Wednesday, 2 March 2022
www.TheObserver.com
Vol. CXXXIV, No. 43
ON THE INSIDE WHATCo preparing for interactive dinner theater postponed from 2020
BELLEVILLE n BLOOMFIELD n EAST NEWARK n HARRISON n KEARNY n LYNDHURST n NORTH ARLINGTON n NUTLEY
It’s Melham v. Rovell in race for Belleville’s mayoralty By Ron Leir
For The Observer
M
ayor Michael Melham will face off against challenger Second Ward Councilman Steven Rovell for the top spot in Belleville’s municipal election on May 10. Melham, seeking his second, four-year term, is running with Councilmembers Naomy DePena, who also serves as deputy mayor and Tom Graziano, incumbents hoping to return to their at-large seats. In a phone interview, Melham, who runs Alpha Dog Solutions, a local government communications firm, said he’s even more excited to be
a candidate this year than 2018 when he knocked off a three-term incumbent, the late Raymond Kimble, by a 160-vote margin. “My team has a solid record of accomplishment,” he said, “after we promised – and delivered – quality services and programs to the residents of Belleville.”He pointed to mural projects, community gardens and dog parks, neighborhood food trucks, summer concerts and a one-day “Veterans’ Weekend” with 5-K run as examples of how the Melham administration has promoted a better Belleville
PAGE 5
Taylor calls it a career
Photo by Kevin A. Canessa Jr.
Kearny Police Lt. John Taylor, seen at center with balloon & box in hand, officially retired Feb. 24, after a 25+ year career with the Kearny PD. He most recently served as the commander of the Traffic Bureau and many of his crossing guards, who fell under his leadership, bid him adieu on his last day thanks to a celebration coordinated by Carol Manley. Sgt. David Rakowski replaces him.
See MAYOR, Page 19
Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns March 5 By Ron Leir
A
For The Observer
42-year tradition was interrupted when the Nutley Irish American Association reluctantly canceled its 2021 St. Patrick’s Day Parade as the Covid-19 pandemic continued to make its presence felt. Deirdre Hollywood, a board member and parade chairwoman for the association, recalled the board made
the decision out of an abundance of caution and respect for the participants and observers. But this year, like the United Irish Associations of West Hudson, after consulting with area health experts and observing a decline in new cases and fatalities attributed to Covid-19, the organization is rallying its supporters for what it trusts will be another successful – and safe – event. This year’s parade will get under way at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 5,
with marchers asked to report to the parade adjutant at Harrison Street and Brookline Avenue at noon for instructions on the line of march. After the parade concludes, friends and associates are invited to join the association leaders for the post-parade party at the Nutley Parks & Recreation gym, 44 Park Ave. Admission is $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Advance tickets are available by contacting Brenda Sherman at bcsherman1521@gmail.com or 973-
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479-2388. Leading this year’s parade contingent as grand marshal will be Dr. John V. Kelly Jr., of Nutley, and deputy grand marshal Chase Hamilton, a Belleville police lieutenant. Other honorees are: Belleville native Jack Wieners, NIAA Member of the Year; Nutley’s Shayne Martin, 2022 Parade Queen; and Brian Salmon, provisional battalion chief of the See PARADE, Page 18
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