The Observer e-Newspaper -- Jan. 1, 2020

1 January 2020

Vol. CXXXII, No. 34

www.TheObserver.com

MORE ON THE INSIDE

Pillows made for cancer patients.

Page 14 BELLEVILLE • BLOOMFIELD • EAST NEWARK • HARRISON • KEARNY • LYNDHURST • NORTH ARLINGTON • NUTLEY

2019 A LOOK BACK...

Top news stories start on page 2, sports on page 11

#1 LISTING AND SELLING OFFICE IN 2018!

www.Century21Semiao.com

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

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

2

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Recapping the Top 6 stories of 2019 as reported in print, online & in live videos

By Kevin Canessa kc@theobserver.com

W

hat a year 2019 was! And for this newspaper, it was a highly successful year — whether it was in our expanded live coverage or in our being one of the few weekly newspapers to exist in this region. We also saw unprecedented growth in our Classified Department, one that generally had an average of one page per week to now, nearly three pages weekly.

The news cycle was unprecedented, too, and while one story sticks out over the others, will the Keegan Landfill saga be the top story of 2019? Find out by reading the rest of this piece — the Top 10 News Stories of 2019 at The Observer — presented to you in reverse numerical order. We hope you enjoy reading this as much as we did pulling it all together.

Story No. 6 — Former Belleville Mayor Raymond Kimble & former Harrison Councilman Daniel Kelly die

Observer File Photo

Raymond Kimble, the former Mayor of Belleville, died July 22 aged 80. Just a few months earlier, he lost a very close race to the current mayor, Michael Melham.

It’s certainly not a good year when we lose on prominent political leader — and it’s made even worse when two

lose their lives. Earlier this year, it was just-retired Belleville Mayor Raymond Kimble and most recently, it was former

Harrison Councilman Daniel Kelly.

In 2018, Kimble lost one of the most memorable mayoral races in recent memory to the current Mayor Michael Melham. The vote was extremely close and almost led to a recount. But when all was said and done, Kimble decided against a recount and conceded defeat to Melham, once a political ally.

Just a few months after Kimble gave way to Melham, word arrived Kimble died July 22.

He was 80.

Following Kimble’s death, Melham took time to address he predecessor’s life of service.

“Mayor Kimble served our township with distinction for many years in various capacities. From police officer, he rose through our ranks to become Police Chief. After retirement from the department, he went on to serve as public safety director and township manager. He would then serve three terms as mayor. As a young councilman, I worked closely with Mayor Kimble

Adult High School Diploma & English Language School (ESL)

Registration Open Now $200 processing fee (Money Order only)

Diploma de Escuela para Adultos & Escuela de Íngles (ESL)

Matriculas Abiertas $200 por semestre (Solamente “Money Order”)

See TOP 6, Page 4

Classes Begin: Monday, February 3, 2020 Washington Middle School 1 No. 5th Street, Harrison For more information, call The Harrison Center (973) 483-2285 ext. 2028 after 5PM

Clases Comienzan: Lunes, 3 de febrero 2020 Washington Middle School 1 No. 5th Street, Harrison Para mayor información, llame al Harrison Center (973) 483-2285 ext. 2028 despues de las 5PM

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

3

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Belleville to celebrate the Feast of the Three Kings (Little Christmas)

North Arlington’s Long trains in the Atlantic

Plenty planned for kids & adults

T

he Township of Belleville will celebrate the Feast of the Three Kings — Little Christmas — on Monday, Jan. 6, Mayor Michael Melham announced last week.

It will be an afternoon filled with families, food and fun when the township celebrates the holiday at the Senior Center, 125 Franklin Ave., from 4-7 p.m.

The first 200 children will receive a gift.

There will also be games, crafts, face painting and a magician on hand.

“Since this is the first time we are commemorating this holiday across the township, we want this to be a special day,” Melham said. “We are going to create a fun, festive atmosphere with something for kids of all ages. I would like to recognize and thank Deputy Mayor Vincent Cozzarelli and Councilwoman Naomy DePeña for taking the lead on this event.”

Three Kings Day is especially popular in Spain and Latin American countries, where it’s commemorated by giving gifts to children.

U.S. Navy photo

Electrician’s Mate Michael Long, of North Arlington, stands watch as the electric plant control counsel operator during a general quarters drill aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney as part of the U.K.-led Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST). FOST’s training is designed to prepare all types of navy vessels and auxiliaries for peacetime, peace-support and war-fighting operations. Carney, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is on its seventh patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of regional allies.

The Observer’s office is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., REGISTER NOW! SPRING 2020 Monday & Friday and 9 REGISTER EARLY a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday. We Classes begin on Friday, January 24, 2020 will be closed, however, on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020.

to ensure class availability and flexibility!

Try our 12-Week Quick Term classes beginning in February and 7-Week Online classes with start dates in January and March!

WINTER/SPRING REGISTRATION DATES: Thursday, October 31: Priority In-Person registration for Veterans at both campuses.

IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Friday, November 1: Online Registration opens for students who have exited ESL or English Foundations coursework.

Opinion...................................................................Page 6

Tuesday, November 12: In-Person Registration begins for all students at both campuses.

Pet Directory.........................................................Page 8 Food & Dining Directory.......................................Page 9 Sports...................................................................Page 11 Health & Wellness Directory..............................Page 12

REGISTRATION HOURS: Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR ADVISORS: https://calendly.com/hudsoncass/

Find out if you qualify for Free Tuition!

Obituaries............................................................Page 15 Business Directory.............................................Page 17 Real Estate...........................................................Page 17 Real Estate Directory ..........................................Page 17 Classifieds .................................................Pages 18 & 19

For more information, contact: freetuition@hccc.edu 201.360.HCCC (4222) www.hccc.edu/freetuition To view the Spring course offerings visit: www.hccc.edu/schedule

Learn more at:

www.hccc.edu | (201) 714-7200 Spring 2020 Registration ad- KO.indd 1

10/29/19 12:03 PM

4

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

TOP 6

Continued from Page 4 when he was public safety director and township manager. “ … I ask that you respect the privacy of the Kimble family at this time. We extend our deepest condolences to the Kimble family. The township will provide additional details as they become available.”

In 1964, Kimble joined the Belleville Police Department and ascended to the rank of Chief, a position he held from 1992 to 1997. In 1997, upon retirement from the Belleville PD, he was appointed Belleville’s Township Manager.

He ultimately ran for and became Belleville’s mayor, a position he held for 12 years (three terms) until he lost a very close election in 2018.

Among many awards, Kimble was proud of the Silver PBA Card he received — and when he was the Belleville Chapter of UNICO’s Man of the Year.

Kelly, meanwhile, who served on the Harrison Town Council from 1995 to 2006, lost his battle with cancer Oct. 28, only

a few months after he lost his son, also called Daniel.

He was 65.

Kearny’s Len Twist, who has long advocated for feline Trap, Neuter, Return programs, took time to reflect on Kelly’s life following his death. Twist says Kelly was instrumental in helping him establish such a program in Harrison.

“It was the late Mayor Ray McDonough who we needed to convince, but Dan was the one who made sure that happened,” Twist said. “He had a strong love for cats — he used to feed them and may have had a colony in his own neighborhood. But he did so much more for his community — he was a great man who will be missed.”

Another man, who we will only call by his first name, Lou, of Harrison, heaped praise on the former councilman, for the work he did to help those afflicted by addiction — both drugs and alcohol. Kelly would often be found at Trinity Episcopal Church, Kearny, offering a comforting ear those who gathered for 12-Step meetings. And though those meetings were anonymous, he

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

New year, some subtle new looks in The Observer

‘He (Dan Kelly) had a strong love for cats — he used to feed them and may have had a colony in his own neighborhood. But he did so much more for his community. He was a great man.’

T

hey may not be noticeable to the untrained eye, but there are a few new looks to The Observer in this, the first edition of 2020.

Most of the changes are subtle, but we hope you like what you see. The idea was to keep the newspaper attractive aesthetically while optimising the space we have to work with each and every week.

Several fonts we use — including the text of stories, headlines, captions, etc. have been adjusted. Minimally.

We’ve also adjusted sections headers in opinion, sports and recreation, classifieds.

With all of this, our commitment to bringing you the best possible weekly newspaper remains as strong as it ever has. We cannot do it without you.

If there’s something you’d like to see featured, let us know.

If you witness breaking news, send us your photos.

If your group is having a meeting, let us make that notice public for you.

And while we can’t always guarantee publication because of space limitations, we will always do our best.

Send such notices, alerts, to editorial@theobserver.com.

As we enter 2020, or 133rd year in business, we thank you all — from our readers to advertisers — for being the best in the world. We are grateful for your support of this newspaper — and wish each and every one of you all the best for a great New Year in 2020.

— Kevin Canessa & Lisa Feorenzo

— Len Twist

never held back talking about his helping others.

“He was always a positive guy,” Lou said. “He was always cheerful, you know, trying to crack jokes. He tried to keep everything positive because he was very serious about his (own) recovery. He always helped others with theirs.”

No. 5 — Rutgers Street repairs are finally made If you’d ever driven along Continued on the next page

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT!

Metro Liquors

17 SCHUYLER AVE. NORTH ARLINGTON

TEL: (201) 998-8016

VALUE WINES Cavit

Pinot Grigio

Barefoot

Yellowtail (All Types)

(All Types)

(All Types)

Papi

Dark Horse

(All Types)

(All Types)

(All Types)

1.5 Lit

750 ml

Bolla

Woodbridge

1.5 Lit

1.5 Lit

1.5 Lit

1.5 Lit

1.5 Lit

$1409

$1199

$1199

$1299

$1199

$999

Sterling

Robert Mondavi

Kim Crawford

Santa Margherita

Kendell Jackson

Cabernet

Prosecco

750 ml

750 ml

Vintner’s Collection

(All Types) 750 ml

$10

99

Private Collection

Sauvignon Blanc

(All Types) 750 ml

$9

$13

99

99

Pinot Grigio

Chardonnay 750 ml

$22

$12

99

750 ml

$799

$999

Josh

Mionetto

Bartenura

750 ml

750 ml

750 ml

$13

99

Alamos Malbec

99

$13

99

Moscato

$1199

SPIRITS Johnnie Walker

Johnnie Walker

1.75 Lit

1.75 Lit

Black Label

Red Label

Oban Little Bay

Talisker Storm

750 ml

750 ml

$4999

$6299

$3299

$3999

Bacardi

Captain Morgan

Bailey’s

Silver/Gold 1.75 Lit

$19

BEER

99

Spiced Rum

Tito’s Vodka

$2299 1.75 Lit $3999

750 ml

1.75 Lit

$25

99

Coors Light 30 Pack

$22

99

1.75 Lit

$30

99

Corona Extra 24 Pack

$28

99

The Glenlivet Founders Reserve 750 ml

Patron Silver

Olmeca Alto Plato/Reposado

750 ml

$3699

$4299

Svedka Vodka

Grey Goose Vodka

1.75 Lit

$19

99

Heineken 24 Pack

$28

99

$2299 1.75 Lit $3899

750 ml

1.75 Lit

$49

99

Stella

24 Pack

$2899

Hendrick’s Gin 750 ml

$3399

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

5

The Observer | www.theobserver.com and NA. That said, if you’ve driven there lately, you know the work is done — and it is no longer dangerous to drive on the road.

(At least because of the road conditions.)

Continued from previous page

the Environmental Protection agency, according to Kearny Fire Chief Steven Dyl. The Skyway and parts of Routes 1 & 9 were shut down through May 18 for precautionary reasons.

Residents of upland Kearny were advised, via a Facebook post, to shelter at home with windows closed when the fire first broke out. Dyl said that while it was considered, he and other officials decided against sending out a late-night/earlymorning reverse 9-1-1 robocall to alert residents.

“The wind was blowing in another direction,” Dyl told The Observer. “Since the wind was blowing toward towns like Bayonne, Jersey City, we didn’t want to send a call at 2 a.m. that said, ‘Everything is OK in the residential areas of Kearny.’”

In the second week of July, there was another flare-up at Alden Leeds. That fire, Dyl said, was caused by materials

Rutgers St., in Belleville, near the Rutgers Street Bridge, chances are you’d come close to losing your car’s undercarriage or you may have even had a flat tire, thanks to the horrendous conditions No. 4 — Alden Leeds fire keeps leading to the bridge traveling KFD working for weeks eastbound. But after a what in South Kearny seemed like an eternity, Essex County Executive Joseph It was the first that just N. Divincenzo Jr. finally didn’t seem to want to end. intervened and offered to pay It first broke out in the for the much-needed paving of eveningtime of May 17, sending the area, despite a good chunk spectacular chlorine-fueled of it being a state road. But just flames into sky, approaching when you thought it couldn’t the Pulaski Skyway. get worse — it did.

It would be weeks until The county paved a good the fire was declared over chunk of the road and then and under control, thanks to suddenly, the work ended numerous flame-ups caused with the worst of the road still by the materials left over unpaved. following the fire. advertising@theobserver.com 201-991-1600 The state jumped back into The four-alarm blaze er: Client: the equation, and said it would initially brought in firefighters do what it was supposed to from every department in do in the first place — pave its Hudson County; a task force of portion of the road. firefighters from Essex County; And it did — following four fireboats from the New another delay. And when Jersey Fire Boat Task Force; See 2019, Page 7 it did, there was very little the FDNY; Hazmat units from notice that the Bridge that the Jersey Bayonne Advertising: Here is the updated template with aCity newand photo of Jarlynn Hyde: Expert Resetting & Remounting connects Kearny and North fire departments, the Hudson Fine Jewelry & Watches Arlington to Belleville would Regional Health Commission, be closed down, causing the state Department of significant traffic in the area Environmental Protection and that stretched well into Kearny

Observer

Mid-Realty, Inc.

JULY 17, 2019 • WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM • VOL. CXXXII, NO. 10

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

At long last, street littered with potholes for years will get facelift, thanks to the county

By Kevin Canessa kc@theobserver.com

MOTORISTS, REJOICE: RUTGERS STREET IS FINALLY BEING REPAVED! If you’ve driven on Rutgers Street in Belleville, heading to the Rutgers Street Bridge especially, anytime in, oh, let’s say, the last three years, you know that just as you approach the bridge, there are potholes so bad and so brutal that it’s a minor miracle if you get past the location without your vehicle’s entire undercarriage collapsing.

Photo illustration by Michelle Rybeck

At long last, Rutgers Street, Belleville, will be getting a much-needed repaving. The street, especially near the bridge, has been in terrible disrepair for years.

You know what we’re talking about.

But there’s good news, great news actually — it’s going to be repaved soon thanks to Essex County taking on the responsibility of doing so, even though it’s actually the state that should be doing the work.

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. and Belleville Mayor Michael Melham made the announcement jointly last week at the Rutgers/Main Street intersection.

Part of the project includes repaving the intersection of Rutgers Street and Main Street, which is a state road.

The work is scheduled to start the first week of August and will last about a week.

“An ongoing initiative of my administration has been to modernize our infrastructure so it meets the needs of our community and enhances the safety for motorists and pedestrians. We were going to repave the county-owned section of Rutgers Street this year and decided to include the intersection because of the concerns that NJ State Sen. Teresa Ruiz and Belleville Mayor Michael Melham were sharing with my office,” DiVincenzo said.

“We have been sharing our concerns about Rutgers Street with the state for several months and we are very happy that the county is taking action. We are very

See

HIGHLIGHTS

New parking regs at Lyndhurst Town Hall

05

NJSEA will meet at 10 a.m., this Thursday, July 18

#1 LISTING AND SELLING OFFICE IN 2018!

08

CENTURY 21 Semiao and Associates - Hudson Count...

http://www.century21semiao.com

Observer File SCAN HERE!

Semiao & Associates For years, portions of Rutgers Street, eastbound, heading to the Rutgers http://kaywa.me/aBR3I

www.Century21Semiao.com

Street Bridge, and utter mess — leading201-288-5533 to dangerous 201-991-1300 201-460-8000 were a complete 973-344-2100 BASED ON NJMLS, KEARNY, NORTH ARLINGTON, LYNDHURST, HARRISON, EAST NEWARK driving conditions.

But after what seemed like an eternity, Essex County partially bailed out the state by doing most of the work. The state completed the work with little notice to motorists.

761 Ridge Rd., Lyndhurst, NJ

531 Kearny Ave., Kearny, NJ

Merry Christmas from

217 Ferry St., Newark, NJ

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

Large Variety of Tennis Bracelets

Loose Diamonds

DIAMOND EXCHANGE 546 NEW YORK AVE. • LYNDHURST • 201-804-8383

Let’s Talk

Real Estate Presented by Jarlynn Hyde Broker/Owner

FREE

OPonEdN ay M

thru y Sunda s ay d i l See Tommy & Ho

Owner & Manager

Jewelry Appraisal* and a Watch Battery

$2.99

(most watches) With this Coupon * Verbal

PAY ATTENTION TO THE DETAILS

When buying a property, there are many little details to consider. As little as they may be, they are important. For instance, you should always go and sit near the property during high traffic times, making note of stop signs. Will car lights shine into your living room? Is the noise made by cars going over a speed bump obnoxious? (This can be especially important in a condominium.) Is there a school nearby? Buses, drop off, pickups, parent night and even local voting held there can affect parking. Is there a hospital or fire house in the area? How will you feel

about the activity and noise they generate? You are going to live there all day, every day.

Specializing in handling all the details involved in both buying and selling a home, we have been serving the real estate needs of our community for many years. Can we help you? Although we have no problem keeping the big picture in mind, we are very detail-oriented.

There’s no need to go through the selling/buying process alone, not when we’re close by. “Our success has been built one satisfied customer at a time.”

Visit out website at: www.midrealty.com P.S. Make note of how your neighbors on surrounding streets are maintaining their property and investing in their homes. This directly impacts your property value.

Mid-Realty, Inc.

572 Kearny Avenue • Kearny, NJ 07032 Office: (201) 991-5719 • Cell: (201) 602-7222 Please visit our website at:

www.midrealty.com

RUTGERS, 15

T

Call Today at:

201.991.0067

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

6

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Thoughts & Views EDITORIAL

What an effort it was to get Keegan closed & capped

O

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

ur long national local nightmare is finally over, to paraphrase a quote once spoken by President Gerald R. Ford. After a year-long battle, the saga at the Keegan Landfill is now over. And we can finally rest, assured, that the health hazards we’re more than aware of by now, and that horrendous odor, will finally cease … soon.

The agreement between the Town of Kearny and the NJSEA calls for a two-phase cap on the landfill, with the western side being completed by the end of 2020 — and the rest sometime in 2021.

This newspaper will continue to monitor the situation for the next two years. But with all of this said, we take this time to acknowledge the people who fought to get to this day.

Kearny Mayor Alberto G. Santos and most on the Town Council demonstrated what relentless leadership is all about.

State Sen. Nicholas Sacco, who proposed a resolution demanding the closure of the landfill and its cap, demonstrated how fortunate we are to be able to call him our representative in Trenton.

We were also shown support from leaders in the Kearny School System, from Superintendent of Schools Patricia Blood — whose letter to the governor was one of the most passionate pleas throughout the ordeal — to members of the board of education.

We were shown great support from our neighbors to the south, Harrison, whether it was in a resolution of support from Mayor James A. Fife and the Town Council — or in former Councilman Anselmo Millan securing thousands of petition signatures from resident of the town.

The most inspiring support, however, came from everyday citizens who rose to the occasion, in ways we haven’t seen the issue of the day was housing sex offenders in South Kearny.

Under the leadership of Kearny resident Cristina Montague, hundreds of people wrote letters, made phone calls, sent emails, attended meetings, signed petitions, protested and did more than civilians could ever be expected to do.

This was a true community effort, one of which we were proud to be a small part.

We must say thank you to the NJSEA finally realizing the seriousness of this ordeal and for doing the right thing once and for all.

We heard Chairman John Ballantyne when he noted the NJSEA is much more than just landfills, and we will do our best to explore and publish some of the other things they do.

In the spirit of the new year, it is our hope there is healing. But we won, folks. We did what some thought was impossible. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Pascrell: Well done, West Hudson & Mayor Santos

To the Editor: The NJSEA’s unanimous decision to close and cap the Keegan landfill is a win for Kearny and our entire community.

I especially want to commend Mayor Alberto Santos, the 32nd District Legislative team, and of course the many dedicated community mem-

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR bers for their unwavering advocacy.

Mayor Santos has personally kept my office abreast of every development at Keegan since

the onset of this issue and I thank him.

The shutdown of Keegan is tremendous news for Kearny and Hudson County residents who are entitled to clean air and a high quality of living.

Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-9 Member of Congress

1949 Lyndhurst football team was a lot like the 2019 squad

To the Editor: I have watched with interest the great success of this year’s Lyndhurst football team and extend congratulations on a great season.

I would like to remind readers of another great Lyndhurst team — the 1949 champions, a team my father, Lee Tirgrath, was a two-way starter on.

They were Bergen-Passaic Interscholastic League, champs, and N.J.S.I.A.A Section 1, Group 2 North champions. The individual honors garnered were too many to list here.

Coached by Head Coach Joe Kania and assistant Ed Zak,

these boys put up some staggering statistics! In nine games, they scored the incredible total of 406 points while allowing the opposition a paltry 25. That would make the average score of each game about 45-3. They rang up five-straight shutouts and never allowed more than 7 points in any game.

While the defense was setting records, the offense was as well.

In addition to the county record of 406 points, they put up 5,129 yards of total offense. On 341 running plays, they averaged 7.75 yards per carry.

The ’49 team was lead by “The Golden Flash,” Conrad

In Memoriam Mary A. Tortoreti 1942-2016

Lisa M. Feorenzo lisa@theobserver.com Co-owner/Advertising Dir. Kevin Canessa kc@theobserver.com Editorial/Broadcaster

“Coot” Manisera, who carried the ball 105 times for 1196 yards.

His backup, Willie Monaco, carried 40 times for 452 yards and fullback Tony Trezza carried 91 times for 497 yards.

The passing attack completed 51 of 104 for 988 yards, back in the days when the running game ruled.

Sadly, most of these boys have died, but this team should be remembered as setting the benchmark for all that followed.

I’m sure my dad, as well as the rest of that legendary group of Golden Bears would be proud of the 2019 team. Congratulations!

Mark Tirgrath

39 Seeley Avenue • Kearny, N.J. 07032 • (201) 991-1600 Fax: (201) 991-8941 • www.theobserver.com

Tina Feorenzo Co-owner/Advertising

Michelle Rybeck advertising@theobserver.com Graphic Artist/Real Estate

Deadlines • Classifieds: 3 p.m., Monday • Obituaries: 10 a.m., Monday • Display/Real Estate: noon, Thursday • Help Wanted: 2 p.m. Monday — all ads must be sent to classified@theobserver.com.

Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com Sportswriter

Robert P. Pezzolla gm@theobserver.com General Manager Kimberley Pezzolla kimpezzolla@theobserver.com Sales/Classifieds

The Observer on Social Media facebook.com/theobservernewspaper twitter.com/theobservernj instagram.com/theobservernewspaper youtube.com/theobservernj

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

7

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

2019

Continued from Page 5 left from the original fire, that were slated to be disposed of, reignited following a chemical reaction.

It was the last such flare-up.

Fortunately for all involved, only a few firefighters from other communities suffered minor injuries as a result of the fire.

“It certainly could have been a lot worse than it was,” Dyl said at the time.

No. 3 — It was another busy year in Harrison to say the very least To say that Harrison had yet another exciting year would be a gross understatement. Whether it was in redevelopment, the second of two new PATH stations opening or in elections, rarely was there a dull moment — or moments — in the small town in West Hudson.

Election-wise, in 2019, it was quiet in the June primary, where the incumbent Democrats, led by Mayor James A. Fife (who was not on the ballot) faced no Democratic opposition. However, that all changed on Primary Day as a slate of candidates, led by former Second Ward Councilman Anselmo Millan, filed petitions to run as independent

FDJC image

An unidentified fire official surveys the situation at the May 17, 2019, fire at Alden Leeds in South Kearny. Firefighters from all over the region were brought in to assist the Kearny Fire Department to help extinguish the pesky blaze.

candidates against Fife’s slate.

Millan, who lost his council seat in 2018, was running for the second time in two years. Last year, he unsuccessfully mounted a primary challenge against Fife. In 2019, he was attempting to regain a seat as a Second Ward councilman, a seat he had to give up to run for mayor the previous year.

The election, which had many

believing that the incumbents could lose a seat or two, was nonetheless anti-climactic, as Fife’s team absolutely trounced Millan and his three running mates.

In the First Ward, Maria J. Camano, who was running for the seat vacated by the retiring Caroline Mandaglio, beat Carlos Gutierrez, 191-92.

In the Second Ward, incumbent

Eleanor Villata handily set Millan aside, 343-190.

In the Third Ward, the incumbent, Francisco J. Nascimento, trounced Jesus Carrion, 449-108.

And lastly, in the Fourth Ward, it was incumbent Michael T. Dolaghan turning away challenger Nick Azevedo, 338-122.

There was relief in the Fife camp following the election. Meanwhile, Millan promised he wasn’t done. He said he would continue to be of service to Harrison; however, he did not yet indicate whether he would run again — either for mayor or Second Ward councilman — when the next set of elections come in 2022.

The year also saw more dramatic redevelopment, but perhaps the most important part of it all was the opening of the sparkling-new Manhattan-bound PATH station.

The new Newark-bound station opened in 2018.

Talks of new PATH stations began in the mid 2000s with the late Mayor Raymond McDonough and late Councilman Peter Higgins. Work took several years but the fruits of everyone’s labor finally came to complete fruition in 2019. The new stations were a critical component of the town’s overall redevelopment plans.

Continued on the next page

As we enter the New Year, we reflect on all of the things we are grateful for, and we deeply appreciate all the trust and support we receive from our community. You are truly the reason for our success in having the Keegan Landfill permanently closed and capped!

Happy New Year Mayor Alberto G. Santos & Town Council

8

The Observer | www.theobserver.com possible shooting in the city’s Greenville section.

For hours, live and in real time, we heard the echoes of gunshots being fired. Some of those sounds came from radios operated by officers who were inside Sacred Heart School, a Catholic elementary school that is directly across the street on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive from one of the scenes of carnage.

We later learned all of the chaos was the result of Jersey City Police Department Det. Joseph Seals, a resident of

No. 2 — the deaths of Det. Joseph Seals and Douglas Miguel Rodriguez The Top 2 stories of 2019 were among the most recent.

The second story on our list occurred the afternoon of Dec. 10, 2019, and was as harrowing as any day in recent memory.

At The Observer’s office, a mere 7 miles away from it all, we sat and sometimes stood, in stunned disbelief, listening to the Jersey City Police Department on a police scanner app after an alert came in about a

B l i e s t ro g a B Fr esh To As

ic e r P r ! t a Fai

.

GARY IS BACK!

North Arlington, being fatally shot in the head as he stood in Bay View Cemetery, on Garfield Avenue, in the secondlargest city in New Jersey, as he pursued leads in another case.

Following the shooting of Det. Seals, the two suspects, a woman and a man whose names we will not mention, calmly got into a stolen U-Haul van and drove about a mile from Garfield Avenue over to JC Kosher Deli, on MLK Drive, and took the lives of several others, including Harrison’s

p Quality Food a

it alw

ll b e ays was and always wi

LUNC COUPOH N Buy 1 S an

dw Get 1 ich Side Sa lad!

THEY

WILL

it or They'll Love ck! a B ey on y our M

ARE JUST THE BEGINNING

Share hand-crafted filet mignon naturally aged to perfection, plus a full menu of family favorites… give the Omaha Steaks experience this year!

$218.92* separately

$ COMBO PRICE

69

e93 OmahaSteaks.com/nic DT 4F 10 t 59 Ask for The Favorite Gif

979

3.8 Order Now 1.855.97

|

End of Watch | Jersey City Police Department | Tuesday, December 10, 2019

DET. JOSEPH SEALS Heroic Jersey City police veteran, a North Arlington resident, gave life in senseless shootout last week

By Kevin Canessa kc@theobserver.com

T

he afternoon of Dec. 10, 2019, was as harrowing as any day in recent memory. At The Observer’s office, a mere 7 miles away from it all, we sat and sometimes stood, in stunned disbelief, listening to the Jersey City Police Department on a police scanner app after an alert came in about a possible shooting in the city’s Greenville section. For hours, live and in real time, we heard the echoes of gunshots being fired. Some of those sounds came from radios Harrison’s Douglas Miguel Rodriguez, a clerk in the store whose young daughter is a student in the Harrison school system.

It was all happening in a neighborhood, Greenville, known affectionately by its residents as “The Hill.” This is a neighborhood that has not seen growth the way other Jersey City locations have — think the Downtown Waterfront. Instead, much of Greenville has been ignored for decades upon decades. It is the city’s highest-crime area. Poverty is abundant.

The average income is about $33,000 a year, well below the city’s overall average.

However, of late, reports estimate that about 100 Jewish families now call Greenville home.

Photo by Teddy Jao Lopez

Jersey City Police Det. Joseph Seals, of North Arlington, seen here in his uniform, was one of two locals who died Dec. 10 in a massive shootout.

Continued on the next page

HIGHLIGHTS

Winter Wonderland coming to Lyndhurst’s Forest Avenue this Saturday

9

Belleville Observer councilwoman File doesn’t want state Senate to strip vaccine exemptions

10

The Observer’s Dec. 18, 2019, front page, paid tribute to the late Jersey #1 LISTING AND SELLING OFFICE IN 2018!

City Police Department Det. Joseph Seals, a resident of North Arlington, and to Harrison resident Douglas Miguel Rodriguez, both of whom died SCAN HERE! Associates in a harrowing shootout inSemiao Jersey & City on Dec. 10, 2019. www.Century21Semiao.com CENTURY 21 Semiao and Associates - Hudson Count... http://www.century21semiao.com

http://kaywa.me/aBR3I

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

531 Kearny Ave., Kearny, NJ 201-991-1300

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

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

CIOUS GIVE DELI

TENDERNESS & FLAVOR

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

T

41 River Road • North Arlington, NJ • (201) 991-3730

4 (6 oz.) Filet Mignons 4 (4 oz.) Boneless Pork Chops 4 (4 oz.) Omaha Steaks Burgers 4 (2.8 oz.) Potatoes au Gratin 4 (4 oz.) Caramel Apple Tartlets Signature Seasoning Packet

DECEMBER 18, 2019 • WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM • VOL. CXXXII, NO. 32

operated by officers who were inside Sacred Heart School, a Catholic elementary school that is directly across the street on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive from one of the scenes of carnage.

We later learned all of the chaos was the result of Jersey City Police Department Det. Joseph Seals, a resident of North Arlington, being fatally shot in the head as he stood in Bay View Cemetery, on Garfield Avenue, in the second-largest city in New Jersey, as he pursued leads in another case.

Following the shooting of Det. Seals, the two suspects, a woman and a man whose names we will not mention, calmly got into a stolen U-Haul van and drove about a mile from Garfield Avenue over to JC Kosher Deli, on MLK Drive, and took the lives of several others, including

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! M-F 5am-4pm • Sat & Sun 5am-3pm

THE FAVORITE GIFT

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

+ 4 FREE BURGERS!

99 16 MAIN COURSETS + SIDES & DESSER

*Savings shown over aggregated single item base price. Limit 2. Free burgers will be sent to each shipping address that includes (59104). Standard S&H added per address. Not valid with other offers. Expires 2/29/20. All purchases subject to Omaha Steaks, Inc. Terms of Use & Privacy Policy: omahasteaks.com/terms-of-useOSI and omahasteaks .com/info/privacy-policy or call 1-800-228-9872.

Photos exemplary of product advertised. 19M1110-1

Douglas Miguel Rodriguez, a clerk in the store whose young daughter is a student in the Harrison school system.

When it was over, hours later, following some of the most intense police action imaginable — an incident that brought to Jersey City several Kearny police officers who are part of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office’s SWAT Team — it left so many wondering how this could happen.

And yet it did. And so many people offered words of love and tribute to both Det. Seals and Mr. Rodriguez. It couldn’t be more clear — both were

treasured human beings in life, both will be forever missed and we wake up today to a world that is less because of their loss.

Several days later, North Arlington Mayor Daniel Pronti, in coordination with the Rev. Mike Donovan, pastor of Queen of Peace Church, hosted a candlelight vigil for Seals that drew hundreds of people from all over the area.

And then, a very emotional wake and funeral took place for Seals — at Jersey City’s McLaughlin Funeral Home and Continued on the next page

Pet Directory Bone Appétit Barkery PET SALON & BAKERY Certified Professional Dog & Cat Grooming

169 Midland Ave. • Kearny, NJ • (201) 955-2306 boneappetite@verizon.net

TO ADVERTISE,

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Facebook image — Harrison Police Dept.

The Harrison Police Department shared this stunning image on its Facebook page on the day of the funeral for Det. Joseph Seals. First responders are lined at attention along Jersey City’s Bergen Avenue.

Continued from previous page then at a Mass at St. Aedan’s Church, Jersey City.

There, thousands of first responders — from across the country and beyond — were on hand to bid farewell to Seals who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Mr. Rodriguez’s funeral was a much more low-key event in Paterson.

Fundraisers were put into motion for both Seals and Rodriguez. One non-profit said it would pay off the mortgage the Seals family have for their North Arlington home.

Both family and the Harrison Education Foundation organized fundraisers for the surviving members of the Rodriguez family.

The two murderers, whose names we will never use, were both shot dead by police on the day of the shootings.

It is believed the son of former NYPD Commissioner Bernard Kerik, who is a New-

ark police officer, was partially responsible for and credited with bringing the shootout to its final conclusion.

Several Kearny police officers, who are members of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office’s SWAT task force/unit, were in Jersey City the day of the shootings.

Other Kearny SWAT Team members were stationed in South Kearny on standby.

Police officers were sent to all Kearny schools the day of the shooting as a precaution, according to Kearny Chief of Police George King.

No. 1 — do we even need to tell you what the top story of 2019 was?

It all started when smells started to intensify. It was all reminiscent of a bygone era that Kearny had hoped was steadfastly in the past. But it wasn’t — and a landfill was once again rearing its ugly head in a town that had had its

INJURED? KNOW YOUR RIGHTS.

JOHN M. PINHO Javerbaum Wurgaft

Certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as Workers Compensation Law Attorney

If Injured at Work or Construction Site, you deserve to have an experienced and Certified Attorney as your Attorney.

John M. Pinho Attorney at Law

9

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

301 North F. E. Rodgers Blvd.

Harrison, NJ

(973) 481-4364

share of dumping for decades.

This time, it was the Keegan Landfill, over on the Bergen Avenue extension. The rottenegg odors were horrendous.

And initially, no one really knew where it was all coming from.

Ultimately, we’d learn it was from the highly dangerous gas called hydrogen sulfide (H2S) that forms when the gypsum of sheetrock mixes with rainwater.

The result is an untenable odor. But as we’d later learn, H2S leads to much more than a bad smell.

Its effect on the human body was troubling. It causes irritation to the eyes, nose and ears.

Most importantly, it causes

breathing difficulties.

In all, it was a health crisis never-before-seen in West Hudson. And residents were not going to stand for it.

Cristina Montague, a Kearny resident, was among the first to attend Town Council meetings to express her concerns over the odors and health effects from it all. She joined forces with Kearny Mayor Alberto G. Santos and from it all, they commenced a petition that ultimately got thousands of signatures.

Then, in March, Montague, Santos and the Town Council, organized residents, encouraging them to attend that month’s meeting of the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Au-

thority, the autonomous state agency responsible for running the landfill. (The town previously owned it, but thanks to eminent domain, the NJSEA took ownership away from the town some years before.)

The March meeting saw a throng of West Hudsonians in the audience at DeKorte Park Plaza in Lyndhurst, many of whom were rightfully angry with the NJSEA for allowing this environmental nightmare to occur in the first place.

For hours, Santos, Montague, et al, spoke at the podium and let the NJSEA have it. At this meeting and at meetings in the months to follow, the NJSEA Continued on the next page

Food&Dining directory

To advertise, call 201-991-1600 Centanni Ristorante

Italian Cuisine & Bar We Specialize in Repast

11-35 River Rd., North Arlington 201-246-0100 CentanniNJ.com 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 AhPizz.com

The Oakley Live Music on Weekends • Sunday Brunch

789 Bloomfield Ave., Nutley 973-542-8676 TheOakleyKitchen.com

10

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Continued from previous page commissioners and president sat, listened and appeared tone deaf.

Ultimately, the town filed suit against the NJSEA and Judge Jeff Jablonski, sitting in Jersey City, granted the town’s request to keep the landfill closed temporarily. The State Supreme Court ultimately upheld the temporary injunction.

In April, a massive protest that stretched from the DPW yard to the landfill along Bergen Avenue brought hundreds of residents out. The message was to the NJSEA and Gov. Phil Murphy was loud and clear — close and cap the Keegan ... nothing else will suffice.

Shockingly, Murphy and the NJSEA’s response was chilling — neither was willing to do the right thing. And, because the

matter was under litigation, the NJSEA was advised, by counsel, not to speak publicly about the matter anymore.

This led to months of frustrating meetings where questions were never properly answered — and where the anger of residents grew and grew.

But then, a miracle happened.

Just a few weeks ago, at the December NJSEA meeting, that body announced a resolution that called for keeping the landfill closed — and to cap it fully by 2021.

It was a Christmas gift for the ages.

The NJSEA would also withdraw its appeal of the town’s lawsuit.

It was a victory for Santos and all of West Hudson like no other.

Indeed, as Santos said, there was a lot of healing neces-

sary between residents of Kearny and the NJSEA. And that might take some time to complete. But the bottom line is when folks went their holiday tables, the saga was over.

And, hopefully, within the next two years, the landfill will be forever closed and capped — and never again will there be a need for the fight that occurred to get to this point.

The year 2019 was one dominated by the Keegan Landfill.

Through it all, we enjoyed bringing you all that it encompassed. It was a year we’ll certainly never forget.

As we begin 2020, we continue to pledge to bring to you the best of the news in the new year.

Thank you for being the best readers in the world. We are absolutely grateful to each and every one of you, today and forever.

Wednesday, January 1, 2020 DECEMBER 25, 2019 • WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM • VOL. CXXXII, NO. 33

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

‘TIS THE SEASON TO CELEBRATE! Kearny gets unexpected Christmas present: NJSEA will cap closed Keegan

L

By Kevin Canessa kc@theobserver.com

ED S O L C

et’s call it the Christmas Miracle on Bergen Avenue (with thanks to Deborah Garcia for the title.) What was a year-long battle ended with a unanimous vote that took less than a minute to tally.

The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority voted unanimously at its monthly meeting on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019, to approve a resolution that will keep the Keegan Landfill closed forever — never to open again, under any circumstances.

Prior to the vote, one could tell something special might be in the works.

About 10 minutes before the official meeting was to commence, NJSEA Chairman John Ballantyne approached The Observer and town photographer Barbara B. Goldberg to inform us that the authority would be entering a closed session after the regular

See NJSEA,

page 30

Observer File

T

to read The Observer’s Coming next week: A look at the Top 10 HIGHLIGHTS Be sureone 18-27books.

Christmas Greetings! news & sports stories of 2019.

Last week’s front page isannual for the history In it, we were

#1 LISTING AND SELLING OFFICE IN 2018! reminded that the Keegan Landfill saga was pretty much over and that it was a wonderful Christmas present for all who were involved. With luck, SCAN HERE! the entire landfill is to be capped& by 2021. And, hopefully, the Keegan Semiao Associates www.Century21Semiao.com Rd., Lyndhurst,aNJdistant 531 Kearny Ave., Kearny, NJ 217 Ferry St., Newark, NJ 257 Blvd., Hasbrouck Heights, NJ might761 Ridge become memory.

CENTURY 21 Semiao and Associates - Hudson Count...

http://www.century21semiao.com

http://kaywa.me/aBR3I

Download the Kaywa QR Code Reader (App Store &Android Market) and scan your code!

201-460-8000

201-991-1300

973-344-2100

201-288-5533

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

Christmastime with a Devil

THURSDAY NIGHTS

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS

OPEN MIC / KARAOKE

TRIVIA NIGHT

SERVING BRUNCH & BOTTOMLESS MIMOSAS SUNDAYS 11AM -3PM

1/2 PRICE HAPPY HOUR DRINKS & DISCOUNTED APPS MONDAY THRU FRIDAY

FREE DELIVERY THROUGH OUR WEBSITE!

LUNCH SPECIALS

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

973-485-9200 | WWW.AHPIZZ.COM PARKING VALIDATED FOR 2 HOURS IN MUNICIPAL GARAGE

Contributed photo

New Jersey Devils forward Nico Hischier, right, was one of a handful of New Jersey Devils players to visit Clara Maass Medical Center, Belleville, on a recent off-day. Here, Hischier signs an autograph.

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

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Sports & Recreation

11

Observer Sports 2019: Year of the Golden Bear Lyndhurst state title run earns top spot in Top 10 Sports Stories

Bull Arena located in Harrison.

Sowe, who was named the New Jersey Section 2 soccer player of the year in the beginning of 2019, played 12 games with the Red Bulls II team in the United Soccer League. At age 19, Sowe still has a bright future with the Red Bulls’ organization.

5-Veteran QP coach, administrator Abromaitis dies

Photo by Jim Hague

The Lyndhurst High School football team won the NJIC and NJSIAA state sectional championship, the school’s first state title in football since 1983.

NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1, Group II state championship. It marked Lyndhurst’s first state championship since 1983. The t’s safe to say that the final year of the decade was Golden Bears also won the NJIC league tournament champiextremely memorable in onship, defeating Park Ridge. local sports. There were 34-12, in the NJIC title game. countless stories that filled The Observer’s sports pages in It was Lyndhurst’s first league 2019. There were triumphs and title of any kind since 1997. The Golden Bears’ standout running tragedies. There were champions and there were setbacks. back Piotr Partyla, nicknamed Newsworthy accomplishments “The Polish Assassin,” rushed for a state-best 2,356 yards and and achievements recognized statewide, not to mention local- 34 TDs, numbers that perhaps will never be duplicated in ly. Here’s a look at the Top 10 Lyndhurst history. Partyla was Sports Stories for 2019 for the named First Team All-State by Observer circulation area. the Newark Star Ledger. The town capped the Golden Bears’ 1-Lyndhurst wins great season with a victory, NJSIAA state sectional tickertape parade through the football title; NJIC streets of Lyndhurst in Decemtitle winners as well ber. It was truly the Year of the Golden Bear.

The Lyndhurst High School football team enjoyed one of 2-Kearny’s Cardenas wins the best football seasons in second straight NJSIAA the history of the school. The wrestling title Golden Bears won their first 11 games, including a 26-7 victory Kearny native Jacob Cardenas over Parsippany to capture the

By Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com

I

achieved the unthinkable last March, capturing his second straight NJSIAA state wrestling championship, becoming the first Kearny wrestler ever to win two state championships. The Bergen Catholic senior, now wrestling at Cornell University, defeated Kyle Jacob of Paramus, 6-3, to win the 195-pound state championship at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, successfully defending the title he captured in 2018. Cardenas finished the 2019 season with a 41-2 record and an overall career mark of 121-20. No question, it was one of the finest wrestling careers in New Jersey history.

3-Lyndhurst’s Guerriero earns Associated Press All-America honors It was a year to remember for running backs from Lyndhurst, as former Lyndhurst High School great and former Observer Male Athlete of the Year (winning the award in 2015-2016) Petey Guerriero

earned Associated Press AllAmerica first team honors for his outstanding play for the Monmouth University football squad. Guerriero, a finalist for the Walter Payton award, given to the top college running back, led the nation with 1,995 yards rushing and 20 touchdowns.

Guerriero was only the second Monmouth player to ever earn All-America honors. Guerriero set new school records for yards in a season and in a career and still has one season remaining with the Hawks.

4-Harrison’s Sowe signs contract with Red Bulls II squad After scoring a school-record 37 goals and adding 31 assists in his final high school soccer season at Harrison High School in 2018, Omar Sowe signed a professional contract to play for the New York Red Bulls II squad, just a stepping stone away from the main Red Bulls squad that plays its home games at Red

Ed Abromaitis spent 38 of the 63 years he was on the planet at Queen of Peace High School, first as an athlete, then later a coach and finally as an administrator, mainly as the athletic director. Abromaitis, the Kearny native who also spent most of his life as a resident of Kearny, died suddenly in September.

Although QP closed in 2018, Abromaitis still left a legacy of athletic greatness at the school.

He is sorely missed by everyone who knew him.

6-Harrison QB Desosa has game to remember In early October, Harrison High School senior quarterback Mateo Desosa had an incredible game against Secaucus, a game where Desosa’s unbelievable prowess will not soon be matched. In that game against Secaucus on Oct. 4, a 46-35 win for the Blue Tide, Desosa completed 18-of-32 passes for an astounding 447 yards and four touchdowns passing. Desosa also carried the ball 11 times for 174 yards and three TDs. Quick math makes the totals 627 yards and seven TDs in one game for the Blue Tide signal caller.

Those are numbers that won’t be matched soon.

7-Kearny’s Borges gets drafted by Colorado Rapids of MLS Continued on the next page

12

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Continued from previous page The Major League SuperDraft in January certainly had its local flavor, when Kearny native Marcello Borges was selected by the Colorado Rapids in the second round, the 28th pick overall. Borges, who played soccer throughout high school for the New York Red Bulls’ soccer academy, then went on to play for the University of Michigan, decided to forego his senior year at Michigan when the chance to get drafted arose. Although Borges didn’t stick with the Rapids, gaining his release from the squad after only a few months, his selection in the draft is certainly newsworthy, as Borg-

the championship game. The county championship marked the end of the road for senior striker Skyler Matusz, who scored 35 goals during her senior season, ending her career with 104 career goals as she heads off to play at American University next season. It also marked the end for head coach and alum Stefanee Pace Kivlehan, who resigned at the end of the year for family reasons. Pace Kivelhan also scored 100 goals in her career as a player.

es became the first player from the soccer-rich area to sign an MLS contract since Kearny’s Hugh MacDonald, the firstever Observer Male Athlete of the Year, signed with the Red Bulls in 2006.

8-Lyndhurst’s Jorge earns spot with Team USA baseball squad Although she’s only 16 years old, Lyndhurst native Alexia Jorge earned a spot with the Team USA national women’s baseball team and spent most of July and August traveling with the nation’s top female baseball squad. Jorge, mostly a catcher by trade, played

Just missed list

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

Photo by Jim Hague

Kearny native Jacob Cardenas (right) was honored by Kearny Mayor Alberto Santos with a special proclamation after Cardenas won his second straight NJSIAA state wrestling title in February.

several positions for Team high school baseball player.

USA, including a stint on the mound as a pitcher. Jorge has 9-NA’s Manzo-Lewis a bright future with Team USA signs contract with San moving forward, but still has Antonio of AAFL another year remaining as a

HEALTH&WELLNESS & &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

New patients always welcomed!

No Insurance?

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Smile Design Specialist

We have a plan for you!

1 of only 14 Board Certified Prosthodontists in NJ

Call 201-991-1228

312 Belleville Turnpike | N. Arlington, Suite 3B | www.SmileDesignSpecialist.com

To advertise, please call our office at:

201.991.1600

North Arlington native Anthony Manzo-Lewis thought that perhaps his professional football career was over when he was released by the San Diego Chargers in August of 2018, after signing a free agent contract with the Chargers earlier that year. But the American Alliance of Football League, also known as the AAFL, came forward and offered Manzo-Lewis, a fullback who played his collegiate football at the University of Albany, a contract. At the time, the deal was believed to be a three-year contract.

But the AAFL folded abruptly in April, leaving the league’s players without a place to play. However, when ManzoLewis signed his contract last January, he became the first professional football player ever from North Arlington.

10-Kearny girls’ soccer team wins 11th straight Hudson County Tournament title The Kearny High School girls’ soccer team just kept its dynasty rolling along, as the Kardinals captured their 11th straight Hudson County Tournament championship, defeating Bayonne, 2-0 in

There were other stories that just missed out of being among the top 10 stories of the year. Kearny’s Maria Laverde won the Hudson County cross country championship, the first Kearny girl to capture the county cross country title since Erika Alzamora in 2012; Belleville High School won seven football games, the highest win total for the Buccaneers in almost 40 years; Kearny had three athletes (Melissa Waters, Xavier Reyes and Julie Castillo) all win Hudson County indoor track and field championships; Nutley’s Marty Higgins and Courtney Wilde each scored their 1,000th career point in basketball; three Kearny wrestlers (Jacob Baeza, Kyle Ostanski and Matthew Mauricio) won District 11 wrestling championships; Lyndhurst/North Arlington’s Dylan Weaver finished third in the entire state in wrestling at 145 pounds; Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium in Newark was torn down, ending a brief 20-year run; Belleville resident Bobby Alessio won his sixth straight state title in youth gymnastics; North Arlington captured its second straight state sectional championship and standout Eric McKenna won the Bergen County individual title; Nutley’s Mike DiPiano, Sr., a kidney and pancreas transplant survivor, was selected to represent donor awareness at the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena and Nutley’s Steve DiGregorio was honored at the Franklin Steak House for his years of service as the head football coach at Nutley High.

All in all, it was another great year of sports in 2019 in the Observer circulation area.

There’s more to come in 2020.

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

13

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Lighting Up The Holidays for children in hospital (NAPSI) — The holidays may

be the most wonderful time of the year, but the reality is, many children won’t be able to enjoy time with family at home. Instead of shopping for gifts and trimming the tree, countless children will be in the hospital, fighting to get stronger. Missing family traditions. Missing holiday events. Missing waking up to see that Santa has visited.

However, thanks to dedicated doctors, nurses, child life specialists and more at pediatric hospitals across the country, there’s still a bit of holiday magic to help brighten the days of patients and their families.

One child’s journey After two rounds of chemotherapy and more than 130 days in the hospital, there’s a lot 12-year-old Meg doesn’t like about the hospital. But there are also a lot of things that help make her fight easier.

Meg’s journey began on vacation this past summer when her parents noticed bruises and red pin holes covering her legs.

Concerned, they brought Meg to Children’s National Hospital, the premier pediatric hospital

in nearby Washington, D.C., where the doctors diagnosed her with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. After months of aggressive treatment, Meg will continue her care through the holidays this year.

“There were not words to describe the feeling when you learn you have cancer. You go from complete childhood freedom to living in a hospital room,” Meg says. “After receiving my diagnosis, I started learning about my treatment and was crushed to learn I was probably going to be in the hospital for treatment through all my favorite holidays.”

One of the most challenging parts of any hospital stay is finding ways for kids to still be kids. It’s especially difficult during the holiday season when the last place they want to be is in hospital. Pediatric hospitals establish programs such as art and music therapy, play time with therapy dogs, and access to video games and teen lounges that help make the hospital feel more like home.

Unfortunately, these efforts aren’t covered by insurance,

and Children’s National relies on the support of donors to fund programs like these that help treat the whole child and help them grow up stronger.

For Meg, art therapy is particularly impactful. Even on her roughest days of intense treat-

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

Most Insurances Accepted

“Make your vision picture perfect...

See what you’ve been missing. Visit our office!”

Family Eye Care Eye Exams • Contact Lenses • Pediatric Care Your Eye Care Professionals Dr. Maria Domingues Lic # 27OA00630100

Dr. Jayswinder Kaur Lic# 27OA00689700

Dr. Marina N. Megalla

Premier Care TALKS Presented by

Dr. Prakash J. Doshi AVOIDING AND SURVIVING BOTULISM

Botulism is a serious condition caused by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum (CB) and can be contracted in several different ways.

Because CB thrives in oxygen-poor environments, foodborne botulism can develop from sources such as home canned or jarred foods, especially those that are low in acid such as fruits, vegetables, and fish.

Infant botulism is often caused by foods like honey. CB can also enter the body through open wounds, even small cuts or scrapes. Once inside, they can multiply and create the toxin. Symptoms can include dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, drooping eyelids, trouble breathing, vomiting, and eventually paralysis.

Symptoms usually begin within 36

hours of contamination, and early treatment is vital to survival.

Doctors treat botulism with an antitoxin. The antitoxin prevents the toxin from causing any more harm.

It does not heal the damage the toxin has already done. Depending on how severe your symptoms are, you may need to stay in the hospital until you are well enough to return home. To schedule an appointment, please call PREMIER CARE ASSOCIATES OF WEST HUDSON at 201-998-7474.

We are located at 512 Kearny Ave., Suite B, where walk-in patients are always welcome 7 days a week.

P.S. Botulism is a rare condition, and wound botulism is even more so, affecting mostly intravenous drug users.

Lic# 27OA00690300

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

Lic # 27OA00646200

Premier Care Associates of West Hudson

Dr. Carla Domingues

348 Ridge Road • Lyndhurst La doctora habla Español

ment, art reminds her of home.

It gives her something to look forward to and a sense of self and the ability to express how she’s feeling, while also providing opportunities to spend time with visiting friends. Art time is a way Meg can bond with her

sister Ashlee, who visits often.

Meg also enjoys playing soccer in the Healing Garden at Children’s National, goofing around with therapy dogs and getting massages each Wednesday.

“It is hard to not have my freedom, but I could not imagine my stay here without having these types of programs. They allow me to focus on something else and not just sit in a room all day thinking about my diagnosis,” Meg says.

Lighting Up the Holidays To ensure children like Meg have what they need to grow up stronger and let brave children and their families know they’re not fighting alone, Children’s National Hospital Foundation recently launched its annual “Light Up Dr. Bear” holiday campaign. Every time someone makes a gift to Children’s National, more than 300 lightup bears shine simultaneously in the hospital, at outpatient centers and at locations across Washington, D.C. For more information about Children’s National and how you can donate, visit www.ChildrensNational.org/Lights2.

201.438.8668

A doutora fala Português

is available on a walk-in or appointment basis for your primary healthcare needs.

Dr. Maria Domingues

14

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Former letter carrier admits stealing credit cards from mail

Pillows made for cancer patients at St. Barnabas

Contributed photo

The owner of Cleaner America and his staff stepped in and sewed comfort pillows to be distributed to cancer patients at NYU Langone Medical Center and St. Barnabas. Adriana, one of Kearny’s seniors from Schuyler Seniors, stuffed the pillows and gave them the finishing touch. Patients into People is a non-profit organization that provides cheery hospital gowns and comfort pillows to cancer patients throughout the United States. To request a gown or pillow, or for volunteer opportunities, visit www.patientsintopeople.com or send an email to info@patientsintopeople. com.

A former U.S. Postal Service (USPS) mail carrier admitted he intercepted and removed envelopes containing credit cards from the mail, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced last week.

Jaquan Miller, 30, of Bloomfield, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden in Newark federal court to one count of conspiring to steal mail. He remains released on $50,000 unsecured bond.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Miller was a USPS employee at the Hudson City Station Post Office in Jersey City. From the summer of 2017 through August 2018, Miller removed envelopes containing credit cards from the mail and delivered the stolen credit cards to Moussa Dagno, Olagoke Araromi and others, who then used the stolen credit cards at retail stores to purchase electronics and other items.

New Affordable Housing Opportunity Studio, one-and two-bedroom apartments for qualified moderate-income households at VYV (444 Warren St) in Jersey City. Our community’s office is located at 474 Warren St, just south of Newport Mall, at the intersection of Thomas Gangemi Dr (6th St) and Warren St. First move-ins early 2020. Income and program restrictions apply. Please complete lottery registration online at www.jcaffordablehousing.com. If you’re unable to register online, please leave a voicemail message at 201-721-7452 for further assistance. Only one registration per household address. Duplicate registrations will disqualify the household. Current Jersey City residents are granted lottery preference; valid and current Proof of Residency is required. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply and Housing Choice Vouchers are accepted. Equal Housing Opportunity Provider. All registrations must be received by 6:00 PM on January 31st, 2020. After close of the registration period we will conduct an electronic lottery. All registrants will be notified of the lottery results. The first 100 registrants will complete applications, and prospective households must pass credit and criminal background screening prior to program certification. Applicants must be program and income eligible.

Rents & Minimum Gross Combined Annual Household Income* Apartment Type Studio One-bedroom Two-bedroom

Minimum Income Requirement $38,490 $41,250 $49,530

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Max. No. of Household Members 2 3 5

Monthly Rent $1,283 $1,375 $1,651

Maximum Gross Combined Annual Household Income* Household Size

80% Income Limits

1 person

$51,350

2 persons

$58,700

3 persons

$66,050

4 persons

$73,350

5 persons

$79,250

*Rental Rates and Income Limits are subject to change without notice

Dagno and Araromi each pleaded guilty in April to paying bribes, bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, and were sentenced on Oct. 15 to 57 months in prison and 61 months in prison, respectively.

The conspiracy charge is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.

C ELEBRATING

Sentencing is scheduled for March 25.

Carpenito says special agents with the USPS-Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, Northeast Area Field Office, and inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge James Buthorn, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.

EYE

25

Y EARS !

CARE

DeLuca Vision Consultants Presented by Joseph A. DeLuca, M.D., F.A.C.S. WHIPLASH AND VISION LOSS

A “whiplash” injury occurs when the head is jolted violently forward and backward beyond its normal range of motion. Often associated with automobile collisions, this trauma results in damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck. Aside from acute neck pain and restricted neck movement, whiplash symptoms include pain and stiffness radiating from the neck to the shoulders, arms, and back.

Moreover, whiplash from even a minor auto accident can cause a person to experience vision problems with varying symptoms, such as having trouble focusing when switching his or her gaze between near and far objects or seeing double.

Whiplash victims should be on

the lookout for possible vision problems.

If you have suffered a head injury — even a mild one — it’s important to see a doctor who can make sure that your eyes and brain are still working properly and that there are no vision problems that could show up later. Our staff is dedicated to providing a full spectrum of high-quality personalized eye care at 20 Park Avenue, Lyndhurst. Please call 201-896-0096 to schedule an appointment, or call our optical shop at 201-896-0007. We accept most insurance.

P.S. Even after relatively minor trauma, people may experience sensitivity to light and seeing words on a page that appear to move.

www.delucavision.com

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Kathleen Kelly

Kathleen Kelly (nee Devoy) died Dec. 26, 2019.

She was 78.

Born in Dublin, Ireland, she had lived the past 52 years in Kearny.

Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, Dec. 31, at 10 a.m. at St. Cecilia Church, Kearny.

Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.

Kathleen worked many years in the housekeeping department of West Hudson Hospital, Kearny.

She is survived by her husband John Kelly, her daughters and their spouses Donna MacArthur (Daniel) and Karen Kelly Gino (John). Also surviving her are her grandchildren Darryl, Dominick, Daniel and Brooke.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

The Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny, was in charge.

Mary Riposta

Mary Riposta (nee Cracchiolo), 95, a lifelong North Arlington resident and Queen of Peace Church parishioner, died Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2019, at her home.

Mary’s greatest enjoyment in life was cooking and spending time with all her family.

She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph; the devoted mother of Angel Rossmell and her husband Ron,

15

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Obituaries Anthony Riposta and his wife Susan, and Mary Ann Herrmann and her husband Frank.

She was the cherished grandmother of Patti Ann Agnolet and her husband Richard, Jennifer Gironda and her husband Jason, Jessica Rossmell, Jamie Jonassen and her wife Sara, Michael Rossmell and his wife Jacqueline , Katie Siano and her husband Joseph, Frank Herrmann and his wife Johanna, Anthony Rossmell, Mara van Loggerenberg and her husband Conrad, Joseph Riposta, Max Herrmann and his fiancé Erica and Mary Riposta.

She was the doting greatgrandmother of Julianna, Natalia, Grace, Dante, Joseph, Riley, Joseph, Frank IV, Dominick, Lola, Stella, Oliver and Hanna June.

And she was the dear sister of Angie Perrapato, Rosanna Scarola and the late Paul Cracchiolo, Joy Veltri and Frances Vizzaccero.

A funeral Mass was celebrated Dec. 28 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, North Arlington. Interment was in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.

The Parow Funeral Home, North Arlington, was in charge.

Janina Krasnodebski

Janina Krasnodebski of Kearny died at Alaris at Belgrove, Kearny, on Friday, Dec. 27, 2019.

She was 94.

Funeral services were under the direction of the Mulligan Funeral Home, 331 Cleveland Ave., Harrison. A funeral Mass was celebrated at Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, Harrison. Her interment took place at the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa Cemetery in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

To send a condolence message to her family, please visit www.mulliganfh.com.

Born in Poland, Janina lived in Warsaw, Poland, before she moved to the United States, and eventually settled in Harrison. She moved to Kearny in 2006.

Janina was a parishioner of Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, Harrison, where she was also a member of the church’s Rosary Altar Society.

Predeceased by her husband, Mieczslaw Krasnodebski (1988), she was the devoted mother of Alice Boryszewski (Zenon); cherished grandmother of Mark (Stacy) and Andrew Boryszewski and Monica (Chris) Martinez and the loving great-grandmother of Aaron James Martinez. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She was predeceased by her siblings, Kazia Dombrowski, Vitalis Jaworowski and Otolia Garbowski.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to:

Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 115 S. Third St., Harrison N.J. 07029 in loving memory of Janina.

James Granville Chippendale

James Granville Chippendale, 76, died on Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2019, at his home in Bonita Springs, Florida.

He was born to Karl & Anna (Scollan) Chippendale in Kearny, where he lived for 71 years before retiring to Florida.

He was employed as a tractor-trailer driver for over 40 years.

One of his joys was driving a float in Kearny’s annual Halloween parade and, while transitioning into retirement, he enjoyed driving a school bus for athletic events and class trips for the Kearny Board of Education.

He also appreciated traveling, painting, being at the beach, playing bocce ball and “Let it ride” at the casino.

He is survived by his dedicated wife of 52 years, Nancy

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

(Callahan) Chippendale; daughter Lisa Mulligan and her husband Bob; daughter Kellyann Chippendale; daughter Amy Chippendale; brother Donald Chippendale; brothersin law Louis Callahan, Nick (& Marge) Callahan; sisters-in law Pam Dunn, Joyce (& Steve) Del Guercio, Dawn Callahan and many nephews and nieces — Tracy & Kelly Howard and their sons Robert, Connor, and Cian; James and Jessie Callahan; Sean McCurley, Casey (& Lorenzo) Tripodi, Scott (& Lindsay) McCurley; Nicky (& Gina) Callahan; and Kevin (& Corrine) Callahan — to name a few, as well as his life-long friend Tommy Ostroman. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Clifford.

Jimmy will be greatly missed. His life, memories and the friendships shared will forever be cherished by those who loved him. A memorial service will take place in Florida and New Jersey on a future date.

Mulligan Funeral Home 331 Cleveland Avenue, Harrison

Arrangements may be made in Spanish, Portuguese or Polish

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

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

Lincoln Middle School names November Students of the Month Curtis Brack, principal of Lincoln Middle School, Kearny, announces the following Students of the Month for November: Giovanna Cardoso, Emma Carson, Bilker Crespo, Adrian DaSilva, Walter Espinoza, Jonas Frazier, Steven Gomes, Dyala Hassan, Maria Hidalgo Barreda, Jocelyn Huncaya, Aliya Jorge, Autumn Klepaki-Baker, Persia Lozano, Christopher Lujan, Brandon Madduta- Wong, Jayden Martinez, Alexander

Montes De Oca, Matheus Mullins, Karla Orellana Beltran,

Michael Orrico and Micaela Riveros.

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

WILFRED ARMITAGE & WIGGINS FUNERAL HOME Mark G. Wiggins, Manager N.J. Lic. #3916 John W. Armitage, Director N.J. Lic#2642

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 75 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

16

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Pets will be protected thanks to Rotary & Breaths for Pets

Photo courtesy of Larry Handlin

Less than a month ago, the Kearny Rotary Club connected with Breaths For Pets, a non-profit that helps get medical equipment into the hands of first responders to save the lives of animals. Together, the two organizations raised enough funds to outfit the East Newark Fire Department with three pet oxygen kits. Each oxygen mask kit is reusable and contains small, medium and large oxygen masks for animals, O2 tubing and kennel leads along with training for first responders. With these kits, firefighters may treat rescued animals for smoke inhalation. The kits were delivered to the ENFD Dec. 21. In group photo are. from left, Deputy Chief Allan Yudichak (East Newark Volunteer Fire Department), Anthony DeLuca (president, Kearny Rotary), Elaina Unnasch (vice president, Breaths For Pets), Nelly Albizu (Kearny Rotary), and Chief Kenneth Graham (East Newark Volunteer Fire Department).

Watch The Observer Live! every Monday at 8 p.m. at www.theobserver.com/facebook

Lusitania

SAVINGS BANK

RESIDENTIAL PURCHASES & REFINANCES 15-YEAR FIXED RATE MORTGAGE

30-YEAR FIXED RATE MORTGAGE

3.625%

Rate

0 Points

3.662 %

2.990%

Rate

APR

0 Points

3.055 %

APR

Visit our Mortgage Center for more information.

WWW.LUSITANIABANK.COM/MORTGAGES 107 Pulaski Street, Newark, NJ 07105 • (973) 344-5125 Ext. 129 www.lusitaniabank.com

Scan For Today’s Rates

Payment Example: $4.56 per $1,000 borrowed on a $100,000 30-year fixed rate mortgage at an interest rate of 3.625% will result in 360 payments of $455.00. Payment Example: $6.90 per $1,000 borrowed on a $100,000 15-year fixed rate mortgage at an interest rate of 2.990% will result in 180 payments of $690.10. Actual monthly payment may be higher because example does not include applicable property taxes, fees, insurance premiums or other related costs. Annual percentage rate (APR) based on $100,000.00 loan with a 15-year or 30-year amortization term. Financing on residential 1-4 family properties. Minimum finance charge of $455.00. Owner occupied rate. New loans only. Rates and annual percentage rates are based on 80% loan to value with 20% equity or 20% down payment. Rates and annual percentages are effective as of the publication date of this ad and are subject to change. Please speak with our Mortgage Department for additional terms and conditions that may apply. Subject to credit approval. Other rates and programs are available.

NMLS # 640892 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY LENDER

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

17

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Wishing you a healthy,

Happy New Year! from all of us at

ARLINGTON REAL ESTATE & INSURANCE AGENCY

BUSINESS DIRECTORY Call 201.991.1600 to advertise

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

James J. Capobianco, President

130 Midland Avenue, Kearny

201-991-0905

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

As this year comes to an end, we wanted to take a moment and reflect on 2019.

Community is the word that stands out.

Here at The Observer, we first hand experienced gratitude, excitement and an amazing impact that was made during the Keegan Landfill crisis.

New friends were made, and old friends reappeared. Thank you for making a community newspaper stand for all that we strive for. Let’s all keep that great community spirit going all year through and for years to come.

We wish you a Happy & Healthy New Year --

2020!

From all of us at

18 11

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

C L A S S IObserver FIEDS

www.theobserver.com

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Classifieds

classified@theobserver.com

The Obsever is not responsible for typographical errors. Error credits will not be granted. Minimal changes for multiple-week ads are $10 per instance. Refunds are not granted under any circumstances. Help-wanted ad deadline is 2 p.m., Monday, and all ads must be sent by email to classified@theobserver.com. All other classifieds are due by 3 p.m. Monday. All classifieds are pre-paid — no billing. Call 201-991-1600 to place an ad.

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

HOUSE FOR SALE

GARAGE FOR RENT

BELLEVILLE

HARRISON

KEARNY

KEARNY

LYNDHURST

BRICK

KEARNY

KEARNY 2 BRS STARTING AT $1,390/MTH IN APARTMENT BUILIDING ON KEARNY AVE. NO PETS. STEPS TO BUS STOP. LEAVE DETAILED MESSAGE (973)9517385 33W03

KEARNY 1 Large BR, LR, kitchen, bathroom.

Recently remodeled on Kearny Ave. Bus stop at front door. 3rd floor. NYC views. $1,200/month.

Available Now. Call 201679-0761 34W03

LYNDHURST 2nd floor. 3 BR’s. 1 Bath. Granite EIK. LR.DR. Hardwood floors. $1800 + 1 months security. Utilities separate.

Close to Train. No Pets/ Smoking. Avail. Now. call (201)531-0455 33W03

BRICK, NJ Greenbriar 1 55+ Community with clubhouse, pools, and many activities.

16 miles from Point Pleasant beach.

1/4 mile from exit 91 2 BR 1Ba. Ranch with garage, patio and laundry. $199,000 negotiable.

Call 201-983-9604

KEARNY Garage for rent Near Belleville Tpke. $140.00/mth Available Now. Call for more info (908)240-9302

KEARNY 1 Bedroom.

LR. EIK. $1250 + 1-1/2 months security. HT/HW included. Owner occupied. cats ok. Avl. NOW. No smoking. quiet residence. 3rd Floor. (201) 424-1846 (201)998-0297

KEARNY 2nd fl. 2 BR, LR, DR. $1300/month + utilities. 1 month security.

Avl. Now (201) 640-2673.

LYNDHURST Very spacious 2nd floor 3 bedrooms, Large EIK, LG LR 1 parking space. No Pets No smoking. Access to yard, W/D hookup, Close to NYC transportation. $1,750/mth plus 1 mth security. Seperate Utilities. Availalble 1/10/20.

Call Alex after 5 pm (908)421-2204 Call anytime Sun and Mon 34W03

BELLEVILLE 2 bed- HARRISON 5 rooms, rooms 1 bathroom, $1,400/month. 1 month $1200/mth (973)207- security. Pay own utilities.

7070 34W01 No smoking. No pets. Avl. Feb 1st Call after 3 pm (862) 754-8160. 34W03

HARRISON HARRISON 3 BR apt. 1st fl. 1 bath, kitchen, A/C, utilities separate. $1,700/ mth 1 month security.

Avl. Feb. 1st. No pets. No smoking. 973-477-5539 after 5:30pm. 34W01

HARRISON Newly Renovated. 2nd floor. 2 BR.LR. EIK. DR. $1750 + 1.5 Months security. H/HW Included. Laundry Hookup. Utilities not included 1 block from PATH. No Smoking/Pets. (201)8892164 34W03

34W03

34W03

33W03

KEARNY

HARRISON Basement 2 BR, DR, EIK, BATH, Access to backyard, Heat includ- KEARNY First floor. 2 ed , No pets, Aval Jan 1st, BR. LR. EIK. Near TRANS/ Call (973)351-5512 32W03 School and shopping. $1325 + 1 months security. No Pets/Smoking.

Avail Now. (347)735-3299 32W03

KEARNY 132 Midland Ave. 1 BR, LR, Kitchen.

HT/HW included. $1200/ KEARNY 38 Highland Ave month. (973)634-8873 or Kearny 5 rooms 1 bath (973)465-0166. 34W03 1st floor 1 parking space. $1800 plus 1 month & 1/2 Security No Smoking No Pets. Reference Checks Required Available Now Call 201-2832310 32W03

HARRISON 3 Bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, LR/DR together, kitchen. 1 parking space. Laundry in apartment. $2,200/mth plus 1.5 mth security. Avail- KEARNY 2 family home able Now. (201)650-2334 1st floor and basement for rent. 3 bedrooms 32W03 on 1st floor, recreation room and 1/2 bath in basement. $2,700.mth 1 Parking space. LR, DR and granite kitchen. Central Air Available Now. (201)467-1551 33W03

HARRISON 3 BR. LR. Kitch. Bath. $1850 + 1 1/2 months security. + Utilities. 8 min walk to PATH. No Pets/Smoking.

Available February 1st (973)484-1501 34W02

LYNDHURST 3 bedrooms, 5 rooms in total Close to train station. Call 201-280-7707 or 973900-1852. 34W03

HALL FOR RENT

Hall Available RUTHERFORD RUTHERFORD 1 BR Garden apt Includes Heat/ Hot water $1200/month.

No pets. Call (201)6284071 32W03

KEARNY 2nd floor 2 bedoom apartment. Utilties Seperate. $1,700/mth plus 1mth security. Available Jan 1st. Pets Ok No Smoking. (973)255-0385 KEARNY 3 BR, LR, DR, Call or Text. 33W03 Family room, 2nd fl.

C/A, 1 Bath, EIK, Laundry hook-up, no pets. no smoking, $2,000/month.

KEARNY Davis Avenue 1 month security. Avl. Jan Apartment For Rent New- 15th. Call (201) 991-2718 ly Renovated 1BR, 1bath, 34W03 LR, DR, EIK, Rent $1,350/ Month 1.5 Months Security Deposit Refrigerator Included Coin KEARNY 2 BR, Roosevelt Laundry On site Utilities section. HT/HW supplied.

Separate Available Now $1,600/month. 1 1/2 Call (201)407-0773. 32W03 months security. Avl. Now (201) 998-8138. 34W03

KEARNY 2 family house, 4 1/2 rooms, Yard, parking, W/D hook-up, Storage, $1,500+ 1.5 months security. Supply your own Utilities. No pets/smoking. Avl. Jan. 15th. (201) 998-2309 32W03

KEARNY Prime location on Kearny Ave. Perfect for office or retail $1100 + 1 month security. Call for details (201) 997-2341 Between 10am - 7pm Aval. Jan 1st 33W03

KEARNY 2nd floor. 3 BR. DR. LR. EIK. C/A. Wood floors. Laundry. $1800 + 1.5 Months security. Utilities separate. No Pets/ Smoking. Avail. Now (973)901-7442 34W03

FURNISHED ROOM FOR RENT KEARNY Female to share Furnisihed apartment.

Avl. Jan 1st please call (848) 203-7906 32W03

ROOM FOR RENT

KEARNY 3 large BR’s.

LR. Kitchen w/new Cabinets. New wood floors.

1 parking space. $1650 + 1 months security.

No Pets. Utilities not included (201)991-3145 34W03

Family Affairs Mid week special.

Call for info

(201)991-9865 Max 80 people 28W09

Hall Rental Affordable•AC Nice Setting

201-805-9023 Mary Ann 34W06

The Observer is not 32W03 responsible for PARKING SPACE FOR RENT typographical errors. Credit for 2 Commercial errors will not parking spaces be granted after available in Nutley up to the next week’s 24 ft. publication.

(201) 390-1729 33W03 $10 for minimal changes.

30 dump trucks No refunds once or 25 ft trucks.

Duncan Ave Ad is taken Jersey City. and c.c charged.

Call (201)997-1500 Deadline for 32W03 classifieds Employment/ PERSONALS Business Friday 2:00 PM all others Monday by 3:00 PM. E-mail Ads to classified@theA true gentleman… observer.com.

Howie Mandel looks with personality matching!

Interested in meeting middle-aged female smoker. Personality A+!!

Text or call (201)377-8118 32W03

N.ARLINGTON

N. ARLINGTON 2nd Floor.

3 BR. New Kitchen/Bath.

Small Pet allowed. $2000 + 1 months security. Parking for 1 car. W/D Hook up in Basement. Available Jan 1st. (973)420-0758 33W03

EAST NEWARK EAST NEWARK Room for Rent for a single person with all utilities included.

Available Now. Call 973868-7999 after 5pm.

33W03

KEARNY HARRISON Newly renovated.

2 BR, LR, EIK. $1,250/month + 1 month security. Utilitites not included. Close to transportation. No Pets (973) 484-6155 or (973)220-4030 34W03

OFFICE FOR RENT

POLICY

N.ARLINGTON 2nd fl. 4 room apt. quiet neighborhood, near transportation. $1,300/month + utilities. Years lease. 1.5 months security. Credit Check Available Jan 1st (973) 838-1662 32W05

KEARNY Nice and Clean $500/mth. 1 mth security. Utilities,cable & internet included. Avl. Jan 1st.

(201) 279-9966 33W03

If you have received a phone call from someone who is asking for money to rent your Apartment or Home, please note that none of our local realtors are a part of this. They have bold enough to mask The Observer’s phone number on Caller ID. Do not give information out to anyone or pay.

LOCAL POLICE ARE AWARE OF THIS SCAM!

11

19

WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM 26, 2018 | www.theobserver.com Wednesday, January 1, 2020 | THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER The Observer

C L A S SObserver IFIEDS

Classifieds

Submit your Help Wanted ads to:

classified@theobserver.com

The Obsever is not responsible for typographical errors. Error credits will not be granted. Minimal changes for multiple-week ads are $10 per instance. Refunds are not granted under any circumstances. Help-wanted ad deadline is 2 p.m., Monday, and all ads must be sent by email to classified@theobserver.com. All other classifieds are due by 3 p.m. Monday. All classifieds are pre-paid — no billing. Call 201-991-1600 to place an ad.

CLEANING SERVICES PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SERVICE Carpet Cleaning Power Washing Driveway & Parking Lot Maintenance Residential & Industrial (201)965-4440 22W52

LANDSCAPING & DESIGN COPACABANA LANDSCAPING Lawn Maintenance Spring Clean-up Top Soil & Mulch CUSTOM DESIGN

Free Estimates & fully Ins. Eder (201) 997-9271 VISA/MC Accepted www.copacabana landscaping.com 44W029

Mario Esposito’s Landscaping LLC •Clean-up •Lawn Maintenance •Top soil •Mulch •Spring Clean up Free Estimate (201) 438-3991 31W04

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 29W06

PEST CONTROL

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

PAINTERS ANDREAS PAINTING Professional House Painter Interior & Exterior Printing Plastering - Taping Free Estimates (201) 997-0706 30W06

Licensed and Insured

MASONRY

DO IT ALL

13VH06620900

(908) 379-3881 34W04

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

GUTTERS

(201) 906-2422 34W06

HOME IMPROVEMENT

D.FITZGERALD SEAMLESS GUTTERS INSTALLED LLC Gutters Cleaned & Repaired Roofs Repaired 800-479-3262 33W12

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

LACA CORP

Paint * Powerwash* and More •Interior • Exterior •Free Estimates•Fully Insured 973-759-8869 973-930-5002 05W52

New + Re-roofing • Flat roofing • Siding • Gutters

(973) 343-1167 (201) 528-8350 (800)322-1019

erickconstructionnj.com Free estimates - Fully insured Lic#13VH04302300 07W54

• Concrete • Brick work • Steps • Stone Walls • Tiles • Painting • Sheetrock • Drywall • Plastering ALL types of Masonry Free Estimates (973) 943-2254 30W06

G&R BUILDERS

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

All types of Carpentry FREE ESTIMATES 20% Senior Citizen Discounts (201) 893-0656 Lic. #13VH02536200 29W06

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

AUTOMOTIVE TECHINICIAN/ MECHANIC Sadowski Auto Care in North Arlington ... we are looking for an individual to join our team! If you’re tired of feeling over worked and under-appreciated than this may be a great opportunity for you.

ASE certifications preferred and own tools required.

Five and a half day work week, benefits and sign on bonus pending experience.

Fax resume to 201-998-1015 or e-mail to tesautocare@hotmail.com You can leave a message after business hours (6pm) at 201-998-8424 and someone will get back to you in 24 hours.

SERVICES OFFERED TUTORING FOR STANDARDIZED TESTS Tutoring also offered in a variety of SAT, ACT, TESOL, ETC. Subjects: English, Writing, History, etc.

All ages and levels welcome Leave a message Rebecca (862)596-4662 33W03

32W03

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

Reasonable rates, quality work, reliable, experienced.

BASEMENT RENOVATIONS NO MORE WASTED SPACE. Baths, Kitchens, Decks Painting.

All types of Home Improvement.

Quality work. Fair prices Fully insured.

Lic# 13vh03006100

High quality job at a affordable prices Specializing in Shingles, Flat Roofs, NEW AND REPAIRD siding,gutters and windows FREE ESTIMATES Licensed & Insured 29W09

HANDYMAN SERVICES

FENIELLO CONTRACTING LLC.

B&A ROOFING

(201)719-3074

32W06

HOME IMPROVEMENT

ROOFING & SIDING

PLUMBING & HEATING 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

TURANO CONTRACTING Retaining Walls, Blacktop driveway, Brick, Block, Stone Work, Patio, Roof, Siding. Handyman & All type of Masonry Work.

Free Estimates.

Fully Insured.

30 years Experience (973) 803-0556

REAL ESTATE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES! Mid-Realty, Inc. has been a successful, professional company who has served new jersey for over 50 years. If you would like to know how to enjoy an independent, successful career in real estate or if you are an active agent looking for a change, call Mid-Realty, Inc. today for details and a confidential interview.

(201)991-5719 or midrealty@gmail.com

29W06

33W09

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

FULL-TIME LABORER / DRIVER WITH CDL or ability to obtain CDL – KEARNY MUNICIPAL UTILITIES AUTHORITY in Kearny, Hudson County seeks qualified individuals for full-time employment. NJ CDL Class B with airbrakes endorsement and tanker endorsement is desired. Successful candidates for this position will Hiring 2 positions perform routine work associated with general maintenance and repairs of pump Manufacturing Company stations and sewers as well as snow plowing, sewer jetting, street sweeping and near Mill St, Belleville general grounds/building maintenance. Successful applicant must be available looking for item packager for emergency call-outs related to emergency equipment alarms and / or snow and helper in mill shop/ plowing. Heavy manual labor in adverse weather conditions may be required. punch operator.

Successful applicants must undergo a background check and drug test prior to $11/hr call 973-484-7602 for over appointment. Applicant’s shall note that the Kearny Municipal Utilities Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Note: All positions are subject to KMUA Commisthe phone interview. sioner approval. Interested parties will be required to complete an Employment Must speak English Application which is available on the KMUA’s website (www.kmua.org). Applica33W03 tions (including qualifications, resume, references, etc.) should be sent to: Kearny Municipal Utilities Authority, Attention: Thomas Toscano, 39 Central Avenue, Kearny, New Jersey 07032 or e-mailed to zbalcazar@kmua.org no later than Friday, January 17, 2020. $$Now Hiring$$ Sales, Property Inspectors Tasks (Include but are not limited to): FT/PT in your area.

Operation of Jet-Vac Truck Free Training provided.

Driving of Dump Truck msangelabove@comcast.

Driving Street Sweeper net Shoveling, Snow Plowing & Salting of Roads & KMUA facilities (732) 766-4425 Assistance with Equipment Maintenance & Repairs ask for Mel. Assistance with Pump Station Monitoring 29W06 Response to Emergency Equipment Alarms Janitorial Duties Assistance with Filing Harrison Fast Food RestauDeliveries & Pick-Ups Mowing Lawns rant needs PT & FT helpers: Experienced Chef/Chef assistant & Delivery person with own car & clean driving license Please call or text Maggie 201-889-0291 33W03

HVAC helper $15/HR. Will Train. Must have driver’s license (973)332-8532 33W03

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

Hot Water Heaters.

Fully Ins. Lic# 165

(201)637-1775 29W06

Full-Time Laborer Kearny Municipal Utilities Authority

Now Hiring Customer Service Phone orders and data entry Apply in person at: Marble Online 260 Schuyler Ave Kearny,NJ,07032 33W03

33W03

NEED A MATH TUTOR?

• Summer Math Packets • Precalculus • Algebra l • Algebra ll • Calculus • Geometry Degree in Mathematics & Education

Contact Nikki 201-889-0757 or nikkihelenesam@ gmail.com ALL LEVELS OF MATH 29W06

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2 0 2 0

20

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Wednesday, January 1, 2020