e-Newspaper for March 23, 2022 by The Observer Newspaper

Wednesday, 23 March 2022

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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

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Wednesday, March 23, 2022

FROM BELLEVILLE TO D.C.: By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com

hen one thinks of Belleville, and wellknown people who have once called the township home, you can understand that often, people mention the likes of Frankie Valli and Joe Pesci among many others. But there’s one man who has made his mark on this nation’s history and who continues to do so today in Washington, D.C., and that is Lonnie G. Bunch III, the current secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, the first Black man to hold the position. His meteoric ascension to the top post at the Smithsonian wasn’t always an easy ride, including the first 17 years of his life, which were spent in

Screencap

Lonnie Bunch, seen here, is the secretary of the Smithsonian Institutes in Washington, D.C. Bunch, born in 1951 in Belleville, was raised here and was a member of the Belleville High School Class of 1970. Life wasn’t always easy for him, but he says Belleville helped to shape the man he is today, and that is someone who once held an audience with four living U.S. presidents.

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Belleville. Still, the secretary says the lessons he learned as a young child and then, as a young man, have stuck with him throughout his life and his career. Two years ago, we first encountered Bunch when CBS Sunday Morning interviewed him, following his taking over the Smithsonian. Then the pandemic hit. But just a few

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weeks ago, the communications director at the Smithsonian responded to a request for an interview and said Bunch was willing to grant an interview to The Observer, even though we didn’t cover Belleville when he lived here. That day, March 13, sitting in my home office, I was expecting to hear someone else’s voice on the other end when I saw the 202 D.C. area code show up on my phone. But, unlike any expectation, it was the secretary himself immediately on the other end of the call straightaway. “Hey, it’s Lonnie Bunch,” he says after my introductory salutation on the call. Immediately it was clear — this man is someone special. He’s a historian. He’s a scholar. He’s the head of the nation’s museum. But that down-toearth Belleville style was still there. There was nothing pretentious about him. We got right into a discussion of his life and career and how Belleville helped to shape the man he is today. And the man who is a 1970 graduate of Belleville High School and 1966 graduate of School No. 5, says being the only Black family in his neighborhood was a challenge, at times intolerably so. And it all brought Bunch back to a lesson he learned while playing baseball during

his elementary school days. Though the game was not organized by or played at School No. 5, it’s where he was going to school at the time. And, by the way, he was a terrific athlete then and thereafter. “We were on DeWitt Avenue,” he says. “I was a good ball player. And I was the only Black kid in the school. And I don’t know what happened. All of a sudden, it went from a friendly ball game to everybody sort of attacking me. They started chasing me down DeWitt Avenue and I’m just running and running and I’m exhausted because they keep chasing me.” After this long chase, finally, Bunch says, he gave up and accepted this group of youngsters was probably going to attack him. He collapsed on the driveway of a home on Bell Street where a young girl was standing nearby. “There was this little girl and I will never forget, she said, ‘Get off of the property.’ I thought she was talking to me. And instead, she was talking to the people chasing me. And she basically chased them away. And saved me. I never forgot that because the lesson was that as angry as I was about issues of race, it taught me never to generalize. That there are always good people.” Bunch says he has no idea who that young girl was. But if she’s still around today, he would “love to thank her” for what she did that day. He estimates she was probably a second-grader whilst he was in the fifth grade. It was circa 1962. So a moment where it could have been disastrous instead turned into another of Bunch’s good memories of Belleville, a place he still treasures. Most Black families back then, he says, lived in the Valley, though his didn’t. Instead, they lived on Beech Street in a home his grandfather Lonnie G. Bunch I, built, in 1925. His grandpa and father, Lonnie G. Bunch II, also attended No. 5 school. “Yes, the ‘N-word’ was used frequently,” he says. “And yet, Continued on the next page

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

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LONNIE BUNCH’S JOURNEY Continued from previous page

there were other people who were just wonderful. I used to walk up Beech Street to No. 5. And about four blocks away, there was this little girl, younger than me, and she would sit on the porch, and she’d see me and she’d point and yell things like, ‘God left you in the oven too long! That’s how come you’re so Black. And it was just this little girl, but I just remember hating I had to walk past that. But on the other side, there were amazing people who treated me wonderfully. There were some families that didn’t want me coming into their house, but there were others who were wonderful who would invite me in to have dinner. So I will never say it was all good, but it was never all bad.” Off to Belleville High School Bunch says things began to improve in his life once he got to Belleville High School, arriving in the fall of 1966. He was a scholar-athlete

Contributed photo

Bunch is seen here as a toddler in the early 1950s.

and played football for the varsity team in his four years there. Because he was so good, everyone knew who he was — from schoolmates to parents to residents who would flock to games to cheer on the Bucs. He was also a great baseball player. All these years made him who he is today. “Belleville taught me when

to run, when to fight and when to talk my way out of things,” he says. “And that has stayed with me in my career since then.” Massive accomplishments Not only is Bunch the secretary of the Smithsonian, he was also tasked in 2003 with creating the National

Museum of African American History and Culture, where he served as the founding director from 2005 until his appointment to the Smithsonian in 2019. President George W. Bush gave him the freedom to make the museum what it should be — and did he ever come through. When Bush’s

term was up, President Barack H. Obama kept Bunch on board for those eight years. President Donald J. Trump did the same when he became president and took over the White House in 2017. And now, Bunch continues to serve under President Joseph R. Biden Jr. Do the math, that’s two Republican and two Democratic presidents. In this modern world, there are very few people who could wrangle bipartisanship the way he has. When the museum, located on Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C., opened in September 2016, both Bush and Obama spoke and the future President Biden was in attendance. Also there, President William J. Clinton, Gen. Colin Powell, U.S. Rep. John Lewis, Michelle Obama, Jill Biden, Laura Bush and scores of others. See BUNCH, Page 15

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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 Dir.................................................................................Pages 18

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Wednesday, March 23, 2022

2-year program exposes Kearny HS students to medical careers By Ron Leir

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indled by a sad experience as a youth, Kearny’s Fabiana Alvarez always had an interest in the medical field. “My dad died of cancer when I was 14 and, during his illness, I’d see nurses taking care of him,” she said. Those memories made an indelible impression and today Fabiana, after completing her academic certifications, is beginning her second year as a nurse assigned to Roosevelt Elementary School. Key to setting her on that path, she said, was a two-year course, offered as an elective at Kearny High School. For the first year, they take Medical 1, an introduction to medical careers, and in the second year, it’s Medical 2, Career Technical Education (CTE) opportunities. Students are asked to sign on for a two-year commitment so it’s typically juniors and seniors who enroll. KHS medical instructor Margaret “Peggy” Martone-Biondo, who has coordinated the program for the past two decades, said students take pre-requisite courses in introduction to health occupations and first aid and CPR training before advancing to off-campus CTE. At the same time, she said, students are responsible for completing all general education high school requirements. Med I classes meet daily for two periods totaling 90 minutes. Clinical externships are scheduled twice a week, for two hours per session. Successful completion of the two-year program nets a student a total of 20 academic credits. For the early part of the course, students hear from guest speakers affiliated with varying categories of the health spectrum, ranging

from student nurses, alums who are current health professionals and admissions representatives of regional nursing, medical and dental schools. “We had one girl from Kean University who did a Zoom presentation on occupational therapy,” Martone-Biondo said. Once students complete their introductory courses, they can apply for four hours a week of off-campus volunteer work, typically, either in private doctors’ offices or in local school nurse offices where they perform basic services such as taking patients’ blood pressure and temperature or help with medical billings; or in a hospital setting. Under a recently renewed agreement between Kearny High School and Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, KHS medical students may be placed as volunteers in several departments in the hospital “to observe and learn from health professionals.” Due at least partially to the pandemic, “nurses are stretched there,” Martone-Biondo said, “so sometimes the hospital depends on volunteers serving as patient advocates.” Before students are declared eligible for the hospital-based program, however, students must get parent approval, fill out a detailed application and undergo a credit check. Once they’re cleared, they’re also required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 and any other potentially contagious ailments. At Clara Maass, students may check out acute care, physical therapy, stroke treatment, help with paperwork in maternity and — if they’re 18 or older — the emergency room. Students are issued scrubs and lab coats by the school before they enter the facility. See MEDICAL, Page 18

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

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NA plans for Porete Avenue progressing By Ron Leir

For The Observer

he Borough of North Arlington is experiencing a mini-real estate boom with some 400,000 square feet of new warehouse space projected to come online between now and 2023, according to Robert Ceberio, the borough’s development consultant. How much in added land value that will add to the borough’s ratables Ceberio declined to say, but he noted in recent years, “pieces of meadowlands now can go for $2 million to $4 million per acre.” For clear evidence of rising investor confidence in meadows properties, Ceberio said, look no farther than the old 47-acre Bethlehem Steel site on Porete Avenue, which was sold in 2018 for redevelopment as a FedEx Freight distribution facility for $8 million and which, after its purchase by a new owner, is now valued at $121 million. Ceberio said much of that new activity coincides with demand

for warehousing peaking in the northeast New Jersey region, as evidenced, for example, by the influx of multiple Amazon e-commerce satellite delivery facilities scattered through the Hudson-Bergen area. In the borough’s case, the primary focus of attention is the meadows off Porete Avenue where what Ceberio described as a 40-year “industrial slum” is being revived as a potentially thriving warehousing center. Ceberio said Hampshire Real Estate has acquired two properties in the area: n The former Goodman Plumbing Sales plant at 12 Porete Ave., for which it has secured borough Planning Board approval, to develop a new 120,000-squarefoot warehouse on a 5.6-acre site. Hampshire has applied to the borough construction code office for a permit to demolish the old building. n An old warehouse at 9 Porete Ave., previously used as a clothingdistribution facility, which Hampshire wants to replace with a

new structure planned as between 40,000 and 50,000 square feet of warehousing space. It is seeking approvals to allow parking of delivery vans atop the new facility that would sit on the 2.5-acre site. Even with these new ventures completed, that will still leave about 20 acres of Porete Avenue unused industrial space open for redevelopment, Ceberio noted. Meanwhile, just above the Porete Avenue industrial sector, Seagis Property Group, an investor/owner of industrial and logistics real estate in New Jersey, New York City, eastern Pennsylvania and the Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Florida, markets, has acquired an abandoned warehouse at 500 Belleville Turnpike, just off Schuyler Avenue, with the intent of putting up a 60,000-square-foot facility on the 3.5-acre site, according to Ceberio. Additionally, Ceberio said, an investor has purchased the old 17.5-acre Bergen County Utilities Authority solid-waste transfer station, 100 Baler Boulevard, off Route 7, with the intent of

developing 200,000 square feet of new construction for warehousing/ distribution and, possibly, film studios. Since the real estate closing is still awaited, Ceberio declined to provide the name of the prospective buyer or the purchase price. A big issue still be worked out, Ceberio added, is preventing trucks going in and out of the site from spilling onto Schuyler Avenue and further snarling local traffic. To facilitate truck transport to and from the property, Ceberio said the owner would have to negotiate access rights with the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority, which has legal jurisdiction over the site. Further, Ceberio said, the owner would also likely have to pay the township of Lyndhurst a “transportation impact fee” for trucks servicing the new terminal to access Valley Brook Avenue in the township after traversing the perimeter of the old Kingsland landfill in Lyndhurst. See PLANS, Page 15

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Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Opinion & Viewpoints EDITORIAL To err is human; to forgive, divine

istakes are a big part of human life. If I had to keep a calculation of the number of times I’ve screwed up, it would be enough to fill thousands of pages of a

book. Unfortunately, too often, when people make mistakes, they forget to ask for forgiveness. And that is where I am heading today. When the 2022 West Hudson St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicked off, it was like a long-standing nightmare — the thing called COVID-19 — was finally slip-sliding away from our midst. For the first time since early 2020, life in the region seemed like it could be normal again, like maybe it even was normal again. Seeing so many familiar faces marching, watching, was more epic than almost anything that has happened in the last two-plus years. To say it was uplifting, despite the cold, despite the wind, is an understatement. That day, I stood at Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard and Harrison Avenue. There were only a few others standing nearby, so I figured it would be a perfect spot to shoot photos. At 1 p.m., it all stepped off, just as planned. And before I realized it, the United Irish contingent was past me and it wasn’t until days later that it hit me why I wasn’t able to get photos of the Grand Marshal Patrick O’Donnell Jr., and the deputies, Jack Dunphy and Anthony Coleman — I missed them because I was too busy looking for them, not realizing they were right in front of my eyes. You will have noticed, by now, that because of this, there were no photos of the honorees in the newspaper last week. Talk about boneheaded. O’Donnell, Dunphy and Coleman had to wait a little longer than any other marshals have had to wait, and they deserved much better. To err is human; to forgive is divine. Now I can only help the trio is willing to forgive. — CANESSA

Never has the work of social workers been more important: Alzubi To the Editor: Social Work Month comes around every March, and this year, the NASW (National Association of Social Workers) chose the theme “The Time is Right for Social Work.” It is both a very exciting time and yet a very trying time to be a professional social worker. Social workers have served as leaders, advocates, educators as well as champions of human rights. Social workers are known for having in mind the inner purpose of helping their chosen population achieve their highest possible human potential. Social work has also become a fast-growing profession. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of

LETTER TO THE EDITOR 2020, there are over 715,600 professional social workers in the nation. It was my own personal immigration issues shaped my decision to become a social worker. I see myself in my students — because I was once one of them. As an immigrant, I knew I wanted to make a difference, especially with the immigration population. I particularly chose to work in the school system because I wanted to directly impact a child’s life. Like ripples in a pond, I kept in mind not only how to improve the lives of the students, but also how to make a lasting impact in

their immediate family and community. According to a Rutgers University study in 2017, 14% of New Jersey’s children (more than 285,000) lived below the federal poverty level. Just one factor (poverty) may have a direct impact on a child’s overall social emotional well-being. There is a role to play for each of us and the time is now. Remind elected officials to address issues like economic standing, dealing with discrimination, the need for affordable housing and mental health. Approach a social worker and learn more about their chosen profession and find ways to support their lifeaffirming work. Sandy Alzubi, LSW Belleville

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Wednesday, March 23, 2022

DOFFONT

Continued from Page 1 with the United States Marine Corps, doing two tours of duty in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Also as a professional, Doffont was first a Harrison police officer who then shifted gears and became a Harrison firefighter. He also dedicated a lot of his free time as a volunteer coach in his adopted hometown of North Arlington and mentor to many. It’s hard to believe that someone could put all of the aforementioned activity into one short time frame, but that’s what Doffont was able to do, all within 37 years. Unfortunately and so totally tragically, Doffont’s life came to an end last week, when the veteran firefighter suffered some sort of heart-related incident after a training session and died after emergency procedures to save him were unsuccessful. The award-winning public servant, husband and father of two, was just 37 years old, way too young to expire. Vin Doffont Sr. fondly recalled his son’s drive and determination. “He always gave 100% percent of himself,” the elder Doffont said. “He never gave up. Whatever he did, he always busted his tail. I was very proud of him, very proud.” Vin Doffont Sr. remembered one particular game his son had at St. Mary’s. “It was against rival Hasbrouck Heights and we were down 31-0 at the half,” Doffont Sr. said. “Well, Vincent scored five

The Observer | www.theobserver.com touchdowns in the second half. We won, 38-35. It was incredible.” That year, 2003, Vinny Doffont was selected for the High School Heisman award, given to the top players in the New York-New JerseyConnecticut tri-state area. Doffont received his award from Carson Palmer of USC, that year’s Heisman Trophy recipient. The elder Doffont said he thoroughly enjoyed watching his son play football. “I was one of the coaches on his (Harrison) Pop Warner football team,” Vin Doffont Sr. said. “He was incredible to watch. I remember watching him in high school and saw him display freaky speed and strength. His junior year of high school, he went out for the wrestling team and he never wrestled before, but he was successful.” According to the elder Doffont, local legendary wrestling coach Scot Weaver, the current head coach of the Lyndhurst/North Arlington cooperative, told Vinny that if Weaver “had the chance to coach him for three years, he would have been a state champ. Tara Doffont McDonough, Vinny’s younger sister, said she always looked up to her older brother, even if she was taller. “I always went to the games,” McDonough said. “I was so proud. I always told everyone, ‘Hey, that’s my big brother.’ I think we were all proud, but I especially was proud, because he always looked out for me. He wanted to make sure that I hung out with the right people. He was always my protector.” Tara also loved her brother’s sense of humor. “He could impersonate anyone,” said McDonough,

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the wife of Thomas McDonough, who is the brother of current Harrison High School athletic director Kim McDonough Huaranga. “He impersonated anyone to a tee. He could make us laugh all night long.” Tara McDonough said that she will always remember her brother’s dance skills – or lack thereof. “He thought he was John Travolta with his dance moves,” McDonough said. “I’m going to miss those dance moves.” McDonough said she marveled at the amount of people who loved her brother. “He had a heart of gold,” McDonough said. “He loved his military friends and I loved hearing the stories about him with those friends.” Tara said she loved listening to her brother brag about his children, namely her nephew Liam, 11, and niece Leighton, 4, that Vinny and wife Bridget shared.

“He would constantly talk about his kids,” Tara McDonough said. “He was proud of their accomplishments. He really had a heart of gold. He’d do anything for you. If you needed Vinny, he was there for you. He was also very personable, so everyone loved him.” nnn Pat Sempier is New Jersey’s premier kicking and punting coach who worked with Doffont during his playing days. “He was a great, great person,” Sempier said. “He was almost killed twice in Iraq and Afghanistan. But he always made sure to call me. He once called me and I said, ‘Where are you?’ He said, ‘Afghanistan.’ He had just been in a big battle and had to make sure he called me. That was the most emotional phone call I ever received, from Vinny in the Middle East. I think it’s safe to say that he made my life richer and better. He was just a

wonderful person.” Everyone close to Doffont will certainly miss him. “It’s a very sad situation,” Sempier said. “He made such an impact on everyone. He had a dynamic personality.” Sempier said he plans on having a good relationship with Vinny’s young son Liam moving forward. “I just can’t say enough about Vinny,” Sempier said. “It’s just devastating. The family will carry on and I know I will carry on with Vinny’s son.” “He had a big heart who was willing to help anyone,” Vin Doffont Sr. said. “He was a good son, a good father, a good husband, a good friend. Those are all pretty good qualities to have.” “He loved hard,” Tara McDonough said. “If he loved you, you should consider yourself lucky, because he was then a friend of yours for life.” Funeral services for the Doffont were still pending at press time.

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Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Things will get quite colorful for 2022 Project Graduation town-wide event By Kevin A. Canessa Jr.

kc@theobserver.com

earny High School’s Project Graduation committee is trying something new for its town-wide fundraiser this year — and let’s just say it will be quite … colorful. “The Color Run is an untimed event and at various points throughout the course, color runners are doused from head to toe in a different colored powder,” the Project Graduation Committee said. “White shirts are excellent for this event because when you finish, you look like you are wearing tie-dyed shirts. Each is shirt is unique and participation helps raise money for a funfilled, drug- and alcohol-free night for KHS seniors.” The committee says every few years, KHS Project Graduation changes the communitywide event to keep interest among the residents. The run is scheduled to start at

the Davis Avenue entrance to West Hudson Park at 9 a.m., April 30. Participants pay $5 for students aged 5-12 and KHS students with ID and $20 per adult. “The weather should be inviting, spectators are welcome and donations will be accepted,” organizers said. “In addition, tickets for the large 50/50 drawn

graduation night will also be available. Non participants may mingle and visit with others who they have not seen in almost two years at a safe, outdoor, socially distanced event to benefit a good cause.” Project Graduation was formed in 1996 and even during the pandemic, provided gift bags to

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graduating seniors. Over 26 years, graduates have had fun and parents may relax knowing their children are safe and away from the temptations of drugs and alcohol. Immediately following the graduation ceremony, there is a pizza party while buses are loaded to go to an undisclosed location where there are various events from make your T-shirts, dancing , a photo booth, swimming, a hypnotist, food and more. Feeding 400 students for nearly 10 hours takes some doing, too. Hot and cold buffet, make our own sundaes, breakfast, two pallets of beverages, gift bags, and a T-shirt designed by a graduating senior are provided to the new graduates. “Please consider helping us help them celebrate,” the committee said. Find more information at www.facebook.com/ events/711830153151916. In the photo at center is the aftermath of a previous Color Run.

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The Junior Woman’s Club of Arlington hosted its 30th annual Spelling Bee recently at Schuyler School. After 18 rounds of spelling, it came down to Kearny students, front row from left, Izabella Perez-Bombino (first place), Lilia B. (second place), Jeremay Santos De Freita (third place) and Gavin Araujo (runner-up). NJSFWC volunteers included, from left, Christine Jablonski, Denise Ganzer, Wanny Wong, Denise Ficeto, and Holly Capobianco. Also involved but not pictured, JWCA Education & Spelling Bee Chairwoman Sarah Roberts.

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Wednesday, March 23, 2022

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Sports & Recreation

America, meet Nutley’s Doug Edert, leading Saint Peter’s to Sweet 16

Belleville Bucs look to bounce back after rough 2021 season By Jason Bernstein Observer Sports Writer

Photos courtesy Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire

Edert seen here during St. Peter’s College’s first round matchup against University of Kentucky.

By Jason Bernstein Observer Sports Writer

Most of the country watched in shock on Thursday as Saint Peter’s, led by an unassuming 6-foot-2, 185 guard, delivered one big shot after another as it defeated Kentucky in one of the biggest upsets in the history of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. Marty Higgins Sr. however was not surprised by what he saw on the television in his Nutley home.

With wins over Kentucky and Murray State, Saint Peter’s became just the third 15th seed to ever make it to the Sweet 16. And Nutley’s Doug Edert, with an unmistakable mustache and unwavering confidence, has emerged as one of the biggest overnight stars of March Madness. As Edert and his team from Jersey City formally introduced themselves to America, Higgins got flashbacks to when Edert was just 8, learning the game and

already craving the ball when the game was on the line. “He was always the kid at the end that was looking at you and saying alright, just run that play for me and I got it. Give me the ball and whether I pass it to the See EDERT, Page 10

Joe Sorce understands the perception that comes with a 6-18 record like the one Belleville had a season ago. But as he enters his 16th season as the head baseball coach at the school, behind that record was the realization that with a little more luck, the Buccaneers could have enjoyed a different outcome. “When you look at that record you say ‘jeez, 6-18.’ But I like to say numbers tell a story, but they don’t tell the full story,” Sorce said. “We played in eight one-run games, but we were 2-6 in them. It tells me that last year we were a couple of pitches away from maybe being 9-15 or 10-14, which really wouldn’t have been bad considering we only played a few seniors who were experienced varsity players.” This spring, especially with a more experienced, senior-heavy roster, there’s a confidence that Belleville’s record will look quite a bit different 2022. “A lot of these seniors were going to get time when they were sophomores, but it didn’t work out that way because of Covid,” Sorce said. “And last year was really a transition year for us since our program really only had like two players with significant varsity time.” Leading the group of 10 seniors is shortstop Matt McCann. A year ago, McCann hit .320, while leading

the team in runs (24), stolen bases (15) and walks, while bringing dependable defense as well. “As a shortstop/leadoff hitter, he’s very valuable to us,” Sorce said. “He had a lot of good at-bats last year and at shortstop he makes the routine plays.” Another veteran on the infield is Mike Napolitano, who will be the primary third baseman, but is also the Buccaneers’ top returning pitcher, and should also see some at first base, along with fellow senior Victor Bian. At second base is promising sophomore Joshua Abramson. But Abramson’s role is sure to go well beyond that thanks to his versatility. “Josh is maybe our most versatile player,” said Sorce. “He can play second, third or short and the outfield and he’s going to be a starting pitcher. Josh is going to see a lot of work at second and third.” Seniors Matt Cardone, Colin Cook, Andre Barroso and EJ Molina could all see time on the infield depending on who is pitching on a given day. Santiago Nunez, who saw quite a bit of varsity action last year as a freshman will be in left field. Speedy junior Jacob Mauricio will man center field. Seniors Chris Vitale and Jimmy Cicchetti should see the majority of time in right field. Sophomore James Monroig, Abramson, Molina and Isaiah Tejada could also see time there as well. See BELLEVILLE, Page 11

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

EDERT

Continued from Page 9 open guy or finish it, we’re going to win,” said Higgins, who as the founder of Suburban Elite, was Edert’s first basketball coach. “The ball was always in his hands at that time because he always wanted it. When they’re in the backyard and it’s game point, he’s got the ball.” This time the stage was not a quiet driveway in Nutley, but Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Edert scored the Peacocks’ last five points, including a daring jumper in the paint with 23 seconds left to force overtime against Kentucky. Then, in the extra session, he buried a game-tying 3-pointer as part of a 10-1 Saint Peter’s run. Edert sealed the historic 85-79 upset with a defensive rebound and two free throws in the final sec-

onds. Two nights later, after a quiet first half, Edert erupted for 10 consecutive points late in the second half, allowing the Peacocks to pull away for a 70-60 victory over a Murray State team that had won 21 consecutive games. In two NCAA Tournament games, Edert has come off the bench to score a team-high 33 points, shooting 10-of-13 from the field and 12-of-14 from the foul line. Edert’s play has put him on the back page of the New York Post and New York Daily News, while Saint Peter’s has become a national phenomenon. This trip to the NCAA Tournament would not have been possible if not for Edert’s performance in the MAAC Tournament final against Monmouth when he scored 12 of the Peacocks’ final 12 points as he finished with a game-high 20 in a 6054 victory.

“I said (to Doug’s father) Bill, this is who he is,” said Higgins, who traveled to Indianapolis for Saturday’s win against Murray State. “You look at who goes on the court and in these big games, some of them get the deer in the headlights look. They’re just nervous. Dougie never has that. If you watch Dougie on the court, no matter who it is (on the other side), it doesn’t matter. “He’s not fazed by these moments, by guys who are supposedly Top 10, All-American players. Dougie’s like ‘alright, let’s go. We’re all on the court together.’ He’s played with some of those guys, he’s played against a lot of those guys.” Higgins first saw Edert at a flag football game in which his son Marty was also playing. Higgins, himself a fine player at the University of Maine, then convinced Doug to play on the Suburban Elite FULL RANGE OF FOOT CARE:

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youth teams he was creating. Even in a group of 30 kids of different ages, Edert’s passion for the game, and his obsession to keep getting better, stood out. “We had a group of 30 kids in different age groups and Dougie was one of them,” Higgins said. “Dougie was addicted. He just had this total dedication and passion and love for basketball that was unlike any of the other kids.” Edert played AAU ball for the NJ Roadrunners under legendary coach Sandy Pyonin and went to Bergen Catholic for high school. As a senior, Edert emerged as one of New Jersey’s top guards, earning All-State, Second Team honors by NJ.com after averaging 14.6 points per game, making 71, 3-pointers, and leading Bergen Catholic to a Non-Public A title and a trip to the Tournament of Champions final. Edert quickly earned a reputation as one of the MAAC’s top outside shooters when he made 44.2% of his 3-pointers as a freshman. But it was this season as a junior that his development as an all-around player became impossible to ignore. In addition to his 42.5% shooting from 3-point range, Edert led the MAAC in free throw shooting, and he set

career highs in field goal percentage and points per game thanks to his ability to attack the basket and score in the paint. “You think he’s a shooter, but he’s so much more than that,” Higgins said. “You see his creativeness in the lane, that mid-level game, like the floater that tied the (Kentucky) game at 71-71. I knew it was just a matter of time until he felt comfortable getting into the lane and making those plays and (head coach Shaheen Holloway) felt comfortable enough allowing him to make those plays.” Edert and the Peacocks look to continue their Cinderella run on Friday when it faces Big Ten champion Purdue in Philadelphia. There, the Peacocks will share an arena with traditional March powers UCLA and North Carolina. “It’s such an amazing feeling to watch this. Dougie’s been like another son to me,” Higgins said. “My love and my passion and my heart and my excitement is very similar to what it’s like when my own son (now a shortstop at St. John’s) is playing. “It’s so exciting to watch somebody that you love and that cares so much about this goal and to see him reap the rewards that I could only dream about.”

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

BELLEVILLE

Continued from Page 9 Tejada is one of three seniors vying for the starting catcher spot along with Barroso and Molina. Napolitano headlines the rotation and brings plenty of

The Observer | www.theobserver.com experience to the mound. “He was really a hard luck guy last year,” Sorce said. “He pitched really well against some really good teams. We have a lot of faith in Mike because he throws a lot of strikes.” Abramson and Cook are expected to slide in behind Napolitano in the rotation.

Franklin School in Kearny names February Students of the Month

Monroig has shown potential as a key reliever, along with Bian and Barroso. Belleville opens its regular season on April 1 with a short trip to neighboring rival Bloomfield. The Buccaneers begin play in the Super Essex Conference Liberty Division on April 4 at Columbia.

Yvonne Cali, principal of Franklin School in Kearny, announces February Students of the Month, who were chosen based on the month’s mantra, “A Goal without a Plan is Just a Wish.” Emma Traqueia, Jonathan Da Silva, Bianca Linkevick, Lia Castellanos, Jason Garrido, Rodnier Medina, Gabriel Diaz Argueta, Angel St. Jean, Joshua Ramirez, Jaden Aliaga Diaz, Scarlet Jaramillo, Valery Cocuy, Yony Solano, Sidney O’Blenis, Shannon Ryan, Olivia Tirado Selvin Aleman Dominguez, Zuriel Vivas, Elias Cruz, Anderson Troya Escobar, Juliet Tamayo, Jonathan Da Silva, Isaac Odonez, Ashley Martinez Hernandez, Adriana

Photo by Jason Bernstein

Members of the Belleville baseball team after a preseason scrimmage at Edison. Standing left to right: EJ Molina, Isaiah Tejada, Matt Cardone, Mike Napolitano, Colin Cook, Jacob Mauricio, Matt McCann, Andre Barroso. Front row left to right: James Monroig, Santiago Nunez and Joshua Abramson.

Molina, Katelyn Cortes, Mya Castillo, John Stein, Daniel M Fernandez, Camila Dominguez, Walter Sodre Martins, Lucian Fernandes, Camila Cabrera Adames, Arwa Moukraj, Miguel DeJesus, Vincent Lin, Bianca Torres Gama, Paola Reyes, Noa Castro Carballo, Muhammad Saad, David Afonso, Mishell Gonzaga, Ayla Alves, Nicoly Castro Carballo, Yusuf Bourquia, Isabella Lugo, Scarlett Alvarracin Perez, Pietro Rodrigues DeOliveira, Hayley Macias, Alejandra Escalante, Megan Delgado Ortiz, Mia Gonzaga Castillo, Sebastian Villegas, Le’vae Acevedo, Martina Fandino, Estefany Gomes Del Cid, Brian Rojas, Afiha Maliha.

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Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Optimism and uncertainty abound as Lyndhurst softball team kicks off 2022 season striking out 142 batters in 121 innings, highlighted by a 17-strikeout perfect game With a new season comes against Secaucus. hope and optimism, even if “She’s a standout in the there is some uncertainty circle,” third-year head coach mixed in. Sara Fusco said. “She just In the case of Lyndhurst’s throws every single pitch with softball team, even after heart.” sustaining some key losses via Fusco also has the luxury graduation and injury, there is of also being able to rely on still a lot to be positive about promising sophomore Emily heading into the upcoming Reed to pitch as well. Even season. when Reed takes the ball in So while the Golden Bears the circle, Tozduman will still have to fill the void left by be featured prominently in the the graduation of standouts lineup as she had 69 hits and Gianna Alberti and Alexa 62 RBI for her career. Borino among others, they Whoever is pitching, will do return several significant be throwing to a new battery pieces from last year’s 19-7 mate as captain Meghan squad, which went undefeated Docherty, a four-year starter in the NJIC Liberty Division, at catcher is out for the year perhaps none more important due to a knee injury suffered than four-year starting pitcher during basketball season. Emma Tozduman. In Docherty’s place will Tozduman, one of four be another senior captain senior captains this season, as Stephanie Mizeski shifts overcame early-season arm over from first base to take soreness to deliver a big year, over behind the plate. While By Jason Bernstein

Observer Sports Writer

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on JV last season, but has looked great.” The right side of the infield is a little more up in the air. Sophomores Serena Berges and Bryanna Pando are in the mix at first base, while second base will likely feature Carolyne Moody and freshman Samantha Mayer. Senior Reanna Ricigliano returns at left field with sophomore Kiera Docherty in center. Right field is also a competition with Mooney, Mayer, Hannah Opalinski and freshman Madeline Turano all set to see plenty of time in the outfield this spring. Lyndhurst opens the season with five-straight Photo by Jason Bernstein home games, starting with Lyndhurst senior softball captains (Left to right) Ella Tozduman, Park Ridge on Friday, April Stephanie Mizeski, and Jaylene Rivera. Meghan Docherty is 1, followed by an April 2 also a senior captain, but not pictured. showdown with reigning it is Mizeski’s first time at runs scored. North 1, Group 1 winner the position, Fusco has been Another big bat at a new Emerson and an April 4 clash pleased with how she has position is senior captain with Hudson Catholic, the adapted to the new role. Jaylene Rivera, who moves defending Hudson County “It’s difficult (replacing over from third base to champions. They open Meghan), especially when you shortstop. Rivera led the team division play on the sixth know that having a veteran with six homers a season ago against runner-up Butler. behind the plate makes to go with 33 hits, 37 runs and The Golden Bears will also everyone’s job easier,” said 33 RBI. challenge themselves later Fusco. “But so far, (Stephanie) At third base will be junior in the year with a showcase looks great there. She’s Leah Ricigliano, a JV player a game against reigning Bergen working hard, she moves year ago, who is primed for a County champion Ramapo really quickly (behind the breakthrough season. on April 23 in Cedar Grove plate), so I think we’ll be OK.” “Leah Ricigliano looks and an independent game Mizeski was one of the really good at third base,” at Nutley, last year’s Essex Golden Bears’ top hitters a Fusco said. “She has been County Tournament finalist, year ago with 33 hits and 33 working really hard and was on May 5.

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Obituaries Frank Frederick Ostanski Frank Frederick Ostanski, a loyal and loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, left this world surrounded by loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer on Feb0 28, 2022. He was 70. His battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life’s challenges with a smile. Despite the pain, Frank came out a hero and stayed strong until the end. Frank was born to the late Frank Joseph and Lorraine Ostanski, in Newark, on Oct. 19, 1951. He grew up in Kearny, went to Kearny High School and enlisted into the Army at the age of 19. He served two tours in the Vietnam War as a combat demolition specialist. Frank was loved dearly by a large family. He was married to the late Margot Marsh and together with her, raised their daughter, Jesse, who was his pride and joy. After Margot’s passing, he took on raising Jesse and found added pride in being Pop Pop to Anthony

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and Michael, who adored him. He was cherished by his three younger siblings, Gary Ostanski, (late) Alan Ostanki and Carol Postel. He was revered as the “cool uncle” by Chris, Joey, Michael, Erica, Amy, Rachel, John (JJ), Jason, Alicia, and Samantha. Frank loved his motorcycles and he loved his club. He also loved to go fishing and spending time with his grandsons. He would recall his fondest memories spent in Wildwood on family vacation and taking all the kids out to the beach. He will be laid to rest in Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, where a memorial service will be private. Elizabeth C. ‘Bette’ Davis Elizabeth C. “Bette” Davis (nee Cooper) died March 17, 2022. She was 91. Born in Paisley, Scotland, she lived in Harrison before moving to North Arlington in 1994. Visiting was at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral

Home, Kearny. Services were at the funeral home and burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. Bette enjoyed her career in the Guidance Department at Harrison High School, where she worked for over 30 years. She made many fond memories and dear friends along the way as well as having a positive influence on the lives of many students. She was the devoted wife of the late Robert W. Davis and beloved mother of Kathleen Davis Henry, Elaine Davis Jaume, Carol Davis Jensen and the late Robert and John James Davis and was also loved by Dennis Henry, Ted Jensen, Dan Kelly, Adrian Lopez and Jeffrey Conklin. Loving grandmother of Lindsey, Lauren, Nicole, Theo, Francine and Lisa, she was the great-grandmother of Alessandra, Mia and Elizabeth “Bette” Laine. Also surviving is her dear niece and her husband Marilyn and Joseph Fricovsky. She was also step-grandmother of Kristine Blake and Sean Henry.

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All obituaries must be submitted by email by 10 a.m., Mondays, to obituaries@ theobserver.com. Payment is due at submission. Born in East Orange, Nicholas was a longtime Kearny resident. He was an avid reader and treasured time spent seeing his favorite bands live in concert. The beloved son of Anna (nee Alberti) Hess and the late Donald Hess, Nicholas was the cherished father of Samantha and Cillian, and dear brother of Kathy-Jo Smith and Donna Hess. He is also survived by many loving friends and other family members, and by his faithful dog, Bronx.

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Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Several teens arrested after bloody fight: KPD By Capt. Timothy Wagner Kearny Police Department

n March 10 at 3:46 p.m., Officers Jason Rodrigues, John Donovan, Det. Kyle Plaugic and Sgt. Jay Ward responded to a report of a fight at Davis Avenue and King Street. On arrival, the officers found a 17-year-old Kearny boy bleeding above his right eye and exhibiting scratches on his lower back. The victim

and his friend reported they were in Dunkin’ Donuts earlier and recognized a group of people inside the store with whom they had some recent quarrels. The two boys walked out and were allegedly followed by the group. The two boys alleged the people in the larger group began to punch them while on Kearny Avenue. One of the assailants allegedly pulled a knife and attempt-

POLICE BEAT ed to slash the scratched boy, but the boy reportedly kicked up at him from his back to parry the attack. That boy was treated at Clara Maass Medical Center for minor injuries. Det. Michal Gontarczuk led the follow-up investigation and corroborated ma-

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terial elements of the story using nearby surveillance camera footage. On March 11, he filed a criminal complaint charging James H. Lopez, 21, of Kearny, the alleged knife-wielder, with aggravated assault, conspiracy and weapon possession charges. Lopez is currently at large. Det. Gontarczuk also charged five Kearny juveniles on delinquency complaints for aggravated assault and conspiracy. They were a 17-year-old boy, two 16-year-old boys, a 16-yearold girl, and a 15-year-old boy. All were released with summonses. On March 11 at 9:13 a.m., Officer Ryan Stickno and Sgt. Adriano Marques were dispatched to a domestic violence incident at a private home. A 30-yearold woman told the cops she lives with her ex-boyfriend and the two had an argument over property. During the argument, the 24-year-old ex-boyfriend allegedly punched the victim in the back and then choked her, causing her to briefly lose consciousness. When the victim regained consciousness, the fight continued and she scratched the boyfriend’s face. Officers arrested the ex-boyfriend on charges of aggravated assault and simple assault. He was lodged in the Hudson County Jail, South Kearny. On March 12 at 5:47 p.m., Officers Mat Lopez, Vanessa Sevillano, Sean Podolski and Ryan Stickno were dispatched to a report of a car burglary on the 300 block of Chestnut Street. They arrived while the suspect, Nicholas Morra, 45, of Kearny, was on scene. Morra was accused by an area resident of staring at her while she removed her child from her car, and later opening her car door when she went inside her home. Officers placed Morra, who appeared to be

under the influence, under arrest for criminal-attempt burglary. He was later released from the police station with a summons. On March 12 at 9:58 p.m., Officers Lawrence Latka, Ruben Rivera, Angel Martinez and Sgt. Angelo Palagano were dispatched to a domestic dispute at a private home. A 32-year-old man reported his 39-yearold wife argued with him about who he was or wasn’t cooking dinner for. The argument escalated when the wife allegedly began beating him with a scale. The man was left with scratches to his elbow and face, and a swollen wrist. Officers arrested the wife on charges of aggravated assault and weapon offenses. She was later released from the station with a summons. On March 12 at 11:27 p.m., Officers Kevin Matos and Cort Montanino were dispatched to the Exxon station on Kearny Avenue on a report of a dispute. There, they found a 30-year-old town woman who reported she had an argument with her 56-yearold live-in landlord. The landlord allegedly grabbed the woman from behind and slapped her in the face before pushing her to the floor and choking her. Two other roommates intervened allowing the victim to flee to the gas station and call police. Officers went to the home and arrested the landlord-roommate. She was charged with simple assault and later released with a summons.

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Wednesday, March 23, 2022

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NEWS BRIEFS NA Knights hosting Holy Thursday blood drive The Queen of Peace Knights of Columbus sponsor a blood drive on Holy Thursday, April 14, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Columbian Club Hall, 194 River Road, North Arlington. All donors must weigh at least 110 lbs., eat a meal before donating, bring an ID and drink plenty of water before and after donating. The wearing of masks is

optional. It is strongly recommended anyone wishing to donate blood make an appointment ahead of time by calling (877) 258-4825 or by going online to www.donor.cbsblood.org/ donor/schedules/drive_schedule/541715. For more information, visit www.vitalant.org. Sign-ups underway for Harrison Rec baseball Harrison Little League

BUNCH

Continued from Page 3 Also present that day, original copies of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which abolished slavery and the Emancipation Proclamation, as written by President Abraham Lincoln. None of this happens without Bunch’s expertise and experience as a museum curator throughout his life. And to think, it all started in Belleville. “Belleville taught me how to straddle many worlds,” the secretary said. “But I had to learn, because I still cursed in Sicilian. That ability made me think about how I bring people together. How does the work I do help people grapple with race, but how do I bring people together? That day, the opening of the museum, was America at its best. Suddenly you have Republicans, Democrats, African American and non-African Americans, all kinds of people coming together to celebrate the Smithsonian, the opening of a (new) museum. That, to me, is what always gives me hope about America. …And that comes out of Belleville. You either despair or find hope — and I always want to find hope.” And with all that hope and all he’s accomplished in his storied career, Bunch remains extremely humbled and gives all the credit to his dad, his grandpa and the others he’s encountered. To this day, he says his dad’s former students reach out to him to thank him for his father — who, by the way, taught for 40+ years in Lincoln Park, not in Belleville, because he says at the time, Black teachers were not hired in Belleville. And to any young person, who may read this and be struggling, it brought back a day when a classmate told him he’d never make it to college because he was Black. “I wrote that down on a piece of paper and kept it in my wallet all through graduate school,” he says. Instead of letting challenges bring you down, use those moments to inspire you to achieve your goals, he says. And, remember: “I am not a big deal,” Bunch says. “Just a kid from Belleville who made it to the big city.”

PLANS

Continued from Page 5 The “trigger mechanism” for helping assess that impact fee is likely to factor in the volume and weight of truck traffic ultimately passing through Lyndhurst, Ceberio added. All the properties involved in new transactions have gone through various stages of environmental testing, Ceberio said. All have some elements of contamination, mostly of “historical fill” and “some toxins,” he added, “but, so far, nothing to scare off developers.”

A commercial property in the borough now up for sale is the New North Arlington Bowl at 200 Schuyler Ave., Ceberio said. Also, the borough governing body voted March 10 to designate the old Hughes auto sales property and adjacent land bounded by Sherman, Canterbury and Schuyler avenues as a “noncondemnation redevelopment area.” Mayor Daniel H. Pronti said no one has yet come forward with a proposed use for the site, but he said the borough is taking care to discourage any type of “Taj Mahal” type of construction.

registration continues through March 31. Parents who wish to sign their children up may do so at Harrison.recdesk.com. You’ll need to set up an account first. Fees are $25 for tee-ball, $30 for minor league and $45 for Little League. Tee ball is for kids 5-6; minors for kids 7-8 and LL for kids 9-13. The leagues are for Harrison and East Newark children only. No metal spikes or cleats are used. Parents must provide

their children with their own sneakers or rubber spikes and gloves. For more information, call Larry Kelly at Harrison Rec at (973) 268-2469. Elks hosting Music Through the Ages fundraiser March 26 The North Central District of the Elks’ Special Children’s and Veterans Committees host a Music Through the Ages fundraiser Saturday,

March 26, from 6:30 p.m. at the North Arlington Elks Lodge. Appetizers will be served with a cash bar. The cost is $25. Every 20 minutes, a new year or genre of music will be played. One person per table wins a door prize. For information, see a lodge chair or send an email to chrisscc1050@gmail. com. Payments may be made through Venmo, Zelle or checks.

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MOUNTED CANVAS High quality artist canvas printed and mounted on light and durable stretcher bars. Perfect to be used as gifts or businesses! • Business Wall Decoration • Gifts for Anniversary/Wedding • Home Decorations

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Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Observer Classifieds

The Observer 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

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS Stable and SAFE work environment and a chance to grow with a solid company •SKILLED CLIMBER & EXPERIENCED GROUND PERSON •DRIVER West Milford/ North Jersey area Experience & Transportation and a valid driver’s license a must Call 973-728-0842

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED Office Assistant Bilingual office clerk for Driving School setting, must have office experience, knowledge of computers, willing to work 40+ hrs , Saturdays a must. Email resume: Hopelawn@ezwheelsdriving.com 45W03

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Call Mid-Realty today for information how you can become a real estate agent! You have an opportunity to enjoy an independent full or part time career in real estate in just a few short weeks. For almost 60 years Mid-Realty Inc, has been a successful real estate company serving New Jersey. Whether looking for a new career or curious as to how our office supports our agents, call today for a confidential interview to find out more about us. (201)991-5719 Email midrealty@gmail.com 38W09

Pizzeria cook/pizza maker wanted for Harrison & Kearny Area pizzeria Full time Call (973) 380-9007 46W03

Looking for full time ofﬁce clerk, excel knowledge, bilingual(SpanishEnglish), reliable. Send resume at anam@ gslogisticsllc.com or tonyc@gslogisticsllc.com 46W03

LIFEGUARD Needed for spring and summer open swim program. Valid lifeguard training & CPR cert req. 35 hours per week. $15 per hour. Application deadline 3/30 For Applications go to https://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/ 44W03

Help wanted for Busy Deli Full Time- Part Time Days and Evenings Apply in Person D&F Deli 396 Davis Ave, Kearny 44W06

Professional painter, NOT HANDYMAN, for interior/exterior must have own transportation and own hand tools. Email rspj3817@gmail. com with qualiﬁcations 44W03

Orthopedist’s practice in Kearny looking for full-time, temporary secretary up to approximately 6 months (M-F) 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Must be professional, responsible, friendly and motivated. Duties include, but are not limited to answering telephones, scheduling appointments, registration of patients, handling of medical records, faxing, etc. Spanish speaking a plus, BUT not mandatory. Please fax letter of interest with resume to (201) 998-9201 Attn: Keith, Ofﬁce Mgr. Must show documented proof of full vaccination for COVID-19. Salary discussed upon contacting selected, qualiﬁed applicants. 44W03

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED Instructor needed Will train right candidate. Must be reliable. Part time driver wanted Please email NJDRIVINGSCHOOL@Hotmail. com 46W03

Ofﬁce furniture installers needed No experience necessary Please contact us at (908)237-0179 46W03

Receptionist/ofﬁce assistant And Warehouse Workers needed Apply in person: 260 Schuyler Ave Kearny,NJ,07032 No soliciting calls or emails 44W03

Help Wanted Experienced Hairdresser needed. Kearny Location (201)674-3995

Part time teller position needed. Bilingual a must. Days would be Tues, Thursday and Friday starting at 8am. $13.50/hr Please call 201-487-3538 to inquire

Teacher’s Aide To help with children in Day Care Center in Kearny. Please call after 3:00 pm. (201)991-5684

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Looking to make extra cash? Are you a handyman? Painter?

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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. ALLCLASSIFIED 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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N.Arlington Garden apartment. Second floor. 1 BR HT/HW included. No Fee 1 Parking space. $1300 + 1.5 months security. No pets (201) 968-5052

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N.ARLINGTON 2nd floor, 2 bedrooms, Large LR & DR combination. HW floors throughout, Easy access to public transit. Off Street Parking $1,650+ 1.5 months security. (908)310-9068 46W03

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Wednesday, March 23, 2022

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MEDICAL

Continued from Page 4 They “make the rounds” twice a week, two hours each day, and are graded twice weekly by an on-site clinical supervisor. After graduation, KHS medical students may apply to the “Youth Transition to Work” grant program underwritten by AFSCME Local 1199J, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the N.J. Department of Labor that provides six months of training toward certification as a physical-therapy aide or nursing assistant plus one semester at Essex County College good for 13.5 academic credits. “Tuition is free and there’s free transportation provided,” Martone-Biondo said. After finishing this apprenticeship program, students may get a job, continue at ECC or go on to a fouryear college. Seven KHS students are waiting to pursue this path. This year, according to Martone-Biondo, 70 KHS students are enrolled in the elective program. Of those, eight are assigned to Clara Maass, eight slated are in the YTTW, 16 are with school nurses, five are with private doctors and one is at family crisis cen-

ter in Kearny, on a rotating schedule. “(About) 65% of our current enrollees are female,” Martone-Biondo said, “but in the last five years, we’ve had an increasing number of boys who are interested in becoming nurses and X-ray technicians.” nnn Among the program’s more recent alums are an emergency room nurse, speech therapist and mental health counselor at an area hospital, she said. After completing her KHS medical course in 2007, Fabiana Alvarez worked for a year as a medical assistant for a local doctor, completed a nursing degree at New Jersey City University and earned certification as a school nurse at Kean University, ultimately becoming geriatric nurse coordinator at Clara Maass where part of her duties included supervising KHS medical students. Ultimately, the stress of dealing with COVID-19 patients, coupled with the responsibilities of caring for her two young children, convinced her it was time for a change. In February 2020, she was hired as the Roosevelt School nurse. In the photo above, a Kearny High School student in the program hooks up electrodes to a patient.

Nutley PD: Arrest in Dec. burglary

36-year-old Allendale man has been arrested in connection to the burglary of a Franklin Avenue mechanic shop and with several other crimes in other towns, Nutley Police Director Alphonse Petracco and Chief Thomas Strumolo said. Nutley police were investigating the local burglary that took place Dec. 26 and identified Jose Cardona of Allendale as the person responsible. Police credited the Clifton Police Department for the arrest, who had

been working with Saddle Brook and Lodi on similar burglaries. Police said inspections stickers along with $5,000 worth of equipment was stolen and video surveillance captured Cardona. Strumolo said this was the same location Dylan Waehner-Larson, 29, burglarized less than two weeks later. Petracco commended the police and thanked Clifton for their assistance detaining Cardona. — CANESSA

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

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Wednesday, March 23, 2022

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e-Newspaper for March 23, 2022

Articles inside

See BUNCH