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Wednesday, 19 January 2022

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Vol. CXXXIV, No. 37

ON THE INSIDE Washington Middle School eighth-grader says he & his mates should be learning in school, not at a screen.

SEE BRIDGING THE GAP, PAGE 5

BABY MURDERED

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

2-month-old infant allegedly slain by her own father in North Arlington, BCPO says By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com

North Arlington couple has been arrested in connection with the murder of their 2-month-old baby girl — and the baby’s father has been charged with first-degree murder — Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced Jan. 12. According to Musella, Aaron Medrano, 27, of Schuyler Avenue, North Arlington, the father of the baby, whose name was Giovanna, was hauled into custody (twice),

first on Dec. 30, 2021, when he was charged with second-degree aggravated assault and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. On Jan. 11, 2022, a week after the baby died, he was taken into custody again, this time additionally charged with first-degree murder. When he was arrested Dec. 30, Medrano was released from custody, but after he was re-arrested earlier this month, he’s been on remand (no bail) at the Bergen See BABY, Page 19

Google Street View

It was inside this house on Schuyler Avenue North Arlington police were called to on a report of a baby who wasn’t breathing. Though the child survived more than a week after that 911 call, she tragically died 12 days later — and now the BCPO says her father stands accused of killing her.

DePeña introduces Belleville to ‘Hope to Courage’ By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com

hether in her role as Belleville Deputy Mayor, a small business owner, an ordained minister or a trusted friend, Naomy De Peña says many of the conversations she has been having keep reverting to the

Catch

same issue: fear. She has even been getting emails and text messages in the middle of the night from those who are nearing a tipping point with anxiety and angst. The Hope to Courage initiative was born out of De Peña’s vision to lend support to those friends, family members, township residents, fellow

parents and anyone else trying to deal with the crushing weight of stress. Hope to Courage is a holistic, interfaith, interdisciplinary program that began Sunday, Jan. 9 and runs through the end of the month. It can be accessed at no cost via Facebook, YouTube or Instagram through this website: http://qrco.de/bcfvqS.

The Observer LIVE!

MONDAYS AT 8 PM @ YOUTUBE.THEOBSERVER.COM

The daily video messages from doctors, life coaches, financial planners, nutritionists, nurses, art therapists, herbalists, yoga instructors and others are designed to be lifelines of hope and control after everything we’ve experienced during the pandemic. See HOPE, Page 18

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Wednesday, January 19, 2022

AS NA REORGANIZES,

to lay out the groundwork for the upcoming year as it pertains to cohesively running he Borough of North our Borough. The people you Arlington reorganized see in these zoom boxes, who at January began — ordinarily would be seated at with Councilmembers a formal deus, are the people Allison Sheedy and Brian who oversee the process. Over Fizhenry taking new oaths of the course of the evening, you office. The pair swept their will hear the names of the way back into office after professionals, the volunteers facing no challenges from the and the appointed residents Democratic Party in November. who put in the time to make The meeting, originally sure our plans are successfully scheduled to take place in carried out. PRONTI person, was instead on Zoom For those of us who have values were dropping. It because of COVID concerns. lived in North Arlington for seemed as if nothing was being advertising@theobserver.com 201-991-1600 Still, it was a chance for all some time, we know there accomplished. Our roads the elected officials to share r: Client: was a time when it wasn’t as needed repairs. Our young their visions for the coming bright and positive. We hit athletes were not very proud year. And, as such, Mayor somewhat of a dark patch for a of our home fields and our Daniel H. Pronti delivered his number of years and watched recreation programs were annual “State of the Borough” as surrounding towns grew suffering as a result. address, where he remained around us and left us as the As we began assembling a very upbeat and excited about lesser-desirable place to live, team of dedicated residents, North Arlington today and work and raise a family. we immediately began to see tomorrow. dvertising: Here is the updated template with a new photo of Jarlynn Hyde: Changes needed to be made progress. The desirability of Here’s Pronti’s speech, as as we appeared to be spiraling North Arlington has been on delivered, in its entirety. downward. Businesses were the uprise since that time. Each Welcome to our 2022 closing. Municipal taxes year, we seem to be making reorganization meeting. Each were soaring, and property more and more upgrades, year we take this opportunity By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com

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whether to our infrastructure, our roads, our parks, the areas along our waterfront or to our professional services. When I first ran for office in North Arlington, I was troubled by the number of vacant storefronts that sat along Ridge Road. The businesses along our main thoroughfare had no chance of surviving. Successful mom and pop stores were few and far between. If a new place opened, it appeared to close a short time after. We had to make the appropriate changes that made our main street our lifeline. Since that time, North Arlington has undergone a renaissance. We have been recognized in national periodicals as being one of the most desirable places to live, one of the best places to raise a family and one of the best places in proximity to a major city. These changes have been a direct result of the many decisions made by the people

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who run this borough on a daily basis. These changes are a large reason why many newcomers have chosen to make North Arlington their home over the past few years. There is still room for improvement and we currently have the personnel in place to keep the momentum going. Together, we will accomplish great things for this community. I welcome all of our new residents as well as our existing residents to this meeting. A very big part of what we do here in North Arlington is a result of the guidance of Steve LoIacono, our Borough Administrator. His years of experience and his willingness to give advice has been more than helpful. Tonight we are celebrating the re-election of Councilman Brian Fitzhenry and Councilwoman Allison Sheedy. This past year we celebrated 125 years since the incorporation of the Borough of North Arlington. Being the type of year it was, much like 2020, we had to get extra creative in ways to get our community together and keep them safe when we encountered spikes in our COVID numbers. We wanted to run a formal gala in honor of our anniversary, but due to the times, it was not possible. When times are tough, this group has been known to get innovative. We can’t even get frustrated anymore, we just shake it off and move on to something else. You may have noticed the large celebratory cake on the Continued on the next page

Mary Beth & Rusty Gerstenmier Happy 45th anniversary, mom & dad, with love from your sons, Edward (and Kelly) and Robert. n

January 28, 1977 January 28, 2022

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

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PRONTI IS OPTIMISTIC Continued from previous page front lawn of Borough Hall. That cake was made by volunteers from within our community. Council President Mario Karcic assembled a team that spent their time making it a reality. That cake came complete with light-up candles and gave our residents a physical remembrance of what we celebrated all year. Residents were coming up to Borough Hall and taking photos of themselves and their families around the cake. It was definitely a community-driven opportunity. In celebration of our 125 years, we also hosted a number of “Pop-up” parties throughout the borough. I didn’t know what a pop-up party was, but Councilwoman Allison Sheedy assured me it was going to be fun and she was right. As a result, we surprised our residents, of all ages, at recreation sporting events, senior citizen gatherings and other events. We brought balloons, cupcakes and other treats for everyone to enjoy. As those in attendance not only had fun, they were also reminded of the reason for the celebration, to celebrate North Arlington. In 2021, we were able to successfully hold our second “Celebrate North Arlington” event despite up and down covid interruptions and a forced “off” year in between. This is an event the entire council gets involved with and we partner with local businesses and merchants to show why we love this community. It’s an opportunity for the entire population to interact with each other, with our local talented kids and local businesses and see what everyone has to offer. Over the past few years, North Arlington has been thriving, despite this current pandemic. As we continue on our upward swing, we continue to see Ridge Road become a vibrant main street, which is the key to a successful community. North Arlington is very attractive to

developers as well as to new businesses. With the most recent addition of culture and tasteful streetscape art, we began adding selected paintings along Ridge Road. We have two other locations currently undergoing design ideas to keep with the times. As our Ridge Road Redevelopment zone continues to flourish, and businesses are beginning to thrive, we are able to simultaneously maintain our quaint, close-knit community. At the bottom of our Western Slope, we have been working diligently on improving the River Road section of town. Many properties have already been revitalized and we still have some work to do. We continue to move ahead with our plans for senior and veteran housing, despite setbacks due to ever-so-long closures and backups in the state as a result of the pandemic. We are not backing off this project. Our seniors and our veterans need this to be accomplished and we will remain focused until it is complete. Under my Mayor’s Beautification program, artistic upgrades haven’t only been along Ridge Road. Our NA Rocks, in our most picturesque area of town, along the river, have proven to be a hit with our residents. We not only bring art and culture into our community, but we acknowledge worthwhile causes at the same time. The eastern cliffs of North Arlington have seen upgrades to our antiquated infrastructure, while removal and updates to several blighted properties have been noticeable. Over the next year or so, we will start to see several other areas start to develop into single- and two-family houses, rather than commercial eyesores. All of the success and upgrades we have seen over the past several years could not have been accomplished See NA, Page 15

Notification of Environmental Investigation and Cleanup Lyndhurst Fuel, LLC 852 Riverside Avenue, Lyndhurst, NJ (Block 190/ Lots 1.01, 1.02, and 1.03) NJDEP Preferred Identification #008415, Case # 00-03-14-1617-05 January 2022 In accordance with New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) regulations for “Notification and Public Outreach”, LynJersey LLC. is required to provide information relating to environmental conditions and remedial activities being conducted at the above referenced Site. The Site operates as a gasoline service station. Discharges from gasoline service station operations have occurred at the site, and these discharges have impacted ground water in the area of the site. Chemicals identified at the Site associated with Case# 00-03-14-1617-05 include gasoline constituents such as benzene, methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), and tert-butyl alcohol (TBA). These contaminants were initially detected in groundwater in 1999. Investigations in March 2000 indicated the source of this spill was from prior fuel deliveries that utilized the wrong port to fill the USTs. Since this time, the extent of the contamination in groundwater has been delineated both downgradient and sidegradient off-site. LynJersey LLC is conducting investigative and remedial activities in accordance with the requirements of the NJDEP to address the chemical contaminants detected. The person conducting the remediation is evaluating the environmental impacts from the site including the potential for the contamination from this site to affect drinking water wells and the quality of indoor air to ensure that any impacts from the contamination is promptly mitigated. For additional information or to obtain a copy of the complete fact sheet for this site, please contact Paul Schmidt on behalf of LynJersey LLC at (201) 310-8362 or Robert M. Edgar, LSRP at (732) 326-1010.

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IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION Opinion.................................................................................................Page 6 Sports..................................................................................................Page 9 Health & Wellness Directory...............................................................Page 11

Obituaries..........................................................................................Page 13 Classifieds ��Pages 16-17 Business Directory........................................................................Page 18

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Offering mutual aid at Passaic chemical fire

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

NEWS BRIEFS Let the NA Knights cook for you Jan. 25 The Queen of Peace Knights of Columbus sponsor a takeaway Tuesday pasta dinner Tuesday, Jan. 25, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Columbian Club Hall, 194 River Road. The Knights will be serving pasta, meatballs, bread, salad and dessert for $15 per adult and $10 for kids aged 6 to 11. The deadline for ordering is Sunday, Jan. 23, and reservations, which are required, may be made by calling (201) 988-0183.

Photo courtesy of the Lyndhurst FD

By now you likely know about the epic 11-alarm fire at a chemical plant Jan. 14 in Passaic. Many local fire departments offered aid, including the Kearny Fire Department’s Marine unit, Lyndhurst FD Engine 1 and units from North Arlington and Belleville. The Lyndhurst FD posted images to social media the following day, including this shot of Engine 1 when it was staged on Route 21. While the Kearny FD’s Marine 3 got to the scene on the Passaic River, it was ultimately and quickly turned back because of unfavorable conditions.

Kearny’s Jablonski named to Holy Cross Dean’s List Nathaniel Jablonski of Kearny, a graduate of St. Peter’s Prep, was named to the College of the Holy Cross’ fall 2021 Dean’s List. A member of the Class of 2025, Jablonski has not yet declared a major at the Worcester, Massachusetts, Jesuit-run school. He was among more than 1,375 students named to the Dean’s List for outstanding academic

achievement during the fall semester of the 2021-22 academic year. To qualify, students must pass four or more letter-graded courses with no failing grades during the semester and earn a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Grant to E. Newark, Nutley schools to buy silent alarms A bill that will benefit the Nutley and East Newark school districts by awarding grants to place high-tech security in schools was signed into law by Gov. Philip D. Murphy late last week. The grants will pay for installing panic alarm systems required under “Allyssa’s Law,” the 2019 mandate requiring all primary and secondary schools in New Jersey to install “panic alarms” that can silently notify law enforcement of life-threatening or emergency situations. Sen. Paul Sarlo sponsored the bill in the state Senate. Under the grant, Nutley will receive $228,171 and East Newark will get $20,000.

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

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Bridgingthe

G A P

Kids my age need to learn at school By Isaiah Henderson Washington Middle School, Harrison

or half of my sixth-grade year and all of my seventh-grade year, my school district and I experienced online learning. I feel our online learning was good to test — but I do not believe it is fit for the long-term and here is why. Lots of students, including myself, have had problems during online learning for many reasons which was the reason lots of students' grades were not as good as their grades were during their time in school. Some of the problems students dealt with were simple things like WiFi issues, difficulty paying attention because we had distractions in our homes and attendance. You may be thinking the majority

of the problems we complained about may have been our faults and you are completely right, which is why I say online learning most likely would not work out long-term through K-12 grades. I say we shouldn’t use online learn-

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ing during K-12 because these are years that matter to the colleges we go to, what jobs we get in our future and our professions in life — and you don’t want to ruin those things because of some simple mistakes and childish problems during online schooling. I strongly believe being inside a

school is a lot better than online because online, we’re home and we easily can lose our motivation and worries arise for our work. In a school with people around us, like the teachers and our friends, it gives lots of people happiness which leads to students having less stress and having much more dedication and effort in what we need to do. My brother is a high school student and he’s told me how he and his friends agree how high school can be much more difficult online compared to in-person learning. This could be really bad for the youth’s future because knowing your high school credits and grades matter very much to what you’re going to do later on — you just don’t want to ruin your chances because of online difficulties.

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Opinion & Viewpoints

EDITORIAL In gratitude to ‘Ozzie’ for his decades of KFD service

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

f there were a Wikipedia page for the Kearny Fire Department, it would have to include, at the very top, a photo of Deputy Chief Robert “Ozzie” Osborn. This is not meant to be disrespectful of the other men and women who have put on the uniform for Kearny’s Bravest — it’s just that for the last 38+ years, there are very few people who live and breathe their career the way Ozzie has. He is what makes the department the department. He joined the KFD in the early ‘80s and all these years later, he is set to retire at the end of this month. With his retirement comes the end of an era, the end of a career that has spanned five different decades, numerous chiefs and huge changes to the way fires are fought. Yet despite those countless changes, one thing has remained consistent — Ozzie. He climbed his way up the ladder (no pun intended) from line firefighter to second in command very rapidly. He had chances to become the chief, but the truth is, that was the only role he never actually sought because too much of the chief’s time is spent — at a desk. (Again, no disrespect intended to the men who have sat behind that desk.) If there is one place Ozzie just couldn’t be, it was behind a desk. For nearly 40 years, he was out there, on the front lines, either battling the fires himself or guiding his people on the best way to do so. He was jumping under garage doors to keep them from trapping his firefighters from getting out of burning buildings. He was hopping in a vehicle caravan, heading to locations of natural disasters — like Hurricanes Katrina & Harvey — as a member of FEMA’s NJ Task Force 1, a compilation of the best first responders in America who are sent to save lives when the local fire responders just aren’t enough. He’s been on the roof of Owens Corning, or inside the South Kearny substation, helping train the bravest in confined-space rescue. He’s been everywhere firefighters go because deep down, he is a firefighter’s firefighter. After fires, he’s been known to bring journalists inside to see the damage so they might better understand how a fire started, spread, got out of control. He absolutely loved sharing his knowledge of the fire service to colleagues and anyone willing to listen — and man did he ever succeed at imparting it. As he retires at the end of the month, he leaves behind a legacy we’d imagine most would say is impossible, implausible to replace, replicate. He takes with him almost 40 years of experiences no new firefighters will ever learn from, perhaps the saddest part of his retirement. But his leaving — which comes long after his eligibility to do so — is one that is beyond well deserved. Indeed, the Kearny FD will never be the same without him, but it is what it is today, in great deal, because of Ozzie’s contributions to it. Every single resident, to this day, benefited from that. And we’re all lucky to have had him for as long as we have. So we take this opportunity to laud Ozzie on his remarkable, unparalleled career — we wish him all the best as he moves on — and we owe him a debt of gratitude for all he gave of himself for the betterment of the Town of Kearny. May his legacy live on in his firefighter brethren for many years to come.

LaClair: Rogers’ Op-Ed was illogical and an exercise in convenience

teven L. Rogers’ OpEd on abortion is an exercise in illogic and convenience. A reasoned position on this or any other matter should be based on the facts; in other words, on the truth. First he sets up his strawman with the statement that pro-choice advocates argue that they have a right to “terminate the life of a living human being in their womb.” That statement begs the question, in the classic sense of question-begging. A onecelled zygote is not a human being by any reasonable standard. We value our life experience. When someone is brain dead, we no longer take steps to preserve that life, because the organism no longer has conscious awareness. Consciousness is an emergent property, which develops gradually over time. It is not present in the early stages of pregnancy. In fact, the brain does not even begin to form for several weeks, and after that consciousness takes time to emerge. Rogers’ illogic continues

Op-Ed

By Paul L. LaClair in his lengthy discussion of common sense. His Op-Ed is what lacks common sense, or any sense of fairness or objectivity. He asserts that there is a God who created human life, but there is no evidence for that. Furthermore, if that is true, then this God is responsible for more abortions than humans are — a substantial percentage of pregnancies terminate spontaneously, before a woman knows she is pregnant. As society has advanced, ancient myths have been replaced, as they should be. Mr. Rogers is entitled to his point of view, but not to his own facts. Our Constitution is entirely secular, for excellent reasons. There are no grounds to settle the disputes that arise over theistic religion. We must use our reason and common sense, as Mr. Rogers says. He should try it. I cannot tell you whether

In Memoriam Mary A. Tortoreti 1942-2016

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

there is a God — honest people will admit no one knows — but I can tell you with complete certainty people make up stories about gods. That fully explains every theistic religion, so there is no good reason to turn to them for our laws, and there is no other way to explain the “false gods” referenced in the Biblical First Commandment. Theologies come to dominate cultures, and shape laws. A truly just society does not look to any of the competing religions for its laws. It looks humanely to science and to reason. Instead of making public policy based on prejudices and ancient myths, we should make public policy based on the facts. I do not agree with those who say a woman should have a right to terminate a pregnancy, even if the fetus is a human being. A human being is entitled, by law and by common sense, to the full protections of our laws, including due process See OP-ED, Page 15

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KPD thwarts $15K scam of woman, 75 By Capt. Timothy Wagner

POLICE BEAT

Kearny Police Department

n Jan. 13 at 1:57 p.m., Officer John Fearon responded to a Washington Avenue home where a 75-year-old resident reported a fraud. Officer Fearon learned the resident received a telephone call earlier from a crying woman posing as her daughter. The “daughter” said she needed bail money because she had been arrested for a reckless car crash in which she caused the miscarriage of a pregnant driver. The resident was then given the telephone number of a supposed lawyer at the “Kearny Courthouse,” with whom she was supposed to arrange bail payment. When the resident called the fake lawyer, he said her daughter needed $15,000 cash bail. The resident said she could only come up with $4,000, but could arrange to get the rest of the money later. The imposter lawyer then transferred her call to a third person, who falsely claimed to have been the clerk of the “court.” The supposed clerk gave the resident an invoice number and told her “bondsmen” would come to her house with this invoice number to collect the $4,000. About 15 minutes later, a dark Toyota RAV4, occupied by two men, arrived at the home. A man went to the resident’s door and presented her with a paper bearing the invoice number. The resident gave the man the cash. He then returned to the SUV and the two “bondsmen” drove off. Detectives set up surveillance of the resident’s home, expecting the men to return for the remaining $11,000 of supposed bail money. Shortly after the second payment was arranged, a white SUV occupied by a woman and a man arrived at the victim’s home. The woman knocked on the victim’s door to collect the remaining money — and both were then arrested by detectives without incident. Det. John Fabula charged Massiel Hierro, 26, of the Bronx and Joel Delarosa

Delarosario, 29, of Paterson, with one count each of criminal-attempt theft and conspiracy to commit theft. The defendants were later released with summonses. Det. Fabula investigated further and identified the license plate of the RAV4 used in the collection of the original $4,000 earlier in the day. The vehicle was traced to the owner’s residence in Perth Amboy, where detectives surveilled it. On Jan. 14, a man got into the RAV4 and was stopped by detectives who, after further investigation, placed him under arrest as one of the original “bondsmen.” Detectives charged this man, Justin E. Garcia Espinosa, 20, of Perth Amboy, with theft by deception, conspiracy and criminal-attempt theft. The defendant was later released with a summons. Note: While private bail bondsmen do exist, courts and police departments do not send them to homes to collect cash bonds. A cash bail is paid at a government building, such as a police station or a court house. The payment requires the filing of government paperwork and the issuance of a receipt to the bond poster. At no time will a legitimate government official appear at a bond poster’s home requesting money on behalf of a third party. Occurrences like this should be reported to the local police

department immediately. A legitimate request for bail money is never an emergency situation. There is always time to vet the situation with your local police department. On Jan. 6 at 3:42 a.m.,

Officer Ryan Wilson towed a 2005 Ford Escape that displayed an expired Texas temporary registration. The Ford had been illegally parked blocking a crosswalk at Chestnut and Dukes streets. The next day at 4:45 p.m., David

Alvarado and Cinthia Hernandez came into the police station and asked Sgt. Jay Ward to release the impounded SUV to them. The two provided the sergeant with a New Jersey 30-day temporary registration tag, which Sgt. Ward quickly observed to be lacking several security features that an authentic registration would display. They also presented a State Farm insurance document listing a policy number the insurance company confirmed does not exist in its records. Officers Rich Poplaski Jr., and Jordan Miranda arrested the couple in the lobby of police headquarters. Both were charged with forgery, See KPD, Page 18

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8 Belleville & Nutley public libraries reap benefits of 2017 state referendum

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By Ron Leir

For The Observer

his year, public libraries in Belleville and Nutley will share in a pot of special state aid from New Jersey’s Library Construction Bond Act totaling $37 million. The legislation, authorized by voters in a 2017 referendum, provides funding to build, expand and equip public libraries in the state. Municipalities or counties that run libraries must put up an equal amount to match individual grants. Nutley Public Library was allocated $284,115 which, according to Library Director Michelle Albert, will be used to help facilitate improvements to the building’s heating, ventilation

and air-conditioning system. “Our HVAC system is outmoded,” Albert said. “It’s 30 years old.” She said the library began developing its grant application “prior to the pandemic” and now the hard work of documenting the need for the upgrade has paid off with the grant award. Plans and specifications for the job are expected to be ready a bit later in the year and when they’re done, the library will go out to bid the job, she said. Last winter, in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, the library was grappling with water damage to its roof and it hired a Saddle Brook contractor to reinforce its skylight and replace sections of the roof where water had collected.

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Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Photo by Ron Leir

In neighboring Belleville, the library was awarded $150,000 for two improvement projects: replacement of eight windows in the second-floor Carnegie Room with new ones that, Interim Director Frances Bacardi said, would “match the windows that front along Washington Avenue” and repairs to the roof. Bacardi said the library’s consulting architect has estimated the window replacement job will cost in the neighborhood of $100,000. She said she is awaiting an estimate for the roof job. The windows in the Carnegie Room, which houses many stacks of books, are more than six decades old. “They’re drafty and they leak,” Bacardi said. (She is seen in the photo above standing before one of them.)

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There are heating panels below the windows but the cold seeping in from the window above compels the unit to work at maximum strength during the winter. And they don’t open to allow for the air to circulate so, in warm months, it can get a little toasty, she said. “We’re hoping that with the new windows, we can save on our utility bills,” she said. The architect is currently assembling bid specifications for the new windows and, factoring in supply chain backups, Bacardi figures that “the earliest the work can be started is probably September. Once everything falls into place, we’re expecting no hiccups.” No disruption of library hours is anticipated during the course of the job, she added. The Belleville Public Library is one of 36 libraries in New Jersey to have been funded through industrialist/ benefactor Andrew Carnegie. It opened in 1911. In 1929, an addition was built behind the

original structure to house the reference and children’s department and to create room for additional books. In 1992, the Carnegie Room was dedicated with a gift from the estate of Helen Van Brunt. It highlights a Renaissance theme with artist Steven Rodriguez’s creation of three ceiling murals, “Go Forth and Learn,” “Dispatch My Messenger” and “Victory and Enlightenment.” The late James Cozzarelli, an architect and former library board president, is credited with designing, organizing and overseeing library renovations. Michael Perrone, president of the Belleville Historical Society, said the recent grant secured by the library “will greatly enhance the windows. Besides being more energyefficient and improving the heating and air-conditioning of the rooms, it will allow the windows to be opened to permit fresh air to circulate into the rooms – something that has not happened in many, many years.”

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Wednesday, January 19, 2022

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Sports & Recreation WITH

Jim Hague Observer Sports Writer OGSMAR@AOL.COM

Kearny native Mullen signs NIL deal with ‘EatCleanBro’

Harrison girls survive COVID-19 shutdown “We only had seven practices all of last year,” Caliendo had high hopes Caliendo said. “I think they for the 2021-2022 girls’ high came back this year with school basketball season. the mentality that they Things just had to be better wanted to learn. I think for the Harrison High they were ready to roll with School alum in her second the punches, but they weryear as the head coach for en’t ready for a three-week the program where she once played before heading quarantine. I think the senior leadership did well off to play at nearby Rutwith the rest.” gers-Newark. So when the Blue Tide “We won our first game returned to action last week of the season,” Caliendo after the unexpected layoff, said. “The morale of the Caliendo was impressed team was high. We were with the way the Blue Tide able to have team meetcame back. ings. We went to a college “I think they came back basketball game together excited to play,” Caliendo (at St. Peter’s University) as said. “I could tell that they a team. Things were going did a lot of work on their well.” own.” Then disaster struck. However, the Blue Tide The omicron variant of the suffered a setback during COVID-19 coronavirus shut the first week of the return. down the Blue Tide’s operSenior guard Emily Leiras, ations for three weeks. the team’s leading scorer, “It’s not easy to get shut suffered a knee injury in a down like that,” Caliendo loss to Secaucus, soon after said. “It was up to the girls rolling her ankle as well. to stay in playing shape Leiras, who averaged close while we were shut down. At the end of the day, it was to 15 points per game, will up to them to do it on their be lost to the Blue Tide for an undetermined amount own. But it was tough on of time. them. I always tell these “We’re going to have to girls how tough they are. adjust to not having Emily,” Well, this was proof. I Caliendo said of the 5-footalways get compliments on 6 senior, who plays both how tough our girls are.” guard and forward when Caliendo said that her team is still in the learning stages. See VIEW, Page 11

HARRISON – Jenn

Photo courtesy of Jimmy Mullen’s Facebook page

Kearny native Jimmy Mullen, the standout football player and wrestler for St. Joseph Regional of Montvale, has signed an NIL deal with EatCleanBro.com.

By Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com

KEARNY – The idea that college athletes are capitalizing on the new NIL (Name Image and Likeness) deals to receive some sort of remuneration for their talents is still a relatively a new idea. But high school athletes? It’s very rare. However, one of the first

high school athletes to secure an NIL deal just happens to hail from Kearny. Jimmy Mullen, who won the NJSIAA heavyweight wrestling championship as a freshman two years ago while competing for St. Joseph Regional of Montvale), has signed an endorsement deal with the healthy food organization called EatCleanBro.

com. The company reached out to Mullen to see if he would be willing to put his name, image and likeness to EatCleanBro. “We went back and forth,” said Mullen, who is in the middle of his wrestling season at St. Joseph after a great footSee MULLEN, Page 10

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happen while I’m still in high school. I didn’t even know I was the first one Continued from Page 9 from New Jersey.” If interested, use Jimball campaign. “I contacted my’s special code multhem through Instagram len23 if signing up with and they were interested. EatCleanBro in order to We were able to get stuff get the friends and family going the right way.” discount. Mullen said that he no“Every time someone ticed the EatCleanBro billuses my code, the site tells boards all around northern me so,” said Mullen, who New Jersey and it piqued has been an NIL-signed his interest. high school athlete since EatCleanBro has a host of Jan. 4. “It’s actually doing fresh, healthy and delicious pretty well. I have received protein enriched meals some positive feedback that helps the prospective from it. Once it got out athlete eat properly and stay away from eating junk there, it’s really taken off.” Mullen has been a trailfood. blazer in everything he Mullen is the first high does, including becoming school athlete to join forces the first freshman heavywith EatCleanBro.com and weight in New Jersey wresthe first New Jersey high tling history to win a state school athlete to receive an championship like he won NIL deal. in 2020. But this move is “I’ve heard a lot of good things about EatCleanBro,” certainly borderline earth shattering. Mullen said. “I think it’s It should be interesting perfect for me. After I did, to see how well this move there have been a group of is perceived throughout the other wrestlers who have high school ranks and how done it. It’s been really many other high school good. I never thought that athletes follow suit. something like this could

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Nutley FD issues warning on space heaters after Bronx fire

ollowing the horrific Bronx fire that two weekends ago took the lives of 17 people, a blaze reportedly started by a portable space heater, the Nutley Fire Department is issuing warnings about the use of such devices, with the hope of saving folks from a potential tragedy. “As temperatures drop, families often look for alternative ways to generate heat throughout their homes,” the Nutley FD says. “While space heaters and fireplaces are good sources of warmth, they can be very dangerous. Space heaters account for about one-third of home heating fires and 80% of home heating fire deaths annually, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Families should use extreme caution with all alternative heating devices.” According to the NFPA, heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths, with almost half of these fires occurring in the months of December, January and February. Common household mistakes contribute to the majority of these fires, such as placing flammable objects too close to heating equipment. The NFPA recommends the following safety precautions when using heating equipment: •Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment such as a portable space heaters, fireplaces, wood-burning stoves or furnaces. The three-foot safety zone includes furniture, drapes, electronics — or, anything that can burn. •Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters. •Never use your oven to heat your home. •Have qualified professionals install stationary space-heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment ac-

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The Observer | www.theobserver.com is that she plays amazing defense.” Amaree Andujar is a 5-foot-3 guard. “She’s our backup point guard,” Caliendo said. “She really steps up when we need her. She really has helped to create the good chemistry we have.” Junior Jamie Benavidas is the team’s 5-foot-7 center. “She’s a hard worker,” Caliendo said. “She puts her body on the line all the time. I think all five of our players do that. But Jamie has definitely improved and she has developed her role. She’s very aggressive. She’s doing an amazing job on the boards.” Caliendo has been impressed with the performance of freshman forward Paulina Niczewski. The 5-foot-9 rookie has done Photo by Jim Hague some great things thus far. Senior forward Emily Leiras suffered two injuries last week for “She’s still learning,” the Blue Tide of Harrison, who still hope to have a solid season. Caliendo said of Niczewski.

VIEW

Continued from Page 9 she’s healthy. “It’s definitely a loss. It’s also big for her, because her goal is to be able to play in college.” Leading the other Blue Tide players is junior point guard Fatma Mohamed. The 5-foot-4 Mohamed has the ball in her hands most possessions. “She’s doing an amazing job for us,” Caliendo said. “She’s really stepped up. Her basketball IQ level is off the charts. She’s growing into the leadership role. She has really improved in the off-season and now she’s getting more comfortable.” Rasha Abdeljalil is a 5-foot-5 junior swing player. “She can play forward or guard,” Caliendo said. “She’s really quick on her feet. She’s one of our fastest players. One of her strengths

“She has a lot of skill. She has the fundamentals down. She could become a dominating player in our league. She’s going to continue to play a big role for us. It’s easy to see the potential she has.” The Blue Tide owns a 2-3 record thus far, despite the shutdown. “It’s such a big turnaround over last season,” Caliendo said. “We were able to build some chemistry this year where we didn’t have that chance last year. The chemistry is strong on the team. I think these girls understand what it takes because they had to go through the trials and tribulations. They know what it’s like now. I think we’re going to have a good season.” There certainly is a lot of season left for the Blue Tide, who definitely needs Leiras to make a full recovery soon.

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Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Nutley’s Schroeder starts senior year as sizzling scorer

what I should do off the court, like what to eat and how to eat, the little details. I definiteNUTLEY – Nick Schroed- ly cut out on junk food. I knew er waited patiently for four I had to get my body stronger, seasons to finally get his moso I was in the weight room ment in the sun. ah lot. I knew that I wanted “It’s my senior year,” said to play college basketball, so the Nutley High School swing- I had to get myself bigger, man. “I was very psyched for stronger, quicker.” it. I knew I had to step up into Schroeder has been a starter the captain’s role.” for the Maroon Raiders since So to prepare for the uphis sophomore season, so he’s coming season, Schroeder aware of what is needed of played AAU off-season basket- him. ball with the Unity Legends, a “I was ready to lead this program based out of Summit. team this season,” Schroeder The coach there is Wellingsaid. “Harb (Nutley head ton Smith, the former West coach Bob Harbison) told me Virginia University standout that I had to lead this team if who helped the Mountaineers we were going to win. If someto the NCAA Final Four his one had to step up, I knew it senior year there. had to be me.” “I’ve learned a lot from Harbison knew that him,” Schroeder said of Smith. Schroeder håad to be the main “He taught me a lot about man for the Maroon Raiders By Jim Hague

ogsmar@aol.com

THE

this season. “He was always the kid that you had to watch,” Harbison said. “I think we all knew we had to get the ball to Nick. He’s always done things the right way. He also has no ego. Everyone looks to him to be the leader. I think that was understood without being said. The kid plays quietly and within himself.” Schroeder has been playing lights out since the season began last month. He’s averaging 17.4 points per game through nine games. Over the last week, Schroeder has been even better, scoring 23 points against Belleville, 24 against Montclair Kimberley Academy, 15 against Cedar Grove and 23 Saturday afternoon in a loss to Shabazz. For his efforts, Schroeder has been selected as The Ob-

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Photo by Jim Hague

Nutley senior guard/forward Nick Schroeder.

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Wednesday, Januarty 19, 2022

Obituaries Robert Anthony Scheerer Robert Anthony Scheerer, 69, died Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, at University Hospital, Newark, from injuries sustained after being struck by a car. Born in Jersey City, Mr. Scheerer lived in Long Island and later moved to Kentucky before moving to Kearny 18 years ago. Robert was a taxi driver for Schuyler Cab in Kearny for the last four years. Prior, he drove for Black & White Taxi Co., Bloomfield, for three years. He is survived by three children, Shawn Scheerer, Jennifer Alessandro and Melissa Scheerer. Robert was the brother of Fred Scheerer, Dorothy Hopf, Norma Scheerer and Helen Spalding. He was predeceased by his siblings, Mark Scheerer, Roberta Costello and Mary-

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ann Watkins. The Thiele-Reid Family Funeral Home, Kearny, was in charge.

missed by her family and friends. Even her date of birth was unique, as she was born under the Star of Bethlehem, which only appears Mary Ann Kennel once every 974 years. Mary Ann Kennel (nee She worked at WoolO’Grady) of Harrison died worth’s Department Store peacefully on Thursday, in New York for 30 years, Jan. 13, 2022 at Newton Me- and for Pathmark in Kearny morial Hospital, Newton. for 10 years. She was a She was 79. member of Union UFCW The funeral will be Local # 1262, Clifton. conducted from the MulBible verses that Mary ligan Funeral Home, 331 loved: From the book of Cleveland Ave., Harrison, Revelation, Chapter 19, at a time and date to be “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for determined. Please check back on our website for the the marriage of the Lamb updated information or call is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.” “And the funeral home at (973) to her was granted that she 481-4333. should be arrayed in fine Mary Ann was born on Christmas Day 1942 in New- linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the rightark and was raised there as a child. She resided in Har- eousness of saints.” Mary Ann is survived by rison since 1978. She was her husband Richard Kena very special and unique nel of 57 years, her nieces person and will be greatly

Tips to pick the best place to relocate or retire ensure your happiness in your (StatePoint) Whether retirenew location. ment is in on the horizon for you or you are simply planning Novena to to move to your dream retirement area earlier than planned St. Claire thanks to telework, there is a Ask St. Claire for 3 favors. 1 busilot to consider when relocatness 2 impossible. Say 9 Hail ing. Mary’s for 9 days with a lighted Factors like affordability and candle. Pray whether you believe it weather can help you naror not. Publish on 9th day. May the row your search to a specific Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised, region. Once you know where adored, glorified & loved today you’d like to settle, be sure to and every day throughout the world consider details that will affect Forever and Ever. Amen. Your reyour life on a daily basis. Mov- with confidence. Factoring quest will be granted no matter ing to a planned community is details -- both large and small how impossible it may seem. -- into the equation, can help one great way to ensure your E.P. proximity to recreational opportunities and new people. The Landings, located on Skidaway Island, just 15 minutes from Savannah Ga., offers trails, marinas, golf courses, Mario Teixeria, IV, Manager, NJ Lic. #3757 recreation facilities and Mario Teixeira, Jr. Director, NJ Lic. #2542 • Monique Teixeira, Director, NJ Lic. #4048 more than 100 neighborhood groups. Visit www.TheLandNewly renovated family owned and operated funeral home with multiple locations. ings.com to learn more. Fluent in Portuguese and Spanish. Handicapped Accessible. If you are one of the tens of 138 DAVIS AVE. • KEARNY, NJ 07032 millions of Americans plan(201) 991-2265 www.buyusfuneralhome.com ning to move this year, do so

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and nephews, Joan (Raul) Sloezen, Michael O’Grady, Rosemary Kaufman, Patricia (Jose) Maderro, Doreene (John) Demarest and William Heutel, and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. If you would like to send a condolence message to her family, please visit www. mulliganfh.com. Kimberly Ann Catucci Kimberly Ann Catucci of North Arlington and Rutherford died Jan. 14, 2022. Kimberly had a love of music. In high, school she and her friends published their own music update newspaper, “The Music Zone.” She also had a great love for animals and adopted two stray cats. Kimberly is survived by her loving parents, Tom and Lois Catucci, her devoted

All obituaries must be submitted by email by 10 a.m., Mondays, to obituaries@ theobserver.com. Payment is due at submission. sister, Michelle of Woodland Park, her beloved brother, Tommy (Vicki) of Waycross, Georgia, and nephews Thomas and Cody. She also is survived by a group of lifelong friends and her best friends Jackson, Hudson and Greyson Dorsett. Per Kim’s request, she has donated her remains to the RWJ/Rutgers Medical School Anatomical Association in hopes that her passing may help others. She also requested there be no memorial service or gathering as she did not want anyone exposed to COVID on her behalf. Anyone wishing to make a donation in her memory may do so to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org) or the Humane Society of Bergen County in Lyndhurst.

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The Jersey City Medical Center’s new Director of Diversity & Inclusion hails from Nutley. Adrienne Austin was recently appointed to the position at the JCMC, part of RWJBarnabas Health, a network of independent healthcare providers in New Jersey. Austin has spent years working on diversity and inclusion programs in public education in New York City, and she will continue advancing health equity initiatives at the JCMC. “I am delighted to welcome Adrienne to the JCMC family,” Michael Prilutsky, president and CEO of the JCMC, said. “In her work with the New York City Department of Education, Adrienne created several opportunities to implement programs in the diversity, equity and inclusion arena, and I am confident she will advance our diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at Jersey City Medical Center to the benefit of our team and the communities we serve.” Austin most recently as the deputy chancellor and as chief operating officer in the Division of Community Empowerment, Partnerships and Communications for the NYC DOE;

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and chief of staff to the Office of General Counsel. Austin also worked as a program associate at the Vera Institute of Justice and a AUSTIN staff attorney at the Bronx Defenders. The Nutley resident said she’s excited to bring her diversity, equity and inclusion expertise to the healthcare realm. “I appreciate this opportunity, and I look forward to continuing to build on the diversity and inclusion work that Jersey City Medical Center has successfully initiated,” Austin said. “The diversity of the team and patients provides an opportunity to learn specific health care needs that enhance and promote wellness.” Austin received a bachelor’s degree in poly-sci from the University of California and a juris doctorate from the New York University School of Law.

And Schroeder doesn’t mind playing almost Continued from Page 12 every position on the floor. “I don’t always match well. He also has to hanup at the three (small fordle the ball quite a bit. He handles pressure very ward),” Schroeder said. “If I’m better matched up well.” at the one (point guard), Harbison also gives then I’ll play there. I Schroeder the ultimate don’t mind bringing the compliment. ball up at all. I always feel “He’s a good guy to play with,” Harbison said. like I could do more to help us win.” “He’s a great teammate. Schroeder likes the reAnd his teammates are lationship he enjoys with trying to get him the Harbison. ball. They always seem “Harb will let me see to know where he is. He how the game is going,” knows how to get free Schroeder said. “He’s and knows what to do very smart and sees with the ball. He’ll take the ball on a rebound and things that the other team doesn’t see. We get go right down the floor.” along well.” Schroeder said that Schroeder has already he’s just doing what is declared his intentions expected of him. to play college basketball “Everyone has their next year at York College role,” Schroeder said. “I think everyone is finding in Pennsylvania. “I’m really excited their role. We all have to about it,” Schroeder said. play defense and rebound. With our seniors, “The coaches at York have kept in touch with I don’t think anyone me through the panminds their role.” demic and through AAU

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Wednesday, January 19, 2022

season. I took some visits to the school and met the players and coaches. I didn’t want to go to a big school. I think there’s a bright future there for me.” Schroeder will more than likely major in engineering at York. “I think he’s going to be a good player in college,” Harbison said. “He’s going to get bigger and stronger.” For now, Schroeder is concentrating on his senior season. “I feel like we can win the division,” said Schroeder, whose Maroon Raiders currently sit atop the standings in the Super Essex ConferenceFreedom Division. If it happens, then it will be Schroeder leading the way. For sure. “He’s going to get the ball,” Harbison said. “No doubt about that. I think he’s found his rhythm right now and we’re doing the smart thing by getting out of his way.”

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Tanelli takes oath for 4th term as commissioner By Kevin A. Canessa Jr.

kc@theobserver.com

teven A. Tanelli, D-North Arlington and Tracy Silna Zur, D-Franklin Lakes, were sworn in for their fourth terms on the Board of Commissioners at the governing body’s annual reorganization. Also sworn in were Bergen County Surrogate Michael Dressler, Sheriff Anthony Cureton and Clerk John Hogan. The event took place on the Courthouse steps and drew leaders

Continued from Page 3 without the hard work and dedication of our borough employees, our borough administrator and our Borough Council. Our great accomplishments have been done with absolutely no increase in taxes to our homeowners. In addition, I want to commend our borough employees who continued to work as our Borough Hall remained open for business throughout the entire pandemic, bringing full services to our residents. Our roads have never looked better. Our property values have risen. Our community is getting green again. Under my plan, we have planted roughly 600 new trees within the borough, since Earth Day 2017. We will continue to beautify our borough with the help of our DPW and Mark Cunningham as their leader. Additionally, our roadways have become safer over the past few years. With the implementation of all-way stop intersections, speed-calming devices and targeted enforcement by our hard-working police department, we have been able to make residents, students and crossing guards breathe a little easier when crossing the street. Yes, there is still work to be done and we plan on doing it, one area at a time. In addition to congratulating

OP-ED

Continued from Page 6 and equal protection. However, the question is, when does a one-celled zygote become a human being? That cannot properly be answered by theistic dogma, or dogma of any kind. Our science is uncovering, more and more,

from across the state, including Gov. Philip D. Murphy and U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer. The board also chose its 2022 leadership as Silna Zur, Thomas J. Sullivan, D-Montvale and Joan Voss, D-Fort Lee, will serve as chairwoman, vice-chairman and chair pro tempore respectively. “I’m honored to have been re-elected to my fourth term to serve the people of Bergen County,” Tanelli, the former North Arlington councilman, said. “I look forward to our two Council Members on their re-election, I would also like to congratulate George McDermott on his re-election to the North Arlington School Board. As you know, the Board of Education has elected officials who act independently to the Mayor and Council to control the school budget and the decisions made concerning our students. We look forward to assisting George and the NA Board of Ed, as well as Superintendent, Dr. Stephen Yurchak with any and all issues facing our community. Also in attendance tonight (I believe) is our County Commissioner, Steven Tanelli, who also won his election this past November. Congratulations to him. They are doing quite a bit of work down at County Park and we look forward to seeing a finished product very soon. I want to thoroughly thank every one of our community volunteers, whether they serve as firefighters, CERT members, EMS, board commissioners, board members, coaches and anyone else who puts in their precious time for the betterment of North Arlington. In closing, I hope I summed up our past year and touched on each aspect of our day-to-day operations as we move forward into 2022. We have many exciting plans for this upcoming year, including community trips, new signage, redevelopment projects and some parking relief. I will keep everyone updated as we progress. at what stage various aspects of consciousness emerge. The best science we have now supports the laws that exist in most states, and the result in Roe v. Wade. We should all hope that a church never comes to rule our lives. Humanity has been down that road. Paul L. LaClair Kearny

continuing the work of expanding outdoor recreation and working to help the complete return from the pandemic while advocating for the nearly one million residents.” Sullivan, meanwhile, was elated to have been selected to a leadership post on the board. “I am truly honored to have been selected as vice chairman for 2022,” Sullivan said. “I have the utmost confidence in this board to tackle all of

Think you can’t refinance because values are down?

the challenges this year will bring, in the same way we successfully tackled the challenges of the past two years. Bergen County residents can rest assured we will continue to be Bergen County Strong.” Tanelli spent 2021 as the chairman of the Bergen County Board of Commissioners. Tradition states that position rotates each year so, as such, he will not serve as chairman in 2022.

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Wednesday, January 19, 2022

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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EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED Help wanted for Busy Deli Full Time- Part Time Days and Evenings Apply in Person D&F Deli 396 Davis Ave, Kearny 33W06

Receptionist/ofﬁce assistant And Warehouse Workers needed Apply in person: 260 Schuyler Ave Kearny, NJ 07032 No soliciting calls or emails 36W03

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OFFICE /HOUSE CLEANING Looking for a experienced woman Monday - Friday For more information call (908)422-6225

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. ALL A CLASSIFIED ADS MUST BE PRE-PAID Deadline for Classiﬁeds Employment /Business Monday 12:00 PM All others Monday by 3:00 PM. E-mail Ads to classiﬁed@theobserver.com

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Observer Classifieds

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publication. $10 for minimal changes. No refunds once ad is taken and C.C charged. ALL CLASSIFIED ADS MUST BE PRE-PAID Deadline for Classifieds Employment/Business Monday 12:00 PM All others Monday by 3:00 PM. E-mail Ads to classified@theobserver.com.

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Wednesday, January 19, 2022

HOPE

Continued from Page 1

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Whether giving tips on how to declutter a closet or how to create a bigger nest egg for retirement or how to perfect a crescent lunge yoga pose, each video is filled with gratitude as the counterbalance to fear. “This initiative of 21 days of gratitude came from the perspective that the bridge from fear to hope is gratitude. You can’t be grateful and worried at the same time,” De Peña said. “And that’s really where we start. Let’s identify the resources and the blessings that we have. It really changes your perspective of what you believe you are missing.” Many of those presenting videos in Hope to Courage are De Peña’s friends and business connections in Belleville. They were asked to participate because of their expertise in areas of common worry, such as money, job security and health. De Peña says fear warps our perceptions. She uses the example of children at bedtime who think they see monsters crawling out of their closets or lurking under their beds. “You think you’re seeing something

KPD

Continued from Page 7 exhibiting false government documents and conspiracy. They were later released with summonses. On Jan. 8 just after midnight, Officers Taylor Latka, Jose Castillo and Anthony Oliveira were dispatched to a private home for a domestic dispute. A 26-year-old husband and a 24-yearold wife said they had a verbal argument during their recent ride home. The husband said while packing a bag to leave for the night, his wife sprayed mace in his direction. The wife said she didn’t spray the mace until the fourth time her husband choked her and she began to have difficulty breathing. The wife had marks on her neck. Officers arrested the husband and charged him with aggravated assault and later placed him into the county jail. On Jan. 9 at 6:04 a.m., Officers Christos Manolis, John Donovan and Danny Maganinho were dispatched to a domestic dispute at a private home. A 34-year-old man reported his 43-yearold girlfriend came home with a friend, drunk and loud, and told him to get out because she no longer wanted him to

DePENA

and you’re just activating the `flight or fight’ response, affecting people physically and emotionally,” she said. “Fear is affecting people at a level in which we can’t even predict what the long-term effects of stress will be on the nervous system.” Hope to Courage also has a musical component that people can turn to for comfort throughout their hectic days. “This playlist will encourage people to change their habits of turning on the news every morning,” De Peña said. “Instead, you could just connect to these empowering songs that are designed to make you feel better and start your day with a smile.” live there. The man alleged a week earlier, his girlfriend attacked him with a screwdriver. The man lifted his shirt and showed officers a long wound on the left side of his abdomen allegedly inflicted by the screwdriver attack. Officers arrested the girlfriend on charges of aggravated assault and weapon possession. She was later released with a summons. On Jan. 12 at 12:40 a.m., Officers Michael Ore, Nicole Cain and Derek Hemphill responded to a dispute on the corner of Davis Avenue and Hoyt Street, where they found a 21-year-old East Orange man with deep cuts to his hands and a black eye. Officers learned the victim was invited to a nearby apartment to have a drink. While there, he had an argument with his host who allegedly punched the victim and tried to stab him with a kitchen knife. The victim was transported by EMS to St. Michael’s Medical Center, Newark. Officers located the alleged slasher in his apartment. After further investigation, they arrested Jose M. Moreno, 24, of Kearny, on charges of aggravated assault and weapon possession. Moreno was later lodged in the Hudson County Jail.

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

BABY

Continued from Page 1 County Jail in Hackensack, Musella said. Bergen County Jail records indicate Medrano is 6-feet tall and weighs 200 pounds. The baby’s mother, Patricia Artese, 25, also of North Arlington, was herself arrested Dec. 30 and charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. She has since been released from custody, the prosecutor said. The incident leading to these arrests occurred as follows, according to Musella: On Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021. at approximately 6:26 p.m., the North Arlington Police Department received a 911 call from a resident of 505 Schuyler Ave., North Arlington, who reported their 2-month-old daughter was not breathing. The child was subsequently transported to Hackensack University Medical Center. The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit was contacted by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency after hospital personnel found numerous injuries on the child. An investigation by detectives from the North Arlington Police Department and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office revealed Medrano reportedly caused the injuries to the child. Sadly, on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2022, the baby died from her injuries. Six days later, on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022, Medrano was re-arrested and charged with murder. After the BCPO announced the charges, North Arlington Mayor Daniel H. Pronti released a statement on social media and to the press calling for residents — not just in North Arlington — to speak out and report suspected cases of abuse of any kind — and for that matter, any instances of suspected crimes. “By now, most of our residents should be hearing this very troubling news involving the loss of life of a baby, at the hands of her parents,” Pronti, a retired Montclair police officer, said. “Our police department has been investigating this horrible series of events for several weeks, which involves a family, who had been renting an apartment along Schuyler Avenue. “Whenever something like this occurs in our tight-knit borough, it impacts everyone, whether they were longtime residents or a family simply renting for a short time in-between their next destination. I implore us all to look out for one another.

The Observer | www.theobserver.com “Report any and all suspicious activity. If you suspect child abuse, let someone know. You can make these reports by ways of anonymity. You could save a life. “We have been seeing domestic acts of violence far too often across the country. Let’s do our part to help. Remember, we are a community and we are all in this together. Let’s all make a difference. Say a prayer for the soul of that defenseless infant, Baby Giovanna, who lost her life. May God bless us all.” Usually quiet neighborhood considerably shaken up The portion of Schuyler Avenue where the incident took place is just north of Noel Drive, so there isn’t too much residentially. The fire department and NAVES quarters are just a block or so away. Aound the area, some residents said they were shaken up by the events that reportedly took place mere feet away, though none we spoke with had ever met the baby or her nowcharged mother and father. One of those residents, who spoke on the condition we only use his first name, Peter, said he’s had trouble sleeping knowing what happened so close to home. “We’ve all been through so much these last two years and now this happens,” he said. “To know how close we live to that house where that poor baby had to suffer terribly is very, very upsetting. In one way, I feel terrible that we didn’t know what was happening in there. Maybe we all could have helped if we knew it was so bad. “Then again, really, there was no way to tell. What I know for sure, though, is if that guy really did kill his daughter, he deserves whatever punishment he gets. It’s too bad there is no death penalty in Jersey because any man who would lay a hand on his kid, let alone a 2-month-baby, in my mind is not even worthy of being in a jail. He should fry.” Reaction to the news On social media, comments came quickly and vociferously. One of the posters, Dorine Pomponio, was succinct and profound as she replied to Pronti’s post on his mayoral page — and her words, indeed, sum up a community’s collective sigh. “Such a senseless tragedy,” she wrote. “No one’s life should be extinguished at such an early age, especially by the hands of another human. “I do feel that we have such a caring community that would have done anything to prevent this from happening if at all possible.”

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