fish & seafood specials that change daily.

We cater to Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Weddings, and Private/Corporate Events.

Mon.-Fri. 11:30am-11pm Sat. 5pm-12am Sun. Private Events Only

651 Route 17 North Carlstadt, NJ 201.935.7733

info@ilvillaggio.com www.ilvillaggio.com

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

05

FINALLY GETS RECOGNIZED life story.” To him, Santos noted, “public service as a firefighter was not a job, it was his vocation in life.” The mayor also presented the department with an official mayoral/council proclamation, expressing gratitude and condolences, and ending with this statement: “We remember and honor all fire and emergency personnel, past and present, who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service

Photo by Karl Petry

This dedication plaque was placed on the KFD’s current Engine 4 in Hamilton’s memory.

Continued from previous page grandfather died in 2009, he was going through some family papers and discovered news articles and Robert Hamilton’s obituary, which filled in the details of his relative’s death.

When we were working on our August story, Josh Humphrey of the Kearny Public Library and Steven Thiele of the ThieleReid Funeral Home helped us find obits and other information on the deceased.

And KFD Chief Steve Dyl gave us access to the hand-written records book detailing what had happened that fateful day so long ago.

The following is the report inscribed in pen and ink by Capt. I. Oliver on Jan. 13, 1941: “During an alarm of fire at 2:28 p.m. … a still alarm and telephone call from alarm dispatcher stated to send Engine No. 4 and Truck No. 3 to Hackensack Ave. near the Coca-Cola Co. “Upon their arrival found brush burning and dangerously near and close to parked autos of unknown owners. [Hamilton’s obituary noted that these belonged to employees of the Federal Shipbuilding & Drydock Co., which property was also apparently threatened by the fast-moving flames.] Stretched in three lines of 2 ½’’ hose with hydrant pressure to stop spread of fire.

“During course of fire, Fireman Sweet [we think that’s the name; handwriting was difficult to read] called to me stating Fireman R. Hamilton had collapsed at nozzle.

“Firemen Sweet, Lord and

myself carried him to road (Hackensack Ave.), covered him with blanket and immediately sent in a call for police ambulance of 2nd Pct. “Patrolman Campbell and Fireman Cliff Garrison arrived in ambulance and removed Fireman Hamilton to West Hudson Hospital.

“On my return to quarters, I was informed that Fireman Hamilton had passed away in death.”

On Saturday, Jan. 13, as part of the ceremony, actual alarms were sent out by the KFD repeating — at the same minutes/hours — the alerts and calls for aid that had been broadcast in ‘41. (Our colleague Kevin Canessa, who — like us — was not aware that this would be done, heard them on a scanner. When he realized what he was listening to, “I got chills,” he said.)

Among those attending the program, held at KFD headquarters on Midland Ave., were Mayor Alberto Santos and members of the Town Council.

Councilwoman Susan McCurrie, who serves on the governing body’s Fire Committee, addressed the audience, saying of firefighters, “They are a different breed altogether.”

“The men and women in the fire service,” she noted, “have a deep compassion for others” and there is “an unbreakable bond” among them. An example of that bond was the honor finally being paid to FF Hamilton.

“He was a hero whose story was found again.”

In his remarks, Santos cited Hamilton’s “very impressive

to their community by their faithful and loyal devotion to their duties.”

Hamilton’s impressive life story, by the way, included serving, at age 20, as a member of the U.S. Army serving in the Spanish-American War. When the United States entered World War I in 1917, he reenlisted — at age 38 — and spent 18 months overseas in that brutal conflict.

His service is noted on

his headstone in Kearny’s Arlington Cemetery, where he is buried with his wife, Lucy, who died in 1971.

Last summer, when Chief Dyl and yours truly searched for the burial plot (it was Dyl who found it), the stone was nearly illegible — covered with moss and mildew. Michael Perrone, president of the Belleville Historical Society — See HAMILTON, Page 26

BRADY, BRADY & REILLY

Experience. Expertise. Success.

NO FEES UNLESS YOU RECOVER DAMAGES. FOR 50 YEARS, BRADY, BRADY & REILLY has provided outstanding legal representation to citizens of North Jersey.

Firm attorneys are committed to their clients, their profession and their community. They have demonstrated expertise in handling complex legal issues and high-value claims.

PRACTICE AREAS The firm has a strong focus on personal injury cases including motor vehicle and construction accidents, medical malpractice, criminal defense, worker’s compensation and municipal court.

The attorneys are expert litigators and are known for their success in the courtroom.

LEGAL LEADERS The firm is pleased that partners Lawrence P. Brady and Kathleen M. Reilly have been selected for inclusion on the 2016 Super Lawyers list.*

Brady has 50 years of experience in representing clients who have suffered injury as a result of others’ negligence.

Since 1982 he has been certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a civil trial attorney. The National Board of Trial Advocacy has also certified him in a civil trial advocacy. His practice is concentrated on plaintiffs’ personal injury, products liability and toxic torts.

Reilly has 33 years experience in handling personal injury claims. She has numerous verdicts and settlements including a 1.8 million settlement for a worker injured on the job, a 6 million verdict on behalf of a bicyclist.

She is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and is certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a civil trial attorney. *No aspect of of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of NJ.

377 KEARNY AVE., KEARNY, NJ 07032

T: 201-997-0030 • F: 201-997-7150 • www.bbr-law.com HOUSE CALLS • HOME VISITS NOW AVAILABLE

06

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

Amid great destruction, hope rises for one Kearny family

By Kevin Canessa kc@theobserver.com KEARNY — On Tuesday, Jan. 9, my colleague Ron Leir and I traveled to Maple St., expecting to take photos of the aftermath of a massive fire that engulfed building Nos. 238 and 240. Instead, we found a minor miracle had just happened, one of the few good things that resulted from what could only otherwise have been seen as a tragedy just a few days earlier on Jan. 5.

As we walked toward the remnants of what was once a home to 50 people — many recent immigrants to the United States — from Bergen Ave., north on Maple, we noticed Ladder Tower 2, one of the Kearny Fire Department’s two huge ladders, with its bucket raised to a third-floor window.

At the time, there had been some talk, on social media,

Photo by Kevin Canessa

A woman pulled her car over near what used to be 238-240 Maple St. The building’s top two floors were taken down by a bulldozer last week in the hopes that investigators will ultimately be able to find the fire’s cause. It is believed the fire started in the basement.

and around town, that there was a possible flare-up again.

Fortunately, that wasn’t true.

But the reason LT2 was up

at the window was something that blew us away.

Before that story, let’s take a brief technical look, first, at

what was also going on at the time.

The building had already been deemed uninhabitable

BARELI’S

by the town’s Building Department. Fire Chief Steven Dyl told us a few days earlier that investigators were not — no one was for that matter — allowed to enter the building, not even for investigative purposes.

Its exterior was covered in ice. Dyl and Deputy Chief Robert Osborn told The Observer there were likely many inches of ice inside the building, running along the floors and charred remnants of the fire.

Going inside the building to retrieve items, mementos, not burned in the fire, wasn’t an option. At all.

It was just too unsafe.

However, raising LT2’s bucket to windows, so long as firefighters and superior officers didn’t go in the windows, was an option.

See FAMILY, Page 18

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

07

Floogals available on Universal Kids on Xfinity Stream app

A limited-time offer on limitless entertainment Today we stream in more places than ever before. That’s why Xfinity delivers the fastest Internet, so you’ll have the speed you need to stream at home. Or watch on the go with easy access to millions of Xfinity WiFi hotspots nationwide. Plus, with the Xfinity Stream app, you can stream live sports and hit TV shows, or even download your favorites to watch when you’re offline.

Right now, you can get a limited-time offer on Xfinity, with a FREE upgrade to faster speed included, for two whole years — through January 2020! Xfinity delivers the speed and streaming experience you want, at a price you can’t miss.

LI MITED-TIME OFFER

Get started with TV Internet Voice

89

$

99

a month

FOR 2 FULL YEARS

Enjoy this special rate through January 2020

FREE upgrade to 200 Mbps download speed for 2 years

with 2-year agreement Equipment, taxes and other charges extra, and subj. to change. See details below.

Hurry! This sale ends February 4th.

Go to xfinity.c om, call 1-800-XFINITY or visit your local Xfinity Store today.

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. New residential customers only. Limited to Starter XF Triple Play with Digital Starter TV, Performance Pro 100 Mbps Internet upgraded to Blast!

200 Mbps Internet, and Voice Unlimited services. Early termination fee applies if all Xfinity services (except Xfinity Mobile) are cancelled during the agreement term. Equipment, taxes and fees, including Broadcast TV Fee (up to $8.00/mo.), Regional Sports Fee (up to $6.75/mo.) and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change during and after promo. After promo, or if any service is cancelled or downgraded, regular rates apply. TV: Limited Basic service subscription required to receive other levels of service. Internet: Fastest Internet claim based on Xfinity’s fastest available download speed. Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. Xfinity WiFi hotspots included with Performance Internet and above. Performance Starter and below not eligible. Available in select areas. Voice: $29.95 activation fee applies. If there is a power outage or network issue, calling, including calls to 911 may be unavailable. © 2018 Comcast.

All rights reserved. NPA211612-0001 NNJ-Q1-Jansale-A8

124649_NPA211612-0001 Jan Sale ad NNJ A8 10x12.75.indd 1

1/5/18 1:38 PM

08

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

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.

To all who helped, we say thanks

In Memoriam Mary Tortoreti 1942-2016 Lisa Feorenzo Co-owner/Advertising Director Tina Feorenzo Co-owner/Advertising Robert Pezzolla General Manager Kevin Canessa Editorial, Web, Social Media Ron Leir Karen Zautyk Journalists Jim Hague Sportswriter Michelle Rybeck Graphic Designer Kim Pezzolla Sales

Display & Real Estate Ad Deadlines Thursday by noon advertising@theobserver.com Obituaries Deadline Monday by 10 a.m. obituaries@theobserver.com Classifieds Deadline Monday by 3 p.m. classified@theobserver.com Help Wanted Ads Monday by 3 p.m.; must be sent by email to classified@theobserver.com.

The Observer 39 Seeley Ave. | Kearny, N.J. 07032 www.theobserver.com

By Kevin Canessa I woke up at 5:15 a.m. on Jan. 5.

As usual, I made a cup of joe and turned on Channel 5 to watch “Good Day Wakeup.”

As the morning proceeded, I saw a report of a fire in Newark — it was an entire city block. It looked really bad. So I turned on my scanner (through my iPhone) and put on the Newark’s FD feed. While listening, I discovered some Kearny units were there.

I can’t remember exactly what time it was, but I can recall exactly what the Newark FD dispatcher said that caught my attention and which caused me to switch to the Kearny FD feed. “We’re releasing Kearny — they have a fire in their city (town.)”

The first voice I heard after switching was Deputy Chief Frank Viscuso’s. He and units from Harrison were heading to a reported working fire at 238 Maple St., Kearny.

The first units who arrived, from what I remember, discovered fire in the building’s basement.

There was an immense calm.

Those who were on-scene early had to know the conditions surrounding the fire … the ridiculous cold, the absurd wind, a wind chill that was negative in number, would make fighting this fire, let’s just say, a little more challenging than usual.

As time went on, more and more units were dispatched to the scene, from Kearny, Harrison, North Arlington, Jersey City, Belleville, North Hudson Regional (West New York, North Bergen, Union City, Guttenberg), Hoboken, Bayonne, Secaucus.

Almost the entire county sent units to this fire when all was said and done — though some kept vigil at KFD Headquarters in case another fire had broken out. Thankfully, no others did that day, though a day later, Lyndhurst was faced with a major blaze of its own.

As the morning went on, I took to Facebook to do a play-by-play of what I was hearing on scanner traffic from the warmth of my apartment. Through the 8 o’clock hour, the fire was still “going good” as they say. Units were evacuated from the roof for fear it would collapse, according to the traffic.

As it came to the 9 o’clock hour,

the fire still burned.

Chief Steven Dyl had long assumed command at this point.

There were numerous deputy chiefs on scene, including Viscuso, Robert Osborn and Bruce Kauffmann.

There may have been others, too.

Guys from the KFD who were off were bring recalled as reinforcements. When firefighters use the term “All Hands Going to Work,” they weren’t kidding in this instance.

That morning, at around 9:30, Lisa Feorenzo, the co-owner of this newspaper, arrived to pick me up from home. We headed right to Maple St., and found, somehow, a parking space about 1 ½ blocks away.

When we got to the scene at about 9:40 a.m. — give or take a few minutes — it was unfathomable what we found. Maple St. may as well have been the ice surface at the Prudential Center. Water dripping from hydrants was freezing in what seemed like nanoseconds.

Scores of firefighters were covered in ice, some from their helmets, others on their turnout-gear jackets, some both. Lisa captured photos of KFD Capt. John McCafferey who seemed to be covered in ice from head to toe.

The scene was surreal.

Officially, by 9:47 a.m., the fire was declared under control. But for many more hours, many members were still at the scene, working, in the inhumane conditions left by Mother Nature.

Lisa and I left the scene after what we thought was 45 minutes to an hour. But when we calculated the time we were actually there, it had only been a mere 19 minutes. When those 19 were up, and we got back to her car, both of our hands were in so

much pain, we could only sit there and thaw out.

If we were experiencing this pain, what were the firefighters and other first responders going through?

Most had been there, at that point, for at least two hours. We were there for a fraction of that time.

As the day wore on — and the days that followed Friday, Jan. 5, rolled on — it was pretty clear just how remarkable the performance of the firefighters and, for that matter, all the first responders, including the Kearny Police Department, various EMS units, et. al., truly was. And it also became clear just how special the people of Kearny, and its neighbors in West Hudson, truly are.

When Monday morning came, our General Manager Bob Pezzolla was greeted by countless clothing donations people left before we even got a chance to open the office.

So much clothing was coming to our office that we actually had to stop accepting it until we got word where it would wind up, ultimately (the Spanish Pavilion.)

For fear of forgetting specifics, I write this column today to thank each and every human being who, at one point or another, had a connection to this awful fire. Whether it was first responders, those who donated clothes, cash or other items, those who worked tirelessly to find new homes for the victims (there were up to 50 victims who lost their homes), we at The Observer, on behalf of, well, everyone in the area, say thank you.

Words are often not sufficient to thank the good people of West Hudson who banded together to help neighbors in need.

But as Dyl said last week, “This is what Kearny does.”

When one hurts, we all hurt.

And the outcome is like nothing we’ve seen in recent memory.

To all who had a part in helping our neighbors in need at 238-240 Maple St., thank you! Your love, your kindness, your compassion, your empathy, has not gone unnoticed.

Not for a second. We will never forget how we all banded together like this.

And again, we say thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

09

NEWS IN BRIEF Fife to seek second term HARRISON – Mayor James Fife told the Observer he will be seeking another 4-year term this year.

Fife, who turns 77 in April, said he’ll be running with the four Town Council incumbents up for re-election – Jesus Huaranga in the First Ward, Anselmo Millan in the Second Ward, Laurence Bennett in the Third Ward and James Doran in the Fourth Ward.

They’ll be running initially in the June 5 Democratic Primary and then the Nov. 6 general election.

So far, no opposition from either within the Dems or from GOP or independents has surfaced.

The primary filing deadline is April 2, but Fife said he anticipates he and his team will be filing nominating petitions by next month.

Fife, a retired Harrison High School principal, was serving as president of the Harrison Board of Education Feb. 12, 2014, when former Mayor Raymond McDonough died of a heart attack at Town Hall.

On Feb. 25, 2014, Fife was appointed by the Town Council to fill out McDonough’s unexpired term which was to expire Dec. 31. Fife then ran for a full 4-year term in November 2014 and easily outpaced challenger Eric Brachman by grabbing 70% of the vote in that election.

To safeguard pipes in winter time LYNDHURST – With a forecast predicting one of the coldest winters ever for the Northeast, Township Commissioner Richard Jarvis, head of the Department of Public Works, has issued the following alert on preventing frozen pipes.

Residents planning to leave their homes unoccupied for more than a few days are cautioned to follow these recommendations: • Maintain heat at a minimum of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Open cabinet doors where pipes are located to allow for more heat to enter.

• When your home is unoccupied, turn off the water at the meter.

• After having turned off the water, open the faucets

to relieve pressure. If you are home, let faucets drip slowly to keep water flowing.

• Pipes in unheated areas (attics, garages and crawl spaces) should be insulated.

• Never defrost frozen pipes in structures with an open flame such as a torch because this can be a serious fire hazard.

during the school recess sessions. Therefore, we have implemented a vacation camp to provide an opportunity for youngsters to partake in physical activity in a secure environment,” Tucci said.

Getting ready for camp NUTLEY – Commissioner Mauro Tucci and the Nutley Department of Parks & Recreation are conducting registration for Camp Nutley for the Feb. 19-23 school recess period.

“We recognize how difficult it has become for working parents to provide a safe, fun environment for youngsters

courts and more.

A fee of $160 per child is required for the session. The fee includes a special trip on Feb. 21. Hours of operation during See NEWS, Page 18

Grill & Cafe

Protecting pets vs. cold BELLEVILLE – Here’s a winter warning on behalf of household pets from the office of Mauro Tucci, township manager for Belleville.

Residents are reminded that a newly enacted state law, S1640, bans leaving pets chained up outside in bad weather for extended periods of time.

Violators risk penalties and loss of custody of their pets in some cases.

Under the new law, pets must not be left unsheltered outdoors when temperatures fall below freezing or reach as high as 90 degrees.

Pet owners found in violation will face fines of $100 to $200 per incident if they’re caught leaving their animals unattended in adverse weather for more than 30 minutes at a time.

The law requires pet owners to evacuate their animals during declared weather emergencies and permits local governments or humane societies to take custody of an animal owned by a repeat offender.

It also prohibits other methods of “cruelly restraining” animals, including chaining up puppies and nursing mothers, leaving them outdoors unsheltered overnight or tying them up at abandoned properties, among other conditions.

To report any related violations, contact the Belleville Police Department at 973-4503333.

The camp is open to Nutley youngsters in kindergarten through grade 6 and is run at the Parks & Rec facility at 44 Park Ave. which provides access to the rec gym, Owens and Glotzbach Park, the tennis

BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER • COFFEE BUY 12 DONUTS

GET 2 MEDIUM COFFEE

FREE!

CHILD EATS

FREE WITH ONE PAYING ADULT Monday Dine In- Thursday Only

15% OFF ANY CATERING ORDER OVER $100

Buy 2 Entrees

Get 1 FREE!

CATERING AND ON SITE CATERING AVAILABLE FOR PARTIES

Dine In Only for entree only Dine• Valid In Only

ENJOY MINI FRESH DONUTS MADE PER ORDER

Dine In Only • Excludes Drinks

DAPPER DOUGHNUT FRANCHISE INSIDE SCHUYLER GRILL AND CAFE!

25% OFF TOTAL BILL

WE DELIVER (MIN. $15) • BYOB • WE WELCOME CORPORATE ACCOUNTS

500 SCHUYLER AVE • LYNDHURST •201.935.0900

10

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

2 displaced by Page Ave. fire LYNDHURST — A 9-1-1 call warning of a house fire at about 10:50 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, brought township police, initially, to 140 Page Ave. There, Officer Paul Haggerty – also a township deputy fire commissioner – radioed a report of heavy fire coming from the second-floor windows on the front side of a single-family residence, public safety officials

said.

An occupant who was home at the time told officers they’d “detected a strange odor and ultimately found the second floor engulfed in smoke,” Lyndhurst police Det. Vin Auteri reported.

The occupant, along with two small dogs, fled the building safely, Auteri said.

A joint investigation by the Lyndhurst fire official’s office

and the LPD concluded that the fire likely started in a secondfloor bedroom and the cause appeared to be electrical in nature, “possibly the result of a faulty extension cord.”

LFD officials said upon the arrival of Engine 1, a 1 1/2-inch hand line was advanced to the room of origin and the main body of fire was extinguished but not before firefighters found

At the Presbyterian Boys and Girls Club | 663 Kearny Ave. | March 3, 2018 ■ ■

■

■ Doors open at 5p | Drawings start at 7p | $20 packs Admission $20 (includes a small sheet of tickets, dessert & beverages)

Small, medium & large prizes. Large prizes include 55-inch TV, Disney Hopper Passes, Playstation 4, Nintendo DS XL and more. | 50/50 tickets | Birthday Calendar Please purchase tickets in advance by calling Vanessa at 201-334-8336 or by emailing pbgckearny@gmail.com. Buy 8 to 10 tickets to reserve a table.

Bring your own food/drinks (no alcohol.)

■ All proceeds benefit the PBGC and the Bowling Alley Project

Top photo by Robert Muchnicki; bottom photo by Bonnie Felten

Flames shoot from 140 Page Ave. in Lyndhurst.

Try our famous authentic Neopolitan pizza!

Delicately prepared using imported, Italian ingredients and cooked for less than 90 seconds in a wood-fired stone oven.

• Happy Hour Monday to Friday 4-7pm • Super Bowl Specials • DJ/Live Entertainment (Call for dates) • Free Parking • Lunch Specials • Free Delivery

Enjoy your favorite spirits at our FULL BAR!

615 Frank E. Rodgers Blv. S. • Harrison, NJ

973-485-9200 • www.AhPizz.com 7 North Willow St. Montclair, NJ

VISIT OUR TWO OTHER LOCATIONS

4 West Main St. Denville, NJ

their water supply was hindered “due to a frozen hydrant” on their initial foray.

Engine 3 arrived at the scene and secured a secondary water supply mid-block, but that was found to be inadequate, the LFD said, as the fire spread to the building’s attic.

Mutual aid came from North Arlington’ F.A.S.T. Rescue 5 truck and an East Rutherford engine company while engine companies from Rutherford and Nutley and a North Arlington ladder truck provided stand-by coverage at Lyndhurst quarters.

At the fire scene, meanwhile, firefighters were also hampered by sub-zero weather conditions and things got worse when, “due to the floor collapsing on the second floor, crews were evacuated from the building as a “defensive operation” ensued to attack the fire in the attic.

Fire officials said a large amount of contents located within the second floor and

attic only added to the degree of difficulty in reaching and containing the flames.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported to either civilians or first responders.

The residence was deemed uninhabitable because of the fire damage and two residents were displaced as a result, officials said.

Officials extended credit to the fire departments of North Arlington, Rutherford, East Rutherford and Nutley for their aid and thanked the Lyndhurst Police Auxiliary, Lyndhurst Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, Lyndhurst Police Emergency Squad, Lyndhurst Department of Public Works and Lyndhurst Parks and Recreation Department, along with Teaneck Fire Department Box 54 and Moonachie First Aid & Rescue Squad “who performed valiantly and were unfazed by the brutally cold temperatures.”

— Ron Leir

aroundtown

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

Belleville

At the library The Belleville Public Library & Information Center, 221 Washington Ave., hosts the following programs during the upcoming week: Adult classes & events: Movie Mondays, Jan. 22 at noon, “Sunset Boulevard” is screened; Basic Computer Skills, Thursday, Jan. 18, at 10 a.m., a three-part series helps seniors uncomfortable with the computer discover its component parts, develop online search skills and learn the basics of Microsoft Word and Excel, then create an email account to communicate with friends and family; SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formerly known as Food Stamps, Friday, Jan. 19, 9:30-11:30 a.m., helps low-income individuals and families buy the food they need to stay healthy; Essex County Outreach, Saturday, Jan. 20, 9-11:30 a.m., Essex County Clerk’s Office schedules weekend hours to process passports and notary public oaths (for more information, call 973-621-4920) and plan to

arrive at the library at least 30 3500, for more details. minutes before closing time; Resume Assistance, Saturday, UNICO heads to A.C. Jan. 20, at 10 a.m., to get oneKearny UNICO sponsors on-one help with your resume. a bus trip to the Tropicana Casino, Atlantic City, Sunday, Kearny Jan. 28. The trip departs the PBGC dance Jan. 19 American Legion Post 99, at The PBGC, 663 Kearny Ave., 314 Belgrove Drive, at 8:30 hosts its annual winter dance a.m. Coffee and begins at 7:30 Friday, Jan. 19, from 7 to 10 a.m. inside the hall. The cost p.m. DJ Brian will be the star is $30 with $25 back from the disc jockey. The dance will be casino. To purchase ticksupervised by Tom Fraser, the ets, contact Lou Pandolfi at executive director, and mem201-693-8504 or lpandolfi@ bers of the board of directors. verizon.net.

Please note: the dance is for teens only.

St. Stephen’s Seniors meeting dates announced Pet licenses need renewing The St. Stephen’s Seniors club meets the following days Dog and cat owners are reminded it’s time to renew your in the first half of 2018: Jan. 23, pet’s license for 2018. Your Feb. 6, Feb. 20, March 6, March pet’s vaccination must also be 20, April 3, April 17, May 1, May 15, June 5 and June 19. valid for all of 2018. The fees are $21 for non-neutered or non-spayed pets and $18 for Lyndhurst altered pets. Licenses obtained after March 31 are subject to a Rabies clinic $25 late fee. Also, the Kearny The Lyndhurst Health DeHealth Department conducts partment sponsors free rabies its annual free rabies clinic vaccination clinics Jan. 18 and Saturday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m.

Jan. 25, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at the to 12:30 p.m. at the Kearny/ Lyndhurst Community Center, SUEZ Water Complex, 570 Tontine and Riverside Aves., Elm St. Call the health depart- behind the Little League fields. ment at 201-997-0600, ext.

Township residents may also

license their dogs and cats at the clinic. Call 201-804-2500 for more information.

Send Little League to Hall “Dine to Donate” at Mr. Bruno’s Pizzeria & Restaurant, 439 Valleybrook Ave., Monday, Jan. 22, and Feb. 12, 5-10 p.m. Mention the Lyndhurst Little League when you pay to have 20% of your tab donated directly to support the 12U Lyndhurst Boys’ travel team and their trip to Cooperstown.

For more information, email laurie.eckert@aol.com or call 551-265-3600.

Register now for LL play It may still be winter but Lyndhurst Little League Baseball/Softball is beginning preparations for the 2018 season. Boys and girls ages 4 to 14 are invited to go to Lyndhurstnjlittleleague.com to register for T-ball, Coach-Pitch and Major League baseball and softball through Jan. 31. After Jan. 31, a $25 late fee will be applied. Returning players can use their existing account to register.

Get into the pool The Winter 2018 session

11

for Swim America at the Lyndhurst Community Pool begins Saturday, Jan. 20, and continues for six weeks. Pick up an application at the Parks Department, 250 Cleveland Ave. The $115 cost may be paid by check, cash or credit card.

Space is limited so registrations are taken first-come, first-served. No registrations will be accepted at the pool or by mail. Call the Parks Department at 201-804-2482 if you cannot make it between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to register.

North Arlington Knights host prayer service The Queen of Peace Knights of Columbus will host a prayer service dedicated to the Holy Family on Sunday, Jan. 21, at 2 p.m., at Queen of Peace Church. All are invited to participate in this Rosary-based program, especially families.

Recycling? Don’t bag it!

The borough is no longer accepting plastic bags of any kind used for newspapers or commingled recycling. Any plastic bags containing recyclables left at the curb will be rejected.

KPD: Arrest was in the cards

By Karen Zautyk kzautyk@theobserver.com KEARNY — An 18-yearold cashier at ShopRite was arrested Jan. 6 for allegedly stealing nearly $3,000 worth of gift cards from the store, Kearny police reported.

The accused, Angela Espichan of East Newark, was taken into custody at the market by Officers Kyle Plaugic and Joshua Lopez, who had been called there by the manager at 1:13 p.m. As a cashier, she had allegedly been using “overrides” to void the apparent sale of cards but which left cash value on them.

Police said she had stolen $2,600 worth of cards for Uber, Visa, Nike, Bath & Body Works, Domino’s, Starbucks, Best Buy, Applebee’s, Burger King and Gift Box. Officers

reportedly recovered two additional $25 Starbucks cards that were in her home and, in a search incident to arrest, allegedly found her in possession of five more gift cards, valued at $300 total.

Espichan was booked for theft and was released on a summons.

••• Other recent reports from the Kearny police blotter included the following: Jan. 3 At 2:46 p.m., Dets. Michael Andrews and Cesar Negron reportedly observed Shayne McDonnell, 23, of Kearny, involved in a drug transaction at Belgrove Drive and Park Ave. Police said he took off on foot, was chased and caught on Park and was found to have been in pos-

session of 16 wax folds of suspected heroin. He was charged with possession of CDS and drug paraphernalia and obstructing the administration of law, and was released on a summons.

Jan. 6 Officers David Bush, John Fearon and Michal Gontarczuk responded to a 6:15 p.m. report of a two-car accident on S. Midland Ave. and found that a 2015 Nissan had apparently been rear-ended by a 2016 Dodge. Police said the Dodge driver — Paulino Romero-Dean, 59, of North Arlington — appeared to be intoxicated and failed field sobriety tests and an Alcotest. He was charged with DWI and careless driving and released on a summons.

Jan. 10 At 2:32 p.m., police said, Officers Jordenson Jean and Ryan Stickno were on patrol near Bergen and Passaic Aves. when they observed a passing tow-truck driver drinking from a flask and then turn into the Burger King property without signaling. Police said the driver emitted the odor of alcohol and the flask was found to contain Hennessy cognac. Kamal Mejhed, 48, of Bayonne, reportedly failed FSTs, was charged with DWI, driving with a suspended license, failure to surrender a suspended license and failure to signal, and was released on a summons. But the tow truck was impounded.

Jan. 11 Officers Jonathan Dowie

and Harold Azurdia, on patrol near the Belleville Pike and Beech St., at 3:53 a.m., spotted a 2014 Toyota with an obstructed license plate, ran a computer check and found that the registered owner was on the suspended list.

When they stopped the car on Schuyler Court, police said, they detected the odor of raw marijuana and from the center console recovered an Rx bottle with two baggies of pot, a grinder and a vaporizing pen containing marijuana oil. Driver/owner Kevin Grullon, 24, of Bayonne, was charged with possession of pot and paraphernalia, possession of a CDS in a MV, driving while suspended, failure to surrender a suspended license and the obstructedplate violation. He was summonsed and released.

12

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

Neves to bolster fire prevention efforts Bureau. Barroso was permanently named fire official/chief fire inspector in January 2017.

KEARNY – In the wake A Newark native who of a devastating blaze Jan. 5 graduated from East Side High that consumed a multi-family School, Neves initially seemed residence on Maple St., the headed in a much different Kearny governing body has directon. After receiving an taken steps to beef up protec- associate degree in business tion for property owners. from Union County ColOn Jan. 9, the mayor and lege, the young entrepreneur Town Council presided over launched an entertainment the swearing in of Daniel Nebusiness. ves as fire prevention specialBut, a bit later, Neves reoriist (inspector-combustibles). ented his life and applied for That action followed on the a job as a firefighter. Kearny heels of Neves’ Dec. 23 aphired him in 2015 and assigned pointment to the post at an him to Station 2. Showing he annual salary of $110,838, effec- was serious about firefighting, tive Jan. 1, 2018.

Neves enrolled in the Morris Neves now joins Juan BarCounty Public Safety Acadroso Jr. in the suddenly-exemy and completed a course panded KFD’s Fire Prevention

By Ron Leir rleir@theobserver.com

the rebuilding of the KFD – a goal that started with filling all the available slots in the rankand-file Table of Organization and continuing with specialized units within the department.

By year’s end, Dyl said, the department should be able to complete inspections of local small businesses and make a dent in multiple-unit dwellings with help from the state.

And, Dyl said, the department is now in a position to re-focus efforts on “following up on complaints” and on fire safety education with youngsters in local schools.

Photo by Ron Leir Whether that will make a Mayor Alberto Santos (l.) swears in Daniel Neves as fire prevention real difference in preventing specialist as Neves' mom holds the Bible. fires of the magnitude that the town recently experienced on of study leading to certificaMaple with an estimated 50 tion as a fire investigator/fire people left homeless remains official. to be seen. The KFD got Congratulating Neves on another boost recently when his appointment, Fire Chief the town agreed to accept a Steven Dyl said: “This is a $20,000 donation from the milestone we’ve been trying to achieve in the last five years Kuehne Chemical Co. in south Kearny to be used toward the – getting our Fire Prevention purchase of a new fire depart Bureau up to snuff.”

Food&Dining directory

TR

ero’s estaurant

Centanni Ristorante Italian Cuisine & Bar 11-35 River Rd., North Arlington 201-246-0100 Tero’s Restaurant Portuguese Cuisine 222-224 Ridge Rd., Lyndhurst 201-935-8818 Nino’s Ristorante & Pizzeria Pizza & Italian Cuisine • Wine & Beer

442 Bergen St., Harrison 973-484-5770 • OriginalNinosPizza.com

Cooper’s Block Pub & Eatery 95 Kearny Ave., Kearny • 201-991-9677 www.coopersblockpub.com

To advertise, call 201-991-1600

Strengthening that unit, said Dyl, is part of what he called

See SAFETY, Page 25

Let’s Talk

Real Estate Presented by Jarlynn Hyde Broker/Owner

FORTUNE FAVORS THE BOLD!

Conventional wisdom holds that home sellers fare best when they stick to neutral colors because buyers are better able to imagine themselves in homes that do not display colors that might be too eccentric.

While this may be true, it seems that many buyers have become influenced by the colors, designs, and materials they have seen on many of the home-makeover shows featured on cable TV. In fact, a recent analysis by a nationwide online real estate site reveals that buyers attach more value to homes that sport a bit more personality. Sellers may therefore want to see which color is currently most in favor and adorn their front

doors or interior accent walls with it.

The term “neutral colors” doesn’t limit you to shades of white and beige. With a little pre-planning and a sense for the effect color has on the mind, you can use browns, greens and even bolder colors to highlight your home. If you’re thinking of buying a home or listing one, please call our office. We are a privately owned agency that is not governed by a large corporation.

This means we have more flexibility when it comes to making decisions that meet the needs of our customers and clients. “Our success has been built one satisfied customer at a time.”

Visit out website at: www.midrealty.com HINT: When sprucing up their homes for sale, sellers should ask their real estate professionals and designers what colors, materials, and surface finishes sell best.

Mid-Realty, Inc

572 Kearny Avenue • Kearny, NJ 07032 Office: 201-991-5719 • Cell: 201-602-7222

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

13

sports&recreation SPORTS VIEW

CONTACT JIM HAGUE AT OGSMAR@AOL.COM

North Arlington bowling team wins Bergen County championship The North Arlington High School bowling team returned all five starters from last year’s team, a fact that wasn’t ignored by veteran coach Dan Farinola.

“We had a high average last year with everyone coming back,” Farinola said. “So I thought that we could compete this year.”

The first step came recently when the Vikings knocked off neighboring rival Lyndhurst, sending the Golden Bears to defeat for the first time in over five years and some 105 consecutive matches.

“We always compete with Lyndhurst,” Farinola said. “So that was a good sign.”

The next positive sign took place Saturday afternoon at Bowler City in Hackensack, when the Vikings emerged from a highly competitive pack to win the Group I and II team championship at the Bergen County Championships.

The Vikings were fourth overall including the larger schools, but captured top honors among the smaller schools for the second time in three years.

Incredibly, a district with such a storied tradition in bowling never won the county title before two years ago and

now the Vikings have two county titles in the last three years.

“It’s a nice accomplishment to win this year,” Farinola said.

Senior Kenny Bennett is the lone bowler who was on both championship teams. Bennett had the high series of the day for the Vikings, rolling a 572 series in the morning and a 639 series in the championship round in the afternoon.

Bennett had a 222 high game.

“He’s always performed well in the bigger spots,” Farinola said. “He always shows up to play. I expected him to do well.”

Junior Liam Henkel had a 584 series in the morning session to help the Vikings qualify among the eight smaller schools for the second session, where Henkel bowled a 582 series. That’s incredibly familiar.

“He’s always consistent,” Farinola said. “He’s consistent as you’d get.

He’s almost very roboticlike. He doesn’t get too nervous or too anxious.

He’s the same all the time.”

Henkel had a high game of 226.

Junior Eric McKenna is perhaps the most athletic of the Vikings. McKenna See VIEW, Page 15

Nutley wrestling team enjoys ‘Gift of Life’ Day to promote organ donor awareness

By Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com

NUTLEY – Mike DiPiano Sr. faced his own mortality almost 25 years when he was in dire need of a kidney and pancreas transplant. A veteran high school wrestling coach at St. Benedict’s Prep, the man known as “Big D” needed the transplant to save his life.

DiPiano Sr. received the “Gift of Life” from a 21-year-old accident victim from Philadelphia who is simply known as Sean.

Now, 23 years after that fateful day, DiPiano Sr. wants others to understand just how important it is to volunteer as an organ donor.

“It means everything to me,” DiPiano Sr. said. “Without Sean, I wouldn’t be here.”

DiPiano’s sons, Mike Jr. and Frank, are dedicated wrestling coaches like their father. Frank, the former head coach at Nutley High School, has taken over the program at St. Benedict’s Prep that his father once mentored.

Mike DiPiano Jr. is one of the hardest working coaches in northern New Jersey, as the head coach of the Nutley High School girls’ soccer team and head coach of the Nutley wrestling team, as well as an assistant coach with the Nutley softball team.

Last Saturday, the seventh annual “Gift of Life” wrestling duals took place at Nutley, with the Maroon Raiders playing host to five other teams, including St. Benedict’s Prep, Northern Valley-Demarest, Millburn, Columbia and Kinnelon, with the entire day based on drawing awareness to organ donation.

“We’re hoping to get people to sign up as organ donors,”

Photo by Jim Hague Nutley senior John Hickey (top) has become a mainstay in the Maroon Raiders’ lineup this season. Hickey defeated this Millburn wrestler, 10-2, in Saturday’s seventh-annual “Gift of Life” Duals at Nutley High School.

DiPiano Sr. said. “It’s all pretty neat. I was able to watch my children graduate from high school and college and become coaches. I’m watching my granddaughter grow up. None of that was possible without the transplant.”

The Sharing Network was on hand to supply information to people who were interested in possibly becoming organ donors.

“It’s a great day for me,” said DiPiano Sr., whose “Big D’s Gift of Life Foundation” was able to purchase approximately 150 Christmas gifts recently for children who were patients at St. Barnabas Hospital. “People don’t stop talking about the day.

We’ve had hundreds of people check off the boxes on their driver’s license to become organ donors because of this day.

We’ve had a couple of organ recipients.”

One of those is Nutley native Steven Searle, who received a

kidney because of the “Gift of Life” event.

The elder DiPiano took to the microphone to speak to everyone in attendance Saturday — athletes and spectators alike. Maybe the message hit home to a handful of others.

One can never tell.

In the meantime, the younger DiPiano had to get his team ready for the competition part of the day. The Maroon Raiders field a very young roster, one that is battling to remain healthy.

“We’ve had five guys out of the lineup,” Mike DiPiano Jr. said. “We’ve had concussions and knee injuries. We just don’t have the numbers we’ve had in the past. Wrestling is not an easy sport. You see larger numbers in other sports where the commitment is not as tough.

We have a lot of new guys in our lineup.”

See NUTLEY, next page

14

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

gram for four years, but this is the first time he’s in the varsity lineup,” DiPiano said. “He’s Continued from Page 13 really tough and works hard in the practice room. I wish I our lineup.” had more tough kids like John Justin Eltzholtz is a sophoHickey.” more 106-pounder who is Sophomore Tyler Brown is experienced from his days with the team’s 138-pounder. the Nutley Recreation wrestling “He’s a first-year wrestler,” program.

DiPiano said. “He’s learning the Freshman Vincent Negra is sport. He’s a ju-jitsu kid, a kid a 113-pounder who also learned with tae kwon do background. his craft in the Nutley Rec He asks a lot of questions.” program.

Sophomore Ryan Ycaza is the “But wrestling varsity is a team’s 145-pounder. different level of wrestling,” “He’s competing in one of the DiPiano said. “He’s coming toughest weight classes,” DiPialong nicely.” ano said. “He needs to commit Sophomore Dean Polewka is to wrestling year-round.” the team’s 120-pounder. Polewka Senior Frank DeMaio is one won 10 varsity matches last of the mainstays in the Maroon year.

Raiders’ lineup. The 160-pound “He’s a tough kid who plays DeMaio is undefeated right soccer in the fall,” DiPiano said. now, posting a 13-0 record thus “He had a successful freshman far. He’s already committed to year.”

Delaware Valley University, Sophomore Jacob Gonzalez is a school that former Maroon the team’s 126-pounder. He was Raider wrestling standouts fourth in the district championBobby Trombetta and Rob Duxships last year. bury competed for. Duxbury is “He could have gone to the currently at Delaware Valley as Regions,” DiPiano said. “He’s a 149-pounder. Trombetta is an a talented wrestler who works assistant coach with the Nutley all year round in wrestling. He’s wrestling program. committed to the sport.”

“Frank has defeated some Senior John Hickey is the good opponents,” DiPiano said.

Maroon Raiders’ 132-pounder.

“His goal is to get to Atlantic “He’s been around the pro-

NUTLEY

EYE

CARE

DeLuca Vision Consultants Presented by

Joseph A. DeLuca, M.D., F.A.C.S. THOSE YELLOW BUMPS ON THE EYE

If you ever wondered what those yellowish growths on the conjunctiva in the white portion of the eye (sclera) are, they are called “pingueculae.” These tissue growths most commonly grow on the side of the eye nearest the nose (medial). When they extend into the cornea, they are called “pterygia.” They are age spots of sorts, which represent age-related degeneration of the conjunctival tissue due to accumulated exposure to sunlight. If pingueculae affect vision, irritate the eye, or prove to be unsightly, they can be removed under local anesthesia.

Because they are benign, pingueculae rarely require treatment.

If they become inflamed, artificial tears for lubrication and mild antiinflammatory eye drops may be

prescribed to reduce swelling.

Comprehensive eye exams are important not only to determine if you need correction to see well, but also to maintain your eye health. While some diseases have obvious symptoms such as red eyes, light sensitivity, or flashing lights, many serious, vision-threatening problems have no warning signs. For more information, please call 201-896-0096, or visit us at 20 Park Avenue, Lyndhurst (our optical shop is 201-8960007). When it’s time to “get your eyes checked,” make sure you are seeing the right eye care professional for your needs.

P.S. The potential development of pingueculae provides you with one more reason to wear sunglasses.

www.delucavision.com

ing at the lineup at 220 pounds.

“Justin just came out for wrestling for the first time,” DiPiano said. “I wish I had more kids like Justin.”

Junior Dominic Coffone is out of the lineup right now, but DiPiano is hopeful to get the 113-pounder back soon.

“He’s placed in the top four in the county twice and made it to the Regions,” DiPiano said.

“We’re excited to get him back.”

The Maroon Raiders are Photo by Jim Hague ready for the Essex County Championships Thursday and There was a special feeling at the ‘Gift of Life’ Duals Saturday at Friday at the Codey Arena in Nutley High School. From l. are Nutley head coach Mike DiPiano West Orange.

Jr., senior captains Frank DeMaio and Frank Gabriele and legendary “We’re teaching more than wrestling coach Mike DiPiano Sr. we ever did,” DiPiano said. “But City (site of the NJSIAA cham- er. we’re having fun. The results pionships in March). I think “He had a nice year last year may not have been where we he has a good shot to get there. as a freshman,” DiPiano said. want, but we have hard working He’s had a great career with us. “He’s a good athlete who plays kids in the program.”

He’s a great kid.” football and baseball. He has a The assistant coaches are DeMaio should reach the 100- lot of promise in wrestling. He’s also hard workers, guys like win milestone in the coming going to be a team leader down Trombetta and Nick Ritacco, weeks. the road.” former Maroon Raider wresSenior Frank Gabriele is the Senior Joey D’Alessio is the tling standouts. Neal Pucillo, the team’s 170-pounder. Gabriele Maroon Raiders’ 220-pounder. former head coach at Montclair owns a 13-1 record thus far.

He’s already won 10 matches Kimberley Academy, is also “His goal is to get to Atlanthis season. with the Nutley program these tic City as well,” DiPiano said.

“He’s having a good year,” days, along with Ralph DiPas“He’s ready to make the attempt DiPiano said. “He won the quale. to get there. He’s made it to the recent TCNJ Invitational. He’s a But it all began with a special Regions twice. He most likely different wrestler than what he day last Saturday. will wrestle in college.” was last year.”

“We may have saved a life or Freshman Nick Polewka is the Luis Abreu is the team’s two already,” Mike DiPiano Jr. team’s 182-pounder. heavyweight. said. “We hope that the hun“He’s in a really tough weight “He’s a big guy (6-foot-2, 260 dreds of other kids we touched class for a freshman,” DiPiano pounds) who we’re looking for will save other lives as well.” said. “But he’s working real hard more consistency from,” DiPiIf anyone needs proof, they and learning a lot. He’s made a ano said. “He’s been working should look no further than the huge jump in his ability.” hard to get better.” guy who is affectionately known Sophomore Dan Jennings is The Maroon Raiders also as “Big D.” the Maroon Raiders’ 195-pound- have senior Justin Luna crack-

Come to our Open House!

Celebrate Catholic Schools Week at Queen of Peace Grammar School Sunday January 28th from 11:30AM-2PM & January 29th through February 1st from 9AM-1PM

LET THEIR LIGHT

SHINE!

REGISTERING NOW FOR SEPTEMBER 2018

Full-day Preschool 3rd through 8th Grade Before & After Care • STEM infused curriculum • Extracurricular Activities for all interests

Give your child the gift of a Catholic Education

QUEEN OF PEACE GRAMMAR SCHOOL 21 Church Pl. | North Arlington | 201-998-8222 | www.qpgs.org

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

15

Davie’s for Duquesne

VIEW

Continued from Page 13 is also a superb soccer player, one of the best soccer players in the North Jersey Interscholastic Conference. McKenna also is a fine baseball player.

McKenna holds the Vikings’ top average of the season at 197 per game. He rolled a 549 series in the morning and a 582 in the afternoon with a 222 high game.

“They’re all pretty consistent,” Farinola said.

But it’s remarkable that Henkel and McKenna both rolled the same exact score in the afternoon session.

“Consistency is what we preach,” Farinola said. “I like the way they compete. Eric is probably the most focused bowler on the team.”

Brandon Barth is the younger brother of former girls’ soccer and girls’ basketball player Taylor Barth. Brandon Barth is also a baseball player as well.

Barth bowled a 477 in the morning and a 566 in the afternoon.

Trent Petito, a sophomore, rolled a 557 in the morning and a 519 in the afternoon.

The Vikings took the lead in

Photo courtesy of Dan Farinola

The North Arlington bowling team won the small schools (Groups I and II) championship at Saturday’s Bergen County Championships at Bowler City in Hackensack. From l., are Liam Henkel, Trent Petito, Kenny Bennett, Brandon Barth, Eric McKenna and head coach Dan Farinola.

the early morning and never lost a hold of first place. The Vikings finished 63 pins ahead of runner-up Mahwah with Lyndhurst coming in third.

“I think the day gave us a lot of confidence,” said Farinola, who also coaches the girls’ soccer team in the fall months and the golf team in the spring.

“It was a big step for us. We’re always competing with Lyndhurst, so this was a first big step for us. I think the big advantage is that we have a bowling alley (the New North Arlington Bowl in Schuyler Avenue) right down the block. Our kids can

Premier Care TALKS Presented by

Dr. Prakash J. Doshi AVASCULAR NECROSIS

Avascular necrosis, also called osteonecrosis, is the death of bone tissue due to an interruption of the supply of blood to the bone. Healthy people have very little chance of developing this deteriorating condition. Most of the people at risk are younger than 60 but older than 20. About 20 percent of the time, avascular necrosis occurs when the femur (the thighbone) has been broken.

For reasons not yet completely understood, the long-term use of corticosteroids for inflammation has been known to result in the condition. Other health conditions such as HIV, sickle cell disease, or pancreatitis can cause this type of necrosis. In addition, drinking too much alcohol can lead to avascular necrosis.

Avascular necrosis most commonly occurs in the hip. Other common sites are the shoulder, knees, and ankles. For prompt treatment of illnesses and injuries, please call PREMIER CARE ASSOCIATES OF WEST HUDSON at 201-998-7474 to schedule an appointment or you are welcome to just walk into our office.

We provide routine immunizations and complete physical examinations including electrocardiograms (EKG0, laboratory services. Our office is located at 512 Kearny Ave., Suite B. P.S. Consider any sudden increase in pain when suffering from an already treated broken bone to be a possible interruption in blood supply, and call the doctor immediately.

always go to the bowling alley whenever they want. It’s a big advantage for us.”

The Vikings now prepare for the upcoming NJSIAA state sectionals, also at Bowler City, on Feb. 3.

“We think we can be competitive that day as well,” Farinola said. “It’s our goal. We feel good coming into the state sectionals.”

From there could be a berth in the overall NJSIAA Tournament of Champions. It’s not out of the question for the locals.

Photo courtesy of Ken Davie

Local attorney Ken Davie (r.) is seen here with Duquesne Law School Dean Maureen Lally-Green at a recent Law Alumni Dinner in Pittsburgh, where he accepted an appointment as a Duquesne Alumni Ambassador. Ambassadors assist in bringing the next generation of the school’s law alums and admitted students in the New York City Metropolitan Area. Duquesne has achieved a 91% and 92% first-time pass rate for the Pennsylvania Bar and other state bars. Davie, a lifelong Kearny resident, is a 1973 graduate of the Duquesne Law School, where he was the Appellate Moot Court winner and named to the Order of the Barristers. He is a Duquesne Centennial Fellow and partner in the Cifelli & Davie Law Firm, Harrison, which marks its 40th anniversary this year.

New Year, New You.

No Excuses.

New Lifting Circuit

Limited Time Special

$19

99

Top Notch Zumba Instructors

Free Weights, Cardio & More!

+tax

a month No Hidden Costs

Group Exercize Classes

Show This Ad For A Free One Day Trial!

Email any questions or comments to: premiercare@gmail.com

Premier Care Associates of West Hudson is available on a walk-in or appointment basis for your primary healthcare needs.

East Side Fitness, Kearny

@eastside_fitness

495 Kearny Ave, Kearny NJ • 201-991-0020

16

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

Harrison’s Danielian emerges as scoring force for Blue Tide The Harrison High School boys’ basketball team was dealt a severe blow when Johnathan Leiras, the Blue

By Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com

Tide’s leading scorer in each of the last two years, decided to transfer to The Patrick School last spring instead of

Make your vision picture perfect... See what you’ve been missing. Visit our office!

PINKVISION

Most Insurances Accepted

A SSO C I AT E S

Family Eye Care

Mammography Dr. Carla Domingues Lic # 27OA00646200

• Eye Exams • Contact Lenses • Pediatric Care

Dr. Diana Espaillat

348 Ridge Road • Lyndhurst

Lic # 27OA00648100

Dr. Maria Domingues Lic # 27OA00630100

Come in today for:

La doctora habla Español

201.438.8668

A doutora fala Português

Open OpenandandHigh High Field Field same MRI MRI atatthethesame site,site, Day Night Dayand and Night

736 Page Avenue Lyndhurst, NJ 07071 THERADIOLOGYCENTER 736 Page Ave. • Lyndhurst, NJ 07071 • (201) 729-1234

THERADIOLOGYCENTER

High-Field MRI Open MRI Multi-Slice CT Ultrasound/ Doppler Studies X-Ray Digital Mammography/ CAD Breast Biopsy Bone Densitometry

OPEN MRI •HIGH FIELD MRI • CT SCAN • ULTRASOUND • DOPPLER STUDIES ECHOCARDIOGRAM • DIGITAL X-RAY • DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY • BONE DENSITY SCAN

Years of Expertise... PROVEN and ADVANCED. CHOOSE QUALITY

CHOOSE CONVENIENCE

Latest Low Dose Digital Technology Board Certified Radiologists 25 Years and Over 100,000 Mammograms

Call us to set up your appointment.

Se Habla Espanol • Mowimy po Polsku

Day, Evening & Weekend Hours for your Convenience No Prescription needed for Screening Mammograms We Accept All Insurances

(201) 729-1234

Please visit our website: www.trcmd.com • Ample Parking • We accept all insurance plans

Photo by Jim Hague

Harrison senior forward Timothy Danielian.

returning for his senior year with the Blue Tide.

Leiras averaged 20.8 points last season and 20.3 points as a sophomore.

Leiras’ departure forced returning senior Timothy Danielian to do some soul searching.

“I knew I had to pick up my game with John leaving,” Danielian said. “His decision to leave was very unexpected.

We were always close and we’re still good friends. But I felt like I had to improve my game, step up to the table and do more. I like seeing my teammates having fun. I wanted the best for my team. I had to be more aggressive. I had to work on my defense. I had to block shots, get rebounds. I had to pick it up more because John was gone. My mindset totally changed. I had to expand my game.”

Harrison head coach Bill Mullins had a little chat with Danielian soon after Leiras made his transfer plans official.

“I had to convince Tim that we could have a good team if he was able to step up and be a leader for us,” Mullins said.

“But he had to believe that. He had to believe in himself that he could be a leader. So I had to tell him over and over.”

Mullins loves Danielian’s ability to shoot the basketball.

“He has a beautiful shot,”

Mullins said. “He has great, incredible form with his shot. He’s a good three-point shooter. On the defensive side, he had to pick it up a little.

Overall, he just had to change his style of play a little.”

Danielian was ready for the challenge of leading the Blue Tide.

“My mindset changed,” Danielian said. “I had to call for the ball more. I had to expand my game. I used to let John do most of the scoring, but I knew I could do it if I had to.

I worked really hard to get where I am.”

Just how hard? Well, try this story on for size.

When Danielian was a sixth grader at Harrison’s Washington Middle School, he was actually cut from the team.

“I got upset,” Danielian said.

“I was really hurt by it. I cried a lot. But that was really like a wake-up call for me. It made me practice a lot harder. I had to come back and play again.

I had to come back at some point and prove everyone wrong.”

So a fully motivated Danielian went to work right away.

“I would go to the Harrison Community Center almost every day,” Danielian said. “I got there before anyone else got there, like 7 in the morning. I worked on my ball han-

Dr. Maria Domingues

Continued on the next page

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

dling, my shooting. Once the doors opened, I was there.

I had to take advantage of having the early time there.

Getting cut from that team in sixth grade really made me more determined.”

Mullins could see that Danielian was an extremely focused young man.

“He had a lot more intensity this year,” Mullins said.

“He accepted the role and became a very good leader for us. He worked on his ball handling skills and he is always shooting. He was a good example for us. He understands that it takes hard work. There are no short cuts in basketball. It takes hard work.”

Mullins likes one skill that Danielian has and can’t be taught.

“He’s the best jumper I’ve ever had,” said Mullins, who has more than 30 years of coaching experience on the high school and college levels, including internationally in South America. “He can really jump and goes after it.

He can go above the rim. He really gets up there. I haven’t coached a lot of guys who could jump like he can.”

There’s one main facet to Danielian’s game that sticks out — and that’s his ability to put the ball in the basket.

In recent games, Danielian scored 36 points in a win over North Arlington, 29 in a loss against Garfield and 25 in a loss to Leonia. Danielian also had 15 points in a 53-21 victory over the Bard School Saturday afternoon.

For his efforts, Danielian has been selected as The Ob-

server Athlete of the Week for the past week.

Danielian is averaging 18.6 points per game so far for the Blue Tide, who own a 4-6 record so far this season.

Mullins knows that Danielian has to carry the Blue Tide’s chances as much as possible.

“I want him to have the ball and we have to find more ways to get him the ball,” Mullins said. “He’s also a good foul shooter, so we have to get him to the foul line. We want him to be a complete player. It’s not just about shooting the ball. He’s such a hard worker. From a coach’s standpoint, you want to have your best player busting his tail, because it motivates everyone else.”

Mullins believes that Danielian has the skills to be a college basketball player next year.

“I think he can play,” Mullins said. “He just needs to get a little stronger. He can jump. He can shoot. Everyone in college basketball wants a shooter. He’s put a lot of time into his game and it’s now paying off.”

Mullins likes the way Danielian goes through a ritual before every game and practice.

“He has a routine before practice with his dribbling and shooting,” Mullins said.

“He works on all of his different shots before the game. He follows that routine every day and has the discipline to do that.”

Danielian is enjoying his senior year.

“It’s been fun,” Danielian

JWCA chili cook-off is Jan. 27 KEARNY — Calling all chili cooks.

The Junior Woman’s Club of Arlington hosts its 4th annual Chili Cook-Off fundraiser Saturday, Jan. 27, from 7 to 10 p.m., at Hedges Hall at St. Stephen’s Church, Kearny.

Blind judging begins at 7:30 p.m. Tasting will continue until chili runs out.

Proceeds will benefit the Kearny Fire Department’s NARCAN program and other JWCA supported charities.

Tickets for adults are $10,

kids 9 and under $5, kids 3 and under free.

Admission includes soda, chili tasting, salad, cornbread and dessert, a DJ and a live band.

The contest entry fee is $10 per chili (includes one admission).

Prize baskets will be awarded for Judges Choice, Popular Vote, Best Name and more.

For tickets, entry form and contest rules visit www.jwcarlington.com or visit the Junior Woman’s Club of Arlington’s Facebook page.

said. “We have guys stepping up and improving every day.”

Danielian said that he has thought about college and playing basketball.

“That would be a dream come true,” Danielian said.

“I’ve had some schools show some interest, like Hunter, Rowan and Rutgers-Newark.”

Rutgers-Newark features

former Harrison High standout Quincy Rutherford, who had a career-high 17 points in the Scarlet Raiders’ win over Rowan Saturday night.

“Quincy is one of my closest friends,” Danielian said of the R-N freshman. “We talk all the time. Right now, I’m focused on the rest of this season, but honestly, I never thought all of this

Call Today at:

17

could happen. I just had a feeling this year that I could do something big. I waited for this all my life.”

Imagine, the kid who was cut from a sixth-grade team in middle school is now the varsity team’s leading scorer just six years later. Just shows what a kid could do if he’s determined and dedicated enough.

201.991.0067

432 Ridge Road, North Arlington NJ • www.RipostaLaw.com

Lusitânia

SAVINGS BANK

30-YEAR FIXED RATE MORTGAGE

3.875

%

Rate

3.921

+ 0 Points

%

APR

15-YEAR FIXED RATE MORTGAGE

3.125

3.205

%

Rate + 0 Points

%

APR

10-YEAR FIXED RATE MORTGAGE

2.875

%

Rate

+ 0 Points

2.991

%

APR

RESIDENTIAL PURCHASES & REFINANCES

Foreclosed and Short-Sale Properties Financing Options Available

107 Pulaski Street, Newark, New Jersey 07105 302 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. N., Harrison, New Jersey 07029 1135 Liberty Avenue, Hillside, New Jersey 07205 210 Ferry Street, Newark, NJ 07105

(973) 344-5125 ext. 129 www.Lusitaniabank.com EQUAL OPPORTUNITY LENDER

Payment Example: $9.60 per $1,000 borrowed on a $100,000 10-year fixed rate mortgage at an interest rate of 2.875% will result in 120 payments of $959.85. Payment Example: $6.97 per $1,000 borrowed on a $100,000 15-year fixed rate mortgage at an interest rate of 3.125% will result in 180 payments of $696.61. Payment Example: $4.70 per $1,000 borrowed on a $100,000 30-year fixed rate mortgage at an interest rate of 3.875% will result in 360 payments of $470.24. Actual monthly payment may be higher because example does not include applicable property taxes, fees, insurance premiums or other related costs. Annual percentage rate (APR) based on $100,000. loan with a 10-year,15-year and 30-year amortization term. Financing on residential 1-4 family properties.

Minimum finance charge of $555.00. Owner occupied rate. New loans only. Rates and annual percentage rates are based on 80% loan to value with 20% equity or 20% down payment. Rates and annual percentages are effective as of publication date of this ad and are subject to change. Please speak with our Mortgage Department for additional terms and conditions that may apply. Subject to credit approval. Other rates and programs are available. NMLS # 640892

18

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

FAMILY

Continued from Page 6 And for one Kearny family, immigrants from Ghana who are American citizens, this option allowed them to hold on to the only memories they had of a young daughter, who had died several years ago.

Along with their passports, the remaining photos of their late daughter were inside a suitcase which was inside a closet that was, almost miraculously, located right in the front of the building — and right by a window that had been blown out during the course of the Jan. 5 blaze.

Firefighters and superior

officers took turns going up in the bucket to first destroy the ice that had encapsulated the door to the closet. Once the ice was removed, they used the same tools (hooks, etc.) to open the closet from the bucket.

Then, still in the bucket and arms and bodies outstretched, they were able to safely pull the luggage out from the closet, into the bucket and then safely return it to the family.

It was Chief Fire Inspector Juan Barroso Jr. who led the retrieval efforts from the ground (with Dyl’s permission) and who then introduced us to the family.

Their story offered some hope in the face of what was otherwise an extraordinary tragedy.

Fundraiser set for Jan. 21 A community spaghetti dinner to benefit the families displaced by the Jan. 5 fire originating at 238-240 Maple St. in Kearny is slated for Sunday, Jan. 21, at American Legion Post 99 hall, 314 Belgrove Drive. Tickets will be sold at the door.

There will be two sittings: the first starts at 1 p.m., the second, at 3 p.m.

Admission is $10 per person. All proceeds go to a fire victims fund.

A photo booth will also be available. The $2 charge per photo will also be donated back to the victims fund.

Kearny residents Melanie Ryan and Melanie Pasquarelli are coordinating the event. Ryan said many members of the Kearny community are already pitching in to make the event possible.

Kearny Girl Scouts, for example, are donating table cloths; Ashley Furniture Home Store is giving 100 pounds of spaghetti and, for every child displaced by the fire, the store is gifting a box spring, mattress and pillow.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ events/528716467495499.

Justice Salifu and his wife, Falila, were at home with their four children and Falila’s mother when the fire broke out. The seven immediately evacuated the building when they smelled smoke and, like all others who (somehow) safely got outside without injury, left everything behind.

There just wasn’t time to grab anything.

In fact, they were among the lucky ones at the time.

Everyone was fully dressed and had shoes on their feet — others had exited the building shoeless. Coatless.

But for the Salifu family, there was a happy ending — and the married couple were both so grateful to the KFD for taking a chance in helping them get their mementos.

“What we recovered is very helpful because we came here the other day and we’ve been looking for documents because I came from Ghana. My passport, nothing, I didn’t have identity,” Justice said. “So they went up and they were able to retrieve some documents for us which will help us fix our problem. We are so grateful.”

Imagine that.

Every bit of their worldly possessions were gone. Yet as they stood outside the place where they’d lived for several years, with it totally destroyed and about to be demolished a day or two later, they were grateful for being able to get

SPRING 2018 OFF-SITE OFFERINGS

WASHINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL - HARRISON, NJ Starting this spring, HCCC is launching a new Off-Site location in Harrison, NJ. HCCC students can now take classes at Washington Middle School in Harrison!

MAT-100-WMDS01 Mondays

College Algebra 6:15 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.

ENG-101-WMDS01 Tuesday

English Composition I 6:15 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.

papers.

Papers.

“I am not a fire officer, but I can see the risks they (were) going through,” Justice said later. “I think it’s a great job.

I mean, their reward is in Heaven, I would say, because we didn’t know what to do.”

But it wasn’t just the documents that mattered.

It was those priceless pictures of their daughter, those irreplaceable memories, that made this KPD deed even more significant, a deed that might have even gone unnoticed had we not been drawn to the scene for another reason.

“We lived on the last floor, the top floor, and that’s what made it so complicated for us,” Justice said. “We thought, ‘We were never getting this.’ Yet they were able to do that. The investigator (Barroso) has been a very helpful man — he spoke to us the day it happened. He is a very good man, Juan. A very good man. And each and every one of them (from the KPD) did what they could do to help us.”

NEWS

Continued from Page 9 the week are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day.

Online registration is available at register.communitypass.net/nutley. For more information, call Parks & Rec at 973-284-4966 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

In a related development, Parks & Rec is seeking applications from Nutley residents in grade 12 through adult for summer jobs with the department for the positions of Camp Nutley counselor, summer playground counselor,

Washington Middle School is located at: 1 North 5th Street Harrison, NJ 07029 Be ready to show your student ID at the door.

Direct your questions about Evening, Weekend, and Off-Site Programs to: Luis R. Sosa Santiago lsosasantiago@hccc.edu | (201) 360-4244 CONTINUING EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Offsite Spring- Harrison- KO ad cmyk.indd 1

Contributed photo

Debris falls from the third-floor area at 238-240 Maple St., as crews work to demolish the top two floors of the building.

1/10/18 10:23 AM

Justice’s wife concurred.

“It made us feel we’re all in this together,” Falila said. “I appreciate that a lot. The love and support is so much from everywhere in Kearny. It’s just too much — and we appreciate everything.”

As of press time, the Salifu family have been living at a hotel in Harrison on Passaic Ave. until a time when they could be placed in a new apartment somewhere in West Hudson. Kearny Board of Health social worker Nelly Albizu and Harrison Councilman Anselmo Millan have both been working to find them a new home, a task that has not proven to be easy, with four children in the mix.

If they are placed outside of Kearny, Millan says the children who attend Kearny schools will be permitted to continue in their schools — and will be transported from their new home town.

Know of a landlord willing to rent to a family of seven with four kids? Have them call the Kearny Health Department at 201-997-0600. Ask for Nelly.

Pre-K program teachers, helpers and park maintenance.

“We are looking for motivated, energetic, positive and upbeat individuals to lead various classes and activities throughout our 4- to-8-week summer programs,” Tucci said.

Application deadline is April 1. Those who are hired are required to be fingerprinted and CPR-certified before the start of each program.

Applications should be submitted to: Nutley Dept. of Parks & Recreation, Attn: Crissy Frusteri, 44 Park Ave., Nutley, N.J. 07110.

For more information, call Parks & Rec at 973-284-4966.

– Ron Leir

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

19

DEP cleaning up old dump site KEARNY – For years, a sprawling Kearny-owned meadows parcel has lain fallow but now the state is hoping to give it new life as part of the reclaiming of the meadowlands and attacking pollution in the Passaic River.

It is the 94-acre tract known as the former 1-D landfill – off Harrison Ave. near the Rt. 280 connector – leased by the town to the Municipal Sanitary Landfill Authority which

NJDEP

Contractor works on remediation of former 1-D landfill in Kearny.

accepted municipal and industrial wastes from the early ‘70s until its closure in 1982.

Now the state Department of Environmental Protection is in the midst of an ambitious project to clean up the site “to eliminate a source of pollution and improve air quality, with the secondary benefit of returning the area to a more natural environment that will provide wildlife habitat and improve the aesthetic value of the land,” explained DEP Commissioner Bob Martin.

DEP has targeted this site, in particular, because it sits in the middle of a major metro rail hub along the Passaic River and is open to view by thousands of commuters using the various links to this transit network every day.

The dump site is bordered to the east by the eastern and western spurs of the N.J. Turnpike as they divide south of Exit 15, to the north by Rt. 280 link to the Turnpike and to the south by NJ Transit and Amtrak rail lines running along the Passaic.

Work began on the $34.9 million project this past summer – and now appears in full

swing, despite winter conditions – with the job entrusted to principal construction contractor A. Servidone Inc./B. Anthony Construction Corp. of Old Bridge with engineering and remedial design by Louis Berger Group of Morristown.

The job is expected to be

completed by mid-2019, according to DEP spokesman Lawrence Hajna.

“There are no redevelopment plans [for the site],” Hajna told The Observer.

And Kearny Mayor Alberto Santos added it will be up to the state to “determine its end use. We have not been

advised of possible end uses. … I expect end uses will be discussed when the cleanup is farther along.”

The project began with the clearing of trees and shrubs and will continue with construction of a containment wall up to 50 feet deep surrounding the landfill and

placement of a cap consisting of an impermeable synthetic liner and clean soil, according to Mark Pedersen, DEP assistant commissioner for site remediation and waste management.

Cleanup will be no easy See LANDFILL, Page 25

A SMARTER WAY TO SAVE!

RAISER RATE

TM

CSBK’S

ACCOUNT

BONUS 6-MONTH INTRO RATE

1.50

% APY

*

CSBK’s Rate Raiser™ account is the perfect choice in today’s rising rate environment! After earning the high-yield introductory rate, your postintroductory rate will change based on when the WSJ Prime Rate changes.

Each time the WSJ Prime Rate moves, so does your post-introductory rate, a minimum of .10%, automatically. Plus you have unlimited access to your account and no crazy hoops to jump through to earn a great rate.

• • •

Mobile app Debit card Online banking

• • •

No ATM fees No transaction limitations No added requirements to earn stated rate (like debit card purchases or bill payments)

csbk.bank 973-473-2200 Clifton • Fair Lawn • Garfield • Hoboken Lyndhurst • Montclair • Wallington • Wayne *Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 1/2/18. Rate Raiser™ checking is for personal account holders only and requires a minimum opening deposit of $25,000, consisting of funds which have not been on deposit at CSBK for the past 6 months. Limit one (1) Rate Raiser account per primary tax reporting ID. Introductory rate and APY applies to entire account balance for 180 days from date of account opening. Post-introductory interest rate is a variable rate paid on balances of $10,000 or more; a service fee applies if monthly average balance falls below $10,000.

Current post-introductory rates are as follows: 1.10% APY for balances of $10,000-$99,999; 1.30% APY on balances of $100,000 or more. CSBK will increase or decrease post-introductory rates a minimum of 10 basis points within 30 business days of each corresponding increase or decrease in the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate. CSBK does not charge its customers if they use a non-CSBK ATM. Promotional rates and product subject to change or end without notice. See a client service specialist for more information. Member FDIC. © CSBK 2018

20

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

Think you can’t refinance because values are down?

NORTH ARLINGTON • NJ 07031

RATES AT HISTORIC LOWS!

FREE

THINK AGAIN!

Analysis for Purchase & Refinance!

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

TEL: 201.998.9050 • FAX: 201.820.0505

Real Estate

DIRECTORY

One dead in 2 NJ Transit-related incidents Two accidents last week involving NJ Transit vehicles claimed the life of at least one man, according to reports.

In the first incident, at 8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 11, Umberto Lombardi, 78, was struck and killed by an NJ Transit bus near Bloomfield Ave. and Center St. in Nutley.

According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Lombardi, who was crossing the street, was struck by a bus that had been making a lefthand turn onto Centre St. from Bloomfield Ave. The ECPO said there were no obvious signs of

impairment by the bus driver, who has not been charged “at this time.”

The investigation continues, according to the ECPO. Meanwhile, a day later, a Woodhaven, N.Y., man was reportedly struck by an NJ Transit train at the Lyndhurst Kingsland station, according to Lyndhurst police.

At approximately 5:12 p.m., Friday, Jan. 12, police dispatched to the station reportedly found the victim off to the side of the tracks with critical injuries. Witnesses told Lyndhurst police

the man had been standing on the platform, his back to the oncoming train, looking down at his mobile phone.

The witnesses told the LPD it appeared the man was unaware of the approaching train.

The victim, whose name was not released, was transported to Hackensack University Medical, Hackensack, where his condition was unknown as of presstime.

The train that struck the victim was the No. 55 express that originated in Hoboken, the LPD said.

Don’t forget to follow The Observer on 761 Ridge Rd. Lyndhurst, NJ 201-460-8000

Semiao & Associates

213 Kearny Ave, Kearny, NJ 201-991-1300

&

572 Kearny Avenue Kearny, New Jersey 07032 Ph: (201)991-5719 F: (201)991-8860 www.midrealty.com

MID-REALTY, INC. Jarlynn Hyde Broker/Owner

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

The Bixler Group

The Bixler Group

Real Estate & Insurance Since 1891 758 Kearny Ave., Kearny 201.991.0032 BixlerEST1891.com

LLC

Keypoint Mortgage

North Arlington, NJ 201-998-9050 Rob@keypointmortgage.com

Arlington Real Estate Owned & Operated by the Capobianco family since 1924

HOUSE OF THE WEEK COLD OUTSIDE - WARM INSIDE – In this large Kearny Colonial on a 50 x 100 top of the hill lot. It contains wood trim, a fireplace, 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 baths, a two car garage and new multi zone gas heating system. Roosevelt School. Asking $389,000.

JUST LISTED – Cute and cozy 2 bedroom attached

T bath. This Kearny RAC Tlevels, house. Three finished 1 1/2 UNDER CON home will not last at only $149,900.

201.991.0905

SCHUYLER SAVINGS BANK

Schuyler Savings Bank Mortgage Loan Dept.

20 Davis Ave. Kearny • 201-991-6078

NEW YEARS RESOLUTION – Best Kearny Manor location. This three bedroom Colonial has it all. Large comfortable living room, with fireplace.

Formal dining room, eat in kitchen. Nice walk up to third floor if an extra room is needed. The full basement contains a half bath, a laundry room and a gas furnace. Drive and garage complete the picture. Asking just $339,000.

Marlen DaSilva Office: 201-460-8000 ext. 102 Cell: 201-376-7200 dasilvamarlen@aol.com www.century21semiao.com

Semiao & Associates 761 Ridge Rd. • Lyndhurst Each office independently owned & operated.

To advertise, call 201-991-1600

LYNDHURST – One family Cape Cod on an extra deep lot with off street parking. 3 bedrooms with room for one more.

Taxes under $7,800. per year. Estate says SELL!!! Great value at $349,000. Exclusive with Arlington. Vacant (We have the key)

TRACT UNDER CON

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

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

obituaries@theobserver.com Carmine J. Albanese Carmine J. Albanese, 83, of Kearny, died on Jan. 8.

Visiting was at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Stephen’s Church, Kearny. Interment was in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.

Born in Newark, Carmine moved to Kearny 49 years ago.

He was a supervisor of optical manufacturing with Liberty Optical in Newark for 45 years.

After his retirement, he worked with the Kearny Department of Public Works as a recycling coordinator from 1997 to 2012.

He was the beloved husband of 50 years of Lois DeGisi Albanese; father of Carmine Albanese Jr., Renee Mullins (Paul J.), Rosemarie Kielt (Matt) and Michele Lee Albanese; brother of Ramona Barone, Louis and Joseph Albanese; and grandfather of Ryan, Carlie Rose, Matthew and Victoria.

Edward Joseph Ford Edward Joseph Ford, 93, died peacefully, with his loving family by his side, on Saturday, Dec. 2, at Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital in Murrells Inlet.

He was born Oct. 23, 1924, in Kearny, to the late James and Olive Moore Ford.

Along with his parents, Ed

obituaries

is preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 50 years, Elizabeth Ford.

Ed worked for many years as a custodian for the New Jersey public school system. Following his retirement, he was able to enjoy the finer things in life.

He loved to bowl, fish, gamble, eat, read the newspaper and watch the Giants play football.

Ed was a marvelous woodworker and took so much pride in being able to spend time with his family and playing with his beloved great-grandchild.

Left to cherish Ed’s memory are his adoring daughter, Carolyn Dougan and her husband, Bill; his grandsons, Michael Dougan and his wife, Janeva & Andrew Dougan, all of Myrtle Beach; his great-grandchild, Thomas Dougan, as well as one on the way; and his nieces, Barbara Lardieri, Cathy Lardieri and Diane Kennedy.

A celebration of Ed’s life will take place Saturday, Jan. 20, at 10 a.m., at Crest Haven Memorial Park, 150 Passaic Ave. Clifton.

Tito J. Altobelli Tito J. Altobelli, 83 of Kearny, died Jan. 9.

Visiting was at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny. Services were at the funeral home. Interment was in Arlington Cemetery, Kearny.

Born in Newark, Tito moved

to Kearny 52 years ago.

He was a laborer with the Kearny Department of Public Works from 1996 to 2011. Prior to that, Tito was a wellknown typewriter mechanic, servicing the entire state of New Jersey. Tito also served in the United States Army. He was a member of The Ring Twenty, Kearny.

He was the beloved husband of the late Dolores Rowlands Altobelli and father of the late Marie Altobelli. He is also survived by many loving members of the Rowlands, Pardi, MacMillan, DiMassi, Martorelli, Coviello and Maisto families.

Tito also had a special place in his heart for his nephew, David C. Rowlands Jr. Raymond H. Rahner Raymond H. Rahner died Jan. 12, at Alaris at Belgrove, Kearny.

He was 87.

Born in Queens, he lived most of his life in Kearny.

Private arrangements were

21

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

obituaries@theobserver.com

by the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny.

Ray, a U.S. Navy veteran, was a truck driver for UPS for many years. He also tended bar at the Silver Bell, North Arlington, and had been a member of the Eagles and VFW. Husband of the late Mae (Keagan) Rahner, he was the father of Richard (Joan) Rahner, Carol (Rick) Clark and the-late Raymond Rahner. He is also survived by five grandchildren.

Robert William Maher Robert William Maher, 86, of Bloomfield, died Sunday, Jan.

14, 2018.

The funeral will be conducted from the Mulligan Funeral Home, 331 Cleveland Ave., Harrison, on Tuesday, Jan. 16, at 9:45 a.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Cross Church, Harrison, on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Viewing hours will begin on Tuesday at 8:45 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Lung Association, in care of the funeral home, in loving memory of Robert.

If you would like to read the complete obituary or send condolences to his family, please visit www.mulliganfh.com.

Shaw-Buyus Home for Services

Mario Teixeira, IV, Manager, NJ Lic. #3757

Mario Teixeira, Jr. Director, NJ Lic. #2542 • Monique Teixeira, Director, NJ Lic. #4048 Newly renovated family owned and operated funeral home with multiple locations.

Fluent in Portuguese and Spanish. Handicapped Accessible.

138 DAVIS AVE. • KEARNY, NJ 07032

(201) 991-2265 www.buyusfuneralhome.com

Come Home to Our Village Our 62+ well-maintained community is located in the heart of vibrant South Orange Village near restaurants, shopping, parks, entertainment and transportation. Our carefree lifestyle includes plenty of social activities, engaging monthly programs, a live-in super and available kosher meals.

NEW LUXURY APARTMENTS

One bedroom w/open floor plan, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, a walk-in shower and more... $1600/mo.

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

Now Accepting Applications.

Join Us For An Open House

Be the first to Preview Our New Luxury Apartments!

Thursday, January 25 (3 pm-5 pm)

Village Apartments of the Jewish Federation

All Faiths and Beliefs Welcome

Contact Site Manager, Cheryl Kasye: 973-763-0999 110 Vose Ave., South Orange, NJ

Owned and managed by the Jewish Community Housing Corporation of Metropolitan New Jersey

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

CLASSIFIEDS

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

NEWARK

HARRISON

KEARNY

KEARNY

LYNDHURST

KEARNY 2nd floor 2 BR, in apartment building on Kearny Ave, steps to bus stop, No Pets, $1490 + utilitities, available February 1st. Leave detailed message (973) 951-7385

KEARNY 2nd fl. 2 BR, LR, DR, EIK, Sun Porch.

7 rooms. No pets. Nice Area. Plenty of street parking. 1 1/2 months security. Avl. Now. credit check required. (973) 991-4483. 36W3

NEWARK Ironbound section, New renovated private home, 1 BR modern kitchen, bath, walk in closet, Hardwood floors. walking distance to laundry & public transportation. Credit check a must. No pets. Smoke Free environment, Off street parking available, $900 + utilities, 1 month security. Available Feb 1st, credit & background check, Contact Joe (973) 943-9348 35W2

NEWARK/IRONBOUND 1 Bedroom $900 • 2 Bedroom $1200 • 3 Bedroom $1375 - Call 732-5430135. Application and CC Charge 36W3

HARRISON recently renovated 3 BR. sepertate utilities. 1 1/2 months security. no pets. $1,550/ month. Call (973) 3809007 35W3 HARRISON Harrison Ave. 3 BR’s, LR, EIK, hardwood floors. Close to Trans. Avl. Now Call John (973) 7142368. 35W3 HARRISON 721 Harrison Ave 3 BR, LR, kitchen, 2 bathrooms. Laundry. $2,000/month Available Now. (862) 588-4864 35W3

HARRISON 2nd floor, 3/4 BR’s, LR, DR, EIK, Close to TRANS & PATH, $1800 + 1 1/2month security. No E.NEWARK - 2nd floor, Pets Avl.Now (973)5172 BR, LR, EIK, Close to 6544 36W3 TRANS, $1400 + 1 month security, H/HW included HARRISON 1st Floor, available, Smoke free en- 3 BR, Newly renovated vironment, No Pets Feb Kitch. HW floors, H/HW 1st (973) 803-1685 35w3 included, indoor garage & driveway, backyard, Small Pets, $2200 + 1 1/2 month security, Avail.

E.NEWARK 1st floor, Now (732)423-8730 36W3 2 family house. 2 bedrooms, kitchen, LR, bathKEARNY room. Separate utilities. 1 month security. No pets.

Available Feb 1st. (917) KEARNY Large 1 BR 952-3797 (973) 951- apt. Loft style. Featuring open floor plan, high 7304. 35W3 ceiling, large windows, H/W floor throughout, New ceramic tile in bath.

N. NEWARK New kitchen, Ceiling fans in each room. $1200/ month + security & utiliN.NEWARK - Forest Hill ties. No pets. (201) 991section, 2nd fl. 7 rooms, 6942. 36W3 Central H/AC Close to transportation. No pets.

Avl. now. (862) 763-0797 KEARNY 1 bedroom 2nd floor, H/HW included, No 35W3 Pets, Available 2/15/18.

(201)998-4060 36w3

E. NEWARK

HARRISON HARRISON 1 BR ground apt in quiet building, 1 bath, EIK, 1 Parking spot, Close to Trans, H/HW included, Laundry on premises, pay electric, $1200 + 1 month security, available February 1st (972)746-6827 34W3

KEARNY 1 BR, LR, EIK, $1100/month + utilities.

1 month + $300 deposit.

Avl. Feb 1st call between 9am - 1pm. (201) 4639269. 35W3 KEARNY 1st fl. 2 BR, 1 bath. $1,300/month. 1 month security. Avl. Immediately. Call Carmen 201-622-8315 35w3

Harrison Studio $650 1 Bedroom $950 2 and 3 Bedrooms Call 732-5430135 Application and CC Charge 36W3

KEARNY Ground level, 1 bedroom, kitchen, small LR everything included also 1/2 months security. No pets. No smoking.

Available Now. (201) 2460383. 35W1

HARRISON 1st floor, 1 BR, LR, EIK, Close to Trans, $1100 + 1 month security, utiilities included, available Feb 3rd, call after 5PM (201)800-5057 Se Habla espanol 36W1

KEARNY Arlington Section, 3 BR, DR, LR, Kitchen, C/A, washer/dryer hook up No Pets, $1700 + 1 1/2 month security, Available Now (201) 889-4566 34W3

34W3

KEARNY Fully renovated, spacious 1 bedroom, LR, EIK, New matching appliances in kitchen.

Street parking and easy access to public transportation. Utilities not included. Good credit and verifiable income is a must. One month security deposit required.

No pets allowed. Contact - 201-988-5226 or 201725-3171 for additional details. 34W3

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 34W3

KEARNY Schuyler Ave, 2nd floor, Modern 6 rooms,3 BR, LR, EIK, Laundry facilities, Parking, No Pets, No smoking (973)204-8022 or (973)344-5670 34W3

KEARNY 2nd fl. LR, Kitchen, 2 BRs $1,200/ month + utilities. 1 month security. No pets. Avl. Immediately.

Se habla espanol. (908) 764-0610 or (732) 5971960. 34W3

LYNDHURST Renovated 1 BR, Hardwood floors. 1 Block to NYC train/Bus. Minutes to major roadways. Laundry in building. no pets. no smoking. $995/month + utilities, 500sq.ft Security deposit.

Credit check and proof KEARNY Large 2 BR, 5 of ability to pay required. rooms + Sunporch. Close $50 appl. Fee. Call (908) to transportation & shop- 244-5847 ask for Joe. ping. No pets. Night off 35W3 street parking. $1,600/ month + 1 month security. Avl Feb 1st. (201) 401-6153 or (201) 991LYNDHURST 2 BR, LR, 4900. 35W3 EIK, H/W floors. 1 Block to NYC train/Bus. MinKEARNY - Newly reno- utes to major roadways. vated, First floor, 1BR, Laundry in building. $1150 + 1 month securi- no pets. no smoking. ty, utilities separate avail- $1,125/month + utilities, able now (201)214-4915 Security deposit. Credit check and proof of ability 35W3 to pay required. $50 appl.

Fee. Call (908) 244-5847 KEARNY 1 Bedroom ask for joe. 35W3 $900 - 2 Bedroom $1200 - 3 Bedroom $1300 - Call 732-543-0135 Application and CC Charge 36W3 LYNDHURST Luxury 1st Floor, 2 BR, 2 Baths,LR, KEARNY - Spacious 1st EIK, W/W carpeting, C/A, Floor, 2 BR, EIK, DR, LR, Washer/Dryer, 2 blocks Close to TRANS, H/HW from NY Trans, No included $1600 + 1 1/2 Pets, $1800+utilities,1 months security, Avail. Feb 1/2 security.

Avail.

1st call (201)954-1304 Now (973)715-4220 or 36W3 (732)793-6540 36W3

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

ROOM WANTED

KEARNY Mature Male seeking room in Kearny, Harrsion, Belleville or surrounding area $450/ N.ARLINGTON Garden Month call (973)752apt. 1 BR, $1,000, 2 BR 9807 35w3 $1,200. HT/HW included. parking. No pets. (732) 237-4682 34W3 HOUSE FOR SALE N.ARLINGTON 1 BR garden apt. $1,100/ month. HT/HW included.

Parking space. No pets.

(201) 342- 2206. 34W3 N.ARLINGTON - 2nd floor 2BR, LR, DR, EIK, Close to TRANS, (201)456-8657 35W3

KEARNY BY OWNER 3 BR, 1.5 BATH, Modern EIK, Open LR & DR, Hardwood Floors, Finished basement, yard with patio, $329,000 Call (201)998-4097 36W3

LOT FOR SALE 75 x 130 lot for sale at Eagle Rock Resort, PA with lots of amenities, call 201341-6396 for more details,if interested.

35W3

HALL FOR RENT

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY FOR RENT

KEARNY Commercial space on 1st floor & lower level.

Whole parking lot included. $2,750/month plus 1 month security deposit. negotable.

2,000 sq.ft Approx.

Please Call (201) 991-4165 or (201)401-4525 35W3

Want your ad to stand out from the rest?

Try adding some

COLOR

Find our how by calling The Observer’s Classified Department at (201) 991-1600 TODAY! EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

P/T position FURNISHED ROOM FOR RENT

LYNDHURST 1 BR $1,295/month & 2 BR $1,495/month &, HT/HW KEARNY Furnished room included. Section 8 ok. for rent. Includes Internet, good area. Close to (973) 760-4877 36W3 Kearny Ave and Davis Ave. Avl. Now. (201) 2801868. 34w3

BLOOMFIELD

LYNDHURST

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

N.ARLINGTON

(201) 991-1600

www.theobserver.com

The Observer is not responsible for typographical errors. Credit for errors will not be granted after the next week’s publication. No changes or refunds.

Deadline for classifieds is Monday by 3 00 PM.

www. theobserver.com

22

ROOM FOR RENT

Bloomfield - 2 BR, LR, Kitchen. 1 1/2 month se- E.NEWARK 3rd Fl, Small LYNDHURST 2nd floor curity. No pets. Avl. Now. Room for rent. Male prein a 2 family house , 2 BR, ((973)477-4797 36W3 ferred. Shared Kitchen & LR, Close to TRANS, H/HW Bath.All utilities included. included $1600 + 1 1/2 Avl now. 973-464-4329 months security, Avail. Feb 36W2 1st call (201)954-1304 BELLEVILLE KEARNY- 2nd floor, 1 BR,LR, EIK, Sun room, 36W3 Parking available, Close to KEARNY Furnished room TRANS, $1100 + utilities, LYNDHURST Freshly BELLEVILLE Newly reno- for rent. Includes inter1 1/2 month security, Painted, 4 room apt, 2nd net, good area. close to No Pets, Smoke free en- fl. 2 family home, HT & vated Spacious 3 BR apt. Kearny Ave and Davis Large BR, LR, DR, Kitchen, vironment, Available Now Refridgerator inc. Near 1 Bath. Driveway parking Ave. Avl. Now. (201) 280(973)907-4355 35W3 NYC Transportation. No for 1. Laundry hook-up 1868. 34w3 smoking. no pets. Laun- $2200/month. 1 1/2 dry near by credit/back- months security. (201) BELLEVILLE Clean ground check required. 463-7034 34W3 nicely furnished for 1 $1,300/month. 1 month KEARNY - 1 BR, LR, EIK, security. (201) 438-0132 person in my home. No Hardwood floors. Close to Avl.now 34W3 smoking. Shared kitchen Trans, $995 + utiliities, No & Bath. Laundry. A/C. N.ARLINGTON Pets, No smoking, SecuLight cooking. Utilities rity deposit. Credit check LYNDHURST 1 BR supplied. Parking. $850/ and proof of ability to pay $1,295/month & 2 BR month. 1 month securequired. $50 appl. Fee. $1,495/month &, HT/HW N.ARLINGTON Apt. for rity. Nice Neighborhood.

Call (908) 244-5847 ask included. Section 8 ok. rent No pets. No smoking. (201) 687-0580 Leave (201) 997-6666. 35W3 for Joe. 35W3 (973) 760-4877 34W3 message. 36W3

34W6

Hall Available Family Affairs Mid week special. Call for info (201) 991-9865 or (203) 864-8243 Max 80 people. 34W8

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT KEARNY Proffesional office space on Kearny Ave. $1500 + 1 1/2 months security.

900 sq.ft. Proximity to PATH & Bus lines.

Avl. Feb. 1st. (201) 362-5028 or (201) 889-3118. 35W3

PARKING FOR RENT Parking for 25ft. trucks, SUV’s or Small vans, Offices Avail.call (201) 997-1500. 36W4

available in a fast-paced office.

Assistant to GM, Ability to multi task, answer phones, phone sales, computer skills a must; ability to work with Microsoft Word, Excel programs. Bilingual.

Send resume to gm@theobserver.com No phone calls or walk-ins.

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

www.theobserver.com www.theobserver.com

The Observer is not responsible for typographical errors. for errors will not be granted after the The Credit Observer is not responsible for typographical next week’s Nonot changes or refunds. errors.

Creditpublication. for errors will be granted after the Deadline for classifieds Monday by 3:00 PM. next week’s publication.is No changes or refunds.

Deadline for classifieds is Monday by 3:00 PM.

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

uilding ubcode Official nder direction of the Construction Official is responsible for administering the building subcode of the tate niform Construction Code within the urisdiction and inspects and or supervises the inspection of buildings in construction pro ects underway to ensure that compliance with plans and specifica tions approved in accord with tate niform Construction Code is achieved does other related duties. alid N driver’s license and license re uired. N C C ob description see link http: info.csc.state.n .us obspec 0 0 .htm 3 hours per week. alary 0.00 .00 with health benefit package. Position is provisional and sub ect to the Civil ervice exam process. ee link for residency information and online application http: www.kearnyn .org obOpportunities 3

Drivers yr Class : 000 to 000 yr.

00.00 Orientation Pay .00 hr.

Detention Pay Medical Dental ision ome eekend 00 3 3

NO

TO PP CO NT P ON N D ’ C NC N N T N O P NC D T M ON O ND CT ON 3 3 0 0 3

CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

CLEANING SERVICES

ull Part Time help wanted for small office.

Data ntry nswer Phones and other office duties. Please reply to email only. mail address is hired 3@gmail.com

uality Dependable onest ervice ears of xperience Daily eek ly Monthly ates vailable ree stimates Maria 3 0 pinhomd@hotmail.com

3

3

DO T nterior xterior new repairs. ll types of carpentry. easonable rates uality work reliable experienced.

3 0 0 00 0 3 33

atima Cleaning ervices partments ouses Offices. eferences vailable. fficient eliable ffordable. ree sti mates 0 3

N

Property nspectors T PT in your area. ree training provided. msangelabove@ comcast.net.

3 3 uto ody needs assembly person with experience Mechanical ackground and Own tools. Call 3 Call from :OO M to :30PM CO O M C TO OD N ON O ND 3

Night Drivers ant ed pply in person at chulyer Cab 0 ve earny.

Must ave Clean ecord. 3 T PT Dishwasher itchen elp.

Call obert 0 0 for more information.

3

3

P T ousekeeper ood ervice orker :30am pm utherford Monday riday eave Message 3 3 0 33 nsurance Customer ervice: e are a fast paced environment that needs a team player with the ability to multi task. Must have minimum of years experience.

Must be ilingual nglish panish. Portu guese a plus. mail to orenachi ue@allstate. com 3

ire Protection ubcode Official Part time . hours per week alary .3 3 .00 per hour. Open to N resi dents. Must possess valid N D and license ob Description 0 0 3 http: info.csc.state. n .us obspec 0 0 3.htm Position is provisional and sub ect to the Civil ervice exam process. Click here for residency information and online application http: www.kearnyn . org obOpportunities Deadline for application is 3

ooking for T ead Teacher w experience for Pre k. or more nfo Call 0 00. 3 3

Part Time Night Crew Over Night rocery Clerk. xperience necessary in a high volume atmosphere. earny hop ite 00 Passaic ve earny N Please ap ply in person. 3

eceptionist with at least yrs office experience who is comfortable speaking on the phone. earny.

0 ask for ue. 3

uto ody hop Needs mechanic helper. Must speak write nglish must have valid driver’s license.

Call 3 www.colormycar.com ronbound Newark.

3

To place a classified, call The Observer @ (201) 991-1600 Childcare located in earny is seeking T teacher in toddler class. Must have prior toddler experience in licensed childcare as well as speak uently in nglish. pply at earny ve or email Preciousangels @ outlook.com 3 3

LIQUOR LICENSE FOR SALE O ar

O N estaurant li uor license for sale in earny.

Contact uan at 0 3 3 3

ADVERTISE ... with The Observer & reach more than 32,000 readers each week.

Call us @ 201991-1600

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT N O CT N C. M NT NO T ON NO MO T D P C . aths itchens Deck Painting. ll types of ome mprovement. uality work air prices ully insured. ic 3vh0300 00 3 0 0 CONT

C.N.R. Contracting • Concrete • Brick work • steps

• Driveway Seal

Coating •Crack Repair All types of Masonry Commercial & Residential

(201) 702-5979

Concrete rick work steps tone alls Drywall Tiles Painting heetrock Drywall Plastering types of Masonry ree stimates 3 3 3

TAX SERVICES P

Tax olutions earny ve earny 0 00 Payroll ervice ncome Tax ookkeeping New Company ormation nsurance udits Sales Tax CON T T ON nglish. Portuguese. panish 3

PEST CONTROL

RUBBISH REMOVAL

MARIO ESPOSITO LANDSCAPING LLC all Clean p awn maintenance Top oil Mulch now emoval ree stimates

PEST CONTROL

ANDRIELLO CLEANOUTS

3 3

xterminating ast ervice oaches nts ed ugs Fleas Call 3 3 0 icensed and nsured 3 w

3

MOVING & DELIVERY

PLUMBING & HEATING

HEATING & COOLING Courageous Plumbing HVAC LLC C. 03 ir Conditioning ot ir urnaces Central ir umidifier ight Duck Cleaning isa Master Card inances offer with up to payments no interest 0 0

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

LANDSCAPING & DESIGN

0

3

Now hiring estaurant hiring responsible and reliable worker for waiter position. ull time Contact number 3 . 3 3 Now iring T arrison N xperienced orklift Operator Man up Order Picker mail esumes: ccounting@ eetn . com 3

HANDYMAN SERVICES

Courageous Plumbing HVAC LLC LIC. 03 Plumbing town inspections violations corrected steam boilers and hot water boilers oil to gas conversions ewer Drain Cleaning excavations. isa MC inances up to payments no interest 0 0

JR Trucking Moving and Delivery Service Inc. We can Save Time & Money Commercial & Residential Free Estimate.

Ask for Will (973) 477-1848.34W9

JOSEPH V. FERRIERO Plumbing & Heating itchen and bath remodelling. Carpentry. ot ater eaters. ully ns. ic

0

3

3

PAINTING & DECORATING

D. FITZGERALD

eamless utters nstalled C utters Cleaned ankee utters epaired elined late oofs epaired lat oofs ealed Coated ave Plenty Call Dennie 00 3 3

ROOFING & SIDING

New

Painting & Decorating Andreas Painting

Professional ousePainter . nterior xterior Print ing Plastering Taping ree stimates

(201) 997-0706

peak slow in answering machine please 3

evin’s ome mprovements Professional Painting heetrock plastering wallpapering itchens and ath. Tile work ery neat and clean. e give affordable prices.

Dont miss out. senior Discount. ully insured 0 3 3. 3

3

SEAMLESS GUTTERS

G & R Builders

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

Lic. #13VH02536200 Free Estimates 20% Senior Citizen Discounts (201) 893-0656 34w3

23

ic

e roofing lat roofing indow installation iding utters ree estimates ully insured 3 3 3 0 3 0 3

0 30 300 3

SNOW REMOVAL

Yard Clean-Up, Garages, Basements, Attics, Real Estate, Rubbish Removal, Demolition Lic.13VH04443200 (201) 726-0287 34W4

ffordable ubbish emoval ttics asements ard Cleaning. e aul or ou Can ent 0 Cubic ard Containers. e ccept isa MasterCard 0 .3

A.A.

Drinking Problem e can elp Call . . hours 00 3 www.nn aa.org THE OBSERVER

Are you looking to advertise your business?

Looking for help?

Selling or renting your Home?

Or just looking to sell some items?

Call us to find out information on how we can help you reach over 32,000 readers.

(201) 991-1600 SNOW REMOVAL

now emoval esidential idewalks Driveways Porches teps. enior Discounts earny N yndhurst only illiam . Mc uire 0 03

24

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

Clear your property of snow ... or be fined NUTLEY – Walking around the township was more tenuous in the aftermath of recent snowfalls but the Nutley Police Department has done its part to make footing safer for residents.

As chronicled in the NPD blotter, for the period Jan. 6-12, local officers issued a total of seven summonses to property owners charged with unshoveled sidewalks.

A Brookline Ave. homeowner got served with one such summons on Jan. 7.

On Jan. 8, the owner of a Race St. home that appeared vacant was issued a summons, as was the owner of a property on Povershon Road.

And on Jan. 10, four different property owners on Humbert St. were ticketed for failing to remove snow from their sidewalks.

Township ordinance Chapter 610 regulating snow and ice removal requires that, “The owner or tenant of any lands abutting upon the public highways of the Township of Nutley shall remove all snow and ice from the abutting sidewalks of such highways within 36 hours after the same shall fall or be formed thereon.”

That mandate extends to the owners of “any garden apartment” and “any high-rise apartment or other multiple dwelling consisting of three or more apartments” who are required to remove all snow and ice “from sidewalks, roadways, parking areas, walks from the sidewalks to the entrances of the structures on the premises, walks and stairways to basements, storage areas and refuse storage areas …” within the same 36-hour period.

Violators are subject to a fine of $500 or up to 90 days in jail or both for every offense committed within a 36-hour period.

Police logged these additional entries for the past week:

was described as white, wearing dark clothing with a black face mask, carrying a handgun; the other, black, in all dark clothing with a full black face mask.

The attendant told officers the bandits took an undisclosed amount Jan. 7 of cash and a mobile Officers responded to phone and tried to lock a Corsay Road locahim in the station office. tion on a report of a Detectives are invessuspicious vehicle in tigating. the neighborhood. A ••• motor vehicle stop was A report of theft initiated and after the of cigarettes brought occupants – Agustin officers to a Franklin YolyDelarosa, 21, and Ave. location where the Wilber Rivera-Montero, victim reported that a 20, both of Newark – re- van with commercial portedly provided false “Animal Control” markinformation and were ings entered the lot to found to be in possesthe Woroco Gas Station sion of IDs that didn’t and the driver got out belong to them. Both and presented a credit were arrested. card to purchase $16 YolyDelarosa was worth of cigarettes. charged with impersonAfter the card was ating, ID theft and theft declined, the victim told of mislaid or delivered police the driver got mail while Riveraback in the van and left Montero was charged the station heading east with evidence tamperon William St. without ing. Additionally, Yolypaying for the merchanDelarosa was ticketed dise. Detectives were for driving while readvised. voked, improper tint, no ••• seat belt and improper A Centre St. store parking obstructing a owner reported a theft roadway. of a multi-colored turtleneck poncho valued Jan. 8 at about $30, stolen A resident reported from a display in front what police described of the boutique between as a fraud attempt. The 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. Police resident told officers of said this was the second having been contacted week in a row that by a woman claiming to items placed outside be a PSE&G employee had been taken. who warned that power would be shut off if the Jan. 9 resident failed to pay a HQ received a walkcertain amount via gift in report that someone cards by a specific time. had thrown eggs at the No payment was made windshield and roof of and police advised a vehicle while it was the resident this was a parked in Msgr. DeLuca scam.

Plaza. Another report ••• was received on Jan. 12 Police responded to about eggs having been a call of a disturbance thrown at the same car at a Centre St. location while it was parked in where, upon arrival, a the plaza in front of the gas station attendant victim’s residence. The reported having been victim could provide no robbed by two males. explanation for these One of the suspects incidents.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY HIGHEST CASH PAID ON THE SPOT

BUYING GOLD & DIAMONDS .75 CARAT & LARGER

Arlington

Jewelers

JEWELRY PROFESSIONALS FOR OVER 35 YEARS

Specializing in Watch & Jewelry Repairs

Up to 70% OFF

WATCHES • 14K GOLD JEWELRY DIAMOND JEWELRY • STERLING SILVER JEWELRY

The man who stops advertising to save money

36 RIDGE ROAD • NORTH ARLINGTON • 201-998-5036 is like the man who stops the clock to save time.

- Thomas Jefferson

Start advertising your products and services to reach over 100,000 readers for as low as $40 a week!

Restaurant & Bar

Contact your media representative today!

201-991-1600

Specializing in Seafood & BBQ Catering for All Occasions & Takeout

973.481.3646 224 GRANT AVENUE • EAST NEWARK

www.picnicrestaurant.com

0% FINANCING UP TO 18 MONTHS! NO MONEY DOWN!

• Boilers • Bathroom Remodeling • Oil to Gas Conversions

• Sewers Video Camera Inspections

267 River Rd. | North Arlington | New Jersey

LIC# 9529 |T: 201.997.8565 | F: 201.997.1085 | www.DeGracePlumbing.com

NJ Plumb# 11103 / HVAC# 19HC00064800

COURAGEOUS

PLUMBING, HEATING, COOLING

Sewer & Drain Cleaning/Excavations/Central AC/Furnaces/Humidifiers

$25 OFF YOUr fIrsT jOB

$250 OFF ANY jOB oVEr $2,500

Oil to Gas Conversion, Best Boiler Prices, Inspections, Violations Corrected, Hot Water Heaters

Visa & MC • Finances up to 24 Payments, No Interest. courageousllc.com • courageousplumb@aol.com

201.206.4845 • 908.387.8150 To advertise in the directory, call

201.991.1600

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

strength totals 114.

By town ordinance, the town can appoint up to 70 Continued from Page 12 rank-and-file cops and up to 100 rank-and-file and superior vehicle. Dyl told The Obofficers combined. server he was in the process It appears from the aforeof researching the prospecmentioned headcounts that tive acquisition of an addition the department may be over to the KFD motor pool but the limit but because of didn’t elaborate. anticipated retirements – one Also, the KFD got another sergeant is expected to leave recent gift with the donation next month and nine others of three surplus exhaust fans will be eligible to put in for from the Colonia Fire Departtheir pensions between now ment that can be handled by and Jan. 21, 2019 – the KPD firefighters at fire scenes. figures to be at or close to its Meanwhile, in another T.O. when the smoke clears. public safety development, The new police hires were the governing body voted last listed as Anthony Nunez, week to appoint six police 24, a pharmacy technician officers, effective Jan. 16, each at Midtown Drugs who has at an annual salary of $43,965, 56 college credits; Sean Gill, contingent on successful 20, an ice skating rink attencompletion of training. dant with 28 college credits; The rookies are slated to Ryan Brady, 26, a custodian/ start classes at the Bergen groundskeeper with the NutCounty Public Safety Acadley Board of Education and emy in Mahwah on Jan. 19 and 31 college credits; Mariana finish by June 14.

Figueiredo, 22, a membership Currently, KPD records associate at BJ’s Wholesale show, the department has 60 Club with an associate degree rank-and-file officers on the in criminal justice from payroll plus an additional 17 Bergen Community College; “probationary” cops, meanNicholas Funk, 28, a senior ing a combination of some corrections officer for N.J. completing their first year on Dept. of Corrections with 77 the job, some in the Academy college credits; and Sergio and the six newly-hired about Nobre, 33, also a senior corto start the Academy, for a rections officer for N.J. DOC grand total of 83 rank-and-file with 62 college credits. officers.

Except for Nobre, who lives Add the number of superior in Newark, all are residents of officers and the department Kearny.

SAFETY

Artful Hair By David

identify various responsible parties to pay for the cleanup but those efforts have, so far, Continued from Page 19 been unsuccessful but are ongoing. DEP is tapping its task, given the lengthy hispublicly-funded cleanup protory of contamination associgram fund to do the remediaated with the site’s operation. tion to improve water quality It is estimated that about in the Passaic, part of which 1.5 million gallons of waste has also been targeted for a oil were deposited there multi-million dollar cleanup along with waste from pharby the U.S. Environmental maceutical manufacturing, Protection Agency which sewage and asphalt sludges is also seeking money from and insecticides. responsible parties to help And, even though it has pay for remediation. remained inactive since Construction of the cap’82, contaminated leachate and-wall system for the 1-D continues to flow from the landfill is aimed at cutting landfill into the Passaic River off the flow of leachate from through groundwater that entering the Passaic which migrates under the rail lines connects with the Hackenand through the wetlands. sack River at Newark Bay, An investigation undertakjust over a mile from the site. en by DEP in 1999 detected The cleanup plan calls the presence of polyaromatic for up to 83,000 gallons of hydrocarbons, pesticides, leachate a day to be colmetals, volatile and inorganic lected and sent to the Passaic chemicals in the groundwaValley Sewerage Authority’s ter, soil, surface water, sediNewark plant for treatment. ment and leachate.

Landfill gases that now Since then, DEP sought to

LANDFILL

discharge into the air will be captured by a gas flaring system designed to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.

The site, which ranges in elevation above sea level from five to 110 feet, will be regraded to reduce erosion.

DEP had ordered a shutdown of the landfill in ’82 because the site had reached its maximum allowable height and because the MSLA had failed to manage the leachate. A soil cover was placed over the landfill at the time but the site was never properly capped or maintained, thereby failing to prevent infiltration of rain water into the landfill which exacerbates the leachate problem. Trees and other plants subsequently grew in the soil cover.

At the completion of the project, vegetation will be planted on the cap to provide wildlife habitat, particularly as a feeding stop for migratory birds, Hajna said.

HEALTH & WELLNESS DIRECTORY

John P. Branwell, DPM., C.Ped 201-998-9700 • 37 Seeley Ave., Kearny

Podiatric Medicine • Surgery • Diabetic Shoes • Orthotics MEDICARE • BCBS • Most Insurances NOW PARTICIPATING WITH AETNA

Kearny Wellness The winner of the Harrison Fest 2017 Window Art Contest has been announced, and it’s Hair By David, 111 Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard, and owner David Antunes.

Hair by David was among 11 businesses that participated in the annual contest.

Artists included: Sarah Ferreira, Stefhanie Paucar, Janet Romero, Emily Isodoro, Alexa Isodoro, Adriana Arca, Michael Mendez, Mikael Fernandez, Julian Fernandez and

Brianna Monterrosa.

Prizes were donated by the Harrison Fest committee and were awarded to the student-artists by Councilman Anselmo Millan, president of the Harrison Fest committee, and Mayor James Fife.

“We are so proud of our youth group that worked hard at creating such beautiful works of art and brining the holiday spirit to the Harrison Business District,” Millan said.

Mon & Wed: 12- 8 Tues & Thurs: 10- 8 Fri: 12- 6 • Sat: 9 -12

Chiropractic • Physical Therapy • Massage Therapy • Acupuncture • Sports Rehab • Prenatal Care

841 Kearny Ave. • Kearnywellness.com • 201.565.3995

CARDIOLOGY & INTERNAL MEDICINE

Call to make an appointment! (973) 777-3286

1135 Clifton Ave, Suite 206, Clifton, NJ 07013

To advertise, please call our office at:

201.991.1600

25

26

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

HAMILTON

Continued from Page 5 and a professional stonemason — cleaned and refurbished it to pristine condition. At no cost.

(He was at the memorial ceremony, too.)

Someone else who contributed their talents to the Hamilton tribute is superbly talented artist Jen Bissu, a West New York native who now lives in Pennsylvania and who is a friend of Kearny’s Karl Petry.

Hamilton’s name, and photograph, were to be added to the KFD’s Wall of Honor. However, aside from grainy newspaper images, a photograph of the hero could not be found.

When Petry heard of the Hamilton story, he contacted Bissu, who volunteered to paint a portrait of the firefighter. At no cost.

Bissu traveled from Pennsylvania to deliver the painting and be present for its unveiling Saturday.

Because the only Hamilton

photos were in black-andwhite, an accurate color portrait was problematic.

What color was his hair? His eyes? So the artist opted for a composition in black and grays and white.

We initially thought she had worked in charcoal, but Petry corrected us. It’s an oil painting. And it is a stunning work of art.

At the program, we asked her why she had offered to assist with the Hamilton project.

“I heard the story,” she said, “and to me it’s of a huge magnitude when someone sacrifices themselves for the benefit of others. I just really wanted to memorialize him forever.

It’s unacceptable for him to have been forgotten after making the ultimate sacrifice.”

(If you are interested in seeing examples of Bissu’s beautiful art, visit her web page at www.JenBissu. com. And in case you’re wondering, she did not ask for that plug. We just think she deserves it.)

And while we’re

EXTERIOR DETAIL

80

$

NOW

CO

Photo by Karl Petry

Several of Kearny’s Bravest pose with the Hamilton brothers (c.) and Chief Steven Dyl, following the ceremony to honor the late Firefighter Robert Hamilton.

giving props, special thanks should go out to the committee of KFD members who organized the comprehensive, impressive and moving ceremony: Capt.

Vic Girdwood, Capt. Matt Mitchell, and Firefighters Wil Lopez (who did an excellent job as emcee), Frank

McAllister and Steven Dyl. The memorial program, which concluded with a moment of silence, had begun with a prayer by Father Joe Mancini, pastor of St. Stephen’s Church and KFD chaplain. We shall end this story with a quote from that regarding Robert

P ORAR M E T N

NOW

39

$

With coupon. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Exp. 4/15/18

2 OFF

$

GRAND SLAM

FULL SERVICE CAR WASH With coupon. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Exp. 4/15/18

INTERIOR DETAIL

Y

NOW

With coupon. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Exp. 4/15/18

WAX & WASH SPECIAL

Hamilton: “Called to be a Kearny firefighter, he gave his life in the line of duty on this day, Jan. 13, 1941. In this way, he fulfilled the words of Scripture, ‘Greater love has no man than to give his life for his friends.’”

Amen.

80

$

With coupon. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Exp. 4/15/18

HAND CAR WASH AND DETAIL CENTER PROFESSIONAL DETAILING FOR CARS, SUVS, TRUCKS & MOTORCYLES

820 Riverside Ave. • Lyndhurst

201.939.9291

COMPLETE DETAIL Interior & Exterior

NOW

159

$

With coupon. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Exp. 4/15/18

2 OFF

$

GRAND SLAM

FULL SERVICE CAR WASH With coupon. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Exp. 4/15/18

OPEN 7 DAYS • PICK-UP & DELIVERY AVAILABLE

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

Bellavia

ROUTE 17

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ

“Celebrating Our 45th Anniversary”

0 72 MONTHS! % APR AVAILABLE UP TO

AS LOW AS

NATIONAL AWARD WINNER BUICK DEALER OF THE YEAR

Bellavia

Bellavia

38

34

99

179

MPG HWY

MPG HWY

Lease per mo/ 24 mos*

$ NEW 2018 CHEVY

CRUZE LT

$

2-YEAR FREE MAINTENANCE

Gray, 4-Dr, 4-Cyl, 1.4L, FRWD, Auto, TC, P/S/ABS, A/C w/Clim Cntrl, Dual/Side Curtain Impact Air Bags, P/Winds/Lcks/Mrrs, Tilt, Cruise, Alloys, Sec Sys, Keyless Entry, CD/Satellite, Nav, OnStar, Rr Camera, Bluetooth, Stk#18-1116, VIN#J7113851, MSRP: $22,325. Based on 24 Mo Closed End Lease. $3,244 due at delivery includes $2,495 down payment, 1st Payment & $650 bank fee. 10,000 mi/yr excess mi @ $.25 thereafter. Total payments: $2,376. Residual Value: $13,395. Includes Lease Conquest if qualified.

NEW 2018 BUICK

ENCORE AWD PREFERRED

NEW 2018 CHEVY

EQUINOX LT

2-YEAR FREE MAINTENANCE

24

24

149

239

2-YEAR FREE MAINTENANCE

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BUY NEW TO

GET A GREAT CAR!

15,488

$

Stk#16117, VIN#B7126446, 1.4L, 4-Cyl, FWD, Auto, AM/FM/CD/MP3, AC, Daul Air Bags, P/S/ABS, P/Winds/Lcks, Sec Sys, Telescopic, T/Gls, 69,239mi.

2016 GMC

TERRAIN SLE-2

19,995

$

Blue, Stk#16067, VIN#G6200185, 2.4L, 4-Cyl, FWD, Auto, TC, AC, atellite/MP3/USB, Pioneer Premium Sound, Rear Camera, Rf Rails, Sec Sys, T/Gls, 7” Color Touchscreen, 22,050mi.

2017 CHEVROLET

7,995

Stk#16149, VIN#B7126446, 1.4L, 4-Cyl, FWD, Auto, AM/FM/CD/MP3, AC, Daul Air Bags, P/S/ABS, P/Winds/Lcks, Sec Sys, Tilt, Telescopic, T/Gls, 69,239mi.

2017 CHEVROLET

16,995

$

Silver, Stk#16064, VIN#HF184657, 1.5L, 4-Cyl, FWD, Auto, 7” Color Touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apply CarPlay, AC, PS/ABS, P/Winds/Lcks/Htd Mrrs, R/Camera, Sec Sys, TC, T/Gls, 15,253mi.

2017 CHEVROLET

COLORADO DIESEL

GM Executive Demo

GM Executive Demo

33,996

White, Stk#15733, VIN#HJ145431, 3.6L, 6-Cyl, Auto, AWD, 6.5’ Touch Display, AM/FM, Satellite, Bluetooth, Back Up Cam, Cruise, P/S/ABS, 12,986mi.

REGAL SPORT TOURING

36,997

$

Black, Stk#16703, VIN#H1187093, Crew Cab, 2.8L, 4-Cyl, Auto, Turbo Diesel, 4WD, 8” Color Touchscreen, /USB, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, AC, P/S/ABS, Rear Camera, TC, 10,774mi.

199 Rt.17 South, E.Rutherford, NJ 201.939.6800

BELLAVIACHEVYBUICK.com

2014 BUICK

VERANO

LUCERNE CX-2

TRAVERSE PREMIER

$

NEW 2017 BUICK

2-YEAR FREE MAINTENANCE

Black, 4-Dr, 4-Cyl, 2.0L, Turbo, FRWD, Auto, P/S/ABS, A/C w/Clim Cntrl, Dual/Side Curtain Impact Air Bags, P/Htd Sts, Lthr, P/Winds/Lcks/Mrrs, Cruise, Heated Seats, Alloys, T/Gls, Sec Sys, Keyless Entry, Satellite, OnStar, Nav, Bluetooth, R/Camera, Remote Start, Stk#17-486, VIN#H9183884, MSRP: $30,360. Based on 39 Mo Closed End Lease. $3,884 due at delivery incl $2,995 down pymnt & 1st Pymnt. $650 bank fee. 10,000 mi/yr excess mi @ $.25 thereafter. Ttl pymnts: $9,321. Residual Value: $14,270. Includes Lease Conquest if qualified.

2010 BUICK

MALIBU

CRUZE

$

$

Lease per mo/ 39 mos*

HUGE SELECTION OF BELLAVIA CERTIFIED & PRE-OWNED VEHICLES

2011 CHEVROLET

CRUZE

MPG HWY

Lease per mo/ 39 mos*

Cajun Red Tintcoat, SUV, 4-Cyl, FRWD, Auto w/OD, TC, P/S/ABS, Dual Side Impact Air Bags, P/Winds/Lcks/Mrrs, Tilt, Telescopic, Cruise, Sec Sys, AM/FM, Rr Camera, OnStar, Nav, Stk#18-1246, VIN#JS560066, MSRP: $28,140. Based on 39 Mo Closed End Lease. $3,144 due at delivery includes $2,995 down payment, 1st payment. No up front bank fee. 10,000 mi/yr excess mi @ $.25 thereafter. Total payments: $5,811. Residual value: $16,040. Includes Lease Conquest if qualified.

2017 CHEVROLET

Lease per mo/ 39 mos*

White, SUV, 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4L, FRWD, Auto w/OD, A/C w/Clim Cntrl, Dual/Side Impact Air Bags, P/Winds/Lcks/Mrrs, Tilt, Telescopic, Cruise, Ally Whls, T/Gls, Sec Sys, Keyless Entry, AM/FM/Satellite, OnStar, Nav, Stk#18-120, VIN#JB554633, MSRP:$25,360. Based on 39 Mo Closed End Lease. $2,174 due at delivery includes $1,995 down payment & 1st Payment. No up front bank fee. 10,000 mi/yr excess mi @ $.25 thereafter. Total payments: $6,981. Residual Value: $13,695. Includes Lease Loyalty if qualified.

MPG HWY

$

27

12,500

$

White, Stk#15938, VIN#AU119690, 3.9L, 6-Cyl, FRWD, Auto, CD/MP3/Satellite, P/S/ABS, Cruise, Fog Lights, Remote Start, Sec Sys, TC, 11,878mi.

2014 BUICK

ENCORE CONVENIENCE

16,995

$

Red, Stk#15962, VIN#B572738, 1.4L, 4-Cyl, AWD, Auto, /Satellite/USB/MP3, 7” LCD Color Display, AC, Cargo Cover, Cruise, Liftgate Window, Rf Rack/Rails, Remote Start, TC, 21,007mi.

12,995

$

Brown, Stk#15976, VINE4227171, 2.4L, 4-Cyl, Auto, Satellite/MP3/USB, 7” Touchscreen, iPod Connect, Bluetooth, AC, Cruise, Fog Lights, P/S/ABS, Remote Start, Sec Sys, 36,624mi.

2015 BUICK

LACROSSE LEATHER

20,995

2014 BUICK

REGAL PREMIUM

16,995

$

Stk#15974, VIN#E9304497, 2.0L, 4-Cyl, FWD, Auto, CD/USB/ Satellite/MP3, Bluetooth, 7-Speaker Sys, A/C, Fog Lights, Htd Steering Whl, Remote Start, Sec Sys, 32,332mi.

2017 BUICK

ENCLAVE PREMIUM AWD

GM Executive Demo

36,500

$

$

Stk#15910, VIN#FF143786, 3.6L, 6-Cyl, FWD, Auto, Lthr, CD/USB, 8” Color LCD Display, Bluetooth, iPod Connect, 4G LTE Wi-Fi, TC, P/S/ABS, Sec Sys, A/C w/ Clim Cntrl, Htd Sts, 21,078mi.

Black, Stk# 15774, VIN#HJ155456, 3.6L, 6-Cyl, Auto, AWD, CD/AM/FM, Nav, Sec System, Backup Cam, A/C, P/S/ABS, 11,014mi.

Financing thru GM Financial. Not all buyers will qualify. See dlr for details. **Free Maintenance includes 2 oil changes within the first 24,000 miles. ^0% APR for up to 72 mos, on select models. *Actual mileage will vary. Lessee resp for excess wear, tear, & mileage charges as stated. All price(s) incl(s) all costs to be paid by consumer, except for tax, title, lic costs, reg fees, dlr fees & optional equipment extra. Other restrictions may apply. Pics are illustrative only. Offers end 1/31/18. ©2017 BOCPartners.com

28

THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

E XPE CT B ETT ER

Fulfill your resolution to sell your home this year with the area’s Best Agents & Broker!

AVAILABLE HOMES

Lyndhurst

$425,000

Charming 3 bedroom, 2 full bath Colonial. Great option to create 5 bedrooms! Central air, hardwood flooring, family room or suite, partially finished basement w/potential 3rd bath, deck, driveway and one car detached garage.

N. Arlington

Lyndhurst

$425,000

Great 2 family investment! 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths on large 60 x 100 lot w/expansion possibilities. Features modern kitchen and baths, hardwood floors and driveway w/one car detached garage. Nice location!

$450,000

2 fam w/driveway. 5 rms 2 bedrrms each fl. Walk up attic to fin rm. Gas heat, full unfin basement newer siding, roof, windows and front steps.

Lyndhurst

Kearny

$375,000

1 family ranch facing East located on a dead end street in a desirable Arlington Section neighborhood. 1 car attached garage, 52 x 170’ lot! 3 bedrooms. Full finished basement with recreation room, wet bar & full bath & exit to yard.

$450,000

Modern 3 bedroom, 2 full bath Cape with large eat-in kitchen, family room, 3 season room, master bedroom suite with master bath and attached 1 car garage.

Kearny

$275,000

Arlington Section large 1 fam 3 bedrms, 2 baths-nice shape! 1st fl w/high ceiling Liv rm, den, dining rm, modern kitchen to 15’ x 18’ deck. 2nd fl 3 bdrms, bathrm, finished attic. Fin basement w/rec rm & full bath, Gas heat, cent air.

Kearny

$250,000

Mechanic shop on busy Schuyler Ave. Includes equipment. 2 bays, can fit approx. 6 cars and 2 spaces in front. Each bay has separate electric, gas, bathroom and it’s own lift. Ceiling height ranges from 12’ to 15’. Also can be used by tradesman (electrician, plumber, HVAC, landscaper, etc.).

Call us or visit our website CocciaRealty.com today!

RECENT SALES• LET US SELL YOURS! D! L SO

D! L SO

283 High St., Lyndhurst

george.rosko@ mycoccia.com

201.218.0841

Listed: $200,000 • Days on Market: 72 Closed: January 9, 2018 • Sale Price: $170,000 Agent: George Rosko

Kearny

636 Kearny Ave.

201-997-7000

633 Lake Ave., Lyndhurst

D! L SO Florence @mycoccia.com

201.719.0755

Listed: $225,000 • Days on Market: 28 Closed: Dec. 22, 2017 • Sale Price: $265,000 Agent: Florence Ferrandino

Lyndhurst

424 Valleybrook Ave.

201-939-8900

63-65 Elizabeth Ave., Kearny

D!D! L SOSOL Zoraida.Alonso @mycoccia.com

201.736.4712

Listed: $325,000 • Days on Market: 32 Closed: Dec. 22, 2017 • Sale Price: $320,000 Agent: Zoraida Alonso

Rutherford 11 Park Ave.

201-939-0001

647 Chase Ave., Lyndhurst

Gina.Rehbein @mycoccia.com

201.245.3959

Listed: $465,000 • Days on Market: 22 Closed: Dec. 13, 2017 • Sale Price: $489,000 Agent: Regina Rehbein

Secaucus

5 Harmon Cove Tower

201-867-2100

© 2016 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Each Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. Franchise is independently Owned and Operated. Statistics based on information derived from NJMLS for all sales transactions made from 1/1/16 to 12/31/2016, deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Interested in a career in real estate? Email: Colette@mycoccia.com or call 973-476-8051