Wednesday, 23 March 2022
www.TheObserver.com
Vol. CXXXIV, No. 46
ON THE INSIDE Jason Bernstein joins The Observer and his first story has a great local March Madness twist. PAGE 9
BELLEVILLE n BLOOMFIELD n EAST NEWARK n HARRISON n KEARNY n LYNDHURST n NORTH ARLINGTON n NUTLEY
BELLEVILLE’S BUNCH Here’s a story, of a man named Lonnie, who was busy with museums of his own ... including the Smithsonian, where he is the secretary. His is a story of American triumph after many years of uncertainty. But it all began in Belleville, where he lived until he graduated Belleville High School in 1970, the only Black student in the entire class. The story begins on Page 2.
Harrison mourns loss of Firefighter Vinny Doffont By Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com
Vinny Doffont might have been on the planet for only 37 years, but he jammed so many accomplishments and achievements over those nearly four decades that are so totally impressive. As an athlete, Doffont was an All-State running back and defensive back at St.
Mary’s of Rutherford. Doffont once scored six touchdowns in a game for the Gaels. The Harrison native was also a highly respected placekicker who earned NCAA Division III All-America honors at Montclair State University who had tryouts with the New York Jets and the Indianapolis Colts. In his professional life, Doffont had a stint See DOFFONT, Page 7
