Jan. 30, 2019 edition of The Observer

JANUARY 30, 2019 • WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM • VOL. CXXXI, NO. 38

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

Cross signals installed on Belleville’s Franklin Avenue

By Ron Leir Special to The Observer

JUST TWO DAYS BEFORE NEW YEAR’S

IS THIS ILLEGAL DUMPING?

Photo illustration by Michelle Rybeck

The smell reportedly coming from the Keegan Landfill, Kearny, has, at times, of late, been intolerable. Now, last week, comes images and video on social media that seem to show improper — and likely illegal — sludge dumping at the landfill.

By Ron Leir Special to The Observer

AFTER RESIDENTS’ HAIRS WERE RAISED

about bothersome smells they trace to an active landfill run by a state agency, Kearny’s chief executive is making a bigger stink about the

situation.

In a Facebook posting last week, Mayor Alberto Santos declared: “I think we identified the source of the sulfurous odors from the Keegan landfill [at Bergen Avenue and the Harrison Turnpike].

“Based on DEP (N.J. Department

of Environmental Protection) inspection reports, photos and video, it’s illegal dumping of liquid sewage sludge.”

But a spokeswoman for a statefunded environmental regulatory

See

761 Ridge Rd., Lyndhurst, NJ 201-460-8000

Semiao & Associates 531 Kearny Ave., Kearny, NJ 201-991-1300

217 Ferry St., Newark, NJ 973-344-2100

See

SIGNALS, 23

HIGHLIGHTS KPD, DPW LOSING DECADES OF EXPERIENCE

07

WHAT IS W.H.A.T. ALL ABOUT?

09

KEEGAN, 23

#1 LISTING AND SELLING OFFICE IN 2017!

www.Century21Semiao.com

2018, a pedestrian was struck as he crossed Franklin Avenue in the heart of a business district in Belleville and subsequently died of his injuries. It was the same location where a similar accident previously took the life of another individual, according to township officials.

Now, through the intervention of Mayor Michael Melham and the governing body, the township is hoping to prevent any future tragedies with the installation of a potential deterrent – a crosswalk and flashing signal light activated by pedestrians.

The twin signals placed in the 300 block of Franklin Avenue – one on the east side of the street in front of The Chandelier catering hall and the other to the west near the

CENTURY 21 Semiao and Associates - Hudson Count...

http://www.century21semiao.com

SCAN HERE! http://kaywa.me/aBR3I

257 Blvd., Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 201-288-5533 Download the Kaywa QR Code Reader (App Store &Android Market) and scan your code!

BASED ON NJMLS, KEARNY, NORTH ARLINGTON, LYNDHURST, HARRISON, EAST NEWARK

02

WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM | THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019

NEWS

Submit local stories to:

editorial@ theobserver.com

FORMER GOV. LAUDS BELLEVILLE

By Ron Leir Special to The Observer

BACK IN 2016, A YEAR

following his appointment as Belleville superintendent of schools, Richard Tomko began putting into motion a plan to tackle a subject sometimes seen as taboo.

It wasn’t a subject on the traditional district curriculum but Tomko felt it was just as important as math or history – possibly even more so – to deal with for the well-being of students.

If kids were exhibiting

out-of-the ordinary behavior, stressing over being bullied or worried about some type of home situation that had gone awry and didn’t know what to do about it, then the chief school administrator wanted to provide a safe place where they could talk to a professional about the situation.

“Mental health issues need to be addressed,” Tomko said, “because we have to concern ourselves with the education of the whole child.”

So in Belleville public

schools, “we’re not afraid to ask if some of our students – and possibly parents – if they need help” coping with these types of issues, he said.

At its Jan. 14 meeting, the Belleville Board of Education was heralded by former N.J. Gov. Richard Codey as the first kindergarten-to-grade 12 school district in the Garden State to be recognized as “Stigma-Free.”

Codey and his wife Mary Jo founded The Codey Fund for Mental Health in 2012 – and subsequently challenged municipalities Contributed photo

Former Gov. Dick Codey addresses a Belleville school assembly.

Call Today at:

201.991.0067

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

FIND ALL

In our February 6th issue, HEARTS hidden throughout our paper

and school campuses to take a “pledge” to be “Stigma Free.” The former First Lady of New Jersey suffered from postpartum depression after her first child was born.

The not-for-profit fund supports organizations and programs that: • Raise public awareness of mental health issues.

• Work to overcome stigma, stereotyping and discrimination.

• Combat teenage suicide and depression throughout New Jersey.

• Advance mental health education for at-risk youth, mothers with post-partum depression, the homeless and psychiatric patients.

• Promote effective

treatment and sustain recovery.

The fund’s website says the nonprofit was created with the premise that “access to comprehensive care and quality treatment for individuals with mental illness is a right, and that the stigma associated with mental illness is the singlebiggest barrier between the people suffering with mental health disorders and the treatment that can change their lives.”

By taking the stigma free pledge, organizations agree to “promote public awareness, create conversations and work

Continued on the next page

INSIDE THIS EDITION Opinion .................................................................... 6 Food & Dining Directory ........................................ 9 Sports & Recreation............................................. 11 Health & Wellness Directory................................14 Real Estate ............................................................ 16

To win a

$100 GIFT CERTIFICATE for one of our participating advertisers!

Deadline is Mon., February 11 by 10AM. Fill out the form published on February 6th and mail your submission to our office at 39 SEELEY AVE., KEARNY, NJ. 07032. For more info, please call 201.991.1600.

Real Estate Diretory .............................................17 Classifieds....................................................... 20-22 Business Directory .............................................. 22

WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM | THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019

NEWS

03

Submit local stories to:

editorial@ theobserver.com

SCHOOLS’ MENTAL HEALTH WORK Continued from previous page toward overcoming stigmas, stereotyping, discrimination and removing any barriers to recovery.”

In recent years, nationwide attention has been focused on the growing trend of adolescents taking their own lives.

Data collected by the U.S. National Institute of Health’s Center for Disease Control & Prevention shows that during 2016, suicide was the second-leading cause of death among individuals ages 10 to 14 – representing 13.4% per 100,000 population, up from 10.5% in 1999.

In Belleville, Tomko said he did research “to ensure we’re taking the right action” before recommending certain protocol to the Board of Education.

That, in turn, Tomko said, led to the district setting aside space in the middle school and in the high school for designation as “drop-in centers” and hiring several counselors to staff those centers where students can come during the school day to discuss concerns outside of the normal everyday scholastic agenda.

Those topics, he said, could run the gamut from domestic violence incidents

BELLEVILLE SCHOOLS to suicidal feelings and everything in between. If a counselor felt a student needed additional help from a professional, he or she could refer the student to an outside health care resource.

“At any given time,” Tomko said, “we have two to three staffers – it can be a social worker and/or psychologist – available at a center.”

Barbara A. Correnti, director of student personnel services for the Belleville school district, has partnered with the superintendent in helping secure counseling staff and monitor the operation of the drop-in centers.

District records provided

by Correnti indicate that students have not been shy to make use of the centers.

Between September and December 2018, logs show that 1,445 student visits were made to the high school counseling center, 18 students were “sent for outside mental health evaluations (suicide ideation)” and 29 students were “sent for substance abuse assessment.”

www.TheObserver.com The Kearny Health Department is providing a

FREE RABIES CLINIC for dogs and cats.

The clinic will be held on

Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019 from 10 a.m. to noon

at the Kearny Water Department Complex (SUEZ), 570 Elm St., Kearny. (corner of Elm street & Laurel Ave)

All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier.

No appointments necessary.

A look at the welcome sign to the Belleville High School DropIn Center.

For the same period, 672 student visits took place at the middle school center, nine students were sent for outside mental health evaluations and two were sent for substance abuse evaluation.

Through the confidential interactions at the centers, “we have identified threats to students, even violence – fighting with each other – social media bullying, problems atåa home,” Tomko said.

Once a problem is identified, then positive steps can be taken by the professionals to deal with a potentially explosive situation, he said.

What it all comes down to, Tomko said, is “if you don’t have a healthy body and mind, you’re not going to do well academically.”

Open and High Field MRI at the same site, Day and Night

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

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

(201) 729-1234

Mowimy po Polsku

PROVEN and ADVANCED

Trusted by our community since 1992 Important Features • All Insurances Accepted • Day, Evening & Weekend Hours • Ample Parking

• ACR Certified in All Modalities • Board Certified Specialists • Over 1/2 Million Patients Seen

www.trcmd.com

04

WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM | THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019

NEWS

Submit local stories to:

editorial@ theobserver.com

Joia a true new ‘jewel’ in Harrison

By Kevin Canessa kc@theobserver.com

FOR AS MUCH AS HARRISON’S renaissance has had a positive impact on the entire West Hudson region, there’s still one thing that still drives people mad when they travel to the southern end of town here to grab something to eat at some of the great new restaurants — parking.

If you find a spot, it’s almost as fortunate as hitting a lottery.

If you don’t find a spot — this has probably happened to you — frustration sets in pretty quickly. And just as quickly as you made plans for dinner, they fall apart and you wind up going elsewhere.

Sound familiar?

Well, for one of Harrison’s newest eateries, Joia Restaurant (the Portuguese word Joia translates to the

BUSINESS REVIEW word “jewel”), 1110 Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard South, parking is never an issue — because just behind the place, off Crucible Drive, rests a large indoor parking lot where, get this, patrons may park their vehicles — for free.

“It’s one of the biggest plusses for our location,” Joia’s owner, Antonio Nobre, said last week when The Observer visited the restaurant for lunch with the owner and his son, Dimas Nobre, who runs the day-today operations. “When people come here, they never have to worry about where they will park. The biggest concern is what patrons will choose to eat.”

Photo by Kevin Canessa

A look at the main dining area at Joia Restaurant, Harrison.

Indeed, that convenience is to behold. When we arrived

AUTO REPAIR 1430 McCARTER HWY. • NEWARK, NJ • 862.237.9494

10% OFF

with this ad

15% Discount for Veterans, EMT, Police & Firefighters (Valid ID required)

Specializing in

TINTING √ Block Heat √ Reduce Glare √ Add Privacy

WINDOWS HEAD LIGHTS TAIL LIGHTS

Brakes Struts Tuneups Shocks Water Pump Radiator Battery Alternator Starter

Belts Oil Change Clutch Axles A/C Exhaust Differential Transmissions

& More!

New & Used Tires Rim & Tire Packages

Buy 4 Tires, Receive Wheel Alignment

for FREE!

V E T E R A N OW N E D & O P E R AT E D

for lunch, and parked in the free lot, we were inside the restaurants no more than 30 seconds after exiting the lot.

Once inside, we sampled two appetizers — incredibly fresh crab cakes and rice in a delicious tomato sauce.

Both were tremendous. It was clear all the ingredients were fresh and that the dishes were homemade — and not processed, frozen food.

“Everything we make here is from scratch,” Nobre said.

“Everything. Our soups do not come from a can. Every single ingredient is fresh. And you will never see the same soup in the same week. It’s always something different, something new, each day.”

While the restaurant

is billed as a Portuguese restaurant — and the Portuguese foods are tremendous — you’ll find so much more food-wise.

My lunch was garlic shrimp served with rice.

It was delightful, hardly overpowering but spiced perfectly. Even the rice, void of any shrimp, was great.

Another member of our party had picadinho — or pork cubes. He said it was the best he ever had.

And yet another had a cheesesteak sandwich that was so good, and so big, that he was only able to finish half of it. The rest he took home

See

JOIA, 17

Ken Davie “Your Family’s Lawyer” • Matrimonial & Municipal Courts • Home and Business Sales • Wills and Estates •Labor and Criminal Law

Experience • Compassion • Results

CIFELLi & DAVIE

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

WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM | THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019

05

LiveAtVermellaWest.com Studio, One and Two Bedroom Rentals Starting in the $1600’s Energy-efficient appliances In-home washer and dryer Stylish, spacious living spaces with hardwood floors 8,800 square foot industrial style clubhouse, featuring:

135 Passaic Avenue, Kearny, NJ 07032

(201) 256-0968 vermellawest@russomanagement.com

Private Shuttle to Harrison Path Station VW-ad_10x13_122118.indd 1

Fully-equipped fitness center with free weights, weight machines and cardio equipment

Exquisite outdoor pool

Pool table, bar area plus entertainment room available for private events

1 MONTH FREE ON A 13 MONTH LEASE 12/21/18 1:13 PM

06

WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM | THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019

THOUGHTS & VIEWS

Submit your letters to:

editorial@theobserver.com

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 4 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.

It looks like the NJSEA has some explaining to do ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS OVER THE LAST few months, the odor eminating from the Keegan Landfill has, at times, been intolerable. It is often a reminder of the glory days of Kearny — think the entire ‘80s — when if there were a westerly wind, the uptown odors were so bad that opening windows wasn’t even an option.

Those lovely smells were such a wonderful welcome to the Town of Kearny.

Just thinking about them can bring on a bout of nausea.

But the ‘80s are over with — and as garbage dumps closed with time, the odors went away for the most part.

But they’re back. And there is little doubt where they’re coming from, as Mayor Alberto Santos said recently there’s a 99% chance it’s all from Keegan.

But then, last week, came some remarkable videos and photos — sludge

EDITORIAL was being dumped at Keegan, (we’re not sure yet who was doing the dumping) a landfill that is only supposed to take on construction debris. Nothing else.

But there it was — thick, black, disgusting and no doubt, smelly.

The videos don’t lie.

The photos don’t lie.

Somehow — some company, entity or town — is going to the Keegan Landfill and dumping that which is 100% illegal to dump ... and that comes with a substantial fine, if caught.

But it all begs the question: How on earth is this happening? How is it possible that the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority, which oversees this site, is allowing the illegal dumping?

Are they that absurdly out of touch that

something like this could happen?

Are they just not paying attention?

No matter what the answer is — and we eagerly await the answer as to how this could possibly happen — the bottom line is that it’s yet another slap in the face, by the NJSEA, square in the face of the people of the Town of Kearny.

Whether it was their unheeded promises of yesteryear about building a playground on the Keegan site, or now this, the NJSEA continues to see Kearny as a red-headed step-child.

It almost never has this town’s best interests at heart. And it seems like every chance it gets, it figuratively and literally dumps on it and its people.

Enough is enough already.

The NJSEA has a lot of explaining to do — and they better do it soon. The people of Kearny deserve nothing less.

The Observer’s correction & clarification policy THE OBSERVER STRIVES TO BRING ITS READERS the best and the most accurate news.

However, from time to time, there may be mistakes in what we report.

As such, we take our obligation to report

errors seriously.

If you believe we’ve made an error, please send an e-mail to editorial@theobserver. com, indicating what is to be corrected with documentation.

39 Seeley Ave. In Memoriam

T: (201) 991-1600

MARY TORTORETI

www.theobserver.com TheObserverNewspaper TheObserverNJ TheObserverNewspaper

STAFF

DEADLINES

KEVIN CANESSA

Display & Real Estate Ads Thursday 12PM | advertising@theobserver.com Obituaries Monday 10AM | obituaries@theobserver.com Classifieds Monday 3PM | classified@theobserver.com Help Wanted Ads

Editorial, Web, Social Media | kc@theobserver.com

Kearny, N.J. 07032 F: (201) 991-8941

We will ensure a correction is noted (if necessary) in a future print edition — and online. If access to e-mail is not possible, please call us at 201-991-1600 or write to: The Observer, 39 Seeley Ave., Kearny, N.J. 07032.

1942-2016

LISA FEORENZO Co-owner | Advertising Director TINA FEORENZO Co-owner | Advertising ROBERT PEZZOLLA General Manager

JIM HAGUE Sportswriter | ogsmar@aol.com MICHELLE RYBECK Graphic Design | advertising@theobserver.com KIM PEZZOLLA Sales | kimpezzolla@theobserver.com

Monday 3PM; must be sent by email to classified@theobserver.com

Reader Letters (250-word max) editorial@theobserver.com

WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM | THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019

NEWS

07

Submit local stories to:

editorial@ theobserver.com

Kearny police & DPW losing numerous veterans to retirement

By Ron Leir Special to The Observer KEARNY IS LOSING MORE THAN 260 years of municipal history.

No, it’s not that the town has miscalculated its origins — it’s due to a series of retirements of municipal employees with lengthy work logs.

Last week, the mayor and Town Council voted to accept applications for retirement from six members of the Kearny Police Department with more than 160 years’ total experience and four members of the Department of Public Works with about a century of service total.

“It’s a big loss to the department,” Police Chief George King said. “These are all clutch guys.”

Scheduled to leave Feb. 1 are Lt. Richard Poplaski, with 29 years and five months service; Lt. Anthony F. Limite, after 27 years and nine months; Lt. Joseph Lauer, after 25 years; Sgt. Patrick J. Sawyer, after 29 years and five months; and Officer Bryant K. Obie, after 25 years.

Officer Stephen Podolski will be leaving April 1, after 31 years and two months of service.

Poplaski will be collecting $82,389.56 in terminal leave pay and unused vacation time; Limite will get $73,296.71; Lauer will garner $81,097.17; Sawyer will get $73,234.43; Obie will receive $59,498.52; and Podolski will pocket $59,212.95.

King said Poplaski’s skills as deputy emergency management coordinator and as firearms trainer will be missed but he credited the supervisor for “grooming people in the department to take over” those responsibilities after his departure.

Sawyer has been part of the traffic division and Lt. John Taylor, its commander, will soon get a patrol officer to work in the office, King said.

King says that officer will later be part of the motorcycle

squad, which will return in the spring.

Lauer and Limite have been valued tour commanders on various shifts, King said. “We’re losing a ton of experience with them gone,” he added.

And Obie and Podolski have assisted ably with investigations, the chief said.

“To their credit,” King said, “all of these men came to me well in advance of filing their pension applications so that we could take the steps necessary to prepare to fill those gaps.”

King said the KPD asked N.J. Civil Service for a certified list of candidates for sergeant and lieutenant and “that process is moving forward.”

Those applicable lists were issued in 2018 and now the department, in consultation with the municipal personnel director, is vetting candidates to learn if they are still interested in advancing with the KPD, King said.

If the town governing body goes along — and if the money is available in the budget — then the hope is that “by late February or early March, we could see some appointments,” King said.

Because of a recent change to the department’s Table of Organization for the rank of lieutenant, “we would look to name two new people for that rank,” King said, “and to make three new sergeants.”

Additional rank-and-file officers may also be added if candidates are promoted from that rank, he said.

Meanwhile, effective Feb. 1, the DPW will be losing the following personnel: Joseph Porcile, a supervisor retiring after 25½ years of service; Richard Bubenas, a repairer with 30 years and seven months; and James J. Ahearn, a mechanic with 24 years and one month.

And Joel Davelman, also a mechanic, is leaving, effective April 1, after completing 20 years and 11 months.

Porcile, who had previously

been approved for a six-month $1,400 stipend for delaying his departure to train a replacement, will collect $46,676.19 for unused vacation time and longevity; Bubenas will pocket $19,096.58 for the same items; Ahern will get $52,097.77 for the same items; and Davelman will receive $20,824.91 for the same items plus unused sick leave.

RING E T & CA

RDS ABLE! A C L GIFT AVAI

Kevin Murphy, who guides the DPW, said losing those men will have a “big impact” on the department.

“We’ve hired four new employees (Jeffrey O’Connor, David Paszkiewicz, Angel Velez and Robert Josko as laborers) but that does not replace 100 years of experience,” he said.

In the meantime, Murphy

said he awaiting delivery of new equipment for which the town allocated nearly $400,000 in capital monies to acquire. These items include a new street sweeper, salter, “hot box” (asphalt container for fixing potholes), Kubota (utility vehicle that can safely operate on turf athletic fields to pick up trash) and stumpcutter.

Experience the traditional Sicilian values of family, friends & food!

F0LL0W US!

Sandwiches • Pasta • Entrees • Seafood • Steaks

FULL SERVICE BAR

C0ME IN F0R GAME DRINK SPECIALS!

PIZZA SPECIALS DINE, DELIVER 0R PICK-UP

$10 $13 Plain Pie

Tues. & Thurs.

0ur Famous Sicilian Pie Tues. & Thurs.

439 Valleybrook Ave., Lyndhurst • T: T@ @ : 201.933.1588 • F@ @ : 201.933.0801 (Fax your order for pickup!)

Come to our Open House!

Celebrate Catholic Schools Week at Queen of Peace Grammar School Sunday January 27th from 11:30AM-2PM & January 28th through February 2nd from 9AM-1PM

AWAKEN GREATNESS

REGISTERING NOW FOR SEPTEMBER 2019

Full-day Preschool 3 & 4 yrs old • Kindergarten 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

08

WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM | THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019

NEWS

Submit local stories to:

editorial@ theobserver.com

KPD: A strange case from A to Zzzz

By Karen Zautyk kzautyk@theobserver.com

ON JAN. 16 AT 5:15 P.M.,

numerous Kearny police officers responded to a Windsor Street apartment on a call of a burglary in progress. They

Gift Cards Available!

met the resident who reported that she had arrived home to find a man she did not know asleep in her bed. Police said that when they went upstairs, they did indeed find an alleged intruder, Michael Colombino, 34, of Kearny,

deep in dreamland.

According to police, the woman had left her doors unlocked for a short time in case her son arrived home while she was running an errand, and Colombino — who lives nearby — told them

WE CATER!

15% OFF all catering orders over $100 Coupon expires 02/15/19

New Specials!

MINI GYROS

2 for $6

QUICK PLATTER

GYROS • SALADS • PLATTERS

only $7

201.991.0600 •

11-35 River Rd. • N. Arlington, NJ FOLLOW US >>>

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 18” LARGE PIE BUFFALO WINGS (12) MOZZARELLA STICKS (12) ONE 2FT HERO

$

35

+ tax

PACKAGE 2

PACKAGE 1

FEBRUARY 3, 2019

TWO 18” LARGE PIES ONE 2FT HERO BUFFALO WINGS (24) MOZZARELLA STICKS (12) TRAY OF WRAPS

$

48

+ tax

Make your Reservations for

Valentine’s Day! BUY 1, GET 1

FREE! Eggplant or Chicken Parmigiana

served over Pasta

BUY 1, GET 1

FREE!

Grilled Chicken served with Vegetable Medley

BUY 1, GET 1

FREE!

Chicken Marsala & Chicken Francese

over Pasta

BUY 1, GET 1

FREE! Baked Ziti

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

he thought he was in his own house.

He was arrested and reportedly found to be in possession of six wax folds of heroin and one hypodermic needle.

Colombino was given a bed at the Hudson County Jail and charged with burglary, possession of heroin/drug paraphernalia and contempt of court (for, police explained, violating a court order restraining him from being near the house he thought he had entered).

••• Other recent reports from the Kearny police blotter included the following: JAN. 16 Back on Oct. 19, patrol officers responded to the foot of Tappan Street on a 3:30 a.m. report of a man stealing tires and rims off of a parked Acura. They arrived to find the Acura with only one wheel left on it and resting partially on cinder blocks, partially on the ground. A witness said the culprit, who had fled, had struggled to remove the fourth tire, but the jack slipped and the car fell.

Det. Neil Nelson conducted a three-month investigation, which included the use of surveillance video as well as electronic and forensic evidence-processing. On Jan. 16, Nelson and Dets. Mike Farinola and Kevin Arnesman arrested suspect Matthew J. Hemphill, 35, of Kearny, charging him with third-degree theft. He was then transferred to the county jail.

JAN. 20 At 8:26 p.m., Officers Dean Gasser and Harold Azurdia responded to Walmart where store security reported having witnessed Soribel Fernandez, 22, of New York City, under-ring $503.99 worth of household items and groceries at the self-checkout before attempting to leave the store. Fernandez was charged with shoplifting and later released on a summons.

JAN. 22 Officers Josh Lopez, Rich Poplaski Jr., Matthew Knighton and Sgt. Jay Ward re-

sponded to the BJ’s Wholesale Club parking lot on a 7:35 p.m. report that two men had fled there after shoplifting from Kmart.

Police said the suspects — each holding a $19.99 Kmart pillow cover — were found hiding under a trailer in the BJ’s loading bay. [And, no, we have no idea why anyone would risk arrest for a pillow cover.]

One of the men, Sean Walsh, 25, of Belleville, allegedly became belligerent and aggressive when confronted by the cops. They said his breath stunk of alcohol and he started screaming and pushed one of them in an attempt to flee “but was induced to give up after a brief fight.”

Walsh was charged on a warrant with robbery, aggravated assault, resisting arrest and obstructing and was held at the county jail. His alleged accomplice, John Hall, 29, of Henrico, Va., was charged on a summons with shoplifting and later released.

JAN. 23 At 1:47 p.m., Officers Kyle Plaugic and Ruben Rivera responded to Walmart, where security had detained three Newark women for allegedly concealing pants, shirts and underwear inside their pocketbooks and trying to leave without paying. Authorities said Danaya Simmons, 21, had $64.16 worth of merchandise; Andrea Ivey, 25, $77.52 worth; and Shaneak Hankerson, 22, $120.16.

Simmons was released from KPD headquarters with a shoplifting summons. Ivey, found to be wanted by Union Township on a $750 shoplifting warrant, received a new shoplifting charge and was sent to the Hudson County Jail. So was Hankerson, on the shoplifting charge and a $1,500 Newark warrant (unknown prior charge).

Editor’s note: Portions of this week’s blotter were elminiated because of space considerations. To read the blotter in its entirety, log onto www.theobserver.com on Wednesday, Jan. 30.

WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM | THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019

NEWS

09

Submit local stories to:

editorial@ theobserver.com

So, just what is W.H.A.T. Co. all about?

By Kevin Canessa kc@theobserver.com IF YOU ARE A REGULAR READER of this newspaper, you have no doubt seen stories and ads about the West Hudson Arts & Theatre company.

The organization puts on numerous plays each year — and has become a go-to place for those who want to learn the ins and outs of arts.

It was all the brainchild of Gerard “Jerry” Ficeto, who also appears in this newspaper this week as the newest Fourth Ward Councilman in Kearny.

And while most likely know about the plays and educational programs W.H.A.T. offers, chances are most don’t know the back story — and how all things ultimately come to life.

We’re about to change all of that.

“West Hudson Arts & Theater Co. (W.H.A.T.) is in the middle of its eighth season of live community theater along with music, theater, dance and art educational programs for the children of the West Hudson community,” Ficeto said. “W.H.A.T. has certainly made a difference in the lives of many in our community, both children and adults.

The existence of W.H.A.T. consistently brightens the community and allows a place for local stars to shine, hidden talents to be brought to the forefront, and an educational avenue for children and adults to explore the theater, art and the world of music.”

But being able to do

all of this isn’t cheap.

W.H.A.T. relies heavily on fundraising and volunteers — and it’s is in need of both.

“People can volunteer to help build, paint and decorate the sets,” Ficeto said. “We could use help sewing costumes, selling concessions, ushering at the door and help with general theater maintenance (the theater is at 65 Oakwood Ave., Kearny.) We are also looking for people who would like to operate lights and sound equipment. We would train those with little or no experience.”

Meanwhile, Ficeto isn’t content with the status quo. While W.H.A.T. has enjoyed great success over the last 8+ years, there’s so much more he’d like to see happen in the coming years.

“We are trying to improve the overall experience of all of our patrons and students in our after-school classes.

Our theater is in desperate need of several new upgrades. Topping the list is the purchase of a programmable lighting board and a programmable sound board which would enhance the experience of the hundreds of families that patronize W.H.A.T., as well as our family of community-theater actors who dedicate their time and talents to entertain us all.

“We are working to improve the seating and sight lines of our patrons, which would involve much needed building materials.”

Now, with Broadway and Manhattan being just a few

Kearny Elks hosting murder-mystery night The North Central Elks District hosts a special murder mystery night Saturday, March 30, at 7:30 p.m. at the Chandelier, 340 Franklin Ave., Belleville.

Help solve a “murder” at a

blue jean mystery ball. Tickets include dancing, open bar, a buffet dinner and more.

For more details, and for costs, contact Chris Brown at chrisscc1050@gmail.com.

miles — and a short PATH ride — away, why do all this?

It’s simple, Ficeto says.

“We formed W.H.A.T. Co. in 2011 to bring affordable arts and arts education to the communities of West Hudson and to introduce young people to the arts who might not be able to afford them,” Ficeto said. “One of the greatest challenges to operating such a program is the financial responsibility in keeping the doors open, the ever-increasing costs for the royalties we pay to do the plays and the lack of

funding for the arts.

“The thing that makes me most proud is what the West Hudson Arts & Theater Co. does for the children of our community.

The teamwork they learn.

The confidence they build.

The new friends they make, young and old. The skills they learn. The love and appreciation of the arts that they will take with them for the rest of their lives.

“The true purpose of arts education is not necessarily to create more dancers or artists. It’s to create more complete human beings who are critical thinkers,

who have curious minds, who can lead productive lives.”

Mission accomplished.

Interested in supporting W.H.A.T.? You may donate to W.H.A.T.’s lighting and sound initiative or its after-school education programs by sending a check to: W.H.A.T., P.O. Box 231, Kearny, N.J. 07032 or by searching for its GoFundMe page online.

The company is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, so all donations are taxdeductible.

Want more information?

Visit www.whatco.org.

Food&Dining directory

Centanni Ristorante Italian Cuisine & Bar 11-35 River Rd., North Arlington 201-246-0100 Nino’s Ristorante & Pizzeria Pizza & Italian Cuisine • Wine & Beer

442 Bergen St., Harrison

973-484-5770 • OriginalNinosPizza.com

Ah’ Pizz Restaurant & Full Bar Live Entertainment on Weekends 615 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. S., Harrison 973-485-9200

To advertise, call 201-991-1600

10

WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM | THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019

We Specialize in Repast

PRE-ORDER YOUR FOOTBALL TRAY PACKAGES EARLY FOR

FEB. 3, 2019 SEE PAGE 8

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

Catering Available

Order NOW just in time for the GAME!

300 Belleville Tpk., Kearny Chicken • Pork Ribs • Steak 201.997.3473 Fish • Sandwiches • Wraps

Spend $25 or more, Receive

605 Ridge Rd. North Arlington 201.955.3473

Soup • Salads AND MUCH MORE!

10% OFF! CUSTOM CAKES • AREPAS • CACHAPAS • EMPANADAS

292 Kearny Ave. • 201.428-1904 www.DomingosBakery.com

Itali an Restaur ant Bar an d G r ill Where NYC’s Atmosphere meets NJ... with great Italian food that’s affordable

Take Out & Catering • LUNCH • DINNER • FULL BAR PRIVATE ROOM AVAILABLE UP TO 60 PEOPLE

watch the football games in big screen TVs Order one of our Party Packages today!

440 Harrison Ave. • Corner of 5th St. • Harrison, NJ 07029 Tel. 973-483-5455 • www.lafiammanj.com

A Long Time Tradition Continues in East Newark...

224 Grant Ave. | E. Newark, NJ | 973.481.3646

Come in for Game Day Specials!

ZAGAT RATED

PIZZA LAND

FOOTBALL SPECIAL! www.picnicrestaurant.com Serving Portuguese Seafood & Barbeque | Lunch & Dinner Catering All Occasions & Takeout | Full Service Bar

IT’S

• 2 Large Cheese Pies • 12 Buffalo Wings • 12 Garlic Knots • 2 Liter Soda

95 34 +tax

D&F Deli & Liquors

$

260 Belleville Tpke., No. Arlington T: (201) 998-2500 • F: (201) 998-4500

GAME TIME!

ASK ABOUT OUR 6 FOOT SUBS! 396 Davis Ave • Kearny • 201.998.1293

Come in for DRINK Specials & great Bar Menu

65” Flat screen LG TV RAFFLE $10 per ticket 3 Tickets for $20

615 FRANK E. RODGERS BLVD S., HARRISON, NJ

973-485-9200 • WWW.AHPIZZ.COM

WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM | THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019

S P O R T S & R E C R E AT I O N Lyndhurst hockey co-op SPORTS VIEW enjoying an amazing season Nutley girls’

11

by Jim Hague

basketball team honors Wilde on 1,000th point THE 2018-19 GIRLS’ HIGH

Photo courtesy of Dennis Jelcic

The Lyndhurst/Paramus/Hackensack hockey team owns a 12-2 record thus far, easily the best record since Lyndhurst decided to establish an ice hockey team. Front row, from left, are Conor McKeon, Anthony Oddo, Ryan Meglio, Jake McCann and Dylan Crispina. Back row, from left, are assistant coach Marc Petruzziello, Kyle Bouteloupt, Sean Leonard, Jonathon Berko, Tyler McDowall, John Kulpanowski, Kyle Henning and head coach Dennis Jelcic.

By Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com

EIGHT YEARS AGO, A GROUP

of interested hockey players from Lyndhurst got together and wondered whether they could actually field an ice hockey team.

But it was not going to be an easy chore. Simply because Lyndhurst didn’t have an ice rink and as a small Group II enrollment school, Lyndhurst High School didn’t have enough athletes to field a competitive team on its own.

So in order to put a team on the ice, the Lyndhurst athletes needed to be part of a co-operative program, getting skaters from other schools to form a competitive squad, much like the way Lyndhurst and North Arlington formed a co-op wrestling program four years ago.

There are several hockey co-ops in place throughout the state, but the one that Lyndhurst’s athletes compete in may be the most unique.

Lyndhurst is part of a hockey co-op with two other schools, namely Hackensack and Paramus. Those are two schools that aren’t exactly next door to each other and certainly not to Lyndhurst.

But the three-school conglomerate put their collective needs and wants together three years ago and formed the unlikely pairing. A year ago, the Paramus/Hackensack/ Lyndhurst co-op posted a 7-7-5 record and suffered a loss to Marlboro in the first round of the NJSIAA state playoffs.

“It was an improvement,” said Denis Jelcic, the head coach of the hockey co-op who

is also the head coach of the Lyndhurst boys’ soccer team.

“I thought that we would like to get to 10 wins. That was the magic number we needed to get to the state tournament. “ Well, there isn’t a person alive who could have predicted that this unlikely group would have a 12-2 record as the season begins to wind down.

“I’m a little surprised,” Jelcic said. “But I’m also ecstatic. I never thought this was possible because we play in such a tough league (the Big North) with so many good teams.”

The team has wins this season against perennial state powers like Northern Highlands, Ramapo and Glen Rock.

“As a group, they’ve all stepped up,” Jelcic said. “They

See

LYNDHURST, 12

school basketball season didn’t exactly tip off the way that Nutley head coach Larry Mitschow had hoped it would begin.

The Maroon Raiders stumbled out of the gate in uncharacteristic form.

“We started out losing our first five games,” said Mitschow, who guided the Maroon Raiders to the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2, Group III championship four seasons ago as a No. 15 seed, thanks to the heroics of superstar McDonald’s All-American Blair Watson, now currently lighting it up for nationally ranked Maryland.

“I thought we were playing pretty well, but our shooting was just horrible,” Mitschow said. “We seriously were shooting about 10 percent at best.

We could not make shots.

We couldn’t buy a basket.

We were scoring in the 20s or 30s every game.”

And in Watson’s heyday, the Maroon Raiders would score 20 or 30 as soon as Watson stepped on the court. And that’s no joke.

Watson was a prolific scorer, the best to ever grace the hardwood at Nutley, scoring more than 2,100 points during her brilliant career.

The Maroon Raiders

couldn’t still be suffering from a Watson hangover, considering she graduated from the school and the program in 2015. It’s a whole new team, new ball of wax.

But an 0-5 start? That’s a tough hole to crawl back out of.

To their credit, the Maroon Raiders didn’t pack it in. They’ve played hard every game and now own a 6-10 record, especially after defeating Clifton last Saturday, 49-25. It remains to be seen whether the Maroon Raiders will recover enough to make the NJSIAA state playoffs, but they are certainly better than what they were to start the season.

“I’m happy,” Mitschow said. “The effort has been there every single game.

Every team we’ve played this season has had a winning record, so the competition has been very tough.

I don’t think you can judge us by our record. I think once the ball started going in the basket, we were a better team. Everyone looks better when you’re making shots, including me.”

Perhaps the player that is looking the best these days for the Maroon Raiders is

SUPER SUNDAY SEE SPECIALS FOR THE BIG GAME ON PAGE 10

See

VIEW, 13

12

WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM | THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019

S P O R T S & R E C R E AT I O N

LYNDHURST from 11

wanted to be a good team.

They all wanted this to be a positive experience, to have fun and have a good time.”

Jelcic knew that the group needed something, a little dash of an ingredient, that had to come off the ice.

“We needed a team identity,” Jelcic said. “So we decided that we wanted to be the hardest working team in northern New Jersey. All the kids bought in.”

Yes, all 13 from Paramus, the 11 from Lyndhurst and the four from Hackensack. They all united with the one goal in mind – to outwork the opponent.

“We wanted the defensemen working for the forwards and the forwards working for the goalies,” Jelcic said.

And Jelcic organized activities off the ice.

“Like one night, we had a bowling night together,” Jelcic

said. “Another night, it was movie night. It was just a way to get together. We needed the parents and the players together on the same page doing what we do, welcoming each other.

A lot of people think it’s tough, because it’s three schools and three different groups of kids, but it’s not. The kids are so easy to deal with. It should be hard, but it really isn’t. It’s 100 percent a different animal than anything else. They want to prove to everyone that they are as good as their record.

They know that they are going to work harder than anyone else.”

Jelcic said that he drew some inspiration from the Lyndhurst football team, which enjoyed a phenomenal season last fall, advancing to the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2, Group II championship game.

“It really reminded me of Richie Tuero (the Lyndhurst head football coach),” Jelcic

said. “He was the first to call me and tell me that there had to be a culture change, to go from losing to winning. We talk a lot. He said to me that the whole culture has to change and it can be done if it’s done right. Now, we have Lyndhurst kids going to Paramus basketball games. Everyone is aboard the train and it has been wonderful to watch. We just want to keep it going.”

One of the leaders of the team is senior forward and captain Sean Leonard. The Lyndhurst native, who also plays baseball in the spring, just recently tallied the 100th point of his career, an impressive milestone.

Leonard tallied his milestone point in a 3-2 loss to perennial state power Bergen Catholic in the opening round of the Bergen County tournament last week. He’s only the second player in the history of the program to reach the 100-point

Emad Jacob, MD PC Internal Medicine Most Insurances Accepted • Walk-Ins Welcome

Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM - 6PM • Sat 9AM-1PM

WE SPEAK 6 LANGUAGES English • Spanish • Portuguese • Arabic • Italian • Hindi On Staff at St. Michael’s Medical Center Clara Maass Medical Center

837 Kearny Ave. • Kearny, NJ • 201-772-5211 PLENTY OF PARKING... OVER 25 SPOTS!

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 Come in today for:

Dr. Carla Domingues Lic # 27OA00646200

Dr. Diana Espaillat Lic # 27OA00648100

Dr. Maria Domingues Lic # 27OA00630100

• Eye Exams • Contact Lenses • Pediatric Care

348 Ridge Road • Lyndhurst La doctora habla Español

201.438.8668

A doutora fala Português

mark.

Just the idea that the Lyndhurst co-op actually played a competitive game against the mighty Crusaders is remarkable in itself.

“If you want someone to start the team working, he’s the one,” Jelcic said. “He’s the first one to get to the ice and the last one to leave the ice. That’s just who he is. He’s a strong skater who is smart with the puck.

He goes to the goal strong. He’s just been tremendous.”

Leonard has 11 goals and 18 assists this season.

“He’s a good student who wants to further his education,” Jelcic said.

Leonard said that he began playing roller hockey at age seven, then eventually moved on to ice hockey.

“I played roller hockey in town, but ice hockey was another level, because I had to learn how to skate,” Leonard said. “It’s not like picking up a ball and throwing the ball. It’s a lot different.”

Leonard said that he steadily improved and joined a travel team in Montclair.

Leonard was encouraged by the way the current team – made up of three high schools – has come together for one cause.

“I think we’re all playing well together,” Leonard said. “I think the team chemistry is the key. We understand we’re from different towns, but when we get on the ice, we’re all together. If we all play well together, we would be a better team. It’s all a team effort. We’re on a run right now and it’s been fun.”

Leonard doesn’t know what the future holds. He knows how difficult it is to play collegiate hockey, so he’s going to weigh his options. Leonard is a good student and will not apply to colleges in order to play hockey or baseball. He hopes to major in biology with the idea of taking pre-med classes and eventually study sports medicine.

Another key contributor is senior forward Kyle Bouteloupt, who moved from defenseman to forward this season and the move has been tremendous, as Bouteloupt has collected more than 30 points this season.

“We needed him to move up to the forward line and he responded,” Jelcic said of Bouteloupt, who has tallied 12 points in the last three games. “He

would do anything to make a play for his teammates.”

Bouteloupt started playing roller hockey in Lyndhurst when he was four years old.

“Once I got on the ice, I was hooked,” Bouteloupt said.

Bouteloupt said that he had no idea the team would be so vastly improved this season.

“I thought we would have a really strong team, but I didn’t expect anything like this,” Bouteloupt said. “We put a lot of work into this team.

It’s called the Paramus team.

We’re the Spartans and we wear those colors (blue and white) with the Paramus logo.

But we’re one big happy family. We didn’t know each other, but we’re together now. It’s crazy how well we’re doing.”

Bouteloupt would love to major in sports management and hopes to play college hockey somewhere. Like Leonard, he’s a member of the Lyndhurst baseball team as well.

Junior Jonathon Berko is one of the team’s two goaltenders.

“He’s helped to change the face of the program,” Jelcic said. “He plays a lot of travel hockey and plays at a high level.”

Berko equally shares the net minding duties with Paramus senior Anthony Alliegro.

Lyndhurst sophomore Tyler McDowell is one of the team’s defensemen.

The forward lines feature a lot of Lyndhurst student/ athletes. Junior Anthony Oddo and senior John Kulpanowski, the center back on Jelcic’s Golden Bear soccer team, are among the team’s forwards.

Kulpanowski is the team’s most improved player, according to Jelcic.

Sophomore Jake McCann and junior Conor McKeon are getting more and more ice time as the season progresses.

The team is slated to face Madison, a top Group II program, this week.

“I wanted to see where we stand with the best teams,” Jelcic said. “This is a very jovial group. They want to be together.”

So all in all, the success story is beyond description.

“I like to say that we’re impressed,” Jelcic said. “It’s been an outstanding fun ride. I just hope it continues to March (the state finals). I think we’ve earned a lot of respect and they’ve earned that respect.”

Dr. Maria Domingues

WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM | THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019

13

S P O R T S & R E C R E AT I O N VIEW from 11 senior forward Courtney Wilde.

Wilde, who has already signed a national letter of intent to play softball at Rutgers, is showing everyone just how good of a basketball player she is as well.

On Saturday, Wilde tossed in a game-high 22 points, which almost matched the entire team total for rival Clifton.

But in the game, Wilde eclipsed the prestigious 1,000-point plateau for her career, becoming only the fifth girls’ basketball player in Nutley history to reach the milestone.

It’s quite an accomplishment for someone who basically has to treat the sport of basketball like the wicked stepsister.

“She’s really starting to heat up a little bit,” Mitschow said of Wilde, who has now reached double figures in scoring for five straight games.

The 5-foot-8 Wilde also scored 19 against Montclair, 18 in games against Payne Tech and University and 14 against Newark Tech. Wilde is now averaging almost 12 points per game, which is a remarkable comeback after a sluggish start.

“She works so hard,” Mitschow said. “She does so many things for us. She gets rebounds, steals, assists. She just plays so hard. She really has been awesome for us with all she does for us. She’s a great kid with a great sense of humor.”

Junior point guard Abby Scheidel is another key contributor to the Maroon Raiders. The 5-foot-5 Scheidel is averaging 11.1 points per game and five assists per contest. Scheidel had 15 points in the win over Clifton Saturday.

“She controls the game,” Mitschow said. “She runs the plays. She provides things that don’t show up on the stat sheet. She’s a great leader for us out there. She’s also our best 3-point shooter.”

In terms of bizarre statistics, Scheidel has almost as many 3-pointers made (28) as she has regular field goals (32) and free throws (30).

“Everything we do runs through her,” Mitschow said.

Senior Alaina Feaster, a 5-foot-11 forward, is also headed to Rutgers on a schol-

Photo by Jim Hague

The Nutley girls’ basketball team enjoyed a huge victory over Clifton last Saturday, a game where senior Courtney Wilde (second from right) scored her 1,000th career point. From left are Rebecca Granata, head coach Larry Mitschow, Wilde and Alaina Feaster.

arship in the fall, but her specialty is crew. But in the winter months, while the Passaic River is just about frozen solid, Feaster is on the hardwood, collecting her share of rebounds for the Maroon Raiders.

“She scores a few points, grabs some rebounds, blocks a few shots,” Mitschow said.

“She’s our leading rebounder.

She is definitely a presence close to the basket. She’s learned to block shots regularly, so that’s been a big help.”

Senior Rebecca Granata is a 5-foot-9 forward who averages five points per contest.

“She’s been a four-year starter for us,” Mitschow said

of Granata, who joins Wilde as being four-year members of the Maroon Raiders’ starting lineup. “She does a good job getting rebounds for us.”

Jaden Long is a 5-foot-6 junior forward who has been working her way into the starting lineup in recent weeks.

Junior Sofia Lamond is also a 5-foot-6 forward who is battling for playing time.

“She’s been doing some nice things in practice, which leads to playing time,” Mitschow said.

Mitschow has been impressed with the contributions of two freshmen, namely 5-foot-5 shooting guard Mac-

1,50

$

S AV I N G 0 S $ 1,500 in Savings INCLUDES a FREE American Standard Toilet

®

A+ RATED

5 Reasons American Standard Walk-In Tubs are Your Best Choice Backed by American Standard’s 140 years of experience Ultra low entry for easy entering and exiting Patented Quick Drain® fast water removal system Lifetime Warranty on the bath AND installation, INCLUDING labor backed by American Standard 5 44 Hydrotherapy jets for an invigorating massage

Trusted Professional Installation with Best Lifetime Warranty!

877-674-1821

LEE TCM Health Center Acupuncture & Acupressure (Massage) • Chinese Herbs Foot Reflexology • Chinese Food Nutrition

Treatment Specialties Weiping Li, O.M.D. & Ph.D Licensed Acupunturist in NJ, NY Certified Chinese Herbalist Over 20 Yrs Experience

Headache • Sciatica • Arthritis • Neck/Back/Low Back Pain Smoking and Body Weight Control • Menopause Allergies • Fatique • Insomnia

293 Grove St., Jersey City, NJ 07032 • 201-915-0710 215 N. 2nd St., Harrison, NJ 07029 • 973-482-1530

www.leetcmhealthcenter.com

Premier Care TALKS Presented by

Dr. Prakash J. Doshi The need for donated blood is unrelenting, as hospitals transfuse blood or blood components (such as platelets) in efforts to save the lives of people involved in medical emergencies. According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds, someone in this country needs a blood transfusion. With this statistic in mind, those choosing to donate their blood can derive satisfaction from knowing they are helping chemotherapy patients, organ transplant recipients, women during labor and following delivery, premature babies, trauma victims, and patients suffering from sickle cell anemia, among others. It only takes about one hour to donate blood, including registration, answering health and

travel questions, undergoing a physical assessment, and donating blood (15-20 minutes).

While all blood types are always needed, donations of more rare blood types are especially in demand. For example, people with O negative blood only make up about 8 percent of the population, but their blood can be given to patients of all blood types.

To schedule an appointment, please call PREMIER CARE ASSOCIATES OF WEST HUDSON at 201-9987474. We are located at 512 Kearny Ave., Suite B, where walk-in patients are always welcome 7 days a week.

P.S. An estimated five million patients receive blood annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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

Includes FREE American Standard Right Height Toilet

Limited Time Offer! Call Today!

show up to practice and play hard in practice, you just may get a chance to play in the games.”

Needless to say, Mitschow is hoping for some late season magic out of the Maroon Raiders.

“I think this is all setting us up well for the state tournament, Mitschow said. “We had some tough losses against some very good teams like West Orange, Newark Tech and Arts. But I think we’re coming around a little.”

The Maroon Raiders need to find a little lightning in the bottle over the next few weeks to come away with a state tournament berth. Nothing is out of the realm of possibility.

BLOOD DONATION

Discover the world’s best walk-in bathtub from

1 2 3 4

kenzie Albert and 5-foot-7 forward Stephanie Luberto, the younger sister of baseball pitcher John Luberto, who is also headed to the Banks of the Old Raritan and Rutgers in the fall.

“I like both of them moving forward,” Mitschow said.

“We’re getting them into the rotation now on the varsity level to get a chance to see what they can do.”

One thing is for certain with the Maroon Raiders: There is no set starting lineup.

“We’ve used about seven or eight different starting lineups this year,” Mitschow said.

“We’re still trying to find a regular rotation, trying to get some sort of rhythm. If you

FREE IN-HOME EVALUATION!

Receive a free American Standard Cadet toilet with full installation of a Liberation Walk-In Bath, Liberation Shower, or Deluxe Shower. Offer valid only while supplies last. Limit one per household. Must be first time purchaser. See www.walkintubs.americanstandard-us.com for other restrictions and for licensing, warranty, and company information. CSLB B982796; Suffolk NY:55431H; NYC:HIC#2022748-DCA. Safety Tubs Co. LLC does not sell in Nassau NY, Westchester NY, Putnam NY, Rockland NY.

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

14

WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM | THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019

S P O R T S & R E C R E AT I O N

Kearny wrestler Silva an undefeated man of many talents

By Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com

IT’S ONE THING THAT STEVEN Silva is an undefeated 113-pounder on the Kearny High School wrestling team.

That’s amazing in its own right.

But Silva has another relatively unknown talent. He is a worldwide ranked competitor in the Spartan Racing, a series of events that tests an athlete’s strength and endurance.

“It’s a bunch of obstacle course racing,” Silva explains. “You have to run up a hill carrying a bucket of rocks or lifting a bag of sand. You have to carry a giant log up and down a hill. There’s some

swimming and spear throwing. You have to climb up, down and over nets.”

And sometimes, the running events are held in the mud, which makes things just a little messy.

Silva and his older brother Michael are avid competitors in Spartan Racing. In fact, the younger Silva was once ranked eighth in the world in the 14-to-17 age bracket.

“We travel all across the country competing,” said Silva, whose brother is 10 years older. “It’s fun. I like it a lot. It’s something outside of high school sports that I can do.”

Silva will continue his Spartan Racing tour come spring,

ATHLET E OF THE WEEK

Photo by Jim Hague

Kearny senior 113-pound wrestler Steven Silva.

HEALTH & WELLNESS DIRECTORY

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

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

www.johnbranwellpodiatrist.com

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

but for now, the Kearny senior is concentrating on wrestling. And he’s doing a fine job at that, winning all 19 of his matches so far this

season, including three wins last Saturday.

“It feels great,” Silva said of his unblemished record.

“It shows that my hard work is beginning to pay off. I feel like I’m the strongest I’ve ever been. I think the strength and experience helps a lot.”

For his efforts, Silva has been selected as The Observer Athlete of the Week for the past week.

Silva said that he started wrestling in seventh grade.

“At the time, I was trying to figure out what sport I liked the most,” Silva said.

“I played a little bit of soccer and baseball. But I wasn’t the biggest guy. I realized I could be shorter and compete at a certain weight class. That helped me out.”

Silva admits that he wasn’t a polished wrestler in the

Continued on the next page

EYE

CARE

DeLuca Vision Consultants Presented by

Joseph A. DeLuca, M.D., F.A.C.S. GLAUCOMA’S IMMUNE RESPONSE CONNECTION

While glaucoma has been linked with a buildup in intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve and causes vision loss, people without pressure buildup in their eyes may also experience vision loss. In addition, some people who are diagnosed with glaucoma have normal intraocular pressure.

These inconsistencies have led researchers to want to learn why some glaucoma patients who undergo treatments to lower their eye pressure are not always protected from progressive loss of their eyesight. Their research has led to the finding that stress from high pressure can stimulate an immune response that triggers T cells to attack neurons in the eye. This finding may lead to a better understanding of glaucoma and new treatments.

Most types of glaucoma typically cause no pain and produce no symptoms until noticeable vision loss occurs. This is why glaucoma often progresses undetected until the optic nerve already has been irreversibly damaged, with varying degrees of permanent vision loss. Periodic eye exams are important to monitor eye health. To schedule an eye exam, please call 201896-0096 or see us at 20 Park Avenue, Lyndhurst. To reach our optical shop, please call 201-896-0007. We accept most insurance.

P.S. According to the study mentioned above, T-cell activity in blood samples taken from people with glaucoma was more than five times higher than in blood samples collected from individuals without glaucoma.

www.delucavision.com

WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM | THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019

15

S P O R T S & R E C R E AT I O N early going.

“The first year, it wasn’t too good,” Silva said. “It took a little while to know the sport.”

Silva began to wrestle for Kearny Recreation, which at the time was coached by current Kearny High head coach Tony Carratura, Jr. Silva also received the assistance of a local wrestling legend. David Cordoba, the only Kearny High School wrestler to ever capture an NJSIAA state championship in 1999, has a wrestling school and club that he runs. Silva started attending regular sessions with Cordoba.

“Dave helped me a lot,” Silva said. “I knew that he won a state title and I wanted to be the second one to do it. It really helped me a lot.”

Silva continued to develop and learn the sport with the help of Carratura, Jr. and Cordoba.

Last season, Silva wrestled against heavier competition for most of the season, but still managed to collect more than 20 victories and a fourth place finish at the NJSIAA District 11 tournament.

Because of an injury, Silva was awarded a berth in the Region 4 tournament, but was eliminated.

“I caught the flu that week, so I knew I was in trouble right away,” Silva said. “I was motivated by that, because I really wanted to get to the states (in Atlantic City).”

Silva said that he trained religiously at Cordoba’s facility and entered a handful of tournaments during the offseason to get ready for this year.

“I think it helps that I have more experience than most of the guys I face,” Silva said.

Carratura, Jr. believed that Silva was poised to enjoy a breakout season.

“I really expected this from him,” Carratura, Jr. said of Silva’s impressive ledger.

“I knew that he’s at a good weight now and has all the tools. He has the technique and the confidence. I think he knows where to be, especially

when he’s on top. He’s better than anyone on top. He has been racking up technical falls in the first period. He’s just at the top of his game right now.

He controls the mat and you are not going to find many wrestlers stronger than him.”

Carratura, Jr. likes Silva’s physical ability.

“His endurance is pretty good,” Carratura, Jr. said. “I think the Spartan races have really helped him as a wrestler, because his motor just keeps going. I always encourage our wrestlers to compete in other sports. His are just a little different. He’s able to keep fit under those tough conditions.”

Silva is not the only Kardinal wrestler who owns a 19-0 record this late in the season.

The Kardinals’ 120-pounder Jacob Baeza is also unbeaten with the same mark as his drilling practice partner.

“They’re constantly pushing each other,” Carratura, Jr. said. “It’s great to watch.”

Carratura, Jr. also likes Silva’s personality.

“It’s tough to keep him quiet,” Carratura, Jr. said.

“He’s always talking. He’s a good kid, a good student and a lot of fun to coach. He’s just an all-around good kid.”

Silva has applied to a few colleges, but has not made a final decision about school. He doesn’t know yet whether he will try to wrestle in college.

“It’s something I think about,” Silva said. “But I don’t know what I’m going to do yet.”

Maybe a solid end to the wrestling season will alter Silva’s ways of thinking. Or maybe a few strong performances on the Spartan Games circuit will come into play.

Silva is an excellent student, so academics will more than likely play a part in his decision.

For now, Silva has one goal in mind – competing with the rest of New Jersey’s best at the NJSIAA wrestling championships at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City next month.

W.H.A.T. hosting auditions for springtime musical West Hudson Arts & Theater Co. announces open auditions for its spring show “The Stinky Cheese Man,” Feb. 7 & 8 from 7 to 9 p.m., at 65 Oakwood Ave. Visit www. whatco.org for additional information and to download an audition form.

Show Dates are April 5, 6, 12 and 13, 2019.

This award winning book comes to the stage, bringing a zany collection of “fairly stupid tales” to life. Narra-

IT’S

tor Jack tries to keep a wild group of storybook characters in line before total chaos or a song breaks out.

No need to hold your nose, this uproarious show mixes humor, music and audience participation that will delight both children and adults.

All roles are comedic. Singing, improvisation or slapstick pratfalls are a plus. All actors must be 18 or older.

There are several choral and

GAME TIME!

BAR FOOD MENU

65” Flat screen LG TV RAFFLE $10 per ticket 3 Tickets for $20

WINGS $6 ITALIAN NACHOS $6 CAROZZA $4 ARANCINO (RICE BALL) $3.50 BAR PIE $3 BREAKFAST BAR PIE (BACON, EGG, CHEESE) $5 BUFFALO BITES $4 POLPETTE SLIDERS $7 ITALIAN SUB SLIDERS $5 CHICKEN PARM SLIDERS $5 GARLIC, MOZZARELLA FLAT BREAD $3.50 BACON CHEDDAR LOADED CHIPS $3 GARLIC KNOTS $4 ITALIAN STYLE QUESADILLAS $6

$5 DRINK & SHOT SPECIALS STOLI DRINKS, BLOODY MARY, MIMOSAS, HOUSE WINE • SHOTS • GREEN TEA, LEMON DROP, FIREBALL

Follow The Observer 615 FRANK E. RODGERS BLVD S., HARRISON, NJ

@theobservernj

a few solo songs in the show.

While singing ability will be considered, strong comic acting is preferred.

There will be a minimum of seven actors (four men and three women) with the number of multiple roles for each actor to be determined at the time of casting (expected to be three to six roles each). The number of actors may be expanded based on the makeup of those who audition.

973-485-9200 • WWW.AHPIZZ.COM

BEER & SANGRIA DOMESTIC BEER - BOTTLED & DRAFT $3 SANGRIA PITCHERS $15

16

WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM | THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019

In honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Fernando G. Semiao BROKER/OWNER

761 Ridge Rd., Lyndhurst 201-460-8000

217 Ferry St., Newark 973-344-2100

531 Kearny Ave., Kearny 201-991-1300

257 Blvd., Hasbrouck Heights 201-288-5533

#1 LISTING AND SELLING OFFICE IN 2018!

BASED ON NJMLS, KEARNY, NORTH ARLINGTON, LYNDHURST, HARRISON, EAST NEWARK 3.

4.

KEARNY: RENOVATED 1 FAM, COLONIAL, 4 BR, 1 FULL BATH, KITCHEN WITH QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS, HARDWOOD FLOORS, FINISHED ATTIC, DETACHED 1 CAR GARAGE WITH DRIVEWAY, NICE SIZED YARD, CLOSE TO SCHOOLS, CLOSE TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

KEARNY: 1 FAM, COLONIAL, 4 BR, 1 FULL BATH, 1 HALF BATH, FINISHED ATTIC, CLOSE TO SHOPPING, CLOSE TO SCHOOLS, CLOSE TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

BELLEVILLE: WELL MAINTAINED 1 FAM, RANCH, 2 BR, 1 FULL BATH, 1 HALF BATH, LARGE LIVING ROOM WITH FIREPLACE, CENTRAL A/C, HARDWOOD FLOOR THROUGHOUT,, PRIVATE BACKYARD, 1 CAR DETACHED GARAGE, CLOSE TO SCHOOLS, CLOSE TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

LYNDHURST: 2 FAM, 5 BR, 5 FULL BATH, FULL FINISHED GROUND LEVEL BASEMENT, CENTRAL AIR, HARDWOOD FLOORS, ATTACHED 2 CAR GARAGE, PAVER DRIVEWAY, LARGE BACKYARD WITH DECK, CLOSE TO SCHOOLS, CLOSE TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

5.

6.

7.

8.

NE W

LY

LIS TE D

2.

RE DU CE D!

1.

NUTLEY: SPACIOUS GROUND FLOOR CONDO, 1 BR, 1 FULL BATH, MAHOGANY FLOORS THROUGHOUT, NEW LIGHTING AND CEILING FANS, WASHER AND DRYER IN UNIT, ASSIGNED PARKING SPACE & VISITOR PARKIG AVAILABLE, CLOSE TO SHOPPING, CLOSE TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

9.

10.

LY NE W

KEARNY: UNIQUE 1 FAM, BI-LEVEL STYLE, 4 BR, 1 FULL BATH, 1 HALF BATH, SPACIOUS KITCHEN, FULL FINISHED BASEMENT, ATTACHED ONE CAR GARAGE PLUS DRIVEWAY, CLOSE TO SCHOOLS, CLOSE TO SHOPPING, CLOSE TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

11.

KEARNY: NICELY MAINTAINED 1 FAM, 3 BR, 2 FULL BATH, 1 HALF BATH, LIVING ROOM WITH WOOD BURNING STONE FIREPLACE, KITCHEN WITH STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES, CANOPY COVERED DECK, MANICURED BACKYARD

12.

HOUSE OF THE WEEK

NE

W LY

LIS T

ED

LYNDHURST: 2 FAM, 4 BR, 2 FULL BATH, 1 HALF BATH, DARK STAINED WOOD FLOORS, CENTRAL AIR, SEPARATE UTILITIES, FULL BASEMENT WITH SEPARATE ENTRANCE, DETACHED 2 CAR GARAGE, CLOSE TO SCHOOLS, CLOSE TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

LIS TE D

LIS TE D LY

NE W

NE W

LY

LIS TE D

Contributed photo

Lyndhurst High School senior Ruby Rodrigues was the recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Certificate of Merit Award for her prizewinning essay and outstanding community service. The scholarship award of $1,000 was sponsored by the MLK Birthday Committee of Bergen County in recognition of Dr. King’s 90th birthday. Rodrigues is seen here following the ceremony at Temple Emeth in Teaneck with Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton.

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 2/3 • 1-4 PM NORTH ARLINGTON: GREAT 1 FAM, MOVE IN CONDITION, 4 BR, 2 BATH, 1 HALF BATH, HARDWOOD FLOORS THROUGHOUT, KITCHEN WITH GRANTE COUNTER TOPS, FULL FINISHED BASEMENT, DRIVEWAY FOR 3 CARS, NICE BACKYARD

LYNDHURST: 1 FAM, COLONIAL, COMPLETELY RENOVATED, 4 BR, 2 FULL BATH, NEW CUSTOM KITCHEN WITH GRANITE COUNTERTOPS, FULL FINISHED BASEMENT, CENTRAL A/C, HARDWOOD FLOORS, GORGEOUS BACKYARD, PARKING FOR 3 CARS, CLOSE TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

NEWARK: 1 FAM, RENOVATED VICTORIAN, 6 BR, 3 FULL BATH, GLEAMING HARDWOOD FLOORS, PARTIALLY FINISHED BASEMENT, QUIET BACKYARD WITH EXTRA LARGE SHED, CLOSE TO SCHOOLS, CLOSE TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

KEARNY: 1 FAM, CENTER HALL COLONIAL, 3 BR, 1 FULL BATH, 1 HALF BATH, LARGE ROOMS, NEW WINDOWS, HARDWOOD FLOORS, BEAUTIFUL BACKYARD, ATTACHED 1 CAR GARAGE, DRIVEWAY, CLOSE TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

BRAND NEW! Luxurious 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments Starting at $1,500 Private Laundry & Parking for each unit

499-500 Kearny Ave., Kearny 499-500 Kearny Ave., Kearny

JUST LISTED – Newly renovated 4 bedroom 2 bath Colonial in Arlington Section of Kearny on a 125 foot deep lot. The home features a brand new kitchen, 2 new baths, central air and much more.

Asking $349,000.

WOW – 3 Years young East Newark 2 family one a large 42 T TRAC X 93 lot. D Each apartment 3 bedrooms, and central CONcontains ER N U air. Nice big driveway and garage too JUST $599,000.

COMMERCIAL UNIQUE REDEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY – Prime Kearny Avenue location - 12 off street parking spaces. 75 x 200 lot now housing a large law office building. Residential, retail, professional, many possibilities. Asking $679,000.

BEST OF THE BEST – Prestigious location - Beautiful Architecture - Fantastic Amenities. 3-4 Office suites. Separate central A/C .Parking for 14 cars. The building is located on an 80 x 190 level, landscaped lot. One of a kind offering Attractive Price $699,000. Call for details.

To see all of our listings, visit us at www.century21semiao.com EACH OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED.

TRACT UNDER CON

11 GARAGES IN KEARNY – Potential annual rent of $19,800.

ONLY $259,000.

WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM | THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019

Think you can’t refinance because values are down?

17

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

has gone

MOBILE.

Read your local news on your smart phone or tablet. Try it today!

www.TheObserver.com

Photo by Kevin Canessa

Joia owner Antonio Nobre, left, with his executive chef, center, and son Dimas, right.

JOIA from 04

Real Estate

DIRECTORY 761 Ridge Rd. Lyndhurst, NJ 201-460-8000

Semiao & Associates

531 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...”

Keypoint Mortgage

North Arlington, NJ 201-998-9050 Rob@keypointmortgage.com Marlen DaSilva Office: 201-460-8000 ext. 102 Cell: 201-376-7200 c21marlendasilva@gmail.com www.century21semiao.com

761 Ridge Rd. • Lyndhurst, NJ Each office independently owned & operated.

To advertise, please call 201-991-1600

for the next day’s lunch. It was served with French fries that were clearly hand-cut and not from a bag one might find in a supermarket.

These are three meals from an everevolving and extensive menu that ranges from the finest fish dishes to beef to chicken to pork to salads to vegetarian options, all prepared by an executive chef who brings with him 15+ years of experience from fine eateries in Lisbon, Portugal.

(You’ll definitely want to check out the entire menu at www.joiarestaurant. com.)

To cap off lunch, I tried the chocolate mousse with a dab of whipped cream.

And while I probably shouldn’t have had it, it was as good a mousse as I’ve ever had. Again, it was obvious it was fresh — and it was just as obvious that it was homemade.

In all, the lunch experience at Joia had be excited at the prospect of going back. And going back. And going back again.

For Nobre, who also owns and operates Newark’s Sol Mar, the idea behind Joia is to capitalize on Harrison’s transformation, to offer something different than his other restaurant and to be a place where those going to Red Bull matches can stop before and after games for pre-game meals and post-game celebrations.

“The last home match of the year was incredible,” Nobre said. Every seat and table, here, here, here, there, was taken.”

It’s Nobre’s hope that as the new soccer season kicks off in a few weeks that the results are the same. And given that the stadium is within a stone’s throw from Joia, this shouldn’t be hard to accomplish.

‘We hope that people will take advantage of Uber Eats. You can enjoy all we have to offer right at home.’

— Dimas Nobre Joia Restaurant

“But we want people to know we are here,” he said. “The place was packed after that last game — and they didn’t even win.”

The place should be jumping, win or lose.

Now if you, like many during the week, don’t have time to sit down for a full meal, there’s also good news. In addition to take-away, Joia participates in Uber Eats, the app that allows one to order using a mobile phone — and then sends a courier/driver to bring the food directly to your door.

“We hope that people will take advantage of Uber Eats,” Dimas Nobre said. “You can enjoy all we have to offer right at home.”

The key word there — enjoy. We truly believe if you give Joia a shot, enjoy it, you will, indeed.

Joia is open 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday to Thursday and 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Find them online at www.joiarestaurant.com or www.facebook.com/JoiaRestaurant.

Call 862-872-3448.

18

WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM | THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019

It

.

E M I T X A T ’s il 15th.

y, Apr a d n o M s i x Day

Ta

.

lp e h o t e r e h we’re

ARLINGTON TAX

1985 - Celebrating our 34th Anniversary - 2019 INCOME TAX & FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS & SMALL BUSINESSES

VISTA SERVICES GROUP, LLC

• Member of the National Society of Accountants • The National Society of Tax Professionals • The NJ and National Society Brianna Antonelli EA, MST

of Enrolled Agents

Bernadette Antonelli EA, ATA, ATP

• Enrolled to practice before the IRS

WE WELCOME NEW CLIENTS! BAntonelli@ArlingtonTax.com • www.arlingtontax.com

764 Kearny Avenue • Kearny

201-991-8888

Nicholas J. Coco Certified Public Accountant “Serving financial needs of small business and individuals since 1998”

• Income Tax • Personal • Business Please come in for a FREE review of your prior return and projection of the new tax law.

20 YEARS EXPERIENCE! Jose Fernandez | Sandra Castro

201-340-4376 290 Stuyvesant Ave • Lyndhurst, NJ

Deonysios Kalevas CPA, P.C.

Income Tax Preparation

Tax Preparation • Financial Planning Budgeting • Bookkeeping

• Personal • Corporate • Reliable & Professional Service

752 Kearny Ave., Kearny NJ

230 Belleville Tpke. Kearny, N.J.

(Corner of Stuyvesant Ave.)

Office: 201-955-3100 Fax: 201-955-3339 Email: ncoco@bellatlantic.net Adam Urdang, CPA President adam@urdangcpas.com

Ph: 201-991-8470 Ask for Dennis

Fax 201-991-8471

FREE

Would you like to advertise your financial services?

Exp. 2/15/18

Call us at

30 Minute Consultation

10 Stuyvesant Ave. | Lyndhurst, NJ | info@urdangcpas.com Phone: (201) 438-1040 | www.urdangcpas.com

201.991.1600

Ficeto gets open Kearny Council seat

By Ron Leir Special to The Observer A drama-free exercise in Kearny Democratic politics played out Jan. 22 as members of the municipal governing body — all registered Dems — picked music educator Gerald “Jerry” Ficeto to fill the open Fourth Ward seat vacated Dec. 31 by the resignation of Michael Landy.

Ficeto, who celebrates his 66th birthday on Feb. 9, will serve as an interim appointee. The winner of a special election in November 2019 will serve the time remaining in Landy’s unexpired term.

Landy, who continues his job as middle school principal in Harrison, left for unexplained “personal reasons.”

Mayor Alberto Santos and council members commended all three nominees put forward by the Municipal Democratic County Committee as prospective office holders for their past and present public service.

Paul Pidgeon, a former First Ward councilman, has been executive assistant at the Kearny Municipal Utilities Authority for 25 years; Joseph Nigro has served 25 years in law enforcement, most recently as a Harrison cop, is a Kearny Recreation Commissioner, has coached Rec teams and served on the executive board of the Thistle soccer program; and Ficeto, a retired Kearny schools music teacher, is the band director at Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, and a co-founder of West Hudson Arts & Theater Co. All three are members of the Democratic County Committee.

Before the council voted on Jan. 22, Councilwoman Susan McCurrie, the other Fourth Ward representative who presented the nominees’ names for consideration by the county committee earlier this month, said, “All three are great candidates. Each one is an asset to the Fourth Ward and each brings a unique skill set.”

“I concur,” said Mayor Alberto Santos, who then recommended Ficeto for the appointment “based on his

extensive track service” to the Kearny community.

McCurrie echoed that choice, noting that the council would be replacing one educator (Landy) with another in Ficeto and she credited Ficeto’s leadership in helping create W.H.A.T. as “a great asset to us in Kearny — it has opened new opportunities in theater arts for kids and adults.”

No question, the mayor added, W.H.A.T. “has had a very big impact on West Hudson.”

Third Ward Councilwoman Eileen Eckel joined the chorus of affirmation, saying, “What Jerry brings to the table is a unique perspective as a teacher and his connection to the neighborhood is very valuable.” And, she said, he’ll be a responsible contributor to local government because “he understands how much time it entails.”

First Ward Councilman Albino Cardoso said he’s appreciative of Ficeto’s dedicated service with the Recreation Commission.

“He will be an asset,” Cardoso said.

In a brief phone interview with The Observer, Ficeto said he was “honored to be considered with the other two nominees who are really good guys.”

He said he was contacted, initially, by McCurrie and then by the mayor, asking him to consider the idea of serving in local government.

“Surprised” by his selection, Ficeto pledged to “do my best for the people in the Fourth Ward and for the entire Kearny community.”

The Chestnut Street resident said he was “excited” by the prospect of being a voice for the electorate. Asked if he had any notions about objectives to achieve for his ward and/ or the town, Ficeto said: “Give me an opportunity to get my feet wet a little bit.”

However, the new lawmaker did say he hoped the council would address “the [overnight] parking situation — it’s become a grave situation.”

(A study on the topic has been commissioned by the council.)

The appointee is due to be sworn in at the Feb. 5 council meeting.

WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM | THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019

Cargo-theft ring leader arrested in Georgia: KPD

By Karen Zautyk kzautyk@theobserver.com

ACTING ON A TIP FROM KEARNY Police detectives, authorities in Georgia have arrested the alleged leader of a cargo-theft network responsible for stealing nearly $4 million in merchandise from multiple Kearny truckyards.

On Friday, Jan. 18, the KPD announced that fugitive suspect Victor Moral, 42, of Jersey City had been apprehended without incident Jan. 12 by Port Wentworth, Ga., police at his fiancée’s home. He was being held at the Chatham County, Ga., Jail pending extradition to New Jersey.

On Jan. 9, the KPD had applied for and been granted an arrest warrant for Moral, charging him with one second-degree count of running the theft network and six counts of second-degree theft of movable property. Specifically, he was charged with managing a scheme to steal seven tractor trailers holding the approximately $4 million worth of cargo.

Moral’s arrest was part of Operation Equinox, an 18-month investigation led

by KPD Det. John Fabula into the repeated thefts of trucks and their contents from local businesses.

Aiding in the probe were county, state and federal agencies, including the N.J. State Police and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.

Last month, the KPD and the HCPO had announced the arrests of eight other alleged members of the theft ring. These included five Jersey City residents: Douglas Abarca, 40, another apparent ringleader; Omar Ortiz, 37; Christopher Williams, 38; David Soliman, 32, and Jesus Navarro, 31.

Also charged: Nelson PenaRestituyo, 52, of Union City; Sami Khales, 26, of Palisades Park and Juan Salazar, 40, of Elizabeth.

During the extensive

Victor Moral

investigation, law-enforcement reportedly recovered various amounts of the stolen merchandise, including 36 pallets of Hershey Syrup with an approximate wholesale value of $120,000; a shipment of clothing, worth an estimated $300,000, and a shipment of waffle sandwiches, approximate wholesale value $40,000. As noted, the estimated worth of the cumulative thefts was $4 million.

The Kearny Police Department continues to actively investigate these cases. Anyone with iformation is asked to contact the KPD at 201-998-1313 or tips@ kearnynjpd.org. All information will be kept confidential.

19

‘Special-needs adult’ tried to lure boy, asked him if he was gay: Lyndhurst PD

By Kevin Canessa kc@theobserver.com

avenues on his way to his Lyndhurst home when Jeffery Nobile reportLYNDHURST — Police here edly approached him. have arrested a 52-yearThe boy proceeded to run old Belleville man after away — stopping at a local he reportedly offered a business where he called 15-year-old boy a ride police. home and asked him “if he The suspect did not was gay,” Det. Sgt. Vinmake, nor did he attempt cent Auteri, of the LPD, to make, any physical consaid last week. tact with the boy, Auteri According to Auteri, on said.

Friday, Jan. 11, at around The boy gave Det. Rich7:30 p.m., the 15-year-old ard Holicki a description boy was walking near of Nobile, which ultimateRiverside and Kingsland ly helped to find Nobile.

Free genetic testing available at LHD special event Curious about your genetics and how they affect your health? Have you or any of your relatives had cancer?

Do you take medications for your anxiety, depression or cardiac-related issues?

The Lyndhurst Health Department is offering 100% free genetic testing — only for Lyndhurst residents — that is completely covered by traditional Medicare and Aetna or United Healthcare Medicare Advantage.

Just a few weeks after a simple cheek swab, trained genetic counselors will review your results with you over the phone and you can even have your results sent

to your primary-care physician at no cost as well.

This event takes place 10 a.m., Feb. 6, at the Lyndhurst Health Department, 253 Stuyvesant Ave. Just bring your Medicare or Medicare Advantage from Aetna or United Healthcare card with you.

Nobile, who police described as a “specialneeds adult,” was arrested Wednesday, Jan. 16, charged with luring and remanded to the Bergen County Jail, Hackensack.

Later that day, however, Nobile was released into the custody of family following his first appearance at Central Judicial Processing Court.

The LPD thanked the Carlstadt Police Department for helping them with this investigation.

Novena to St. Claire

Ask St. Claire for 3 favors. 1 business 2 impossible. Say 9 Hail Mary’s for 9 days with a lighted candle. Pray whether you believe it or not. Publish on 9th day. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised, adored, glorified & loved today and every day throughout the world Forever and Ever. Amen. Your request will be granted no matter how impossible it may seem.

E.P.

All Saints Church

A Progressive, Welcoming Church in the Anglican Tradition

Sunday Mass 2:30 PM The Rev. Richard A. Donato -Pastor-

380 Kearny Ave., Kearny, NJ 07032 (Grace UMC Church Building) 201-948-5007 www.facebook.com/allsaintskearny

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

Mulligan Funeral Home 331 Cleveland Avenue, Harrison

Licensed Funeral Director serving your needs:

Frank X. Mulligan III, Manager, NJ Lic. 4221 Private Parking at 10 Frank Rodgers Blvd. North

973-481-4333 visit us at: www.mulliganfh.com

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

11 20

WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM | THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018 WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM | THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019

CLASSIFIEDS

Submit your Help Wanted ads to: Submit your Help Wanted ads to:

classified@theobserver.com classified@theobserver.com

The Observer is not responsible for typographical errors. Credit for errors will not be granted after the next week’s publication. $10 for minimal changes. No refunds. Deadline for classifieds is Monday by 3:00 PM. The Observer is not responsible for typographical errors. Credit for errors will not be granted after the next week’s publication. $10 for minimal changes. No refunds. Deadline for classifieds is Monday by 3:00 PM.

ALL CLASSIFIED CUSTOMERS MUST PRE-PAY - NO BILLING. TO PLACE AN AD, CALL 201-991-1600 ALL CLASSIFIED CUSTOMERS MUST PRE-PAY - NO BILLING. TO PLACE AN AD, CALL 201-991-1600

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

BELLEVILLE

KEARNY

KEARNY

KEARNY

KEARNY 2nd floor.

Large 2 BR + space for small office. LR, DR, EIK. Walk in Closet. $1700 + 1 1/2 months security + utilities not included. No Pets/Smoking Avail Now. (973)992-1591 37W03

KEARNY 2 BR, DR, LR, EIK. Laundry. No pets/ smoking. Available February 1st (201)469-6293

BELLEVILLE 16 Howard Place. off Washington Avenue. 3 rooms. 1 BR. $975/month HT/HW included. Available Now (973) 801-5900 38W03

KEARNY 3 BR in a 2 Family home. LR, EIK, 1 Bath, HW Floors, Central Air, Parking Available. $1950 + 1 1/2 month security.

H/HW seperate. Available Now Call (201) 925-3227 36W03

BELLEVILLE Rent now a 1 BR, 1 Bath, Garden apt. $1,100/month. HT/ HW included. No pets. KEARNY 2 BR, 5 rooms Call (201)450-1370 in apartment building, steps to Bus stop, No 38W03 Pets, $1,350/mth + utilitities, Leave detailed message (973) 951HARRISON 7385 37W03 HARRISON 1 BR close to PATH, includes granite countertop.

Washer/Dryer, Microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, range, C/A Ample closet space. W/W carpet. Window treatments. $1500/mth.

No pets. No smoking. Call 732-887-3450 before 9pm.

36W03

HARRISON 3rd fl. 3 BR, Kitchen, Foyer, Full bath, $1,400/month + utilities. Students Welcomed. Avl. Feb 15th. 1 and 1/2 month deposit.

Text or leave message for John after 2pm. (973) 445-1466 Must have translator. 36W03

HARRISON 3 bedrooms including 1st and ground floor. 2 parking spaces.

No Pets. Available end of February. (646)708-6969 or (646)675-5113. 37W03

KEARNY 2nd Floor of a 3 family house – LR, 2BR, Study room, EIK - $ 1,600 per month. 3rd floor of 3 Family house- LR, 1BR, EIK- $ 1,000 /month. 369 Maple St. (Between Grove & Liberty) Newly renovated, 1 block from town hall and transportation, all utilities by tenant, only hot water by landlord, must have excellent credit, min. 1 year lease, No Smoking & No pets. Call (973)419-0808 between 10 AM to 8 PM. 37W03

KEARNY Completely renovated. Brand new stainless steel appliances. Beautiful EIK. Large DR. LR. 4 BR. New HW floors throughout. Storage in Basement and more. $2000 month + 1 1/5 months security. Utiilities not included. Avail Feb 1st (732)364-0702

38W03

To place a classified ad, call: 201991-1600 or email classified@ theobserver.com.

The deadline is 3PM Mondays.

If you miss the deadline, we can place the ad online for you!

KEARNY Second floor.

2 BR plus Attic. LR, EIK. 1 BATH. No Pets/Smoking. $1800 + 1 1/2 months security. Utiilties not included. Avail Now. (201)856-4310 36W03

KEARNY Newly renovated, First Floor ... 2 Bedrooms, 1.5 Bath, LR, DR, EIK ... Central AC/Heat, next to Park ... about 1 mile from PATH Train ... Utilities Included. 1 Parking Space. NO PETS. $2,100 per month plus 1.5 months Security.

Please leave message for BRUNO at 973-495-6058.

36W03

38W03

KEARNY Newly renovated, hardwood floors.

Laundry onsite. HT/ HW included. 2 BR start at $1,375 1 BR start at KEARNY 2 BR, LR, $1,200 Jr. BR start at $1,200/month + utilities. $1,150 (201) 289-7096 1 1/2 months security. 38W12 No pets/smoking For More information call (201) 290-2788 36W03 KEARNY 1 bedroom on Kearny Ave. 2nd Floor 3 rooms, $1200 + 1 month security. H/HW included.

KEARNY 1 BR studio, LR, No Pets. 1 parking space Bath. 1 month security, available. Single couple ideal for a couple or sin- preferred. Call between gle, no pets, no smoking. 10am -7pm (201)997Available February 1st. 2341 38W01 201-889-9121 37W03

KEARNY 1 BR APT. HT/HW included. From $1,150/month. See Super. 6 Woodland Ave. Apt. 1, or call after 5pm 917-858-8246 for appointment. 38W03

KEARNY Studio apt. HT/HW including Kitchen , LR/ BR combo. Elevated building. Laundry facility on premises. $995/ month,. Call Sofia after 3pm 201-998-3516 or see super after 3pm 654 Elm St. Apt Basement 1. 38W03

36W03

HARRISON New Home 2nd fl. 3 BR’s, 2 Baths. $2,000/month. Close to transportation. no pets. available Feb 1st (201) 709-0645 (973)7418292 Leave Message.

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

KEARNY Newly renovated 3rd Floor, 3 BR, LR, Large EIK. Shared coin operated laundry. Close to School & major Transportation. $1800 + 1 month security. No Pets/ Smoking. Avl. Immediatly (201)315-4108 38W03 KEARNY Magnificent, 2 second floor completely renovated 4 bedroom apartment.

Gorgeous, brand new kitchen and 2 renovated bathrooms. All new appliances, gleaming hardwood floors throughout and lots of closet space. Excellent location, next to public school, close to Stores and 10 minutes for Harrison PATH. 201-6793254. 38W01

KEARNY Newly Renovated Large 4 BR with ample closet space 1 1/2 month security, util. not included right on Kearny Ave., Pet Friendly (201) 991-3366 (201) 628-2365 38W01

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

ROOM FOR RENT

KEARNY Nice and Clean $500/monthly. 1 month security. Utilities included, Cable & internet NORTH ARLINGTON included. Avl. Now. (201) 2nd floor. Newly reno- 279-9966 36W03 vated spacious 3 BR apt.

Large BR, LR, Kitchen, 1 Bath. street parking. $1850 + 1 1/2 months KEARNY Single bedsecurity. Available March room for 1 person .

1st. Call (201) 463-7034 Shared Kitchen & Bath36W03 room. $550 month + 1 month security H/HW & Gas Included. Avail.

Now (973)905-2241 or NORTH ARLINGTON 1 (862)300-9575 36W03 BD, LR, KItchen Combo.

Central H/AC. $1500/ mth all inclusive + 1 month security. Available KEARNY Private enFeb .1st. (201) 725-0757 trance. Female preferred.

N.ARLINGTON

36W03

Available Now (201)9892277 37W03

NORTH ARLINGTON Apt. fr rent No pets. No smoking. 201-997-6666 KEARNY To share apart36W03 ment in building. Avl. Now please call (848) 203-7906 38W01 NORTH ARLINGTON Studio apt with separate kitchen in Garden apartment complex, $1,000/ mth H/HW included, 1 month security. No pets.

Parking space Avail. Laundry Facility. Credit check, Single or Couple preferred. Avail. March.15th.

Call btw. 10am-7pm only.

(201) 997-2341. 36W03

KEARNY Clean, furnished room for rent , All utilities included, , Manor section of the town, Close to Ny transp, Cable , Wi-fi , Proof of income . Hablamos espanol 201856-7751. 38W03

PARKING FOR RENT

HAPPY VALENTINES

Commercial parking space

Happy Valentine’s Day! I love you!

Love Always, Michael

available

in Nutley.

Up to 24 ft.

(201) 390-1729 37W03

COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR LEASE

2,000 sq.ft. refrigerator cooler with 1,000 sq.foot dry and office with 3 loading docks.

Call 201-997-1500 38W04

CARS FOR SALE

2003 Buick Park Ave. 1 owner 71,000 miles, fully loaded. Looks and runs great. $4,500 or BO. (201)954-4287 Dennis 38W03

FORKLIFT FOR SALE

Place your very own Valentine Greeting!

Call 201.991.1600

HALL FOR RENT

Hall Available Family Affairs Mid week special.

Call for info

(201) 991-9865 Max 80 people 35W09

PERSONALS NORTH ARLINGTON 1 Block from Ridge Rd. LYNDHURST 1 BR, EIK, DR. Close to TRANS. H/HW included.

Availble Now. (201) 657LYNDHURST Large Stu- 2119 37W03 dio Apt. 2nd Ave. Ground floor No Steps. Full Bath.

EIK. applicances included.

ARLINGTON $1100 month + 1 months NORTH security. Utilities included. Spacious Newly RenoAvail February 1st. credit vated, First Floor. 2 BR, check required, No pets/ LR, Large EIK. C/A & smoking, call between Heat. Use of Yard. Laun9am - 5pm (201) 655- dry Room. Parking for 1 vehicle. Close to TRANSP. 4663 36W03 $2,300/month + 1 month security. Utilities Included. Must See! AvailLYNDHURST Nice 2 BR able Now. Call (973) 991apartment on a 2nd flr, 7886 38W03 quiet street, close to transportation, shopping, etc. Available on Jan. 15th, No Laundry available, H/HW included, $1,600 Call Andres @ (201)954-1304 36W03

By Nissan. BWI-50 runs on propane gas and runs great! $4,000 or BO. (201)9544287 Dennis 38W03

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT

LIIQUOR LICENSE FOR SALE Kearny Bar License

HARRISON

2nd floor. Busy area, great location. Sq 412 $1100 + 1 month security. Includes heat.

(201)725-0757

for use in bar/restaurant

Contact for more details Se habla español (201)719-0714 (973)454-9483 38W03

Call Mary Ann

201-805-9023 38W06

Perfect for Holiday Events & Local Organizations Amvets Post 20, 323 New York Ave., Lyndhurst: $400 for 4 Hours. Call 201-438-9886 36W03

36W03

ROOM FOR RENT

LYNDHURST 1 BR $1,395/month & 2 BR $1,495/month, 3 BR $1,795/month & HT/ HW included. Available Feb 1st (973) 760-4877

KEARNY Share Bath & Kitchen. Quiet area. Access to transp. $600 + 1 month security. References must be supplied.

Call for more details Carmine 516-514- 5738

38W03

36W03

PSYCHIC READING

SERVICES OFFERED

N. ARLINGTON 1 room $550.

2 rooms $650.

3 room Suite $950 plus utilities Nice building with parking Available now 201-509-6965

See what the New Year holds for you in Love, Marriage & Business Call for your Tarot Card reading (201)737-6474

Certified aide seeks Position to take care of the elderly. 5-7 days, Nights also.

Live in/out.

Excellent references.

201-285-4091

37W03

36W06

38W03

11

WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM | THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018

CLASSIFIEDS

WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM | THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019

21

Submit your your Help Help Wanted Wanted ads ads to: to: Submit

classified@theobserver.com classified@theobserver.com

The Observer Observer isis not not responsible responsible for for typographical typographical errors. errors. Credit Credit for for errors errors will will not not be be granted grantedafter afterthe thenext nextweek’s week’spublication. publication.$10 $10for forminimal minimalchanges. changes.No Norefunds. refunds.Deadline Deadlinefor forclassifieds classifiedsisisMonday Mondayby by3:00 3:00PM. PM. The

ALL CLASSIFIED CLASSIFIED CUSTOMERS CUSTOMERS MUST MUST PRE-PAY PRE-PAY -- NO NO BILLING. BILLING. TO TO PLACE PLACE AN AN AD, AD, CALL CALL 201-991-1600 201-991-1600 ALL

ROOFING & SIDING

HOME IMPROVEMENT

G & R BUILDERS New + Re-roofing • Flat roofing • Siding • Gutters Free estimates Fully insured (973) 343-1167 (201) 528-8350 erickconstructionnj.com Lic#13VH04302300 04W54

Roofing, Siding, Windows/Doors, Decks, Painting, Tiles & Masonry, Sheet Rock.

All types of Carpentry

ELECTRICAL SERVICES 25 years experience Twin Electric Quality Work.

Good affordable prices.

Senior discounts.

Fully Insured. Bonded.

Lic. #16158

(973) 715-4150 (201) 562-5985 38W06

Lic. #13VH02536200

FREE ESTIMATES 20% Senior Citizen Discounts

(201) 893-0656 36W06

Residential + Commercial

CONSTRUCTION Roof Coating SERVICES specialties, Flat Roof, Silver coat.

• Concrete Call for • Brick work • Steps Pre-Winter Specials • Stone Walls Big or Small, • Tiles • Painting We do it all • Sheetrock 201-991-1880 • Drywall • Plastering 37W06

ALL types of Masonry Free Estimates

(973) 943-2254 34W06

PEST CONTROL

PEST CONTROL Exterminating Fast Service • Roaches • Ants • Bed Bugs • Fleas Call 973-932-2092

HANDYMAN SERVICES DO IT ALL

PLUMBING & HEATING

Andreas Painting

Professional House Painter 165. Interior & Exterior Painting *Plastering * Taping Free Estimates

(201) 997-0706 36W06

36W06

GUTTERS FENIELLO CONTRACTING LLC. BASEMENT RENOVATIONS NO MORE WASTED SPACE. Baths, Kitchens, Decks Painting.

All types of Home Improvement.

Quality work. Fair prices Fully insured.

Lic# 13vh03006100

(201) 906-2422 38W06

JOSEPH V. FERRIERO Plumbing & Heating Kitchen and bath remodeling. Carpentry.

Hot Water Heaters.

Fully Ins. Lic# 165

(201)637-1775 33W06 Courageous Plumbing HVAC LLC LIC. # 11103 • Plumbing • (town inspections), violations corrected, steam boilers and hot water boilers, oil to gas conversions, Sewer Drain Cleaning, excavations. Visa & MC, Finances up to 24 payments, no interest (201) 206-4845

LACA CORP

Paint * Powerwash* and More •Interior • Exterior •Free Estimates•Fully Insured 973-759-8869 973-930-5002 33W06

D. Ascensao Home Improvements Residential

Commercial Complete Home Improvement Services Pre + Post Real Estate Repairs One call does it all 201-991-0108 Registered & Insured 37W06

RUBBISH REMOVAL A-1 AFFORDABLE RUBBISH REMOVAL

Attics, Basements, Yard Cleaning. We Haul or You Can Rent 10-15 Cubic Yard Containers.

We Accept Visa/MasterCard (201) 998-1262 33W06

D.FITZGERALD SEAMLESS GUTTERS INSTALLED LLC

Gutters Cleaned Yankee Gutters Repaired & Relined Slate Roofs Repaired Flat Roofs Seale & Coated

“SAVE PLENTY” Call Dennie

1-800-479-3262 27W12

HEATING & COOLING Courageous Plumbing HVAC LLC LIC .#11103 • Air Conditioning • Hot Air Furnaces • Central Air, Humidifier, UV Light, Duct Cleaning,Visa & Master Card, Finances offer with up to 24 payments, no interest (201) 206-4845

HEATING & COOLING

KEVIN’S PROFFESIONAL PAINTING •Sheet rocking •Plastering •wallpapering •Power washing and also clean outs.

Basements•yards•garages Now’s the time to get the best service with the best prices.

Senior Discount Full Insured.

Reference’s available 201-565-6393 35W06

LANDSCAPING & DESIGN

Esposito’s Landscaping LLC

•Clean-up •Lawn Maintenance •Top soil •Mulch •Spring Clean up Free Estimate (201) 438-3991 38W04

MOVING & DELIVERY JR Trucking Moving & Delivery Service Inc.

ANDRIELLO CLEANOUTS Yards, Garages, Basements, Attics, Real Estate, Rubbish Removal (201) 726-0287 Lic13VH04443200

36W04

RICHARD’S HEATING Hot furnace specialist, we fix what others replace.

40 Years in Business.

Call us 201-998-3913 38W06

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

Warehouse shop work med/heavy Mid-Realty, Inc. has been a successful, professional duty assembly company who has served new jersey for over 50 required. Must years. If you would like to know how to enjoy an 13VH06620900 be able to lift and independent, successful career in real estate or if (201) 991-3223 carry at least 50lbs.

38W04 you are an active agent looking for a change, call Starting Hourly Rate Mid-Realty, Inc. today for details $14.00. Knowledge and a confidential interview. of tools helpful.

HANDYMAN (201) 991-5719 Excellent benefits, Do all types of or midrealty@gmail.com 31W09 paid vacation and home repair at holidays, and 401K reasonable costs. with company Free Estimate match. Qualified Call Augie HEALTHCARE SUPERINTENDENT/ (201)667-8745 OPPORTUNITIES HANDYMAN needed in individuals apply at 36W03 the Newark Ironbound Precision Escalator Alaris Health at Belgrove 147 N. Michigan Area to perform relocated in Kearny NJ Ave. Kenilworth NJ. pairs at residential & has the following Side of building. We commercial PAINTING & positions available. locations. Experience use E-Verify. 36W03 CNAs DECORATING in all building

Interior/Exterior new & repairs. All types of carpentry.

Reasonable rates, quality work, reliable, experienced.

Licensed and Insured

HOME IMPROVEMENT

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

We are here to Save You Time & Money Commercial & Residential

Free Estimate.

Ask for Will

(973) 477-1848 27W12

REAL ESTATE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES!

F/T, P/T & PER DIEM UNIT MANAGER F/T SIGN ON BONUS!!

Please email resume to ywulliger@alarishealth.com Or apply directly online at http://alarishealth.com/ job-listings/apply/137037 36W03

maintenance, plumbing, carpentry, masonry and electrical repairs. Must have valid Driver’s license and references. Bilingual Spanish helpful, but not required.

Call (973) 465 -5777.

37W03

LOOKING FOR A SALES EXECUTIVE TO JOIN OUR TEAM Responsibilities include servicing existing accounts, calling inactive accounts, generating new business and growing territories & building new leads.

Other duties may be assigned as needed.

YOU: Experience in sales, managing accounts, creating new business. Reliable transportation a must, ability able to work in a team and independent environment, be a self-starter, driven & energetic. Bilingual (English & Spanish) Large but generous commission with salary.

Background check.

Send resumes with a cover letter of introduction to jobs@theobserver.com No walk-ins or phone calls please

Busy orthopedist’s office located in Kearny, NJ is seeking a mature minded, professional individual to work a total of (24) hours weekly. (Mon-Thurs.) between hours of 8:30 AM-1:30 PM and Fri. between the hours of 8:30 AM-12:30 PM. However, there is a possibility of position being full time at the discretion of the doctor. A minimum of 2 years prior experience and 3 references are required. Applicant MUST be a team player, professional, friendly and have excellent telephone skills. Strong command of the English language is required. Fluency in Spanish is REQUIRED. To apply please fax all resumes to (201) 998-9201 36W03 MACHINIST Dynamically growing manufacturer of machined components and assemblies is currently seeking experienced CNC Lathe or Milling Programmer/Machinist. The ideal candidate must possess in-depth knowledge of programming (G & M Code), setting up, and running CNC Lathes or Milling machines. Job duties include: writing programs, setting up, proving out programs, and doing first piece inspections.

Experience with Okuma and Haas machines is preferred, but not necessary. Excellent benefits, paid vacation and holidays, and 401K with company match. Qualified individuals should submit copy of resume to hrapp269@aol.com or apply at Precision Escalator 147 N. Michigan Ave. Kenilworth, NJ. We use E-Verify. 36W03

$$ Now Hiring $$ Sales Property Inspectors FT/PT in your area. Free Training provided. msangelabove@ comcast.net (732) 766-4425 ask for Mel. 36W06 PACKER/SHIPPER WANTED Company near Mill St, Belleville must lift 50+lbs Spanish + English required starting $10/hr Call

(973)482-8603 36W03

MAINTENANCE MANAGER for Apartment Community Must have a driver’s license, tools and be bilingual.

Pay Package includes: $25 per hour, Health Insurance and Apartment.

Call

201-390-2241

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

A. Debenedetto Construction, LLC Industrial/Production Engineering Technologies sought by a construction company in Belleville, NJ. Bachelor’s degree in Production/Industrial Engineering or other closely related fields.

Minimal trips within Essex County required. Res: Antonio Debenedetto, Managing Member at 13 Florence Ave., Belleville, NJ 07109 or fax to: 973-751-7641 38W01

COMPUTER OPERATOR TRAINEE Part- time position needed for the Town of Kearny Library. Must have some knowledge of computers and software. Salary range $12 to $16 per hour, up to 24.5 hours per week.

Must be available for some evening and weekend hours.

NJ CSC job description: https://info.csc.state. nj.us/jobspec/01332.htm Application Available at: http://www.kearnynj.org/ JobOpportunities Deadline to apply is 2/22/19 38W03

36W03

Part Time Experienced Hairdresser needed.

Kearny Location (201)674-3995 37W03

HIRING CUSTOMER SERVICE. EXCEL/OUTLOOK. HANDLE INBOUND & OUTBOUND CALLS AND TAKE ORDERS. APPLY at 260 SCHUYLER AVE. KEARNY, NJ 07032 37W04

LIFEGUARD Lifeguards/Lifeguard supervisor needed for summer open swim program.

Valid lifeguard training & CPR cert req. 33 hours per week. $15 per hour.

Application deadline 02/28/19 Application available at: http://www. kearnynj.org/JobOpportunities 38W03

HELP WANTED ADS CONTINUED ON

PAGE 22

11 22

WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM | THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018 WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM | THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019

CCLASSIFIEDS LASSIFIEDS

Submit your Help Wanted ads to:

classified@theobserver.com

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

www.theobserver.com

The Observer is not responsible for typographical errors. Credit for errors will not be granted after the next week’s publication.

The Observer is$10 notfor responsible for typographical minimal changes.

No refunds. Deadline for classifieds is Monday by 3:00 PM. errors. Credit for errors will not be granted after the ALL CLASSIFIED CUSTOMERS MUST PRE-PAY - NO BILLING. TO PLACE AN AD, CALL 201-991-1600 next week’s publication. No changes or refunds.

Deadline for classifieds is Monday by 3:00 PM.

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

The Borough of East Newark is accepting applications for: P/T Senior Citizens Assist. Director Performs various duties in connection with the Senior Citizens Program. Duties incl. but not limited to preparing & serving lunch, providing transportation, assist Senior Residents with services, general maintenance, & other duties as may be needed.

Required to possess a valid NJ Driver’s License and be in good standing.

Applications can be obtained on the Borough’s website www.boroughofeastnewark.com or at the East Newark Borough Hall, 34 Sherman Avenue, East Newark, New Jersey 07029 between the hours of 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. No calls.

Deadline for application submission is February 28, 2019.

The Borough of East Newark is an EEO. 38W01

Apartment Complex Onsite Superintendent (Rahway). Looking for candidates who will perform their duties in a professional and courteous manner. The superintendent will be responsible for the overall maintenance of the apartment complex and day to day maintenance operations. Duties will include but are not limited to: Electrical, plumbing, carpentry and painting. Repairing and treating sinks, showers, appliances, doors, walls and etc.

Getting apartments ready for move-ins. Responsible for 24-hour emergency maintenance and etc. Candidate must have: Clean driving record, Current valid Driver’s License, Reliable transportation. Email resumes and salary requirements to: careers@colegrouprealty.com.

38W03

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

Looking for PT RECREATION cleaning person with PLAYLEADERS Drivers licence for Playground Play leaders company car. 7amneeded for summer 2pm approx.$11.00/ recreation program. start. 2:30-7:30pm 6/24-8/23 Play leaders appox hours. will supervise playground activities during our Interviews Wednesday summer recreation pro3:30-4:30pm gram. A degree/ major 38 Johnston Ave in education or child Kearny. development preferred.

(201)997-1605.

25-30 hours per week.

38W01 $10.00 per hour. Application deadline 2/28/2019 Application available at: http://www.kearnynj.org/ Experienced Short JobOpportunities 38W03 order cook/kitchen PAINTERS/ SUBCONTRACTORS for Commercial Painting Company.

Drop off resume and/ or documents at 109 Ashland Ave, West Orange, NJ. Monday- Friday.

973-414-8000.

38W09

BUSINESS

DIRECT RY HIGHEST CASH PAID ON THE SPOT BUYING GOLD & DIAMONDS

Arlington

JEWELRY PROFESSIONALS FOR OVER 35 YEARS

Specializing in Watch & Jewelry Repairs

Up to 70% OFF

WATCHES • 14K GOLD JEWELRY DIAMOND JEWELRY • STERLING SILVER JEWELRY 36 RIDGE ROAD • NORTH ARLINGTON • 201-998-5036

help, cleaning also experienced waitress needed for restaurant in N.Arlington. FT/PT flexible hours (917) 816-2419 38W03

GOOD FOOD, GOOD LIFE... LIFE IS GOOD.

SIMÕES

& ALMEIDA

Experienced hairstylist and assistant needed for a new salon in North Arlington 201-341-4075 Ask for Carmen

QUALITY FOODS

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

617 Ridge Rd. N. Arlington 201-991-6379

38W03

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE / ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE FULL TIME- HARRISON Assistant needed to start immediately.

Please send resume to cpantoja@flexo-craft.com 38W03

Going away?

View the entire issue online!

Visit TheObserver.com

The man who stops advertising to save money 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.

All ads are featured online!

Jewelers

193 Windsor St. Kearny 201-997-8989

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

Contact your media representative today!

201-991-1600

$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

WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM | THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019

KEEGAN from 01 body cautioned against jumping to such conclusions, saying the results of that body’s checking out residents’ complaints were inconclusive at best as to the source of the odors.

And a spokesman for the landfill owner, the N.J. Sports & Exposition Authority, challenged the mayor’s characterization of the dumping incident cited in his posting as misleading.

In his posting, Santos goes on to say that the NJSEA “has even denied access to inspectors, but allowed trucks with the illegal sludge entry to the [landfill]. This has to stop! The [NJSEA] is either grossly negligent or willingly complicit. … The persons at the [NJSEA] responsible for overseeing operations at the Keegan landfill must be held accountable. We will not let up!”

The mayor invited residents to “continue to call the DEP (877-927-6337) and Hudson Regional [Health Commission] (201-817-9844) each time the sulfurous odors are detected.”

Included as part of his posting was a pictorial and video display of a truck unloading what appears to

be some type of liquid discharge on the site of what the mayor has labeled the Keegan landfill.

The Observer emailed the mayor and asked for more specificity about the allegations. In his reply, Santos said: “At this point, I can’t discuss the details of the illegal dumping captured in the images and video that I posted on my social media page.

“There have been instances where NJSEA employees at the site have denied access to both DEP and Hudson Regional although they have also allowed them on the site at other times.”

The mayor added that the landfill “lacks any air permits for its venting system.”

ous chemical waste and residue because all problems were from the operations of a scrap remedied, no penalties were metal shredding facility.”) levied.

“We’re aware of the odor “Recent inspections by the complaints,” DEP spokesman NJDEP conducted in NovemLarry Hajna said. “We’re ber 2018 noted that [Keegan] investigating.” was in compliance with DEP Just last week, Aberback regulations,” Aberback said. said, inspectors from DEP and Still, NJDEP records show Hudson Regional checked the that during several inspections landfill in response to odor made last year, the DEP cited complaints and, “we have been Keegan for three statutory viinformed that no violations olations: non-compliance with were found ...” solid waste disposal rules, vioWere inspectors ever turned lation of permit conditions by away at Keegan? receiving unacceptable wastes Yes, said Hudson Regional and failing to cover exposed sol- deputy director Angela id waste surfaces with a 6-inch DeQuina. It happened on cover of compacted clean soil at New Year’s Eve when an HR the close of business. inspector was turned away DEP inspectors found “litter at the gate 10 minutes before control issues … particularly closing time. For that action, on the side slopes” at Keegan NJSEA has been fined $8,000, during February, April, May she said.

NJSEA spokesman Brian Aband November 2018 and on one Between May 2018 and Jan. erback said Santos “is broadundated site visit, discovered 11, 2019, the Hudson Region casting a video of an inspection a truck from the North Bergen hotline logged a total of 47 that took place in summer 2018 Municipal Utilities Authority odor complaints including an by the NJDEP. Issues regard“dumping a liquid sewage unknown number of repeat ing that inspection have been sludge material” which Keegan calls, DeQuina said. Inspectors rectified. In addition to Type classified as ID 27 waste but have been hard-pressed to 13 (bulky waste such as appliwhich DEP’s Bureau of Solid trace the origin of the odors, ances and furniture) and 13C Waste Permitting and Bureau she said, because the rotten(construction and demolition of Pretreatment & Residuals egg-type smell reported by materials), the Keegan landfill listed as “not ID 27.” callers — and detected by is permitted to accept waste The landfill operators were inspectors — was typically classified as ID 27 (defined by directed to “stop accepting this “faint and fleeting” and quick DEP as dry industrial waste, inmaterial from any treatment to dissipate shortly after their cluding “nonhazardous oil spill plant.” arrival. cleanup waste, dry nonhazardAccording to the DEP report, But in hopes of improving ous pesticides, dry nonhazard-

23

inspectors’ chances of pinpointing the source, DeQuina said Hudson Regional has acquired a meter, at a cost of $19,000, designed to measure — in parts per billion — traces of hydrogen sulfide, defined by sciencedirect.com as “a water-soluble, colorless gas with the distinct odor of rotten eggs [which is] produced from sewage sludge, liquid manure hot springs and natural gas.”

Exposure to high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide can cause nausea, headaches, loss of balance, skin and eye irritation, unconsciousness or death.

Another possible source of the smells, DeQuina said, could be the landfill’s leachate collection system.

Kearny has been battling the NJSEA since 2016 when the authority — which (through its predecessor agencies) had been leasing the 100-acre-plus dump — took over the property through eminent domain. The town had expected the landfill would be shut down — with the NJSEA paying for closure costs — and the site converted to passive recreation and/or a solar farm.

The town sued — it even went as far as to seek a Writ of Certiorari from the U.S. Supreme Court unsuccessfully — but lost.

SIGNAL from 01 driveway of the Wendy’s eatery – were activated Jan. 23.

“Today I am not going to focus on why this wasn’t done in the past or how long it took,” Melham said. “Rather, today, we are going to celebrate action – action that happens when government sees and listens. This has been a known problem area for years – so much that two individuals lost their lives here.”

Melham said the township earmarked $22,000 from its 2018 road program to finance the project. He said the County of Essex – which has jurisdiction over Franklin Avenue – “accepted a hold-harmless agreement” which enabled Belleville to proceed with the road safety undertaking.

“We hope and pray this small gesture protects our residents and those visiting our great township and saves another family from tragic loss and sorrow,” he said.

Family and friends of the most recent victim, Joseph D’Amico, including his

Photo by Ron Leir

Left photo: Belleville Mayor Michael Melham speaks prior to a cross signal being dedicated last week. The family of Joseph D’Amico looks on. Right photo: the actual cross signal.

brother Ray, along with relatives Cheryl Kasye, Michele Sacchiero, Gerald D’Amico, Valerie Simberg and Michael Simberg, attended a brief ceremony at the new signal location last Wednesday.

Ray D’Amico, a sergeant with the Bayonne Police Department, told reporters

his brother – a Bayonne High School alum who was a volunteer chef for Vincent United Methodist Church in Nutley – had been crossing Franklin to retrieve his cell phone from his parked car when he was struck by a vehicle exiting the fast food driveway on Dec. 30, 2017.

After receiving treatment

at several hospitals, on March 21, 2018, Joseph D’Amico, 44, a lifelong resident of Belleville, succumbed to his injuries.

“My brother was a free spirit,” Ray D’Amico said. “He went out like a trouper.”

Family friend Michele Sacchiero brought the incident to the attention of Melham during his 2018

mayoral campaign and encouraged the new mayor to do something to strengthen safety measures along Franklin Avenue.

“It took the mayor just six months to do something that should’ve been done a long time ago,” Sacchiero said.

“Two fatalities are two too many.”

24

WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM | THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019

s ll mor

LOOK WHO IS SELLING HOMES! BROKER

C.21 SEMIAO & ASSOC. ERA JUSTIN REALTY RE/MAX INFINITY KELLER WILLIAMS PARK VIEW NENO-ROSA AGENCY MID-REALTY, INC. THE BIXLER GROUP REAL LIVING GATEWAY REALTORS BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY MERENDINO A.W. VANWINKLE SAVINO AGENCY RE/MAX TRADING PLACES RE/MAX WHITE HOUSE LIBERTY REALTY, LLC EXIT GOLDEN REALTY GROUP KURGAN-BERGEN REALTORS HARRISON REALTY MODERN REALTY C.21 GOLD ADVANTAGE ELITE REALTY GROUP LIVING NJ REALTY

om any o mor .

ur mark ting ri n allows us to s ll your om or mor mon y in l ss tim

# OF CLOSED TRANSACTIONS*

BHGRE COCCIA REALTY

aus our ag nts an

191 181 126 91 90 73 63 61 53 38 30 25 23 23 22 19 17 14 13 13 12 9

e’d be happy to provide you with a detailed estimate and mar et analysis o your home with no obligation and discuss our e tensive mar eting plan to get you top dollar o re uest your analysis visit cocciarealty.com email us at info@mycoccia.com or call one o our o ices listed below and we’ll connect you with an agent speciali ing in your community e can assist you in

anywhere in

or the

ur ental epartment can ind your ne t uali ied enant

E XPECT BETTER When you list your home with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate | Coccia Realty

all for a mar et e al ation of yo r ome

in o mycoccia com www cocciarealty com

a lamos s a ol • Falamos Portugu s • Mowimy Po Polsku • Parliamo Italiano.

RUTHERFORD 11 Park Ave 201-939-0001

LYNDHURST 424 Valley Brook 201-939-8900

also s

ak ra i

eal tate ale ental ro erty ana ement

ussian, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali, Urdu & English

KEARNY 636 Kearny Ave 201-997-7000

SECAUCUS 5 Harmon Cove Tower 201-867-2100

info@mycoccia.com • www.cocciarealty.com *Based on NJMLS Stats from 1-1-18 to 12-31-18 for closing in East Rutherford, Rutherford, Lyndhurst, North Arlington, Hasbrouck Heights, Wood-Ridge, Wallington, Harrison, Kearny, Secaucus. Subject to errors and omissions. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All data from New Jersey MLS. Better Homes and Gardens® is a registered trademark of Meredith corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Franchise is Independently Owned and Operated.

Equal Opportunity Employer.