The Observer e-Newspaper — May 6, 2020

Wednesday, 6 May 2020

www.TheObserver.com

Vol. CXXXII, No. 52

MORE ON THE INSIDE Belleville Mayor says he may have been one of the first COVID-19 cases in America See Page 8

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

To all victims of domestic abuse, know there are people out there

READY TO HELP NOW T

By Kevin Canessa with Lisa Feorenzo The Observer

he Coronavirus has brought us so many unexpected challenges.

Whether it’s being in isolation for long periods of time or social distancing, we’ve learned a lot of new terms and concepts we probably never even dreamed of before 2020. But there is something troubling in our “new” world that still exists — and that in many ways has gotten more complex — domestic violence.

Two experts who work with those affected by domestic violence spoke with The Observer’s Lisa Feorenzo last week and offered evidence that the pandemic has, indeed, made domestic issues worse, whether it’s from being cooped up in the house with family members or the inability for victims to let anyone See DOMESTIC, Page 18 Photo illustration

Archdiocese will re-open cemetery to visitors, increase funeral participants

Op-Ed penned to The Observer explains why limits were in place, how decisions were made

By Andrew P. Schafer Exec. Director of Catholic Cemeteries

A

t Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark, our mission is to respectfully bury the dead, a corporal work of mercy in the tradition of our Catholic faith. As we carry out this sacred mission each

day, our priority is to safeguard our staff and the families we serve. This has been especially crucial in recent weeks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, and the archdiocesan clergy and staff have worked attentively with Catholic Cemeteries to dutifully perform this ministry

OP-ED while maintaining a safe environment for all.

We have heard the concerns of

many who unfortunately have experienced the death of a loved one during this pandemic and were unable to be present during a burial. We recognize it has been distressing and heartbreaking for so many and we share this sentiment.

See OP-ED, Page 2

IMPORTANT COVID-19 INFORMATION FOR Hudson, Bergen & Essex Counties Hudson County Testing Center: Hudson Regional Hospital, Secaucus. By appointment only.

Pre-screening required. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Call (201) 388-1097 or (646) 862-1161.

Essex County Testing Center: Weequahic Park, Newark. By appointment only. Pre-screening required. Call (973) 324-9950 to schedule appointments or for hours/days of operation.

Bergen County Testing Center: Bergen Community College, Lots B & C, Paramus. Must be NJ resident & symptomatic. 500 tests per day. Asymptomatic patients will not be tested.

More information may be found at www.theobserver.com.

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OP-ED

Continued from Page 1 Carrying out our mission during these weeks amid the pandemic has posed many new challenges unlike ever before. There has been, and continues to be, a tremendous amount of careful coordination and heartfelt effort to ensure there is no disruption to the respectful burial of loved ones. These endeavors are not always visible or apparent to the public. It may not be easy to understand the recent decisions regarding our cemeteries and the preventative measures still in effect. I would like to take this opportunity to provide some clarity and explanation.

In mid-March, in light of New Jersey’s heightened social distancing measures to mitigate further spread of infection, a difficult decision was made to close all archdiocesan cemeteries to visitors. A minimal number of people was permitted at funeral

services. Under the challenging conditions, it would have been extremely difficult and potentially hazardous to attempt to manage large gatherings of visitors during burial services. Currently, one funeral director, one funeral director driver, two witnesses, and a clergy member are permitted to attend a funeral. This arrangement has enabled us to provide a safe environment for all.

The decision to close our cemeteries not only supported safety and social distancing protocols mandated by the state of New Jersey for visitors and staff, but also has allowed our cemetery team to work promptly and efficiently as the extraordinary numbers of daily burials began to escalate rapidly, especially at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington.

Holy Cross Cemetery serves countless Catholic families in the region and particularly in Bergen and Essex, two of the most densely populated counties in the state. These counties have registered the highest numbers of positive

COVID-19 tests and deaths compared to other counties in New Jersey, and possibly in the nation.

During this pandemic, the cemetery staff at Holy Cross Cemetery have been interring on average of 25 people per day. This is more than double, or 112% higher, than the number of interments during the same period in 2019. Since early March, there have been approximately 600 interments at Holy Cross Cemetery. This exceeds the number of annual burials by most of our nation’s cemeteries.

Additionally, our cemetery staff must actively manage the cemetery landscape, burial plot surroundings, and especially the ground around new burials, which require regular and repeated attention in the days following an interment to refill settling soil.

This challenge is exacerbated by springtime rainfall. With about 175 new interments weekly, one can imagine the difficulty in maintaining level cemetery grounds that can be safely navigated by all. A

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

particular concern is the safety of our older and/or disabled visitors, who go regularly to our cemeteries.

Another particular challenge is the narrow cemetery roads.

They cannot accommodate a multitude of visitor vehicles or a procession of vehicles at the same time that our staff are working with heavy equipment and vehicles on the grounds to facilitate the numerous interments during this time.

As per these concerns, it has been necessary that our

cemeteries remain closed to protect the safety of visitors and staff, as well as to facilitate the ongoing and sharply increasing burial work of our teams. Our mausoleums, in which approximately 40 percent of burials take place, also remain closed. These are confined indoor spaces that are not conducive to social distancing protocols at this time.

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Wednesday, May 6, 2020 Continued from previous page in coming days that the numbers of burials will grow.

During this coronavirus crisis, funeral homes and cemeteries have typically been receiving the deceased 7-10 days after passing away.

The unprecedented increase in the numbers of deaths has delayed burials and cremations up to two weeks or more in northern New Jersey and even longer in New York City (NYC).

While NYC funeral directors are coming to northern New Jersey to cope with the unusually high number of burials, some northern New Jersey funeral directors are now turning to South Jersey to keep up with the daily demand for burial space.

Despite the daily physical and emotional challenges we continue to face due to COVID-19, Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark has accepted every one of the more than one thousand burials performed in April in our six archdiocesan cemeteries.

Thankfully, there have been no staff injuries during this time, which speaks to the impeccable safety measures routinely followed by our staff.

New Jersey’s governor recently announced that state parks have reopened to allow people to visit without large gatherings. However, unlike public parks, our Catholic cemeteries are sacred grounds where the faithful usually gather in a group for a period of time in a common location to honor the life of a deceased loved ones. Clearly, one recognizes the potential for

3

The Observer | www.theobserver.com possible exposure to this highly contagious virus under such crowded circumstances. There have been several news stories of large funeral gatherings at other locations at which social distancing guidelines were disregarded resulting in the potential transmission of COVID-19.

No one is untouched by COVID-19, nor the pain and suffering we all have witnessed.

At Catholic Cemeteries, we have ministered in a short time to too many who have lost loved ones because of this pandemic. We, too, have suffered the loss of staff and their loved ones. We are forever grateful to all on our team who are working extended hours and days at our cemeteries and in our offices to meet the immediate needs of thousands of families to whom we lovingly and respectfully minister. We must provide our staff with safe working environments, as they also have spouses, children, and elderly parents at home.

It is my sincere hope that this information does not offend anyone. It is intended to explain some of the challenges we continue to face in the cemetery environment under current circumstances in hopes of clarifying why we have remained closed. God willing, the numbers of deaths due to this pandemic will decline soon.

As our “last responders” – our staff and clergy – continue to assist and minister to families during this time, we regularly consult with Cardinal Tobin and the archdiocesan clergy and staff, as well as with state and local municipalities to determine when it is safe

and prudent to fully reopen our cemeteries and mausoleums.

At this time, we announce the following changes to our cemetery visitation policies: On Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, all archdiocesan cemeteries will be open for visitation from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and will be open for visitation every Sunday, thereafter.

Beginning on Monday, May 11, up to 10 family members will be permitted to attend a burial service.

(Currently, two family members only are permitted.) Until further notice, all committal services are limited to imme-

diate family only and not to exceed the recommendations of New Jersey Executive Order No. 107 (2020) and Administrative Order 2020-04, that gatherings of 10 persons or fewer are permitted.

Beginning on Monday, May 18, cemetery visitation will be permitted weekdays, Monday through Saturday, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., after all interments are completed. All persons entering archdiocesan cemetery and mausoleum premises must wear a facemask and practice social distancing as per the state’s mandate. Signs will be posted in cemeteries.

We urge all to please work

with us to adhere to these guidelines for the protection of all. It would be disappointing to all if prior restrictions were reinforced if state and local mandates are not followed. We pray that each and every one of us will remain in the safe embrace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, during these difficult times. We continue to strengthen our faith and resolve in our ministry, the care of our families and staff, and in the promise of the resurrection.

May God bless us all. Please visit our website www.rcancem. org for the latest updates and announcements from Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark.

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IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION Take Out Food Directory......................................................Page 4

Health & Wellness Directory..................................................Page 10

Opinon...................................................................................Page 6

Obituaries................................................................................Page 13

Bridging the Gap..................................................................Page 7

Tax Time...................................................................................Page 14

Food & Dining Directory......................................................Page 8

Classifieds ........................................................................ Pages 17-18

Sports....................................................................................Page 9

Business Directory..................................................................Page 19

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Wednesday, May 6, 2020

KPD: Get out, get out, or I’ll blow your door in So you’ve heard the old adage “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” And, when this happens, literally, you get out of wherever this is happening.

Except in one case in Kearny on April 30, where a woman allegedly was sleeping in a room filled with smoke — and refused firefighters’ commands to get out.

It all started early that

Thursday morning, according to Kearny Police Department Public Information Officer Capt. Timothy Wagner, when Officer Harold Azurdia responded to an apartment on Belgrove Drive on a report of an odor of smoke.

Firefighters had located the apartment from whence the smoke originated and, after receiving no answer at the

door, had no other choice but to force entry.

There, according to Capt.

Wagner, they found a smokefilled apartment, with a pot (not pot, but a pot) burning on the stove and resident Crystal C. Brown, 52, asleep in her bedroom.

Brown allegedly refused fire department orders to evacuate the apartment,

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making it necessary for Officer Azurdia to go in and plead with her to leave for her own safety. She eventually acquiesced. However, whilst outside the apartment, Brown reportedly became belligerent with the first responders for being inside her apartment and attempted to re-enter several times, allegedly telling the firefighters to, “Get the f--k out.”

Then, reportedly, Brown then picked up and slammed down a chair. When Officer Azurdia grabbed the chair to prevent it from being used as a weapon, Brown allegedly punched him in the face, cutting his lip.

Brown was then arrested and charged on a warrant with aggravated assault, obstructing a government function, maintaining a nuisance and endangering another person.

Brown was later remanded to the Hudson County Jail in South Kearny.

There is no indication as to what Brown had been attempting to cook in that pot.

Meanwhile, the Kearny PD also released the following incident reports: • On April 20 at 9:34 a.m., Officer Ryan Brady took a report of a stolen Ford Ranger truck from the 700 block of Devon Street. The owner reported that his doorbell camera captured video of the theft which had occurred around midnight. The owner told the officer he believed his truck had been locked, but that a spare key was inside the pick-up.

At 11 a.m., Officers Anthony Nunez and Mat Lopez set up surveillance on Rt. 7 west near the Wittpenn Bridge based on information received that the stolen truck was nearby in Jersey City. Moments later, the stolen truck crossed back into Kearny, where it eluded the officers’ attempts to pull it over, according to Capt.

Wagner.

Officers pursued the truck along Harrison Avenue, but had to discontinue the chase for safety reasons as the Ranger continued on toward Harrison.

Shortly after the pursuit,

POLICE BEAT Dets. Mike Farinola, Mike Andrews, John Fabula, Mike Gontarczuk and Dan Esteves located the Ranger parked on the 500 block of North Seventh Street in Newark.

The detectives boxed in the pickup before it could escape and took three 16-year-old Newark occupants — all boys — into custody.

One of the boys reportedly tried to run, but was quickly tackled by Dets. Gontarczuk and Andrews.

Two of the boys had active warrants out for their arrest for prior juveniledelinquency matters. All three were charged in Kearny with receiving stolen property.

The driver was additionally charged with eluding, possession of burglar’s tools (a screwdriver and a ski mask) and possession of marijuana (one bag was recovered at time of arrest).

The trio were ordered held at the Essex County Youth Detention Facility.

• On April 22 at 12:08 p.m., Officers Luis Moran and John Donovan and Sgt. Jason Ward were dispatched to Sunbelt Rentals on Arlington Avenue on a report of employee theft.

A manager of the business reported that a $3,500 Miller welding machine was missing during an equipment inventory. The manager then reviewed premises surveillance footage from April 15 which he turned over to police.

The footage reportedly showed employees Kobe D. Morris, 22, of Newark, and Martial F. Volcy, 37, of Rahway, removing the welder from the warehouse and placing it into the trunk of Morris’s vehicle.

Officers arrested Volcy and charged him with theft and conspiracy.

He was later released on a summons.

Morris was reportedly out sick that day and was issued a summons by mail on the same See KPD, Page 16

5 Belleville’s Green Team’s Earth Day plans put on hold for now, but eventually, it’ll all happen

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Members of the Belleville Green Team are certainly disappointed that their plans to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day were postponed.

But while we’re practicing social distancing and spending more time in our homes to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, it’s a good time to reflect on some of the strides that have been made since the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970.

The Clean Air Act, the Water Quality Improvement Act, the Endangered Species Act, the advent of the Environmental Protection Agency — and more — has emerged from that one day 50 years ago when more than 20 million Americans took part in rallies and spoke out about pollution, air quality, water quality, natural resources, waste and endangered and threated species.

“We’re now starting to see what could be done if we could just make some of these small positive changes,” said the Green Team’s Gabrielle Bennett-Meany, who is also a member of the district’s Board of Education, noting imagery from satellites, from NASA and from the data on air and water quality that show real-time changes in our collective behavior.

The Belleville Municipal Green Team, headed by Bennett-Meany and Deputy Mayor Vincent Cozzarelli, with the

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support of Mayor Michael Melham, was going to spend part of Wednesday, April 22, planting some native shrubs, trees and grasses along the Second River at Camp Carragher.

This plan was to partner with the Belleville High School Environmental Club, whose members were going to help with plantings. Then, the faculty adviser was going to do a small macro invertebrate study of the stream to get some water-quality information.

It would have been right in the spirit of Earth Day. But then Coronavirus happened.

The Green Team, a small group officially established by Melham and the members of the Township Council on Jan. 21, 2019, carry on these ideals established 50 years ago.

Bennett-Meany said the team has had to put other projects on hold, including the creation of Belleville’s first nature walk, replete with a wild flower meadow and seating areas.

There were also plans to create a community garden and a dog park.

While many of us spent Earth Day away looking for something to watch on our phones or computers, Bennett-Meany suggests we search for the digital celebrations (there will be plenty on YouTube) and absorb all our planet has to offer.

“The 50th anniversary of

Earth Day was a new beginning as we all join together in years to come as a new generation of environmentalist activists focus on sustainable initiatives and local and global action,” she said.

“Our attention has had to turn to this health crisis at

hand,” Melham said. “But I urge residents to take a moment and think about the importance of Earth Day and all it stands for. The members of the Green Team continue, even through the pandemic, to work behind the scenes to do what they can to keep our little

corner of the world cleaner and greener. They continue to plan projects and procure grant money. I am proud of their work and look forward to the day when it is safe for them to carry out their Earth Day plans.”

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Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Thoughts & Views IN THEIR OPINION

Suffering from domestic violence?

You aren’t alone

By Julye Myner As this pandemic spreads, most of us are experiencing for the first time what it’s like to feel unsafe.

Imagine if you felt like that all the time.

While the world around you shelters in their homes from an unseen enemy, yours lives with you. You live with an abusive partner, and your home is not a safe place to be.

You could be anyone — a woman between the ages of 18 and 60+. You could be a man. You could be a teenager, an adolescent, or even more likely, a child under the age of four.

These are the faces of domestic violence. They could be neighbors. Friends. Loved ones. They could be you.

As more and more people find themselves cut off by quarantine or self-isolation during the COVID-19 crisis, the risk of domestic violence — and the need for programs and services that mitigate its devastating effects — is greater now than ever.

As Bergen County’s only nonprofit domestic violence intervention agency, Center for Hope and Safety stands ready to provide shelter and hope during this difficult and frightening time.

Our Safe House emergency shelter remains open and is a haven for battered women and children. Our Transitional Housing facilities offer safe, temporary housing for victims of domestic violence seeking permanent homes.

Our Legal Services Program is at work, creating a pathway to freedom for survivors through the legal system.

Our Community Services program offers food, clothing, counseling and assistance to those who have left abusive relationships to create safe, violence-free lives.

Our doors remain open to those suffering from violence in their homes.

Even now, during this worldwide crisis, you or someone you know does not have to remain trapped in a violent home. Despite this pandemic, Center for Hope and Safety is here, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (201) 944-9600, or, if you can’t make that phone call, text LOVEIS to 22522. Visit our website at www. hopeandsafetyjn.org for more information.

If you are suffering from domestic violence, you are not alone. We are here, and we will help.

Julye Myner is the executive director of the Center for Hope and Safety in Rochelle Park

Thanks for your great care, Midtown, others To the Editor: I want to send a special thanks to Midtown Pharmacy, Midland Dairy, ShopRite of Kearny and Foodtown in North Arlington for the superior services they

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

especially difficult times.

May your employees, our heroes, remain strong and healthy during this crisis.

Vivian Gazdalski Kearny

have been providing our communities during these

Galloway has future as political journalist To the Editor: Kudos to student Michael Galloway, 16, for his column Bridging the Gap! After reading it, I see a political journalist in the making. His analysis

of the political situation in Washington and the Coronavirus plague was concise and articulate.

His thoughts on the drug hydrochloroquine and its possible therapeutic use is an opinion I share. I wish him a

successful future and God’s blessing.

Young people like him give me faith in the future of our nation.

John Drzymkowski North Arlington

Oh where, oh where have all the geese gone?

To the Editor: I have noticed this week and at the end of last week that all of the geese are gone from the parks along the Passaic River in Kearny. They were there always, every day. Two days last week, I saw one standing there alone and now he is gone as well.

I was wondering if anyone else noticed this and if anyone knows what happened to them. Maybe they left on their own, but

since they have never left before I find this curious.

I hope someone has an

In Memoriam Mary A. Tortoreti 1942-2016

Lisa M. Feorenzo lisa@theobserver.com Co-owner/Advertising Dir.

answer.

Mary Franco Kearny

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Wednesday, May 6, 2020

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Bridgingthe

GAP

Grades: A source for great stress

By Naomi Kozierowski Washington Middle School

I

never realized how grades placed a huge attack on me.

I never realized that it’s okay to fail, because you can always get back up.

As you may have heard this saying “you learn from your mistakes.”

My life has been focusing on my education since sixth-grade. Once I got into programs at school, I always cared about passing, and cried over the times I failed.

I feel like school grades have completely controlled my life.

I feel like each grade I get is a knife. Everytime I fail that knife stabs me ... stabs me enough where I start to get mixed emotions.

Making me feel like I’m just a dumb blonde and I’ll never understand anything.

Or making me feel sad and knowing my parents will be

disappointed in me, especially when my grades bring my average down.

I get it that some people would just ignore it because it’s still a “good grade.” To me it isn’t, it’s like every grade affects your future.

I feel like these grades are just bringing my confidence down and not giving me the capability to feel like everything is okay.

It never feels like everything is okay whenever I fail.

The school years are getting harder and the knives are gaining power.

Everytime they pierce me, I feel like I failed within my whole life. I feel like all the effort I put in to succeed never comes out well. I feel like all the effort just stabs me in the back.

My whole life is practically coming into school and getting the day over with.

I study, get hit by those

proverbial knives and go to bed. Then the next day comes and it is the same thing over and over again.

It’s never family first for me, never friends first, never me first, it’s always school first.

School is a great thing in my life, I just hate when my effort gets thrown away by failing grades or hard classes.

I just want things to get easier that way I can breathe again.

The writer, Naomi Kozierowski is an eighth-grader at Washington Middle School, Harrison.

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8 Mayor of Belleville says he may have been early COVID case The Observer | www.theobserver.com

By Kevin Canessa kc@theobserver.com The Mayor of Belleville (seen in photo at right) says he may have been one of the nation’s first victims of COVID-19.

When Mayor Michael Melham visited his primary care physician recently, he says he asked the doctor to test his blood for antibodies related to COVID-19.

“In my role as Mayor, I’m not only an advocate for the township, but when I can, for men’s health. I encourage all men to obtain yearly physicals and abide by agerelated testing,” Melham said.

“To that end, I had always been suspicious that I had been potentially positive for

Coronavirus in late November.

But I dismissed it because I kept hearing the first cases were in January 2020.”

Within five minutes of the blood test, Dr. David Shaker, of Glen Ridge, Melham’s personal physician, looked surprised as he shared the positive antibody test results with the mayor.

The news prompted Melham to think back to the New Jersey League of Municipalities Conference in Atlantic City in November. He recalls driving back up the Garden State Parkway on Thursday, Nov. 21. The mayor says he didn’t feel well, suspecting a mix of exhaustion and dehydration from the three-day event and looked forward to a good night’s rest.

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

happening to me. I never felt they have an antibody and they that I could be so sick.” can donate their blood plasma The doctor assumed to help others.”

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Wednesday, May 6, 2020

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Sports & Recreation WITH

Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com

9

Long-time friends from NA enjoy same career path in education Edwards, Sprague both serve as grade school principals

Lyndhurst’s Gress earns place with Team USA girls’ soccer squad A lot of kids aspire to reach the highest rung on the sports ladder, but only a handful makes it even halfway up. Even fewer reach the top of the ladder.

Mackenzie Gress is certainly not one of those.

In fact, Gress, the Lyndhurst High School sophomore, is just about at the pinnacle of the soccer world.

When Gress started to play soccer as a little girl, she was already a rare breed. She felt totally comfortable right away as a goalkeeper.

“I played for the Lyndhurst Recreation travel soccer team,” said the 15-year-old Gress. “I played half the game in the field and half in goal. But I really liked being a goalie.”

It didn’t take long for Gress to realize that she wasn’t your average runof-the-mill net minder. Her athletic ability carried her far and beyond other girls her age – and even older.

When Gress was 13 years old, she went to a tryout with a top developmental youth soccer program in the state called the TSF Academy in Wayne.

TSF Academy perennially features some of the top

youth soccer players, both boys and girls, in the area.

Prospective youth soccer players travel far and wide to get a chance to play for one of the TSF teams that are age appropriate from ages 16 and under.

At that point, Gress knew that her soccer career was about to take off. It has been a complete whirlwind from the simple background of Lyndhurst travel soccer to the national scene.

“That’s when it all started to get real,” Gress said.

“That’s when it started to be high level.”

From there, Gress was selected to play for the New York City Football Club Academy, then the United States Development Academy.

“It was a good outlet for USA Soccer,” Gress said. “There were talent scouts there watching us.

Only three goalkeepers were going to be called to the (14-and-under United States) national team. It was in such a short period of time. I was so overwhelmed that I might get a chance to play for the national team.”

See VIEW, Page 11

Left photo courtesy of Nick Edwards, right photo courtesy of Dana Sprague

North Arlington native Nick Edwards is now the principal at Smalley School in Bound Brook. RIGHT: North Arlington native Dana Sprague is now the principal at Little Falls School No. 1.

By Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com Their enduring friendship was first reported in the pages of The Observer in the May 12, 2004 editions.

North Arlington natives Nick Edwards and Dana Sprague were featured that week for their sports prowess at their respective schools, Edwards with the baseball team at St. Peter’s College and Sprague as a softball slugger at Montclair State.

Edwards and Sprague were close friends from their childhood days, attending Queen of Peace grammar school together, playing every sport imaginable on dead-end streets like Devon and Elm that featured very little vehicular traffic.

“There were about eight kids that played sports together,” Edwards recalled.

“We played soccer, stick ball, football, you name it. And Dana was the only girl. But she was just one of the crew.

She was just as competitive.

It wasn’t even a question that she was one of us.”

“I never thought anything else of it,” Sprague said. “I grew up living with an older brother (Bobby, who was a standout baseball player at Queen of Peace and later Fordham and was once a draft pick of the Chicago Cubs), so that made me as tough as I could be. I always tried to outdo the boys in everything, box ball, roller hockey. I just knew I wanted to show up the boys and teach them a thing or two.”

Sprague said that having a highly respected older brother “lit a fire under me,” she said.

“My father (retired Kearny school principal Bob, Sr.) always said that I was the best hitter in the family,” Sprague laughed.

Edwards said that Sprague was better than most of the kids playing on the streets of North Arlington.

“I knew she was talented,” Edwards said. “There were times I picked her over the other guys. She knew the fundamentals and knew the game.

I think Bobby was tough on both of us and pushed both of

us. I saw how he played and it was a good reflection of what we wanted to become.”

Throughout their lives, Nick and Dana remained close friends.

“Our families would spend every New Year’s Eve together,” Edwards said. “It was a tradition to go to the Sprague house and watch the ball drop.”

The two followed each other through their respective high school days, Edwards at St. Peter’s Prep, where he was an All-Hudson County football and baseball player (and one of only three Marauder baseball players to ever reach the 100 career hit plateau) and Sprague as a multi-sport athlete at North Arlington High School.

“We would always see each other’s names in the papers,” Edwards said. “No matter what, we always had our friendship and respect for each other.”

Edwards and Sprague both chose education as their field of study in college and both See KEARNY, Page 10

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KARDINALS

Continued from Page 9 Edwards and Sprague ended up being selected as captains of their respective college teams, which was also reported in that first article here some 16 years ago.

“My final two years of college is when I started to shine,” Sprague said. “Sitting on the bench my first two years was really a test of my character. I wanted to play, so I knew I had to get better. My father always told me that if I hit, they couldn’t take me out of the lineup. So I just came into my own. In my last at-bat in college, I hit a double off the fence.”

After graduation from college, both Edwards and Sprague pursued careers in teaching and coaching.

Edwards was a teacher in the Kearny school district and was once the head football coach at Kearny and the head baseball coach at the now-defunct Queen of Peace. Sprague was once the head softball coach at East Orange and won her 100th career game as a

Photo courtesy of Nick Edwards

Back when they were youngsters, Nick Edwards (left) and Dana Sprague (right) were teammates on a North Arlington youth soccer team.

coach in her ninth season.

“We rebuilt that program,” Sprague said. “We had girls who never even picked up a ball before and we ended up winning. We always made the state playoffs. I’m so proud to have had that experience.”

Both attended their respective colleges to receive their Master’s in administration with the ultimate goal of becoming principals. Both had the same role model, although one was just a little closer than the other.

“Dana’s father was my big-

C ELEBRATING

EYE

25

Y EARS !

to be part of an all-female administrative team in Little Falls, headed by superintendant Tracey Marinelli, the former superintendent in Lyndhurst.

“She’s been an amazing mentor,” Sprague said. “I feel so at home. I couldn’t be happier.”

It’s safe to say that amazingly that these two lifelong friends are both successful grade school principals. It’s a far cry from those childhood days on Devon and Elm. “I think it’s just a really cool story,” Edwards said. “We both took the education route, then administration. I always thought Dana would follow that route because of her father. Now, instead of calling each other to play stickball, we call each other to pick each other’s brains.”

“I don’t think it’s too shocking,” Sprague said. “We always have been supportive of each other and we both had supportive parents. We were both good athletes and it’s been said that former athletes make the best administrators. So I don’t think it’s surprising at all. I just think it’s really cool.”

And certainly makes a local sportswriter take a flashback to 16 years ago almost to the very day.

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gest educational mentor,” Edwards said. “I always picked his brain. He knew my life in teaching and coaching.”

“He’s my best coach on the field and in life,” Sprague said of her father. “He gives me a lot of advice. I take a lot of what I do today from him.”

Edwards always thought he would spend his life coaching, even when he was getting up at 4:30 a.m. to monitor the weight room at Kearny High.

“But I knew I also wanted to start a family and coaching would have taken up too much time,” Edwards said. “I wanted to have a stable position.”

So Edwards first became a vice principal at Smalley School in Bound Brook, with about 430 students from grades three through six.

“I was the vice principal for three weeks and I learned that the principal was leaving,” Edwards said. “It was kind of nerve wracking, learning the students and the staff. But I knew I had the ability to be a leader from my days of being a captain, then a coach. I knew I had the ability to work with others.”

The 39-year-old Edwards is completing his second year as a principal. He’s proud to report that Smalley School had the highest test scores in the Bound Brook school district. His enrollment will increase to 600 in September and he has 48 staff members to oversee. Edwards is married to Susanne and they have a 1-year-old daughter Harper Rose.

Sprague, now 38, is the principal at Little Falls School No. 1 for grades five through eight.

She has about 400 students to supervise.

“The Little Falls community is so strong,” Sprague said.

“We have supportive family members and it’s a diverse community, which I love.”

Sprague said that she’s proud

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

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Wednesday, May 6, 2020 play for Coach Hykey,” Gress said. “I was the ball girl for Lyndhurst games when I Continued from Page 9 was little. I thought that was going to be the epitome for So two years ago, Gress me, playing for Lyndhurst went to the first-ever United High School. Some people States National Team camp didn’t understand that I was for the 14-and-under players playing at such a high level. in Norco, California, the first They didn’t realize that it’s step toward selecting the final a 10-month-a-year commitU.S. National Team that was ment.” going to play in the 14-andSo Gress still attends classes under Women’s World Cup in at Lyndhurst, but cannot play England. for the Golden Bears.

“There were 48 players “In the beginning, it was at the camp and I thought sad, but then I got to see the that was a lot,” Gress said. “I opportunity I was getting to thought there would be only play for the (United States 24 or so. It was my first experi- Development) Academy and ence on the national level and the greater opportunity,” Gress I wasn’t mentally prepared said. for it. I was really nervous. I Gress now regularly plays was new to the scene. I hate to for a club team called STA say, but I was definitely shell based in Morristown with shocked.” other top players.

But it was a good learning Last December, Gress went experience for Gress, who to a showcase in Florida where knew that she had to improve the United States U-14 team her game if she wanted to play was to be selected to play in for the U.S. National Team and the World Cup in England. play on the college level.

“I felt like I was really pre“Those were my dreams,” pared,” Gress said. “I felt like Gress said. “I always wanted I was at the top of my game. I to play college soccer and I felt like I was on the brink of dreamed of playing for the na- breaking in.” tional team. If I really wanted When Gress returned home, to do that, I had to be more she received the good news consistent.” that she was selected to be There was only one probone of the goalkeepers for the lem. Gress’ dreams of playing United States National Team. at the highest level meant that “All my hard work for the she could never play for her past two years had paid off,” native Lyndhurst High School Gress said. “When I got called, soccer squad for beloved I knew I had worked hard. I coach Kim Hykey and the rest dreamed about that moment.” of her closest friends.

In January, Gress played “I always grew up wanting in goal in two games, a full to play for Lyndhurst and to game against England and a

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and everything comes crashing down. I am able to stay in shape thanks to FASST. I think I’m in better shape now than before the coronavirus.”

Gress has been doing weight training on her own and other exercises recommended by USA Soccer.

“I’ve also been running a lot,” Gress said. “I’m also watching a lot of soccer, watching my past games. I might not be training on the field, but there are a lot of little things I can do to stay sharp.”

All Team USA national matches have already been canceled for the rest of 2020.

Gress hopes to play for STA in the fall.

But Gress has now got her first taste of representing the nation and wants to do more Photo courtesy of Mackenzie Gress of it in the future. At only 15, Lyndhurst native Mackenzie Gress earned a spot on the first-ever Unit- her future is extremely bright ed States 14-and-under National Soccer team that recently played in the and she’s already given a verbal commitment to attend World Cup in England.

Penn State University in three years. half against Denmark, both of she can with social distanc“Everything has happened which were victories for the ing, she heads to FASST, the so fast for me,” Gress said.

United States. respected training facility in “Never in my wildest dreams “It was the best feeling in Lyndhurst. did I imagine I’d be where I the world,” Gress said. “Walk“It’s been hard,” Gress said. am. I now can’t be anywhere ing onto the field and hearing “I was just in England and the National Anthem with the then I get back and everything else. This is just the beginUSA crest on my chest. That’s is cancelled. I was riding high ning.” something I always dreamed about since I was a little girl.

They were my first international caps. It might have been my first, but it definitely won’t be my last.”

Gress’ activities with both Dr. Prakash Dr. Hector the U.S. National team and her J. Doshi Aguilar club team STA have been shut down due to the coronavirus ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS pandemic. She continues to Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is If your primary care doctor or a progressive inflammatory disease family doctor suspects ankylosing train on her own and when

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Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Eighth-grader’s work leads to uniforms for all

Isabella FernandesSantinho, a seventh-grader at Lincoln Middle School in Kearny, started the Kearny Uniform Closet to collect and distribute gently used school uniforms.

Since starting the program in June 2019, FernandesSantinho has collected more than 900 uniform items, and has distributed 473 items to 118 Kearny students.

For her efforts, Isabella recently received the Girl Scout Silver Award, the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette may earn.

When deciding on the focus of her Silver Award project, Fernandes-Santinho learned some families cannot

afford uniforms or can only buy one or two items a year.

However, some children grow quickly during a school year, requiring parents to purchase new items multiple times.

Isabella also learned schools collect and keep extra uniforms in nurses’ offices, but there was no coordinated effort to get uniforms to kids who needed them.

Fernandes-Santinho decided she could help address this community need by starting a town-wide resource for the housing and distribution of gently used uniforms.

Fernandes-Santinho met with Patricia Blood, superintendent of Kearny Schools, to discuss her plans

and garner Blood’s support.

Fernandes-Santinho then organized multiple collection days and advertised them through numerous community organizations, the school district’s website and community forums on Facebook (with the help of her mother since she doesn’t have social media accounts).

With the support of the local Girl Scouts Service Unit, she collected clothing at the Kearny Girl Scout House, where she also was able to sort, organize and store donations.

Fernandes-Santinho hosted a uniforms giveaway in August at the Girl Scout House and another in

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Kearny • Carolyn Martins-Reitz •Thomas Martins • Arthur Hackett Nutley/Belleville •Dr. Michael Gerard Giuliano

East Newark •Luz Luna •Julio Luna Lyndhurst •Pat Paolini •Nancy Blair Harrison •Philip Karas

Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.

If anyone in your family has passed away due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and you’d like them to be remembered in our memorial, please send names to editorial@theobserver.com.

They will be included in our list. Please let us know their age and hometown (in our readership area.)

And may they and all the faithfully departed rest in God’s peace.

October in conjunction with the Kearny Interfaith Network’s Blood Drive at First Presbyterian Church.

She also recruited volunteers — parents and girls from her troop — to help staff the events.

Parents and guardians simply showed proof of enrollment, such as a report card or school ID, and were able to pick out tops and bottoms for each school-aged child.

By early winter, the Kearny Uniform Closet served students from all public schools in Kearny.

“Kids who had limited school uniforms were able to get a variety of clothes and didn’t have to feel self-conscious about their appearance,” FernandesSantinho said. “Parents began to know that the Uniform Closet was a resource in the community and started to reach out to us for uniforms.

Parents who had stacks of school clothing their own children no longer needed just sitting at home also felt good about giving up the items, knowing they’d get used by other children.”

Fernandes-Santinho’s ultimate goal was always to find a permanent home for the Uniform Closet within the district. After further discussion with Blood, it was agreed to permanently house the program at Kearny High School.

To solidify this arrangement, FernandesSantinho met with Kearny High School Principal Jacalyn Richardson and Aliki Bieltz, supervisor of English, who oversees the Success Program, a skillsbased program for specialeducation high school students.

“When Isabella reached

out to work with Kearny High School to expand her volunteer project, we were impressed by her accomplishments and dedication to the community,” Bieltz said.

It was agreed to transfer oversight of The Uniform Closet to the Success Program so that students, with the guidance of their teachers, can practice life and work skills by running the closet, advertising its services, along with organizing, sorting and distributing all the uniforms.

Additionally, it gives parents in town one central place to take gently used uniform donations so they may be reused.

“Our Success students and their teacher Mrs. Drefko, embraced this wonderful service learning opportunity,” Bieltz said.

Before school closures because of COVID-19, the Kearny Uniform Closet was scheduled to begin operation this June, Bieltz said.

“Unfortunately, due to our current circumstances, we must delay this opening. We hope to begin distribution as soon as possible to support all Kearny students who may benefit from the uniforms,” she said.

Said Fernandes-Santinho: “I am happy that I was able to transition this program over to the school district so that it will now continue to provide free uniforms to Kearny school children for many more years.”

According to FernandesSantinho, the most rewarding part of the project was knowing that she was helping children in need.

“At all of my uniform exchanges, I was able to see children and their parents come in empty-handed and leave with multiple pairs of uniforms,” she said. “It also amazed me how other people in the community donated uniforms even when they got nothing in return. I was also happy knowing that recycling all the uniforms and giving them to those who needed them kept them out of landfills and minimized waste.”

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Obituaries main assistants at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home Elzbieta H. Wolosz died for over 25 years.

April 29, 2020.

He and his late father, Bob She was 74.

Hackett, were both active Born in Krakaw, Poland, she with the American Legion in had lived in Kearny since 1975.

Kearny.

Private arrangements were He was the beloved husband by the Armitage & Wiggins Fuof Mary Jane (Snyder) and neral Home in Kearny.

ARTHUR HACKETT loving father of Meghan Delli Elzbieta was the wife of the Arthur Hackett died May 1, Santi (Anthony). Brother of Ellate Edward Babecki and the 2020. len Pfarr, Jim Hackett (Lisa), late Stanislaw Wolosz. BelovHe was 72.

Carole Hackett, Thomas ed mother of Ryszard Babecki Born in Kearny, he had lived Hackett (Shelley) and the late (Matgorzata), Joanna Wolosz, in North Arlington for many Kathleen Potter (Aramis), he Andrew Wolosz (Janie) and years. was the dear brother-in-law of Elizabeth LaMorte, she was Private arrangements were Marguerite Daily and Elaine the sister of Maria Babecki by the Armitage & Wiggins Fu- McDonnell. He was the cherand Czeslaw Robak. She is also neral Home in Kearny. ished uncle to many nieces survived by her grandchildren After graduating from Essex and nephews.

Klaudia, Kristofer, Julia, AnHe is also survived by his Catholic, Art enrolled in the nette, Katherine, Christine, grandson and little buddy, U.S. Army, serving during the Skylan, Talian, and Darian and Vietnam War. He retired a few Tony. her great+grandson Elijah. years ago from the Kearny Elzbieta still has many dear Police Department at the rank JAMES F. CAREY JR. relatives still in Poland. of sergeant.

Marine Veteran James Artie was a part-time bar F. Carey Jr. (Jimmy), 64, of CHRISTINA ISABELLA tender at Teddys Cocktail Kearny, died April 27, 2020.

BURKE-LANCASTER Lounge in Kearny for many He was predeceased by his Christina Isabella Burkeyears and had been one of the parents (Eleanor and Jim) and Lancaster (nee Graham), a former Kearny resident, died Tuesday, April 28, 2020.

She was 95.

Christina was born in Scotland and settled in Kearny for almost 70 years of her life.

Mario Teixeria, IV, Manager, NJ Lic. #3757 Upon arriving in America, Mario Teixeira, Jr. Director, NJ Lic. #2542 • Monique Teixeira, Director, NJ Lic. #4048 she worked as a private nanny Newly renovated family owned and operated funeral home with multiple locations. and was also employed at Fluent in Portuguese and Spanish. Handicapped Accessible.

Youth World Clothing Store in 138 DAVIS AVE. • KEARNY, NJ 07032 Kearny for many years.

(201) 991-2265 www.buyusfuneralhome.com Christina devoted much of her time volunteering at West Hudson Hospital before it was permanently closed in 2004. She was also a dedicated parishioner and Eucharistic Minister at St. Stephen’s Roman Catholic Church, Kearny.

Christina is survived by her son, James G. Burke and his wife Monae; her four grandchildren Morgan, Jimmy, Shannon and Lindsay Burke; her step-daughter MaryAnn Lancaster and many nieces and nephews in America, Canada and Scotland.

She was predeceased by her first husband, James Burke (1978), her second husband, Thomas Lancaster (2004) and her three brothers, Andrew, Donald and Murray.

Private services will take place at the Condon Funeral Home, followed by private

ELZBIETA H. WOLOSZ

13

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burial at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington. A memorial Mass will be celebrated for Christina when it is safe to do so. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association www. alz.org.

Shaw-Buyus Home for Services

brother Robert.

Born and raised in Kearny, Jimmy graduated in 1974 from Kearny High School, where he excelled in football. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp proudly serving for six years.

Following his discharge from the Marines, Jimmy served four years in the United States Coast Guard. In 1987, he started his 25-year career with the Kearny Fire Department.

During this time, Jimmy was awarded Fireman of the Year in 2009 and spent many years as the Union President for the FMBA Local 18.

Jimmy was always there for anyone in a time of need and was the first to give you the shirt off his back. He loved music, was a great cook and a master storyteller. It wasn’t just the story, which often had an animated twist since he was involved, but how he told it.

Favorite pastimes involved sports. Jimmy was a die-hard

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

New York Rangers season ticket holder, avid golfer and a huge NY Giants and Yankee fan. The love of sport and other traits were passed onto his family whom he so dearly loved.

Jimmy is survived by his loving wife Sharon (nee Ball), two sons James III and Daniel, daughter-in-law Nicole, two beautiful grandchildren Avery and Daniel, a sister Lee Ellen Paulin (Dave) and niece Olivia and nephew David.

Private services were entrusted to the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home with interment at Fairview Cemetery. A celebration of his life and memorial service will be announced at a later date.

PATRICIA ELSON

Patricia Elson died peacefully on April 28, 2020.

She was predeceased by her loving parents, John and See OBITS, Page 14

Mulligan Funeral Home 331 Cleveland Avenue, Harrison

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Wilfred Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home

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14

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OBITS

Continued from Page 13 Mary Elson, her beautiful sister Kathryn D’Antuono and brother-in-law Nicholas D’Antuono.

She will be dearly missed by her closest friends Stella Dzierewianko and Rose, Margaret, Antonia, Fiona and her many friends from St. Cecilia Parish. Patricia will be remembered as a kind, beautiful, loving, innocent soul always praying for others.

She sang like an angel in the St. Cecilia choir, displaying her devout love of God and others.

Patricia, you are finally home. Rest easy and rest in peace.

JOSEPH ‘JOE’ LOMBARDO SR.

Joseph “Joe” Lombardo Sr. died at Clara Mass Hospital in Belleville on April 20, 2020.

He was 73.

Private funeral services will be conducted from the Mulligan Funeral Home, 331 Cleveland Ave., Harrison.

Born and raised in Harrison, his family moved to Kearny and lived there for 30 years and for the last nine years, he lived in North Arlington.

Joe worked for Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission as an operations manager for 40 years, retiring in 2011.

Joe was a parishioner of St. Anthony’s Church, in East Newark. He graduated from Lincoln Technical School, Newark. He enjoyed working on his cars, especially the 1965 Pontiac GTO that he lovingly named, “The Goat.” Joe enjoyed classic music from the ‘60s and could listen to that music all day with his wife.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Jean (nee Henry) Lombardo, caring children Joseph Jr. and Denise Lombardo and precious grandchildren Bobby

“Punker” Lombardo, Desire, Felicity, Issiyah and a greatgrandchild Vincent James Lombardo. He is also survived by his siblings Mary & Dennis Calpin and also many nieces and nephews. Joe was predeceased by his parents Frank and Grace Lombardo as well as his sister Antoinette Madden.

If you would like to send a condolence message to his family, please visit www.mulliganfh.com In lieu of flowers, an expression of sympathy may be made to a COVID charity of your choice, in loving memory of Joseph.

FRANK S. BERNARDO

Frank S. Bernardo, 82, of Lebanon Borough, died Thursday, April 30, 2020, at Hunterdon Care Center in Flemington.

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He was born on Sept. 11, 1937 in Kearny. He spent his childhood in Kearny. He lived in East Windsor and Colonia before moving to Lebanon Borough 14 years ago.

He was the son of the late Steven and Theresa Manfredi Bernardo.

Frank was the husband of Mary Kenny Bernardo, celebrating over 60 years of marriage.

Frank graduated from Kearny High School and also attended Seton Hall University. He worked as a sales manager for the Occupational Center of Union County (OCUC) until his retirement in 2007.

Memberships include Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Annandale.

Frank was an accomplished baseball player and is featured in the Hall of Fame at Kearny High School. After high school, Frank signed a Minor League contract with the New York Giants and played several years within the organization.

He enjoyed all sports and was an avid Yankee fan. He also enjoyed cooking, especially his delicious pasta fagioli soup and antipasto salad.

Survivors in addition to his loving wife include three children Theresa Easse and her husband Edward of Wayne, Mary Beth Pittinger and her husband Jim of Lebanon and Christopher Bernardo and his wife Nathalia of West Caldwell. Six grandchildren Eddie Easse, Andrew Easse, Alex Pittinger, Elizabeth Pittinger, Shane Bernardo and Colette Bernardo.

He is also survived by one sister; Carol Jardim and her husband Fino of Bayville, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by one sister Jesse D’ambola.

Because of the current restrictions regarding Coronavirus, all services will be private.

Entombment will take place in the Immaculate Conception Mausoleum in Annandale.

Scarponi-Bright Funeral Home, Lebanon, was in charge.

CATHERINE BURNS

Catherine Burns (nee Hughes) died April 27, 2020.

She was 88.

Born in Audenreid, Pennsylvania, she lived in Kearny for the past 65 years. Private arrangements were by the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny.

Catherine was the devoted wife of the late Edward Burns.

Loving mother of Robert Burns (Jeanne), Edward Burns (Shirley) and the late Scott Burns, she is also survived by her grandchildren Eric and Nicole and her great-grandchildren Kaitlyn and Josh.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or the Kearny Emergency Squad.

JAMES E. GORMAN

James E. Gorman of Kearny died April 26, 2020.

He was 67.

Arrangements were by the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home in Kearny. A memorial service will be scheduled in the future for Jim. His remains will be laid to rest with his father and sister in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.

Jim worked at the Amoco Station in Nutley for over 25 years. He was also a U.S. Army veteran.

He was the dear brother Continued on next page

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Wednesday, May 6, 2020 of Marie Gorman, Roberta Dulinski (John), Robert Gorman and the late Karen Callaghan. He is also survived by loving nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the Salvation Army.

cles.

Lucy was predeceased by her dear sisters Rosie Tague and Anne Plisco. She is survived by her children Karen Kennedy, Jim Dupree, Cathy Dupree and Lisa Hampton and her loving grandchildren Justin Kennedy, Amanda MARTHA LUCY SHERIDAN Dupree, Kasey Hampton, Martha Lucy Sheridan died Victoria Hampton and Audrey Hampton. She also leaves beApril 25, 2020. hind her long-time friend and Lucy was born in Kearny companion Peter Caffrey. and graduated from St. CePrivate arrangements were cilia’s. Lucy chose a nursing career and went on to gradu- by the Armitage & Wiggins ate from St. Joseph’s Nursing Funeral Home. She will be buried in Holy Cross CemSchool. Lucy continued her etery in North Arlington. The education by getting both family will host a celebration her bachelor’s and master’s of Lucy’s life at a later date degrees. when it is safe to do so. DonaLucy started out nursing tions may be made in memory in a hospital environment as of Martha Lucy Sheridan to well as working as an indusAlzheimer’s Association, NJ trial nurse. But her favorite Chapter, 3 Eves Drive, Suite job was being a school nurse in the Paterson school system. 10, Marlton, N.J. 08053 or at www.alz.org.

Lucy loved working with We love Lucy, always.(Do children and retired in 2002. not delete this line. It does not She was a longtime and active member of St. Antoninus print. Text that is to appear on web must be entered after Church in Newark. this line)« Lucy had a warm, loving smile that could lighten up a room. She had a great sense DORIS MC CRACKEN of humor and a laugh that Doris Mc Cracken (nee warmed your heart. Lucy en- Kington) of Barnegat, formerjoyed a variety of music, but ly of Kearny, died peacefully Irish music, especially when on April 20, 2020. live, held a very special place Doris was two months shy in her heart. She also enjoyed of her 98th birthday. dancing and spreading joy Before moving to Barnegat in 2009, Doris spent most of to all she met. It was this allher life in Kearny. She was encompassing love of people that made her such a commit- a graduate of Kearny High School. ted and devoted believer in Her first job was with the the Catholic Church.

Her strong faith helped her Salvation Army in New York City. Later on, she was an through many of life’s obsta-

office manager with Garray Plastics and L&R Manufacturing, both in Kearny. After retirement at age 70, Doris returned to the Salvation Army, this time in Kearny, where she was a senior soldier. She was the Home League secretary (women’s ministry), and a bookkeeper and case worker for their Family Services Department.

She is survived by her children, a son, Robert Mc Cracken Jr., of Clark Summit, Pa., and a daughter, Cheryl Cathcart of Barnegat; five grandchildren, Chrystie, Stacey, Robert, Richard and Amanda, and nine greatgrandchildren. She was predeceased by her four brothers and her sister, Janet.

Doris put everyone’s needs above her own. Her kind heart and quiet strength will

be sorely missed by all the lives she touched. She was the matriarch of her family and her absence will be felt deeply.

Cremation services were private, under the direction of the Barnegat Funeral Home, Barnegat. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.

BarnegatFH.com.

RITA R. (KELLY) DECECCO

Rita R. (Kelly) DeCecco, 90, died peacefully at home on Friday, April 24, 2020.

Rita was born in Lyndhurst, where she lived most of her life. She

had moved to San Antonio, Texas, in 1991 and returned to Lyndhurst in 2016.

Beloved wife of the late Richard L. DeCecco, she was the loving mother of Joan M. Lachiewicz and husband Stan, Christine L. Echols and husband Michael, Richard W. DeCecco and wife Kathleen and Geraldine P. Adosci; survivors also include two sisters, Mary A. Bello and Patricia K. Gianantonio, both of Florida; 13 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are private and under the direction of the Ippolito-Stellato Funeral Home in Lyndhurst. Interment will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Leave condolences at www.stellatofuneralhomes.com.

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KPD

Continued from Page 4 charges.

• On April 26 at 2:23 a.m., Haskell M. Newkirk, 53, of Kearny, appeared at Kearny PD Headquarters to file a stolen firearm report.

Officer Nicole Williams learned a juvenile had allegedly gained access to Newkirk’s unsecured Glock 19 pistol at his home without his permission.

The juvenile allegedly reported to Newkirk that he had given the pistol and a magazine, loaded with 9mm ammunition, to a 16-year-old Avenel boy a week prior, but the other boy was no longer in communication with him.

Newkirk was charged on a summons with providing a minor’s access to a loaded firearm in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:58-15. The juvenile who removed the pistol from Newkirk’s home was charged with

unlawful possession of a weapon, theft, unlawful disposition of a firearm, unlawful possession and transfer of handgun ammunition, possession of a handgun by a minor and a violation of firearm regulatory provisions under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-10e.

He was ordered remanded to the Bergen County Youth House.

After corroborating elements of the incident that were told to officers, on April 26 at 11 a.m., Det. John Fabula and Officers Alan Stickno and John Donovan went to the Avenel home of the boy alleged to have taken the handgun.

Assisted by Woodbridge police, they took the other 16-year-old boy into custody.

Capt. Wagner says a search did not uncover the stolen handgun, but it did reveal a backpack filled with marijuana, which was seized by Woodbridge police.

The boy was brought to Kearny PD HQ where complaints were drawn, charging him with possession of a handgun, possession of a handgun by a minor, receiving handgun ammunition without a firearms ID card, and receiving stolen property.

The drug matter was handled in Woodbridge.

The Avenel boy was remanded to the Morris County Youth Correctional Facility.

The investigation into the location of the stolen handgun is ongoing,

We're open and we're ready to help you!

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Wagner says.

• On March 25 at 9:01 p.m., a 45-year-old Kearny man reported to Officer Josh Lopez that he had been riding his bicycle on Schuyler Avenue off of Harrison Avenue when a white luxury sedan with a Florida tags pulled up next to him.

A man reportedly exited the passenger seat, pushed the victim off his bicycle and onto the ground, where he allegedly punched the victim in the face and put his knee on the victim’s throat. The driver then also allegedly approached and placed his knee on the victim’s abdomen while searching his pockets.

The driver reportedly stole the victim’s wallet before both men returned to the car and fled. The victim received minor injuries that did not require hospitalization.

Det. Neil Nelson took up the investigation and with Det. Jordenson Jean quickly identified the getaway vehicle as a Lexus that had been reported stolen out of Manhattan March 24.

The Lexus was believed to have been connected with recent robberies

POLICE BEAT and a package theft in Newark, package thefts in Kearny and Caldwell and a suspicious incident in Harrison.

On March 29, the stolen Lexus was recovered unoccupied by an Essex County Sheriff’s officer on Clinton Avenue in Newark.

Wagner says Det. Nelson subsequently developed evidence showing that Anthony E. Torres, 25, of Newark, had allegedly operated the white Lexus during the period it was reported stolen.

On April 28, Kearny PD Street Crimes Unit detectives located Torres walking on Ridge Road in North Arlington. Torres was arrested on three outstanding warrants (Cranbury, $350 & $250; and East Orange, $750).

At HQ, Det. Nelson additionally charged Torres with one count of receiving stolen property (the Lexus) in the third degree.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Torres was remanded to the Hudson County Jail.

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

Observer Classifieds

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. The Observer cannot accept legal advertising.

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DOMESTIC

Continued from Page 1 know they’re in danger.

The concept for this story came about when Linsey C. Short, director of development for the Center for Hope and Safety, of Rochelle Park, sent an Op-Ed to this newspaper that was written Julye Myner, the center’s executive director. The Center for Hope and Safety is Bergen County’s sanctioned center for offering help to that county’s domestic violence

victims.

Feorenzo thought it would be wise to pull together Short and Myner for a Zoom call along with Women Rising, of Jersey City, Hudson County’s version of Center for Hope.

And so, Joaneileen Coughlan, Rising’s director of domestic violence services, agreed to join the call last week. Yours truly was also on the call.

What we learned was nothing short of fascinating.

And if this information helps one victim, it’s done its job properly.

This is a topic near and dear

to Feorenzo’s heart because she, herself, was a victim of domestic violence. Much of what she experienced was verbal in nature. Later in this story, you’ll read of her own experiences.

The conversation began with a discussion about whether victims of domestic violence have found it easier to be open about their situations using technology instead of visiting one of the two aforementioned centers in Hudson and Bergen counties.

“It depends,” Coughlan said.

“I have a feeling that victims

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think they’re bothering us.

So I think everything’s more concise. But I also think because they’re self-isolated under this quarantine that they don’t have a choice, but it’s more about safety, worrying about if they’re still living in this situation. If someone’s going to come to the door or the kids are going to be there … so it’s kind of two-fold.”

Still, Coughlan believes the victims are still “grateful” they have the opportunity to “connect in this way.”

Working together The two organizations, Women Rising and the Center for Hope, work with each other when needed. Coughlan noted there are times when a victim from Hudson County may have to leave there for Bergen County. When this happens, a case would be transferred to the Center for Hope because each one handles county-specific cases.

This is particularly important so victims are aware of the need for dealing with the other organization and so they’re fully aware they won’t be left alone if a change of county is needed.

The same is true if a victim must leave for another county elsewhere in Jersey. Each has its own state-mandated organization with differing names.

“Each county has statefunded core services which includes a safe house or emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence,” Myner said. “That’s how we know each other — through that coalition. It’s called the NJ Coalition to End Domestic Violence.”

Reported cases are dropping?

How is that possible?

One of the concerns we had is whether the two organizations have seen an increase in domestic-violence cases, perhaps brought on the stay-at-home order. Myner says no, but don’t let notion fool you.

“Unfortunately not,” she said. “Attorney General (Gurbir S.) Grewal, last week, did a briefing during a webinar.

He was quite concerned for the past month that there’s been a 50% decrease from the past year in domesticviolence reports as well as domestic-violence arrests. We understand that when there’s stressful times like these, that domestic violence does

Wednesday, May 6, 2020 increase and can go on for up to two years.”

Because of this notion, Myner says there is no doubt in her mind there is an increase in abused women, men and children, but the ability for them to report the incidents becomes a huge challenge when the abuser is constantly in the home.

She says victims — no matter when the abuse is happening — often don’t realize help is available for them.

“We really feel the call to action (at times like these) to spread the word,” Myner said. “We’re grateful you’re willing to partner to let the victims know that we are here throughout the state and we really want them to reach out for help — they don’t have to stay in an abusive home right now.”

“And we’ve seen this before, around Hurricane Sandy,” Coughlan said. “It’s the same situation, meaning that because there’s a bigger issue … where victims are living … they have to deal with that first.”

Coughlan says because victims of abuse are, in many cases, still living with their batterers, they feel they can’t leave. But, she says, they can and should.

“And in the next weeks, months and years, we’re going to see the effect of this,” Coughlan said. “We’ll have a surge of victims coming forward.”

What about when the victim relies on the batterer for money?

Fortunately there is a system in place for victims who financially rely on their abuser. Both organizations help to pay for housing, clothing and all the basic necessities to ensure comfort. The system is designed for long-term success outside an abusive relationship for the victims and their children.

First, they’re taught how to become economically strong while living in transitional housing. Then, they’re set up for success in the outside world, in independent living situations. Myner says victims often suffer lost wages because of the situations they’re in, so places like Center for Hope and Women Rising help them with economic support, “so they don’t step back into a sense of Continued on the next page

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

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As such, there are now attorneys, statewide, who are available for all victims as needed. Some are pro-bono. Some are though Legal Aid. Some are staffers.

“Still, no matter how much you are prepared, you can never tell what a judge is going to do,” Coughlan said.

I need help, what do I do next?

The two organizations suggest you find a way to follow these instructions below and do so as quickly as you can.

If you’re in Hudson County, visit www.womenrising.org or call (201) 333-5700. In Bergen County, visit www.hopeandsafetynj.org or call (201) 944-9600. Both phone lines are operations 24/7, every day of every year. Help will be waiting for you on the other end.

Myner suggests whenever possible, the victim should first leave the home physically, to whatever extent it is safe to do so, and then make the call. If possible, someone from the organization will come to help remove the victim and/or children from the abusive home.

Perhaps most stunningly, she also says a victim will leave an abusive situation seven times before finally leaving for good. This is in good times and bad times for the rest of the world. So it is vitally important for victims to know that not only is there help, but the organizations will do everything in their power to keep victims away from their abuser forever and safely.

Funding from other sources While the state funds both Women Rising and the Center for Hope, it’s never enough. Both organizations fundraise. And because of COVID-19, those events, that often take place in the warmer months, have had to be canceled. If you wish to help, visit each’s website to learn about you can donate, whether it’s time, talent or treasure.

Lastly, Feorenzo says her interest in helping has been made much stronger by Carol Manley, of Kearny, who previously worked with victims of domestic violence. They may soon team up to help sometime in the near future.

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helplessness or hopelessness, or even back into an abusive relationship …” she said.

Going to court and to the police Here is where Feorenzo’s own experiences came into play. In her situation, she says she wasn’t prepared for what she would face both at the police station filing a report and applying for a temporary order of restraint and when she wound up going to court for the first time.

What she learned was that a judge believed there was a specific incident that occurred on the day she filed with police. In her case, there were incidents that occurred over a much longer stretch, where she received emails, packages, notes, etc.

Fortunately for her, she was prepared with dates of most of the incidents. Not all victims are, however. Victims must know all dates and document them beforehand.

“I had said to the judge, ‘I’m sorry, but there is more to it,’” Feorenzo said. “I had everything in a box.

And I kept notes. But I am very strong-minded and am blessed to have that. But I think it’s very important to convince victims how important it is to have documented dates and incidents when they go to the police station ... since there’s a proper way for this to be done.”

Feorenzo was able to hire her own attorney thereafter. However, to assist with cases like Lisa’s, Myner says Center for Hope was able to hire a legal team to assist victims a few years back. They’ve got three full-time attorneys and two legal administrators on staff.

“And so when a client comes in and they need support for filing a restraining order, we go with them to the police station and court and we make sure they include all the details they have.”

Myner says looking back to when Center for Hope didn’t have legal services readily available, she’s been able to see the tremendous impact it’s had, positively, for the victims. It’s critical, she says, for victims to know they have the legal support from start to finish, from going to a police station to start the process to a courtroom.

20

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Wednesday, May 6, 2020

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