The Observer e-Newspaper — Dec. 2, 2020

Wednesday, 2 December 2020

www.TheObserver.com

Vol. CXXXIII, No. 30

MORE ON THE INSIDE Nutley HS football team remains perfect after 42-7 win over Belleville HS See Page 9

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

In the midst of a pandemic, two Lyndhurst families go all out to bring

CHRISTMAS JOY W

e first met Eddie Vaz and his wife, Yoli, a year ago. The Vaz family, along with neighbor Bobby Turano, decided they wanted to do something to give back to the community that they say gave so much to them.

And so, the Forest Avenue neighbors, for the first time in 2019, built an immense holiday display.

It was hugely successful last year -- from a kickoff celebration to scores of people stopping to look.

Originally, Vaz says he wanted to do something simple to give back, especially since he is a successful business owner in Lyndhurst.

“At first, I was thinking of maybe giving

presents to a hospital where there were kids who wouldn’t have had a Christmas,” Vaz said last year. “It was just to give back. It was next to my heart.”

But when Eddie, Yoli and Turano put their minds together, they came up with the idea of having their own Winter Wonderland in their neighborhood -- and the rest is history.

But then, just a few months after their first successful display, COVID-19 happened.

They’d never be able to put on a display like this in 2020, right? May as well just wait until 2021.

Wrong.

In fact, the display is better and stronger than ever.

The local business owners say they couldn’t be happier with this year’s display.

“As the owners of Eddie and Yolis Tireshop and Bobby as the owner of Turano Brothers Home Improvement, we want to bring smiles and joy to family, friends and community for the holidays,” Eddie says. “We wanted to go bigger and brighter to bring a good feeling to all in these hard times of COVID-19. Merry Christmas to everyone.”

Mission accomplished.

If you want to see the display, take a ride after sundown, past 226 & 228 Forest Ave., Lyndhurst. (There’s also plenty to see in the daylight hours, too.) You won’t be disappointed.

— Canessa

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Wednesday, December 2, 2020

REMEMBERING JOSEPH SEALS

By Kevin Canessa kc@theobserver.com

W

e often say, in the face of tragedy, and when a hero is lost, that we must never let such a hero’s memory be forgotten. A year ago, our region faced such a senseless tragedy when Joseph Seals, a North Arlington resident and Jersey City police detective, was shot and killed in the line of duty during one of the worst shootings we’ve ever known.

We go back to last year.

The 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 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 still 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 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

The late Det. Joseph Seals estimate that about 100 Jewish families now call Greenville home.

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 -- almost a year later -- to a world that is less because of their loss.

Seals, 40 at the time of his death, joined the Jersey City Police Department in 2006.

He was the father of five children. Reports say he was

on a mission as a detective in the Cease Fire Unit of the JCPD to get as many illicit guns off the streets as possible.

The unit was instituted to investigate non-fatal, gunrelated crimes.

His chief, Michael Kelly, says he was able to get dozens of them off the streets.

“He was the leading police officer getting guns off the streets,” Chief Kelly said.

In North Arlington, many mourned his loss, including the borough’s Mayor, Daniel H. Pronti, himself a retired police officer with the Montclair Police Department.

“As many of you already know, the Borough of North Arlington, the City of Jersey City and the Seals Family suffered a terrible loss,” Pronti, who called Seals his friend, said at the time.

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YEAR AFTER HIS TRAGIC DEATH Continued from previous page family, community and acquaintances of police officers, rarely think of the most severe, ultimate sacrifice, which may occur. Today, we are all facing exactly that. The Seals Family is and will always be a part of our community. Joe was a friend to me and to many of you. I want you all to keep the Seals Family in your thoughts and prayers as they try to go on with their lives, mourning the loss of their husband, father and son. Rest Easy, Brother Seals. End Of Watch: 12/10/19.”

Sadly, Seals wasn’t the only local man to die that horrible day.

Douglas Miguel Rodriguez, of Harrison, was a father, husband, hard worker.

Mr. Rodriguez, an immigrant to this country, worked diligently to provide for his family. To accomplish this, he took a job as a clerk at Jersey City Kosher Deli. He was loved by the people for whom he worked. And, there are reports he took a bullet so that other lives might be saved.

He and his family lived in an apartment on Harrison’s south side.

When it was learned that he lived in Harrison, the community instantly came together to help the family. Among other things, the Harrison Education Foundation immediately started a fundraising campaign where all cash raised was given to the family.

One Harrisonian who said

he knew Mr. Rodriguez recalled a very positive man who loved his family more than anything else.

Ricardo Rodriguez was a neighbor to the family, but is not related to them.

He says Douglas Miguel always took the time to say hello when they would pass each other on the street.

“He always took the time to say ‘hello,’” Ricardo said.

“Even if he was in a rush to get to work, he would always stop. It is so tragic that this happened to all of the victims, but especially to him. He loved living here. He always says good things. I feel so bad for his family. I don’t know how they will go on without him.”

And in perhaps the most stunning of all comments made following this awful tragedy, it is the ones made

by Mr. Rodriguez’s widow, Martha Freire, that stand out the most.

Ms. Freire showed a compassionate side that is almost impossible to believe following all she’d been through.

“I forgive the killers — I forgive them both,” she said in Spanish, translated by a family friend. “I want to love the memory of my husband. I do not want to waste my time hating anybody.”

One year later, perhaps we could all learn a lesson from Freire’s words.

And may we never forget those whose lives were lost a year ago.

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

Business Directory...............................................................Page 16

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

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

Health & Wellness Directory................................................Page 11

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

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Wednesday, December 2, 2020

NFPA offers tips for safe holiday-season cooking

By Kevin Canessa kc@theobserver.com As crazy as it may seem, Christmas is just a few weeks away. As such, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is urging the public to make fire safety a priority when preparing this year’s holiday meals.

The association’s latest Home Cooking Fires report shows Thanksgiving is the peak day for U.S. home cooking fires followed by the day before Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. According to the report, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,630 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day 2019, three and half times an average day. Unattended cooking was by far the leading cause of associated fires and fire deaths. Cooking is the leading cause of U.S. home and home fire injuries yearround, and the second-leading cause of home fire deaths.

“Thanksgiving and Christmas often involves cooking multiple dishes at once, which can be particularly tricky with lots of distractions in and around the kitchen,” Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at the NFPA, said. “From getting

ready for guests and managing family needs to entertaining when everyone arrives – these types of activities make it all too easy to lose track of what’s cooking, and that’s where a lot of fires tend to happen.”

Carli notes the pandemic may reduce the number of larger group gatherings in favor of smaller celebrations, which may mean more kitchens being used to cook holiday meals this year.

The NFPA offers these tips and recommendations for safely cooking this holiday season: • Never leave the kitchen while cooking on a stovetop. Some types of cooking, especially those that involve

over the pan and turn off the burner.

Do not remove the cover because the fire could start again. Let the pan cool for a long time. Never throw water or use a fire extinguisher on a grease fire.

• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. Only open the door once you’re confident the fire is completely out, standing to the side as you do. If you have any doubts or concerns, contact the fire department for assistance.

• Keep children at least three feet away from the stove and areas where hot food or drink is being prepared or served. Steam or spills from these frying or sautéing with oil, need items can cause severe burns. continuous attention.

“The pandemic may limit the • When cooking a turkey, or other number of people in homes this items in the oven, stay in your home year, but there will still be lots of Michelle advertising@theobserver.com 201-991-1600 and check on it regularly. the usual cooking and distractions • Set a timer on your stove or Newspaper: Client: that contribute to a sharp increase phone to keep track of cooking times, in cooking fires on and around the particularly for foods that require holidays,” Carli said. “Being vigilant longer times. in the kitchen remains critical to • Keep things that can catch fire ensuring a fire-safe holiday.” like oven mitts, wooden utensils, food In addition, NFPA strongly wrappers and towels away from direct discourages the use of turkey fryers, contact with the cooking area.

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Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Thoughts & Views EDITORIAL

A season for being Women & Men for Others

W

ith Thanksgiving over, we now begin to turn our attention to the holiday season which is just a few weeks away. It almost seems impossible to fathom, doesn’t it?

The season, in its own way, can be stressful, especially when times are rough. So we can only begin to imagine that for countless families, the 2020 season will be extremely stressful.

So many families will see a season that is vastly different than it was in 2019.

There’s the family where breadwinners no longer have jobs, through no fault of their own, because of the pandemic.

There’s the family who lost a loved one unexpectedly from COVID-19.

There’s the family whose small business is now closed, perhaps never to reopen, because of a virus no one even knew about a year ago.

We could go on and on here with scenarios that were almost impossible to think of just a year ago, but are now reality.

There are scenarios where the very people who would be among the first to make donations so that others might have better holidays are now the ones who are on the other side of things, in need of food, clothing, gifts for their children.

As if 2020 couldn’t get much worse for so many, it instantly did as soon as the calendar turned to December, with Christmas just 20+ days away.

And so with all of this in mind, it is here and now where the generosity of this community always shines. Never has the need been greater.

And we hope and pray that generosity will appear again as we at The Observer — and other organizations — collect gift cards for those who have hit hard times. Card donations of any amount will make a difference this year in ways we could have never dreamed. (See page 14.)

Never has there been a better time to be a Woman or Man for Others.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Crawford: Too many people have been hit by cars ... penalties need to be greater To the Editor: During the beginning of COVID-19, my girlfriend was crossing Sherman Avenue and Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard while walking home from work when a car came from behind and struck her so forcefully that she flew over the hood of the car.

The monster behind the wheel did not stop and continued on driving away from the scene. When the East Newark police arrived at the scene, there was really nothing they could do being that she did not get the license plate number of the vehicle.

But if you look on the top of the traffic lights, there are

cameras. She was physically OK but definitely in a state of shock. I am sorry to say, but the police didn’t even offer her a ride home.

I see this reckless driving behavior on a daily basis while riding my skateboard to the train station. From nonstop honking, to cursing out the window, speeding, tailgating, driving on the sidewalk, etc., I've even had a driver try to spit on me as they passed by.

This is straight up chaos.

How does the law not matter to these drivers?

There is this guy who rides his bike every day and goes by the rules and is far from reckless (no, not Mario). I saw him

the other day, no bike with his arm wrapped up in a sling and covered in scabs. From what I expected, he got hit by a car.

I know so many people who live around here and have been hit by a cars. It's scary and is turning into a normal situation in this area. It needs to be stopped before we start losing lives. Raise the penalties of tickets -- raise them so high that it will actually affect drivers.

Local leaders need to meet and make a change. If they don’t, it's only going to get worse -- and it may all come too late.

Bobby Crawford Kearny

The Observer’s correction policy The Observer strives to bring our readers the best and the most accurate news.

However, from time to time, there may be mistakes in what we report. As such, we take our obligation to report errors seriously. If you believe we’ve made an error, please send an e-mail to editorial@theobserver.com, indicating what is to be corrected. We will ensure a correction is noted (if necessary) in a future print edition — and online.

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KPD: He flew out not paying for Dove three Nintendo Switch video game consoles worth $900, back on Nov. 12. In that incident, the men had allegedly eluded apprehension.

When Officer Pina arrived, the store’s loss-prevention officer pointed out two men who were leaving in a Toyota Tundra pickup truck.

Officer Pina pulled over the pickup in the Wawa parking

By Capt. Tim Wagner Kearny Police Department

O

n Nov. 14 at 2:19 p.m., Officers Christos Manolis, John Donovan Jr. and Rich Poplaski Jr. were summoned to Seabra’s Foods on Schuyler Avenue for a shoplifting complaint. A store employee detained Paul J. Alva Campos, 31, of East Newark, on his accusation that he watched Alva Campos conceal $83.92 worth of Dove soap products into his backpack and exit the store without paying.

Alva Campos was charged on a summons with shoplifting and later released.

Later, at 11:36 p.m., Officer Sergio Nobre was patrolling Passaic Avenue and pulled over a white Nissan Maxima with darkly-tinted front windows. While the patrolman waited for driver, Dylan P. Hutchinson, 21, of Belleville, to hand over his credentials, he took note of a marijuana joint in the car’s cup holder and the smell of raw marijuana emanating from the passenger compartment.

Officer Nobre asked the driver to step out and recovered from the Nissan’s center console two hand-rolled marijuana cigarettes, one knotted bag of marijuana, one Ziploc bag of marijuana residue labeled “MacG,” one Raw brand rolling tray containing marijuana residue, one grinder containing marijuana residue, two packs of rolling papers and one pack of cigarillos.

Hutchinson was charged on a summons with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Officer Nobre issued him traffic summonses for violating the safety glass requirement (front tinted windows) and operation of a vehicle while in possession of drugs.

Hutchinson was later released.

On Nov. 19 at 1:22 p.m., Officer Ellesse Ogando and Sgt. Kevin Canaley were called to BJs Wholesale Club whose employees had detained an alleged shoplifter. A store manager accused Gloria M. McCall, 55, of Newark, of concealing $159.40 of gro-

ceries, clothing, medical products and baby formula on her person and inside of other packages. McCall then allegedly tried to leave the store without paying for that merchandise.

McCall was charged with shoplifting and later released from the police station with a summons.

On Nov. 19 at 6:45 p.m., Officers Vic Girdwood and Peter Jahera of the Traffic Bureau pulled over a silver Nissan Frontier pickup truck for failing to stop at a red traffic light at Kearny and Wilson avenues. Officer Jahera thought something was amiss when driver Junio M. Martins, 39, of Newark, fumbled for his paperwork and then allegedly could not find his insurance card, which the officer noticed, Martins was holding in his hand.

With the smell of booze in the air, and Officer Girdwood’s observation of two open cans of White Claw spiked seltzer inside the truck, Martins was asked to step out and perform field-sobriety tests which he failed.

Officer Jahera stopped the testing when Martins allegedly could not accurately count past 4 and then lost his balance.

Martins was arrested and charged with drunken driving, open container of alcohol in a vehicle and failure to observe a traffic signal. Note: Although many a spiked seltzer drinker has asserted otherwise, there really are laws when you’re drinking White Claws.

On the same day at 9:43 p.m., Officer Pedro Pina was dispatched to Walmart where their security had identified two men on the property whom he accused of stealing

POLICE BEAT lot.

Assisted by Officers Anthony Oliveira and Josh Lopez, and Lt. Jack Corbett, he placed under arrest Justin A. Bawuah, 20, and Israel J. Moreno, 28, both of Newark.

Bawuah was charged on a summons with shoplifting and conspiracy and remanded to the county jail. Moreno was charged identically but later released with a summons. Bawuah was also cited for having a fictitious license plate and for driving with a suspended license/registration.

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Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Anson Williams returns to Applause Radio

By JoAnn Barton Special to The Observer Well, time surely does seem to be flying by. Sometimes, I don’t even know what day it is anymore. And with that, that is why you didn’t hear what went down on Applause Radio Show last week.

I can hardly believe Christmas is almost upon us.

I hope everyone had as much of a wonderful Thanksgiving as possible. Be thankful for the things we do have and not the things that we do not have.

There are many, many people out there having a tough time.

If you can help someone out, please do your best to do so.

Anson Williams returned to ARS on Tuesday, Nov. 24.

Williams has been on the show before and when he joined us several months back, we of course discussed his “Happy Days” career. But this time, his visit was regarding helping pandemic fatigue, specifically, with front-line workers. I am not sure if most know but I remember it being a rumor Expert Resetting & Remounting

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growing up that Williams was related to Dr. Henry Heimlich, the creator of the Heimlich maneuver. Well, it was confirmed when speaking with Anson.

One night, while driving home extremely late, Williams got very tired and driving fatigue set in. He almost had an accident. It scared him and he thought to himself, “I wish there were drug-free ways to keep you awake,” especially for moments like that.

He approached his uncle and between the two of them, they came up with Alert Drops, a healthy alternative to waking you up and getting a burst of energy. Made with all-natural ingredients and one specific one, lemons.

A drop on your tongue and the sour taste of the lemon would perk you right up. Alert Drops were born and since its inception, they have helped during all night Congressional hearings and now most recently, front-line workers. All Alert Drops have been donated to help these folks help us. If

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On the same show, I had the opportunity to speak to a kind man, Hank Garrett.

Garrett is most known for his role on “Car 54 Where Are You?” as Officer Ed Nicholson.

I remember him from his roles on “Columbo,” but he has been a character actor in several shows and movies.

He is honored for having the best fight scene ever in “Three Days of Condor,” with Robert Redford.

Garrett’s story really touched me. He grew up in Harlem and was going nowhere fast.

Trouble was surely his middle name. Had he not had an intervention from the mayor, he most likely would have wound up in jail or possibly dead.

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back. He was a real New York City police officer before taking the role in “Car 54,” when the acting bug bit him hard. He was also a professional wrestler and sparred with Elvis Presley in Las Vegas.

Garrett has come a long way from the destitute streets of Harlem back in the day and knowing how lucky he was based on the opportunity that was handed to him. He now meets with troubled teens and tries to lend a hand in steering them in the right direction in life.

He is paying it forward with www.hankskids.com.

His amazing story has been put into print in his new book “From Harlem Hoodlum to Hollywood Heavyweight.”

Proceeds from the book go to help the kids and disabled vets.

Based on our conversation, the book sounds like a tearjerker.

On Nov. 25, the talented and funny singer Coco Dolenz came on ARS. If the name sounds familiar, it is. Coco is the sister of Mickey Dolenz from The Monkees.

Coco has a beautiful voice, and she has recorded several albums and before life changed, she would perform at dinner theaters and cabarets singing the classics and great standards. She has sung with The Monkees as Davy Jones on tours.

Mickey and Coco’s vocals are eerily similar, and their harmonies are beautiful. We played a few songs from Davy Jones’s last recordings before his death. They are beautiful Christmas songs and they put me in the spirit.

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Wednesday, December 2, 2020

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Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com

Signing day bonanza at Lyndhurst as three go D-I LYNDHURST – It’s very

rare for any high school to have three athletes sign National Letters of Intent to NCAA Division I schools on the same day. If it does occur for a school in New Jersey, it’s usually one of the power Parochial schools or a larger public school.

But it never happens for a small school like Lyndhurst High School, right?

Guess again.

Lyndhurst recently honored three of its athletes who signed D-I scholarship letters in their respective sports, much to the delight of their parents, their coaches and school officials who were on hand for the proud moment.

Dylan Weaver, the talented wrestler, signed his letter of intent to compete at Rutgers University, joining forces with the best wrestler to ever come out of Lyndhurst, Donny Pritzlaff, the three-time NJSIAA state champion, two-time NCAA champion, four-time NCAA All-American and bronze medal winner in the World Championships and World Cup. Pritzlaff is now an assistant coach at Rutgers and has been involved with the recruiting of Weaver.

It made all the sense in the world considering Pritzlaff’s high school coach at Lyndhurst is back coaching at Lyndhurst, namely Scot Weaver, Dylan’s father.

Weaver gave a verbal commitment to Rutgers almost a year ago to the date, so it was known for a while he was going to join forces with Pritzlaff and the Scarlet Knights.

“Now it’s the real deal,” said Weaver, who finished third in the state at 138 pounds two years ago. “It’s time to turn it up now and get ready for the season.

I’m ready for this season right now.”

Weaver said that he dreamed of having a signing day celebration for a while.

“I used to see my Dad’s former athletes (at the now-defunct Queen of Peace) have their day and I always pictured it happening for me,” Weaver said.

“This means everything to me. There’s no stopping me now. I’m going for the state title.”

There’s only one problem. The NJSIAA already put a hold on the wrestling season until February and there will not be a state championship again this year.

The elder Weaver got a little emotional when it came time for his son to sign his letter.

“It’s an amazing thing,” Scot Weaver said. “Since he’s been 4 years old, he’s been wrestling.”

However, Dylan Weaver had to endure serious heart See VIEW, Page 11

Nutley caps undefeated grid season with big win over Belleville

By Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com

NUTLEY – The year was 1939.

“Gone with the Wind” and “The Wizard of Oz” were the top movie releases in Hollywood.

Lou Gehrig’s streak of 2,130 games came to an end when it was learned that he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease that would later be synonymous with legendary New York Yankees first baseman. Two months after the diagnosis, Gehrig retired and gave “the luckiest man on the face of the earth” speech before 80,000 fans at Yankee Stadium.

Football and baseball were both televised for the first time.

Famed Motown singers Tina Turner and Marvin Gaye were born.

World War II began in Europe.

And the Nutley High School football team was undefeated for the last time.

Well, that is, until last Saturday, when the Maroon Raiders capped an undefeated 2020 season by defeating archrival Belleville, 42-7, in the Mayors’ Trophy game at the Nutley Oval.

It was the 77th time that the two rivals met in a game that used to be played on Thanksgiving Day, was rescheduled this season for Thanksgiving when the truncated season began, then was later played two days after Turkey Day due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Nutley holds a 54-19-4 advantage in the series, with the Maroon Raiders winning the last five meetings and 10 of the 11 get-togethers. The two teams did not face each other from 2012 through 2017.

The last Buccaneer win came in 2008.

Photo by Jim Hague

Nutley quarterback Matt Harbison (center) gets strong blocking from his offensive line in front of him as he looks to make a pitch out during Nutley’s 42-7 win over Belleville Saturday in Nutley.

It wasn’t the most conventional of seasons for anyone, but in particular, the Maroon Raiders. Last year, they first had to handle the news that DiGregorio was facing an uphill battle against pancreatic cancer, a battle that forced the beloved coach to take somewhat of a backseat to assistant J.D. Vick while he received treatment.

Through it all, DiGregorio insisted that he would return – and he did, only to face the next huge obstacle, namely the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, that shut all sports down for months. The shutdown also eliminated the chance of the NJSIAA hosting state playoffs this season.

That news hit the Maroon Raiders hard, because before the season, they thought they had a better than average chance of contending for the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2, Group III championship.

“When the state came out with the modified plan that included no playoffs, they were disappointed,” DiGregorio said. “I told them that there was nothing they could do about it, that they should

concentrate on going out and winning every game.”

Senior captain Jake Walsh then helped his team change their goals somewhat.

“So we didn’t have the states to shoot for, but we still had three things,” Walsh said.

“We could win every game we played to finish undefeated.

We could win our division championship (the New Jersey Super Football Conference-White Division) and we could beat Belleville. That’s all that mattered.”

Then, the Marauders were able to return to practice in September – about a month later than usual – to prepare for what was initially an eight-game schedule, six regular season games and two crossover contests against teams of like enrollment size and talent.

There was more. After playing for five weeks – and winning all five of their games in the process -- the Maroon Raiders had to withstand a two-week quarantine last month that forced them to cancel the anticipated cancel crossover games with See NUTLEY, Page 10

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NUTLEY

Continued from Page 9 Montclair and River Dell.

“It gets me sick to my stomach just thinking about it,” Walsh said. “We had to sit it out for two weeks. We all did a lot of running on our own to stay in shape.”

“We had to keep ourselves fresh on our own,” said junior quarterback Matt Harbison.

“Then once we got back, we could pick it right up again.”

Senior captain and two-way lineman Billy Searle was confident that his teammates would handle every challenge.

“We knew that we had the talent to win every game we played,” Searle said. “It helps that we’re all best friends that stick together through everything. We’re not teammates.

We’re brothers. We’re all brothers to each other.”

Searle didn’t know if the season would resume when the two-

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

out to an early lead, scoring a touchdown on their first possession of the game for the sixth straight time this season.

“We talk about starting fast,” veteran Nutley head coach Steve DiGregorio said. “We started fast and stayed that way. We’re strong up front. I really believe we have the best offensive line in the state. They were setting the tone all year.”

Gennaro Longobardi, who had 128 yards on 13 carries for the day, got the Raiders going Photo by Jim Hague with a 22-yard touchdown run.

Belleville quarterback Anthony Cecere runs for a nice gain in the second Vincent Miller then added two quarter of the rivalry between Belleville and Nutley, won by Nutley, 42-7. touchdown receptions, one was the shutdown and oppoteam, so it was important to set from Harbison and the second on a halfback option pass from nents being changed on the run. the tone,” Harbison said. “We But they powered through all picked it up right where we left Anthony Haines for 71 yards and the Maroon Raiders were that adversity and handled eve- off.” in business, winning 21-0 in the rything. And they still came out DiGregorio was somewhat first quarter. aces. It’s a great credit to them worried about the status of his Johnny Coppola also had a and our senior leadership.” team after the layoff. big day on the ground, collectIt left just one obstacle – the “Sure, I was concerned,” DiGreing 120 yards on 21 carries and a showdown with Belleville. gorio said. “We had to prepare touchdown.

Harbison completin three days. We weren’t going “There’s nothing better than ed five of six passes and had the to use the excuse of being rusty. beating Belleville,” Walsh said. touchdown pass, as did Haines.

So we had two really long prac“Belleville is a real scrappy Just like they did all season, the tices on Monday and Tuesday Maroon Raiders received conand had a relatively aggressive tributions from everyone. practice on Friday. We kept “We didn’t have one player reminding them that Belleville Doctor of Obstetrics & Gynecology in the top 20 in any statistical had more than a week to get ready for us.”

• Prenatal Care See NUTLEY, Page 14 The Maroon Raiders raced

week mandatory quarantine took place.

“We were all heartbroken,” Searle said. “Everyone wasn’t too sure that we would come back. We honestly didn’t know.”

“You see all the games around the state being canceled,” Walsh said. “(The last game being canceled) was definitely a thought that came to mind. We just had to wait and hear what would happen.”

Finally, the Maroon Raiders were told that they had one game to play, that being the rivalry clash with Belleville.

That’s a lot for one team of teenage boys to handle – the coach’s health (DiGregorio’s cancer is now in remission), the shortened season, the coronavirus – but the Maroon Raiders never lost focus, nor their eye on the prize.

“I’ve never been prouder of a team,” DiGregorio said. “They handled the disappointment of no state playoffs and the adversity of a pandemic. Then there

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Wednesday, December 2, 2020

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VIEW

Continued from Page 9 surgery as a toddler.

“We didn’t know whether he was going to be an athlete,” the elder Weaver said. “We were wondering whether he would ever be in this spot.

Here’s the final result.”

No one knows what the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic is going to do to the high school wrestling season this year, but one thing’s for sure.

Weaver is ready and he has his scholarship locked away.

“It’s been tough not being able to compete,” Weaver said.

“But I’ve been training hard and I’m definitely ready.”

Weaver’s signing alone would be a reason for the school to be proud, but there was more.

Kaydee Yallo, the standout girls’ soccer player, signed her national letter to attend Northeastern in Boston.

And not to be outdone, Bryan Cosman, the standout boys’ soccer player, signed his NLI to attend Columbia University in New York.

Three seniors from little old Lyndhurst going big time on

Photos by Jim Hague

Dylan Weaver (center) signs his national letter of intent to Rutgers University, flanked by his parents, father Scot (left), the head wrestling coach at Lyndhurst-North Arlington, and mother Nicole. CENTER: Kaydee Yallo (center) puts her signature to a national letter of intent with Northeastern with her parents, dad Tony (left) and mother Kelly (right). RIGHT: Bryan Cosman (center) is all smiles after signing on with Columbia with dad Derrick (left) and mom Jenny (right) alongside.

the same day – that’s enough to make any little school proud.

Cosman said that he started to get feelers from Columbia last winter. It didn’t take long for Cosman, who also played for the New York Soccer Club and New Jersey Stallions club teams in his career, to consider an Ivy League school such as Columbia, considering Cosman wants to study criminology in college and perhaps move on to agencies like the FBI or the CIA. “It was a shocking moment for me to have an Ivy League school become interested in me,” Cosman said. “It’s one of

C ELEBRATING

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the best schools in the world.

This is a big accomplishment for me and my family.”

Lyndhurst head coach Denis Jelcic, who guided the Golden Bears to their North Jersey Interscholastic Conference divisional championship, the school’s first league title since 1999, was overjoyed with Cosman’s decision to go to Columbia.

“I’m very excited for him,” Jelcic said. “It’s a rewarding feeling. He loves to play soccer. I think he’s only going to get better. He’s a quiet kid who doesn’t let it be known that he’s a big-time soccer player.

Those are the best ones.”

Yallo, who battled a hip injury this season, still battled through and helped the Golden Bears reach the NJSIAA

state sectional title game.

Even though Yallo committed to Northeastern almost 18 months ago, putting the name on the dotted line meant a lot to her.

“I still can’t believe it,” Yallo said. “I’ve finally signed. I’m finally a Huskie. I can begin prepping for college from now See VIEW, Page 14

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Wednesday, December 2, 2020

NA’s Joa saves his best game for last the father of quarterback Joey Witt and the offensive coordinator for the Vikings) asked Ricky Joa’s high school me how I felt about being the football career had dwindled fullback. I told him I was so down to a precious few, so totally into it.” when the North Arlington Being the fullback in a triple senior fullback didn’t get a option offensive package is a chance to carry the ball much totally thankless job. You basiin the Vikings’ tough 57-20 cally have to make it look like loss to Wallington on Nov. 20, you are carrying the football he was a little confused. every single snap, then plunge “I didn’t get the ball as much into the line of scrimmage to as I had been getting it,” Joa either block or indeed carry said. “It was pretty upsetting the ball. that I didn’t get the ball.”

“It was a little different from Joa had put a ton of work being a wing,” Roa said. “I had into this season for the Vito learn the new positions. I kings. He went from being had some trouble learning at a wingback in the Vikings’ first, but then I got it and it unique spread Wishbone ofwasn’t bad. Although I wasn’t fense to a more prominent role getting the ball, I still had a job as a fullback. to do. I’d sprint and run right “Honestly, going from into the line. I had to practice wingback to fullback was the like I had the ball.” best thing to ever happen to But in the loss to Wallingme,” Joa said. “I loved it and ton, Joa felt a little unwanted. embraced it. I remember at The Vikings had one final last year’s football awards din- game on their abbreviated ner, Joey’s dad (Joe Witt, Sr.,

By Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com

Photo by Jim Hague

North Arlington senior fullback Ricky Joa.

schedule, one chance to finish with a winning record for the first time since 2010. It was a remake of the Vikings’ original opener, a game against Secaucus that was postponed due to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic that plagued high school sports all over the globe.

Because of postponements, the Vikings had to jam in three

games in a span of nine days.

The game last Wednesday against Secaucus represented the finale.

“I was pumped for the game,” Joa said. “I was really excited for that.”

North Arlington head coach Paul Savage understood Joa’s importance to his squad.

“In the triple option, it’s crucial to have someone like him,” Savage said. “Without a guy like him, we can’t run that type of offense. He’s a tough kid, that’s for sure. He runs north/south (meaning straight ahead), so that’s a great role for him. He might get tackles every single play, so it’s not a lot of fun. But Ricky can take that spot and be very successful.”

Joa was more than successful in his final high school football game, saving the best game of his career for last. He carried the ball 14 times for 166 yards and scored three

touchdowns, leading the Vikings to a 43-8 victory over the Patriots.

For his efforts, Joa has been selected as The Observer Athlete of the Week for the past week, the final such honoree for the fall scholastic sports season.

The win marked the first time North Arlington defeated Secaucus in more than 20 years, snapping a 12-game losing streak against the Patriots.

It also clinched North Arlington’s first winning season (4-3) in 10 years. The four wins matched the Vikings’ entire win total over the prior four seasons.

“I’m really excited to be a part of that,” Joa said. “It’s our first winning season in a while.

I’m happy to be part of the winning season. It’s a credit to everyone on the team. I loved beating Secaucus, because we See ATHLETE, Page 14

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Obituaries REYNOLD ‘SONNY’ ALBERTI Reynold “Sonny” Alberti of Harrison died suddenly on Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020 at University Medical Center, Newark.

He was 91.

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

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

Born and raised in Harrison, Sonny was a lifelong resident.

He worked for the Harrison Board of Education for 35 years retiring many years ago. He was a member of the Harrison Education Association and a parishioner of Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, Harrison.

In his free time, he enjoyed playing bingo at Holy Cross Church, Harrison.

Reynold is survived by his loving aunt Gloria Confessore and his cherished cousins Frederick G. Confessore and Joseph, Joseph and Thomas Catrambone. He is also survived by many other nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents Charles A. (1985) and Rose Alberti (2010).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Harrison Education Foundation, 501 Hamilton St., Harrison, N.J. 07029 or in care of the funeral home in loving memory of Reynold.

SHANNON PODOLSKI Shannon Podolski died Nov. 26, 2020.

She was 22.

Born with medical illnesses, doctors thought she would only live for a few weeks.

Well, with her fighting spirit and her parents’ and caregivers’ awesome care and love, she lived 1,160 weeks. On Nov. 26, her life was changed, not ended.

Arrangements are by the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. Visiting hours will be Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m.

Because of restrictions placed upon funeral homes, we are

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limited to the amount of visitors at one time. We respectfully ask that your visit be brief so we may be able to allow the most people possible.

Her Mass will be celebrated Thursday at 11 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Church and burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Shannon is survived by her adoring parents Stephen and Roseann Podolski; her cherished brother Sean, along with many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and their families.

She was predeceased by her grandparents Jean and Ernest Podolski and Roseann and Patrick Lombardy.

The family wants to acknowledge Aunt Margaret for all of her assistance, love and support.

In lieu of flowers, kindly make a donation to the Make a Wish Foundation N.J. Chapter.

JOHN CHUNKA John Chunka, 83, died Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020, at Clara Maass Medical Center, Belleville.

A celebration of John’s Life will take place at a later date.

Born and raised in Jersey City, Mr. Chunka had lived in North Arlington for the last 56 years.

He was a draftsman for 35 years at Western Electric in Newark, which later became AT&T. He retired in 1995.

John was a member of B.P.O.E Lodge 1992, North Arlington and founding member of Pop Warner Leaders football league and a coach in that league for many years.

He was a past president of the North Arlington Little League and coached in the league for many years.

John was predeceased by his wife Jean (Ricewick) Chunka.

He is survived by his sons, Mark Chunka and his wife, Deborah, and Brian Chunka and his wife Nadine. John also leaves behind his grandson, Andrew-John Chunka and his son’s niece and nephew, Nicole and Zachary Bolognese, who he loved like grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution to a charity of your

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

department including relief Twist, its former chief Twist was a member of trustee, fire department Fund Engine Company No. 4, having Drive and the FD mutual Aid JOHN CICCHETTI been appointed to the Ruther- Softball League. He also spent John Cicchetti died Nov. 25, ford Fire Department on Oct. many hours planting and 2020.

18, 1966. maintaining Fireman’s Park.

He was 82.

Twist served as Fire Chief The event Twist looked Born in Hoboken, he lived in of the Rutherford Fire Depart- most forward to was the RFD Jersey City before moving to ment in 1987. He served the Children’s Christmas party which he and his wife Sharon Kearny many years ago.

Rutherford Fire Department organized for many years.

Arrangements were by the and the Rutherford commuTwist was selected by the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral nity in many capacities.

Rutherford Irish American AsHome, Kearny.

Twist also served as a sociation as Firefighter of the John was the dear husband company and corporate ofYear for the association’s inauof Felicia (nee Gagliardi) and ficer in Engine Company No. gural parade in 2017. He was beloved father of his children 4 for many years. He served and their spouses Michael and on numerous committees in See OBITS, Page 15 Tina Cicchetti, Lisa Cicchetti, his fire company and for the Steven and Susan Cicchetti and John and Sue Cicchetti.

John was the last of nine siblings. He is also survived by his grandchildren Pamela, Steven, Angela and Nikki along with Mario Teixeria, IV, Manager, NJ Lic. #3757 his great-grandchildren; AidMario Teixeira, Jr. Director, NJ Lic. #2542 • Monique Teixeira, Director, NJ Lic. #4048 en, Avery, Jayden and Alivia.

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JOHN J. LAUNAY JR. John J. Launay Jr. died Nov. 21, 2020.

He was 67.

Born in Jersey City, he lived in Bayonne before moving to Kearny in 1983.

Private arrangements were by the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny. At a future date (yet to be determined) John’s family will have a memorial service so all his friends and family can join together to celebrate his life.

The beloved husband of Michele (nee MacArthur) and loving father of Danielle, he was the dear brother of Cindy Burke and the late Michael J. Launay. He is also survived by “every fish in the sea.” After his family, John’s passion was boating and fishing.

In lieu of flowers kindly consider a donation to your own favorite charity.

THOMAS M. TWIST JR. Thomas M. Twist Jr., 78, a lifelong resident of Rutherford, died Monday, Nov. 23, 2020.

It is with profound sadness the Rutherford Fire Department announces the passing of

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action for a full month due to COVID-19 restrictions before returning to action a week Continued from Page 10 prior to the game.

“When you have a young category,” DiGregorio said. team, as young as we are, “We had incredible selflessit’s kind of hard to operness.” ate like that,” said Johnson, The Maroon Raiders who sported an astounding pushed the lead to 28-0, be17 players on his roster that fore the only blip on the radar were sophomores or freshtook place. Al Horne returned men. “Our kids needed that a kick 82 yards for a touchcontinuity that comes with down that sliced the lead to practice every day. They 28-7. The Buccaneers, who needed that teaching. And finished the season 2-4, had just when we were going a golden chance when they good, we got shut down. It’s recovered a fumble halfway always good to have more through the second quarter. time.”

“We would have loved The Bucs lost their last four to score there to cut it to games to Orange, Montclair, 28-14,” Belleville head coach Columbia and Nutley – all Jermain Johnson said. “The four teams having winning kids started to believe we records this season. could come back. It was our “It was the best experience seniors’ last game and they that this team could have,” didn’t want to lose. But then Johnson said. “I’m very the worst thing that could happy that our kids could happen happened.” be in the position to play The Bucs fumbled and the good teams. Our kids just got Raiders recovered, killing thrown right into the fire. Kuany momentum the Bucs had dos to those guys in Nutley. with the Nutley turnover.

I’m proud of Steve and happy Belleville was also out of for him. He deserves it. One

NUTLEY

day, we’ll be there.”

The Maroon Raiders capped the day with a 24yard pass from Harbison to Mitchell Iaccarino and a 75yard interception return for a score from Longobardi.

With that, perfection was achieved. History was made.

The first undefeated season since the Great Depression was crowned.

“We couldn’t go out a better way,” said Harbison, who said he already began to prepare for his senior football season with Monday workouts. “It’s a great feeling to be able to do this for the community and I hope we can continue it next season. Let’s keep it going.”

“There were 11 teams in the state that finished undefeated and we were one of them,” Walsh said. “That’s very cool.”

Searle had only one regret.

“The only other scenario I wanted would be walking out of MetLife Stadium being undefeated and holding a state championship trophy,” Searle said. “I guess this will work.”

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

table,” said Lyndhurst head girls coach Kim Hykey. “It’s super satisfying when you Continued from Page 11 have a player get a chance to play at the next level. I’ve on. It was always my dream known Kaydee since she to play college soccer.” was eight years old and I’ve Yallo said that she liked watched her develop. She’s Northeastern, top to bottom. proof that with a little bit of “I like their style of play,” hard work and dedication, Yallo said. “I loved the atmos- you can achieve your goals. I phere there.” think before she got to high Yallo intends to major in school, she had the potential criminal justice and psychol- to be a scholarship player. We ogy in a double major and like knew she was something speCosman would like to pursue cial and was the best player a career in the FBI. we ever had.”

“This is so exciting,” Yallo All in all, it was a day for said. everyone in Lyndhurst to be “She brings a lot to the proud.

VIEW

ATHLETE

Continued from Page 12 never did before. So that game is history in itself.”

One of Joa’s touchdown runs, a 60-yard jaunt, was a thing of highlight film variety. Joa rumbled for about 20 yards and the would-be

tackler thought he had Joa down there. But an alert Joa realized that he landed on top of the Secaucus defender and was not down, so he pushed himself up and kept motoring for the score.

“It was all instinct,” Joa said. “I can’t really plan Continued on the next page

will be holding a

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Wednesday, December 2, 2020 to make a run like that. The first guy just missed the tackle.

The next guy was under me and I knew I hadn’t touched the ground. I just kept running. I didn’t hear a whistle, so I just kept going for it. I believe everyone stopped for a second, but I did a spin move and kept going.”

Savage said that Joa is a multi-talented athlete.

“We throw him the ball and he can go out and catch it,” Savage said. “He’s a skilled fullback who can also play halfback sets.”

Joa also is a standout defensive player. He had four tackles for lost yardage in the

win against Secaucus, lining up at defensive end.

“We originally had him at defensive tackle,” Savage said.

“But we needed someone to shut down the sweep, so we moved him to the outside.

We also needed someone to cover the cornerback in case the quarterback kept the ball.

Ricky was the best guy to do it.”

Savage was impressed with the way Joa did a little bit of everything.

“He played like it was his last game,” Savage said of Joa. “And it was his last game. He just needed to put everything into it. He’s a good kid, a quiet

To place a classified ad, please call

201.991.1600 football (soccer) team.

Thomas was born in Jersey City to Thomas M. and Ida Continued from Page 13 (nee MacDonald) Twist in 1941. He was predeceased by an Exempt Rutherford Firehis beloved wife Sharon (2010) man, a Life Member of the NJ and his sister Kay Bauer. He State Fireman’s Association will be profoundly missed by and South Bergen Mutual Aid his son Thomas M. III and his Chiefs Association. wife Erika, his loving grandHe also served his comchildren Victoria Elizabeth munity of Rutherford on the and Spencer, his sisters Muriel borough’s Civil Rights ComFallon, Vanda Decher and a mission and most recently as longtime personal dear friend, a school crossing guard -- and Christopher Seidler. he was on his post at Park and A service was conducted by Donaldson avenues as recently the Rutherford Fire Departas four weeks ago. Godspeed, ment. Interment with US Navy brother.

Honor Guard presentation Thomas was a proud United was in Lodi Cemetery, Lodi.

States Navy veteran, having The Calhoun-Mania Funeral served during the Cuban Mis- Home, Rutherford, was in sile Crisis. He was formerly charge. employed for 30 years as an In lieu of flowers, donations inside sales rep for Mc Elroy in to the Bergen County FirePiscataway. men’s Home Association, C/O He was a big fan of the NY Jeff Parma, 277 Harriot Ave., Giants, Mets, Rangers and Harrington Park, N.J. 07640, Manchester United English would be appreciated.

OBITS

15

The Observer | www.theobserver.com kid who stays to himself. But he’s a gamer. He comes alive when the game starts. He’s a mellow guy, but when kickoff goes, he’s ready. He’s just a humble kid.”

Joa hopes to play football in college. He has already been accepted to Wingate Uni-

versity in North Carolina, an NCAA Division II school that hopes to play football in the spring. Joa has not made his decision about school official.

He is scheduled to go to a player’s combine Saturday in Metuchen. He is also a baseball player for the Vikings.

Call Today at:

But for now, Joa will rest his laurels on his final high school football game, one certainly to remember.

“Honestly, I’m not complaining,” Joa said. “I’ll take those stats any day. I’m very excited about everything.”

As well he should be.

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Seen in photo are, in the back row from left, Head Coach Alana Howell, Alessandra Reyes, Leah Gaspar, Dayanara Terrones, and Angela Moreira. In front row, from left, are Melissa Mota, Makala Dammers, Sara Albanese, Valerie Amador, Olivia McHugh, Emily Villa, Isabelle Agudelo and Gabriella Desa.

Thistle United Sapphires win Lyndhurst tourney The U12-Kearny Thistle United Sapphires won the division in the 2020 Lyndhurst Spooktacular tournament on Oct. 24.

The Sapphires finished with a 1-1 tie against the Harrison Diamonds, a 5-2 win against Clark Reign and a 2-1 win against the Wood-Ridge Strikers.

The team had goals from Dayanara Terrones, Sara Albanese, Melissa Mota and Olivia McHugh. Both goalies, Emily Villa and Gabriella Dessa, were able to give the Sapphires the opportunity to hold onto the lead in their games.

The four-year starters, Makala Dammers and Alessandra Reyes were unstoppable on defense all game. Unfortunately, the team missed Aryanna Villanueva, a defender, but her good luck message had the Sapphires in high spirits.

Leah Gaspar, Angela Moreira, Isabelle Agudelo and Valerie Ama-

dor possessed the hustle and energy needed in every game.

The Sapphires have been working tremendously hard week after week and the tournament results show proof of that, Coach Alana Howell says. After COVID-19 took away their spring season, the girls were excited to get back on the field this fall.

“We make every practice and game count, that’s what makes this team so special. We’ve gotten better at capitalizing on our opportunities and on our passing game,” Howell said.

“I’m looking forward to the rest of the season. My girls understand you get what you give. They relentlessly practice all year round and winning this tournament has helped shed some light on what work ethic can do and will do as we continue to grow.

Proud doesn’t even come close to how I feel.

“This was well deserved.”

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Read something in The Observer you agree with? Disagree with? We want to hear from you. Send a letter to editorial@theobserver. com. Keep it to a max of 250 words. Be sure to include a phone number for verification purposes. No anonymous letters, please.

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

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Observer Classifieds

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

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.

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

HARRISON

KEARNY

KEARNY

HARRISON Studio $1,000/month + 1 and 1/2 month security, Utilities included HT/HW. Walk to PATH TRAIN. No pets/smoking. Available Dec 1st. Call (251) 5096766 after 5:30pm 29W03

KEARNY Sunny 2 BD $1,450/mth on Kearny Ave. in Building. walk up.

1.5 months security. Utilities not included. Steps to bus stops. No pets/ Smoking (973) 951-7385

KEARNY 1st fl. 3 BR’s, DR, EIK, Bathroom.3 closets + 1 Pantry closet. $2100 + 1 months security. Utilities included. no pets/ smoking. Avl. Now (201) 341-4524 28W03

HARRISON Newly renovated 3rd floor. 4 rooms, 2 BRs. 1 Bath. New Kitchen appliances. H/W floors, $1,600 + 1 month security. Utilities separate. 1 yr. lease. No pets/smoking.

Avl. December 1st (973) 207-5229 28W03

KEARNY 2 bedrooms, LR, kitchen. Utilities Seperate Available Dec 1st (201)898-3044 30W03

REAL ESTATE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES!

FULL TIME CHIEF REGISTERED ENVIRONMENTAL BELLEVILLE Mid-Realty, Inc. has been a successful, HEALTH SPECIALIST, PUBLIC HEALTH professional company who has served needed in the Town of Kearny Health Department New Jersey for over 50 years. If you would like to Under direction, manages the Registered know how to enjoy an independent, successful BELLEVILLE Environmental Health Specialist, Public Health procareer in real estate or if you are an active 3 Rooms. Laundry facility gram and staff involved in the on premise. Hardwood agent looking for a change, floors. From $1275 + enforcement of relevant public health laws within the call Mid-Realty, Inc. today for details and Utilities. See Super concernedjurisdiction; conducts inspections, investia confidential interview.

Apartment 2 gations, andeducational outreach activities.

61 Newcombe St. (201)991-5719 or Belleville.

Application available at www.kearnynj.org midrealty@gmail.com

CUSTODIAN

Part-Time.

The Lyndhurst Public Library has an opening for a Part-Time Maintenance Engineer. Black Seal License is required. Duties include cleaning and maintaining the Library building. Light electrical, plumbing, and carpentry skills needed. Maximum 24 hours per week.

Salary commensurate with experience.

Please send, fax, or email resume by 12/31 to: Donna Romeo, Director Lyndhurst Public Library 355 Valley Brook Ave. Lyndhurst, NJ 07071 Fax: (862) 214-2845 romeo@lyndhurst.bccls.org 29W06

LABORER Full time laborer needed in the Department of Public Works to do street cleaning, street/sewer repairs, line painting, truck washing, maintenance/ cleanup of parks and playgrounds, garage and shade tree maintenance and other related duties. Valid NJ commercial driver’s license class B with air brake endorsement. Candidates who do not have the required license must obtain CDL by the end of their 90-day probationary period. 40 hours per week, Annual salary $35,842 Application available at https://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/ Deadline to appy is 12/11/20 28W03

LABORER Part-time laborers needed in the Department of Public Works to assist with the operations of the recycling center including assisting residents, sorting recycling materials, loads, lifts, & moves materials and equipment, general yard cleaning, accepting deliveries, and other related duties. Valid NJ driver’s license required.

24.5 hours per week, Hourly Rate $ 12.00 Application available at https://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/ Deadline to apply is 12/11/2020 28W03

FULL TIME SUPERVISING ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST needed in the Town of Kearny Health Department Under direction, supervises and performs the work involvedin conducting investigations and inspections, and in gatheringinformation for the purpose of identifying, evaluating,preventing, and eliminating environmental health hazards Registered Environmental Health Specialis license is required Application available at www.kearnynj.org 30W03

FULL TIME ASSISTANT HEALTH OFFICER needed in the Town of Kearny Health Department Assists the Health Officer in planning, developing, coordinating and directing the work programs of a municipal Health Department and in directing the enforcement of public health laws within the municipality. Registered Environmental Health Specialist license is required Application available at www.kearnynj.org 30W03

Call Joe (862)202-9210

30W03

23W09

28W03

LOOKING FOR A SALES EXECUTIVE TO JOIN OUR TEAM

Responsibilities include servicing existing accounts, calling inactive accounts, generating new business and growing territories & building new leads. Background check.

Send resumes with a cover letter of introduction to jobs@theobserver.com

NOW HIRING CHHA-RN Visiting Homemaker Service of Hudson County, Inc. 1919 Kennedy Blvd.

North Bergen, NJ 07047 P: (201) 6566001

WAREHOUSE IN KEARNY NJ Packers, Sorters, Cutters $11/hr to start. Overtime On Saturdays if wanted.

Call (201)998-8700 30W03

29W06

The Observer is not responsible for typographical errors. Credit for errors will not be granted after the next week’s publication. $10 for minimal changes.

No refunds once ad is taken and C.C charged.

Deadline for Classifieds Employment/ Business Monday 12:00 PM All others Monday by 3:00 PM. E-mail Ads to classified@theobserver. com.

Wanted Driver /Warehouse, F/T - P/T mature individual for Foodservice CO. must posses good driving record.

Salary plus Bonus Call 973-754-9775 EXT 3000

24W09

HARRISON 3 Bedrooms, 1 Bath Apartment on 2nd Floor in 3 Family Home.

Parking. Central A/C.(No laundry. No smoking. No pets). $1,750 monthly rent plus $2,625 security. call or text (973)985-1818

SERVICES OFFERED APPLIANCES & ELECTRONICS REPAIR

APPLIANCES & ELECTRONICS REPAIR OVER 20 YEARS SERVING NJ RESIDENTS IN 6 COUNTIES. FALAMOS PORTUGUES. HABLAMOS ESPANOL. FREE ESTIMATE AT SANTRONICS.NET OR CALL 908-403-0313 25W06

PET CARE

PET CARE BY BARBARA No Need to Worry Dog walking - Cat sitting Drop in Visits Along with other small pets.

If they need medication or special attention, Rest assured I will care for your Pet as if they were my own.

Call for consultation References on request (954) 856-5812 23W09

KEARNY Large 1 Bedroom apartment on the third floor. Can be used as a two bedroom if needed.

H/W floors throughout.

Utilities not included.

Close to path and train.

Cats and small dogs OK. Available December 5th (201)618-5337 30W03

29W03

KEARNY HARRISON 2 Bedroom apartment located 1/2 mile from Harrison path station.

Large living room, eat-in kitchen, full bathroom...

Parking for 1 vehicle included. $1500 + 1 months security. Come see! Please text Gerardo at 201-522-6969 29W03

KEARNY 1st fl. 3 BR’s, DR, EIK, Bathroom.3 closets + 1 Pantry closet. $2100 + 1 months security. Utilities included. no pets/ smoking. Avl. Now (718) 473-5040 28W03

LYNDHURST LYNDHURST 3 room apt. 2nd fl. just remodeled. 1 block to train & Bus. $1,650/month + 1 months security. Available Now (201) 438-1987 30W03

HARRISON

28W03

Looking for some Extra holiday cash?

Christmas Kettle Workers Ages 18+. $11.00 per hour November 20th December 24th, 2020 Mon-Sat. Please apply via https:// rb.gy/3ocl5z (Select Kearny) If you have any questions, please call 201-991-1115 (X-2) Contact: Rebeca Escobar

THE DEADLINE FOR CLASSIFIED ADS 3 PM, Monday.

CALL 201-991-1600 OR SEND AN EMAIL TO classified@theobserver.com NO ONE PERMITTED IN OFFICE

29W03

KEARNY Newly renovated, hardwood floors.

Laundry onsite. HT/HW included. 2 BR start at $1,145 1 BR start at $1,250 Jr. BR start at $ 1,195 (201) 289-7096 26W12

KEARNY 2 BR. LR. DR. EIK. 1 Bath. Enclosed Front Porch. $1350 + 1 Month security. Utilities separate.

No Pets/Smoking. Available January 1st (201)9918219 28W03

HARRISON 2nd Floor 3 bedroom apartment, Kitchen, LR, DR, 2 bathrooms, Deck, Parking. No Pets No Smoking. Utilities Seperate. $2,000/mth plus 1 mth security. Available December (201)655- KEARNY 1 bedroom 3 room apartment in great 8653 29W03 location. $1300/mth Utilities Seperate. 1 month security. Parking available.

HARRISON 2nd FL, 3 No Pets. Available Now. BR’S, DR, LR, Bath, EIK $ Credit Check. Single or couple preferred. Call be1,700 + 1 month security. tween 10 am and 7 pm.

Utilities separate , No (201)997-2341 29W03 smoking/ pets. Available December 1st. Call 973336-5335 29W03 KEARNY 3rd floor apt on family house, 1 bedroom , 2 small rooms with closets, kitchen with marble HARRISON 2 Bed- top and new hard wood room, Kitchen, LR, 2nd floors.No pets, $1.300 all Floor Utilities Seperate. utilities included, month $1,600/mth 1 1/2 mth and 1/2 security. Corner security. Call or Text after of Belleville turnpike and 2 pm couple preferred. Forest st, Kearny NJ AvailWalk to PATH. Call 973- able Jan 1st 2021 (862) 900-0486 28W03 237-8908 30W03

KEARNY 2BR APT. HT/HW included. $1,650 + 1.5 Months security. See Super 6 Woodland Ave. Apt. 1 (201)892-8035 for appointment.

NUTLEY

NUTLEY 2nd Fl. 2 BR’S , 4 rooms apt for rent. Move In condition Large EIK, LR , HW floors, Washer and dryer, AC provided $1,700/ month plus 1 KEARNY 1/2 month security, No 1 BR APT. HT/HW included. $1,250/month. pets, No smoking, Close See Super to NY transportation.

654 Elm St, Kearny.

Call Tom 973-517-7517 Call Sofia after 3pm Leave a message 30W03 (201)998-3516 for appointment.

28W03

28W03

N.NEWARK KEARNY Arlington Section, 2nd fl. 4 family home. 1 BR. DR. LR. EIK. $1,400/month. H/HW included. no pets/smoking.

Available Dec 1st (201) 998-7268 28WO3

N. NEWARK Goverment SECTION 8 preferred, 1 BR,1st fl.

Near all Transportation and Buses.

Completely renovated.

Call 973-202-8580.

28W03

KEARNY One bedroom apartment for rent in Kearny. No pets. Available Dec 1st Please call 862 485 2013 28W03

KEARNY Renovated 2 bedroom apartment for rent 2nd floor $1500 plus 1 and 1/2 month security utilities are separate available now No pets.

(201)232-1768 29W03

N. NEWARK 4 room apt. private home 2nd fl. Close to NYC Transportation.

Kitchen, LR, 1 BR plus office/computer room, no pets or laundry. Street parking only. Utilities included. $1,200/month. 1 month security. Avl. January 1st. References Required. For more info call Anthony (973) 485-6417 or (862)755-3502 after 6pm. 29W03

18 11

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Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Observer Classifieds

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

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.

N.ARLINGTON

KEARNY

NORTH ARLINGTON 1 Bedroom on 2nd Floor supply own heat & electricity No Pets/No Smoking Available Jan 1st perfect for a single person or young couple background checked 1 mo. security-$1,800. monthly rent call: 201-997-4820 29W03

KEARNY Access to Kitchen. $600 + 1 months security. Utilities included.

Female Preferred. Available Now. (551)580-6450 29W03

HOUSE FOR RENT

29W03

NORTH ARLINGTON

Studio apartment $1,100/mth Heat/HW supplied. Single or couple preferred. 1st floor in garden apartment complex.

Laundry on site. Parking available. Close to trans and shopping.

No Pets/Smoking Callbetween 10am-7pm only.

(201)997-2341 29W03

N. ARLINGTON 6 rooms, 1 bath, HW floors, 3 bedrooms. Close to NYC trans. $2,100/mth + 1 mth security. Utilities Seperate. No Pets/Smoking.

Available Now (201)9975199 29W03

N.ARLINGTON 1st Floor.

1 BR, EIK LR, Bathroom. $1300 +1 months security. Heat/HW included.

Call Carlos (201)988-7536 30W03

ROOM FOR RENT

KEARNY KEARNY Room for rent.

Men preferred. No kitchen. We speak Spanish.

Available Now (201)3882156 28W03

LANDSCAPING & DESIGN

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

COPACABANA LANDSCAPING

JOSEPH V. FERRIERO Plumbing & Heating

KEARNY

N.ARLINGTON 1st Fl. 1 KEARNY BR, near Transportation.

5 BR’s. 1 Bath. DR. $1300 + 1 1/5 months Spacious LR. Full security. No smoking. One year lease. Available Dec Kitchen. Washer & Dryer.

1st. (973)838-1662 29W03 Basement can be used for storage. 3 Parking spaces. $2800 + 1 months security.

NORTH ARLINGTON 1 Bedroom 3 room apartSmall Pets. ment in garden apartment Available Now complex. 2nd floor. $1450 (201)726-2846 + 1 month security. Credit Check. H/HW included No Pets/Smoking. Single or couple preferred. 1 parking space available Laundry facilities on site Close to trans and shopping. available January 1st (201)997-2341 between 10am-7pm only

PLUMBING & HEATING

30W03

OFFICE CONDO FOR SALE

JERSEY CITY JERSEY CITY

Two adjacent office condos for sale on JFK Blvd. Smaller 550 sq.ft., larger 630 sq.ft.

Two full baths. In a 27 unit residential building, near a university. Great potential!

Call 201-628-4071 28W03

SPACE FOR RENT NEWARK Commercial space available. Approx. 3,000 square feet.

9 parking spaces.

572-576 Market Street, Newark, Available January 1, 2021 Office space ideal for small business, accountant, mortgage company, travel agency etc., etc.

7 Individual offices, front desk area, conference room, kitchen, and 2 bathrooms. Separate entrances. Owner occupies 2 nd floor.

Owner is a licensed Real Estate Broker. Some offices are large enough for two people. Rent includes taxes. Utilities and trash removal will be split 50/50 monthly.

Please call Maria Silva at 973-727-1032 for more information or to take a tour 27W08

Kitchen and bath remodeling. Carpentry.

Hot Water Heaters.

Fully Ins. Lic# 165

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Mario Esposito’s Landscaping LLC •Clean-up •Lawn Maintenance •Top soil •Mulch •Spring Clean up Free Estimate (201) 438-3991 29W04

(201)637-1775 30W06

PAINTERS

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

G&R BUILDERS Roofing,

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

All types of Carpentry

FREE ESTIMATES 20% Senior Citizen Discounts

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

Lic. #13VH02536200 27W06

A-1 AFFORDABLE RUBBISH REMOVAL

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We Accept Visa/MasterCard

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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

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

ROOFING/SIDING B&A ROOFING

High quality job at a affordable price Specialize in Shingles, Flat Roofs, New & repair siding,gutters, Tree Removal

and windows FREE ESTIMATES (201)719-3074 Licensed & Insured 29W06

Roofing - SidingRepairsSame day service Same phone number for 20 Years

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Kevin’s Affordable Painting Sheetrocking, Plastering, Floors, Doors and more.

Very neat and clean.

You will be happy with our service and prices.

Refrences available Senior Discounts Call for the best price (201) 565-6393.

24W06

CLEANING SERVICES

25W06

HEATING & COOLING

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PAYLESS ROOFING

Licensed and Insured

RUBBISH REMOVAL

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

26W06

26W06

28W06

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

erickconstructionnj.com Free estimates - Fully insured

25W06

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

We offer a variety of electrical services & promise your satisfaction with our work.

(973)661-2100

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

paylessroofingservices.com LIC#13VH00418100 29W06

LACA CORP

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

NEAT-NIK CLEANING I clean, using my own supplies. Reasonable, Reliable, Respectful.

Call Elsie at

(973)743-2039 27W03

Izza’s Cleaning

I have excellent references and years of experience. For a free estimate contact me anytime at

201-838-7698 30W03

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

All types of Home Improvement.

Quality work. Fair prices Fully insured.

Lic# 13vh03006100

(201) 906-2422 30W06

TESTIMONIAL G & R Builders and Roofing has been advertising with The Observer for many years.

This is what he had to say.

I am certain I will continue to do so for many years to come. I get many calls from our ad in the Classified Section and we estimate that of those calls, at least 90% of them we actually do business with.

That’s an incredible percentage and because of it, we don’t advertise anywhere else anymore because there is no need. The investment of paying for an ad in The Observer has paid off in ways I never thought possible.

Be patient and you’ll see — advertising with The Observer long-term works.

— Gilbert Rosado Owner of G&R

www.TheObserver.com

ROOM FOR RENT

View the entire issue online @

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

19 Belleville Senior Center set for $30K in upgrades

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS N.A. TREE LIGHTING IS DEC. 1 North Arlington will light its Christmas Tree virtually this year on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 7:30 p.m. Santa will also make a visit. To watch the tree lighting, log on to www.facebook. com/boroughofnortharlington.

SANTA VISITING KEARNY DEC. 5 STARTING AT 9 A.M. Santa’s going to be taking a trip around Kearny on Saturday, Dec. 5, beginning at 9 a.m. He’ll be on the bucket truck -- Ladder Tower 1 -- along with Sparky. Lead cars will escort Santa around town with sirens on and Christmas music playing so families will know when to come outside to see him.

The escort will be slower than it’s been in the past so all children will have enough time to get outside to see Santa.

That day, the Kearny Fire Department will offer location updates throughout the day as to Santa’s precise location on Facebook. You’ll also

be able to find Santa’s route sometime this week on the KFD’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/KearnyFireDepartment).

Santa’s visit is a joint effort of the Kearny Fire and Police departments.

SANTA’S MAILBOX AVAILABLE IN LYNDHURST THROUGH DEC. 18 Santa’s Mailbox is now available on the lawn at Lyndhurst Town Hall.

It’s a special mailbox whose contents go directly to Santa’s Workshop in the North Pole.

Please do remember that Santa needs the children’s last name and addresses to answer all the letters, so make sure it is included before putting it in the mailbox. He was very sad he couldn’t answer some letters last year.

Also note that since Santa will be getting much busier closer to Christmas, the mailbox will get transported back to the North Pole on the morning of Friday, Dec. 18, so get your letters in right away.

By Kevin Canessa kc@theobserver.com

T

he Belleville Senior Center on Franklin Avenue is getting a $30,000 facelift that will feature new floors, doors and color.

The renovations also include replacing locks on the kitchen cabinets, fixing a leaky sink, solving phone issues at the center, moving a refrigerator out of the main room and exploring aesthetic upgrades to the side entrance.

Because the project will use revenue from a developer’s agreement earmarked for local community upgrades in the surrounding neighborhood, no taxpayer dollars will be used to pay for the upgrades.

Before renovations began, Mayor Michael Melham met

with leaders of local senior citizen organizations to solicit input regarding what upgrades are needed. Seniors assisted in selecting floor type and the color of the paint to freshen up the walls.

Additionally, funding from the developer’s agreement will be earmarked for work on the Little League field and to make a donation to the Disabled American Veterans Hall.

“In the post-COVID world, our senior population – our greatest treasure - will have a bright, vibrant place in which our residents can socialize,” Melham said. “It feels even more gratifying to provide these upgrades at no cost to our taxpayers.”

Work has already started on the project, to be completed early next year.

facebook.theobserver.com

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The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

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