e-Newspaper for April 20, 2022

Wednesday, 20 April 2022

www.TheObserver.com

Vol. CXXXIV, No. 50

Your ad could be here!

Call us at 201-991-1600 for more information.

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

GENERAL CHATS

U.S. Army photos (main & right inset) & John Koutsouris (left inset)

Kearny’s Tom Feltey comes home to address Kearny & Harrison teens

By Kevin A. Canessa Jr.

B

kc@theobserver.com

rig. Gen. Thomas M. Feltey, despite having ascended to one of the highest positions in the United States military, has never forgotten his

roots. And over the years, he says many of the lessons he learned whilst a youngster in Kearny have stuck with him throughout his epic career.

Through and through, he is what makes Kearny such a special place to be raised and to live.

So it should come as no surprise

that as leaders from across the U.S. Army are focusing on reconnecting with communities to generate community support for the Army by focusing on young adults eligible to serve in the U.S. Army, and as part of that, on April 12-13, Feltey visited students at Harrison and Kearny high schools, in addition to stops at

Union and Barringer high schools.

Feltey discussed the opportunities the Army provided him and his family, like how it made it possible for a kid from Kearny to visit 48 states and almost 40 countries.

See FELTEY, Page 18

Happy

Mother’s Day If you are interested in running during this special promo, call us at 201-991-1600

2

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

NEWS BRIEFS

removing medication from Saturday and Sunday, April 30 Dispose unwanted meds its container and disposing and May 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 30 at LPD HQ directly into the drug a weekend that transforms the The Lyndhurst Police disposal box.

If the original West Hudson community into Department will participate container is submitted, the a border-to-border bargain in Operation Take Back individual is encouraged to hunter’s paradise. Residential, New Jersey, Saturday, remove the prescription label business and other sellers host April 30. The campaign, if it contains any personalsales throughout the weekend coordinated by the U.S. Drug identifying information. and there is no rain date.

Enforcement Administration, Liquid products, such KUEZ coordinator John gives Lyndhurst residents as cough medicine, should Peneda says the sale helps an opportunity to dispose remain sealed in original to not only energize, but of unused, expired and containers.

The depositor also bring new visitors and unwanted prescription should ensure the cap is shoppers to Kearny — a benefit medications that day at LPD tightly sealed to prevent to UEZ member businesses.

Headquarters, 367 Valley leakage.

“We were one of the first Brook Ave., between 10 a.m.

Syringes may not be communities to host a townand 2 p.m. deposited. wide yard and sidewalk sale The program is anonymous For more information, call in the area and it is definitely and designed to protect the Sgt. Geoff Rejent at (201) another successful KUEZanonymity of individuals advertising@theobserver.com 201-991-1600 939-2900, ext.

2606, or visit, sponsored Kearny community disposing of medications. www.deatakeback.com. happening,” Peneda said.

No questions or requests for r: Client: “We’re really delighted and identification will be made. grateful to be able to continue Individuals will be able to to bring this event to our town.” deposit medication freely and Yard sale printed and Google independently. maps will be available. Printed Law enforcement officials maps featuring both residential will not count, inventory and retailer sale locations or log medications. Lawdvertising: Here is the updated template with a new photo of Jarlynn Hyde: will be available at 402 and enforcement personnel will KUEZ town-wide yard sale 636 Kearny Ave. and at www. not handle any medications. set for April 30 & May 1 kearnynj.org.

The individual may dispose The KUEZ Town-Wide Yard View the Google map at of medication either in its and Sidewalk Sale returns www.tiny.cc/ktwys.

Both original container or by maps will be available on April 28.

For updates and information, call (201) 9557981 or send an email to kearnyyardsale@kearnynj.org.

Observer

Mid-Realty, Inc.

Let’s Talk

Real Estate

Kearny’s Romanowski on Dean’s List at NJIT Charles Romanowski, a 2020 graduate of Kearny High School, made the Dean’s List at NJIT in Newark, where he is a cyber security major.

To make the list, students make take 12 credits minimum, maintain at least a 3.0 GPA and have no grade below “C.” Suicide-prevention training set for May 9 in Kearny The Hudson County Suicide Prevention Coalition, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the group NJSOSVETS, invite the public to special, free suicideprevention training, designed with helping to prevent suicide among veterans.

The training takes place at 10 a.m., Monday, May 9, at the American Legion Post No. 99, at 314 Belgrove Drive, Kearny — and veterans, their families and those who work with veterans are especially encouraged to attend.

The program is designed to teach trainees how to act with “care and compassion if you encounter a veteran who is in crisis or experiencing suicidal thoughts.

The acronym SAVE is utilized to help recall the steps involved in suicide

prevention.

Signs of suicidal thinking should be recognized.

Ask the most important question — are you thinking of killing yourself? Validate the veteran’s experiences.

Encourage treatment and expedite it.

Interested? Contact JoAnn Northgrave at (201) 369-5280, ext. 4258, or at jnorthgrave@ hcnj.us.

UNICO scholarships available for high school seniors from Kearny Kearny UNICO, the Italian-American service organization, seeks applications for its 2022 Undergraduate Scholarship Awards. Applicants must be a United States citizen of Italian heritage (maternal or paternal); a resident of Kearny; a senior at any public or private secondary school with a GPA of 3.0 (B) or higher; and possess a record of extra-curricular and community participation.

The deadline is April 25.

Applications may be received by sending an email to Joseph Sorbera at jsorbera2@ gmail.com. Once complete, applications must be given to a guidance counselor for submission to UNICO.

Presented by Jarlynn Hyde Broker/Owner

STATE YOUR CASE IN A LETTER

Sometimes the right personal touch can make all the difference in getting your purchase offer accepted by a homeowner. A great way to make yourself and your offer stand out is by including a letter, handwritten if your penmanship is decent. Make the letter as personal as you are comfortable with. Explain not just what you love about their property, but how it will enhance your and your family’s lives.

If there is something you noticed when visiting the home that you can connect with, such as a military background or love for a specific sport or team, mention it. Be sure to include gratitude for their time and

consideration, with a bit of flattery for good measure.

We are a team of talented real estate professionals at our agency, consisting of perceptive individuals who are high-energy, knowledgeable, easy to work with, and well-versed in the complex process of buying and selling real estate. From the personal touch to standard industry policy, our mission is to be the leading real estate firm in our area by providing the best possible service to our clients and customers. If you’re thinking of buying or selling, give us a call. “Our success has been built one satisfied customer at a time.”

INJURY ATTORNEYS

Visit out website at: www.midrealty.com P.S. When writing a personal letter to go with your home purchase offer, you may want to explain how you came to the offer you are making, especially if you’re sure it won’t be the highest bid.

ANTHONY J. RIPOSTA, ESQ.

CORY ANNE CASSIDY, ESQ.

Mid-Realty, Inc.

572 Kearny Avenue • Kearny, NJ 07032 Office: (201) 991-5719 • Cell: (201) 602-7222 Please visit our website at:

www.midrealty.com

(201) 991-0067

www.ripostacassidylaw.com

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

3

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

HARRISON HIRES 7 NEW COPS Photo courtesy of Dave Strumolo

The New HPD officers are joined by Mayor James A. Fife, Chief David Strumolo and Councilman Larry Bennett

By Ron Leir

L

For The Observer

ittle by little, the Town of Harrison is taking steps to rebuild its police force to meet the needs of its growing population.

Last week, the town filled seven vacancies on its police roster, just one short of maxing out its 51-member Table of Organization – the largest number of officers permitted by town ordinance.

And that remaining slot is expected to be filled soon.

But getting to this point wasn’t easy, Police Chief David Strumolo said.

“When I took over as chief in March 2018, we had a total of 34 police officers,” Strumolo recalled. “Since then, two-thirds of our force have left. Bringing that overall number back up turned out to be a monumental task. It’s taken us four years to get to where we are today.”

Reflecting that transition, he noted, is the fact that before the wave of retirements hit, the average age of the department was in the mid-40s, whereas now, it’s hovering at close to 40.

We Specialize in Repast

Following protocols set by state Civil Service, “we certified 150 applicants off a Civil Service hiring list to get our seven new officer candidates,” Strumolo said.

Some ended up failing to clear background checks, some didn’t pass a medical exam, others accepted jobs with other police departments and some simply dropped out.

Meanwhile, the town’s population has continued to grow. “In 2018, we had around 17,000 residents and now it’s got to be higher than 20,000,” Strumolo said, with additional developments, primarily in the town’s riverfront redevelopment area, coming on line.

“Harrison is one of the fastest-growing towns in the state.”

To ensure the safety of all residents and businesses, Strumolo said he’d asked the mayor and town police committee to allow the expansion of the police department, to hire one additional officer this year to

Sun. thru Thurs. 1 per customer. Cannot be combined. Must be dinner size entree. Any subsitutions will be extra charge. Not valid on holidays. Expires 04/30/22

See HPD, Page 19

PHOTOCOPIES OF COUPONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. COUPONS FOR TAKE OUT ONLY.

11-35 River Road | North Arlington, NJ | 201.246.0100 CentanniNJ.com | Centanni Ristorante | centanniristorante

Welcome Back to Centanni’s!

All Reservations & Walk-Ins Welcome

BUY 1, GET 1

BUY 1, GET 1

BUY 1, GET 1

BUY 1, GET 1

Eggplant or Chicken Parmigiana

Lasagna

Chicken Marsala

Chicken Caccatore

FREE!

FREE!

over same Pasta

FREE!

over same Pasta

FREE! over Pasta

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

4

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Latex gloves cause waste-draining system at the Oval to malfunction

By Ron Leir For The Observer

W

hen the Town of Kearny authorized a $23.6 million re-do of the Gunnell Oval Municipal Recreation Complex in January 2019, it took pains to ensure that a state-of-theart drainage system would be an integral part of the project to minimize flooding of neighbors’ homes and basements.

And, thus far, town officials say, that system has stood up to the tests of heavy downpours by displacing excessive storm water deluges into the Kearny Marsh that borders the Oval to the east.

But, recently, town officials discovered that not everything is going with the flow, so to speak. At least not when it comes to the flow of human – or human-related – wastes.

Or, more specifically, smallish rubberized products that can jam up the works.

The situation came to light at last week’s meeting

of the municipal governing body when Mayor Alberto G. Santos asked the Town Council to authorize various overtime expenses including one item to “respond to and repair (a) sanitary pump failure at (the) Gunnell Oval.”

Kevin Murphy, deputy superintendent of the town’s Public Works Department, said DPW received a pump failure alarm March 18 and had an emergency repair done by the following day.

Murphy said a DPW crew also responded to a March 25 alarm which turned out to be a “false alarm.” The resulting overtime bill for 19 hours worked was about $1,136, he said.

What caused the failure of the pump, which is supposed to transit wastes from Oval bathrooms up to a Schuyler Avenue sewer line?

David Silva, of Neglia Engineering, the Lyndhurstbased consulting engineers for the town, put the blame on a pair of rubber gloves town workers reportedly discovered in the pump.

A prior failure of the same

233 Kearny Ave., Kearny

201-997-2360

Michael Symeonides

Since 1965, service has been the key to our success!

Quality Coverage at Competitive Rates!

Auto - Home - Business - Life Let us show you how to save! www.sasinsurance.com • Se Habla Espanol • Nos Falamos Portuguese

pump was attributed to the presence of a balloon inside the machinery, Silva said.

After conferring with a Neglia colleague reportedly more familiar with the problem, Silva offered this explanation for the breakdown: “The impellers (rotating irons or steel disks with vanes in a centrifugal pump that transfer energy from the motor that drives the pump) act as grinders for domestic waste and are not intended for products such as latex gloves or Mylar balloons. The impellers will break down the fabric to an extent but (the product) gets entangled in the impellers and builds up to a point that will clog and shut down (the pump).”

Thus ends this cautionary tale with this presumed warning: Avoid tossing any rubber products down the toilets at the Oval.

Meanwhile, Santos disclosed that because two employees in the town’s construction department had been diagnosed with COVID-19 and have been instructed to quarantine themselves, permit inspections are likely to be delayed. nnn On a positive note, though, the town is optimistic about emerging from the pandemic by going forward with these traditional events: the annual Passaic River cleanup effort is scheduled for April 23; Lupus Awareness observance

NOTARY SERVICES MADE EASY AT THE OBSERVER’S KEARNY OFFICE

NOTARY PUBLIC Lisa M. Feorenzo

SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDE:

n Real Estate Transactions n Mortgage Refinancing n Will Preparation n Powers of Attorney n Representation Agreements Call or email for appointment n Affidavits & Declarations (201) 991-1600 n Notarizations & Authentications lisa@theobserver.com

Tues-Friday, 10a-2p/other hours by request if possible. Appointment required.

VISIT WWW.THEOBSERVER.COM TO MAKE APPOINTMENT ONLINE

Contributed photo

Though not easy to see, the red arrow points to the latex gloves that caused the bathroom drainage system at the Gunnell Oval to malfunction, just a year after going into operation.

April 30; a resumption of the Memorial Day Parade after a two-year absence May 26; and the opening of Farmer’s Market June 23.

In other business conducted at last Tuesday night’s session, the mayor and council: n Scheduled a public hearing for April 24 to ratify proposed pay hikes for members of the town’s Fire Superior Officers Association of 1.75% for 2020, 1.75% for 2021 and 2% for 2022. Labor negotiations between the town and the rank-and-file firefighters on a new contract are continuing. n Authorized a $310,533 contract with Millennium Communications Group Inc., of East Hanover, to install eight Genetec cameras and other video surveillance hardware to ensure Wi-fi

service availability along the Passaic River Pedestrian and Bike Trail through Riverbank Park. The town has received three bids for construction of the trail and may award a contract April 24, Santos said. n Approved a professionalservices agreement with Heyer, Gruel & Associates, of Red Bank, to update the town’s zoning code and redevelopment plans consistent with the town’s master plan update at a cost not to exceed $80,000.

Santos said the update will likely focus on storm water/ flood control improvements, “green-related” projects and the South Kearny industrial area along Jacobus Avenue. n Accepted a settlement of a complaint the town filed See COUNCIL, Page 15

The First Presbyterian Church 663 Kearny Avenue, Kearny FISH & CHIPS DINNER May 14, 2022 from 5 to 7 pm Adults $20 n Children $10 Eat in or take out n 50/50 raffle Catered by The Thistle Chicken & chips available For tickets call, (201) 991-3513

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

5

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Kearny PD arrests robbery suspect within the first 48

CCTV cameras in town, West Hudson Park, aid detectives in identifying alleged perpetrator

By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com

D

eputy Police Chief Scott Macfie estimates the Town of Kearny has spent close to $1 million on CCTV cameras over the last few years that are strategically placed throughout the town. And while it may seem like a hefty investment on the surface, he says residents should be fully aware the cameras are paying massive dividends — and it’s been money well-spent.

And, such was the case from the April 12 robbery at Schuyler Bank, on Davis Avenue, where town cameras — and one operated by the county — allowed the Kearny Police Department to positively identify the suspect, Harun Arslan, a 38-yearold Kearny man who was arrested, Thursday, April 14, in connection with the robbery.

Here’s how it all went down, according to Macfie.

The April 12 incident took place when Arslan reportedly entered the bank, sometime after noon, his face covered, and demanded money from a teller. He never brandished a weapon. After the robbery took place, detectives were able to secure CCTV footage from town cameras that revealed Arslan’s face after he took a mask he was wearing off. That camera footage also allowed police to track him walking to Dukes Street — and eventually entering West Hudson Park.

At the park, a countyoperated camera caught Arslan reportedly entering a vehicle, where license plate readers were able to identify an address of the vehicle’s registered owner.

While the car wasn’t

registered to Arslan, it turns out it was registered to someone he lived with.

Armed with this information, Kearny detectives set up surveillance outside the address of the vehicle registration on the lower end Kearny Avenue and ultimately identified Arslan entering the home. Later, he was seen exiting the home, and ultimately heading to the Paterson and Woodland Park area by car.

Police couldn’t arrest him at the time he left the house because they didn’t yet have an arrest warrant.

But, after police got those warrants for arrest and search, members of the Hudson County SWAT team were sent to the Kearny and Woodland Park locations April 14, where police believed Arslan could be. And, shortly after 4 o’clock that afternoon, he was apprehended in Woodland Park, at a relative’s place, without incident.

Arslan was charged with robbery and was to be remanded to the Hudson County Jail, South Kearny, without bail, pending a first court appearance. Other charges may be pending.

Proceeds from the robbery — about $4,400 in cash — were not recovered.

But it doesn’t end here.

Macfie says this isn’t Arslan’s first go-round at a bank robbery. Some time ago, he was arrested in 2016 in connection to robbing a bank in Garfield. And it was tips from the Lyndhurst Police Department and the FBI that helped the Kearny PD identify him, along with the CCTV video.

According to published reports, Arslan was arrested

CCTV footage of Arslan following Schuyler Savings Bank robbery on April 12.

in July 2016 after he was seen in a similar surveillance video and identified as the subject accused of robbing a Clifton Savings Bank in Garfield. In that case, reports say, he handed the teller a note demanding cash and got away with $3,250 in cash. In that case, police reportedly recovered $1,600 in proceeds.

At the time of that arrest, he was detained on $150,000 bail in Bergen County.

It is not immediately clear what the disposition of that case was.

“We really want to thank

the FBI and the Lyndhurst, Clifton, Garfield, Woodland Park police departments, the the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Regional SWAT team for their assistance,” Macfie said. “When the SWAT team is involved, things always go smoothly. They’re extremely professional and great at what they do.”

Among the members of the team is Kearny Police Sgt. Michael Gonzalez, who is the team’s deputy commander.

nnn Now, there’s more.

Arslan was also sentenced to 63 months in federal prison in 2012 after pleading guilty to the distribution of 300 or so oxycodone pills in 2010. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release.

It is not immediately clear when he was released from federal prison, but it was certainly before the 63-month sentence was fully served — his bank robbery arrest occurred in what would have been the fourth year of that sentence.

ALL OF OUR BAKED GOODS HANDMADE DAILY!

Follow Us!

BREAKFAST SOUP SALAD

ORDER ONLINE ON

AREPAS CACHAPAS EMPANADAS

292 Kearny Ave. • 201.428.1904 www.domingosbakery.com Harrison Plaza • 442 Bergen Street • Harrison, NJ 07029

Ristorante & Pizzeria

Open 7 Days • Catering Available

OFFERING DINE-IN / CURBSIDE / DELIVERY

Wine • Beer • Cocktails | Make Easter reservations today!

Tel: 973.484.5770 • Fax: 973.484.2864

6

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Opinion & Viewpoints COMMENTARY Money well spent on CCTV cameras in Kearny, indeed

Blanton promoted to sergeant At the meeting of the mayor and North Arlington Borough Council Thursday, April 14, the governing body promoted Police Officer David Blanton to the new rank of sergeant. He is seen here with Mayor Daniel H. Pronti. The council also voted to authorize the hiring on two more police officers, on top of the three who were recently hired having already served the Paterson Police Department.

T

he other day, when Deputy Police Chief Scott Macfie was giving me the details on the arrest of the subject of the April 12 robbery at Schuyler Savings Bank, he went out of his way to note Kearny has likely spent $1 million on closed-circuit television security cameras that have been placed, strategically, around town.

One of those cameras was located on Davis Avenue near the scene of the robbery and it caught a crystal-clear look at the suspect, Harun Arslan, after he took off the mask he wore to conceal his face inside the bank when he got outside with more than $4,000 in cash proceeds.

“It’s money well spent,” Macfie said of the cameras.

And he’s absolutely right.

Within just two days, because of the footage from the cameras, detectives were able to trace the suspect’s steps from the bank, to Dukes Street and ultimately, to West Hudson Park.

Inside the park, albeit county owned and operated, another camera captured footage of him getting into a car, license-plate readers tracked down the address of the car’s registered owner — and that person lived in the same home as Arslan.

Inside the bank, since the coward covered his face with a mask, CCTV cameras there were unable to properly capture his likeness, so chances are if the cameras weren’t in place on the outside, police would have had a much more difficult time determining the suspect.

But the cameras were there. And while some see them as “Big Brother” watching — they’re really not — they led to the swift arrest of a suspect who turned out to have a serious criminal record, including involvement in a 2016 bank robbery in Garfield.

Yes, $1 million is a lot of cash, but as Macfie said, it is money well spent in this case alone. And we can only help the cameras serve as deterrents to anyone considering committing any crime down the line. — CANESSA

The timing couldn’t be worse for Jersey’s plastic bag ban: Rose $80,000 in property taxes.

To the Editor: stiffs, howIn May, our elected repreLETTER TO ever,Theareworking not just unhappy, sentatives might be making the November election the biggest mistake since THE EDITOR asshowed, but with what has Gov. Jim Florio put a tax on toilet paper — by making single-use plastic and paper bags illegal.

With the enormous increase in the price of gasoline and inflation since the day Joe Biden was elected president, it is insane to ask working class families to have to add another expense to their already busted budgets.

Will the person walking their dog armed with a su-

permarket plastic bag to pick up the dog’s waste, now just leave the waste where it falls?

Will the garbage being emptied from cans that have no liner by sanitation workers that fall to the street attract vermin?

Of course, our more affluent neighbors have been and will be for getting rid of single-use bags, while they await the repeal of SALT so they can deduct up to

In Memoriam Mary A. Tortoreti 1942-2016

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

transpired since, to their ability to provide basic needs for their families, has them ready to revolt.

Perhaps a hiatus from the Green New Deal might be in order, until a time when a good portion of our residents might be able to live decent lives on our planet rather than just a miserable existence.

Armand Rose North Arlington

39 Seeley Avenue n Kearny, N.J. 07032 n (201) 991-1600 Fax: (201) 991-8941 n www.theobserver.com

Tina Feorenzo Co-owner/Advertising

Robert P. Pezzolla gm@theobserver.com General Manager

Jason Bernstein Kevin A. Canessa Jr. Michelle Rybeck Kimberley Pezzolla kc@theobserver.com advertising@theobserver.com jason@theobserver.com kimpezzolla@theobserver.com Sports Writer Editor/Broadcaster Graphic Artist/Real Estate Sales/Classifieds

Newspaper Deadlines

The Observer on Social Media

n Classifieds: 3 p.m., Monday

facebook.theobserver.com

n Obituaries: 10 a.m., Monday

twitter.theobserver.com

n Display/Real Estate: noon, Thursday n Help Wanted: noon, Monday — all ads must be

sent to classified@theobserver.com.

instagram.theobserver.com youtube.theobserver.com

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

7

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Happy

Mother’s Day We Specialize in Repast

Make your Reservations for

Mother’s Day!

11-35 River Road | North Arlington, NJ | 201.246.0100 | CentanniNJ.com |

Centanni Ristorante |

@CentanniRistorante

Celebrate Mother’s Day

Where NYC’s Atmosphere meets NJ... with great Italian food that’s affordable.

Taking Reservations Now

Itali an Restaur ant Bar & G r ill

Choice of Appetizer, Entree & Dessert. Only $85 per person. (plus tax & gratuity)

440 Harrison Ave. • Corner of 5th St. • Harrison • 973-483-5455 • www.lafiammanj.com

Join us for Mother’s Day

ZAGAT RATED

224 Grant Ave. | E. Newark, NJ | 973.481.3646 www.picnicrestaurant.com

Serving Portuguese Seafood & Barbeque | Lunch & Dinner Catering All Occasions & Takeout | Full Service Bar

N E O L I Y S Mother’s Day! H O M E S T N E S E F U NOW SERVING SUSHI ON JAPA MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS FOR

FRIDAYS,SATURDAYS & HOLIDAY WEEKENDS

161 MIDLAND AVE. | KEARNY | 201.458.2225 | WWW.CURIOSITYBYINTRINSIC.COM

If you are interested in running during this special promo, call us at 201-991-1600

8

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Bridgingthe

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

GAP

‘Manifestation’ is an absurd ‘concept’ Nicholas Martins Grade 8 - Washington Middle School

HARRISON — n recent years, a trending topic has been manifestation.

Manifestation, in basic terms, is when you speak something into existence. An example of manifestation is if someone really wanted to get a car, they would tell themselves that they will get the car, and in theory they will get the car. nnn Manifestation has been in circulation since the 19th century, but it really came to light around mid 2020, which not coincidentally is when the COVID-19 pandemic started.

COVID-19 halted our everyday lives, keeping us inside and preventing us from accomplishing our goals. How did people cope with their newfound feelings of laziness? They turned to manifestation, where you don’t actually have to do stuff, you just say it.

The popular app, “TikTok” has majorly popularized this new craze.

The main demographic of “TikTok”

I

are females between the ages of 16-24.

From my personal experience, I have only seen females from that age range praise manifestation.

This is actually out of all human control. Studies have shown that when a human is not in control of something, they can turn to two things. Believing that it is you who must change an outcome, or an external force that must do so.

Some of my research has led me to interesting differences in gender regarding this concept.

I read that females are actually more likely to believe it is an external force responsible, as opposed to men. That explains why females are so drawn to this theory of manifestation.

In conclusion, I believe manifestation is an absolutely ridiculous fad that promotes laziness

Educating young men in the Jesuit tradition for 150 years.

Spring Open House: Sunday 5/1 • 1-3 p.m. | Virtual Tour 24/7 at spprep.org/Tour

and is used to make yourself believe you are making progress in life.

Please do not believe in manifestation and actually work toward your goals!

Bridging the Gap is space The Observer offers to students in eighth-grade through undergraduate university. Writers or teachers interested should send an email of interest to editorial@theobserver.com.

UNICO food drive set for April 23 in Kearny

T

he Kearny chapter of UNICO National hosts a food drive Saturday, April 23, from 9 .m. to 2 p.m. at the parking lot of the American Legion Post No. 99, on Belgrove Drive.

The drive will take place regardless of the weather — and all donations will be sent to the Kearny Food Pantry.

144 Grand Street | Jersey City, NJ 07302 | spprep.org

THEOBSERVER. COM

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Sports & Recreation

Lyndhurst dedicates press box to long-time coach Jim ‘Mr.’ Walker

Harrison tops Lyndhurst, 18-14, in teams’ first head-to-head matchup in girls’ flag football

By Jason Bernstein Observer Sports Writer

Photo by Jason Bernstein

Jim Walker throws out the ceremonial first pitch before Lyndhurst’s game with Bloomfield (it was a strike).

By Jason Bernstein Observer Sports Writer

For six decades, Jim Walker has been a staple of the Lyndhurst baseball community, volunteering countless hours of his time to coaching the young players of the town. On Saturday, April 16, Lyndhurst had the opportunity to give its thanks to a town institution and legendary figure within the community.

The Lyndhurst High School baseball program and the township’s Recreation Department honored Walker by dedicating the press box at the Recreation Center Baseball Field to him in a

ceremony attended by more than 30 family members and several of his former players.

Shortly after the ceremony, the 84-year-old Walker threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Golden Bears’ game against Bloomfield.

Walker served as a volunteer coach with the town’s Little League for 10 years before coaching Babe Ruth baseball for 26 years, at one point serving as the league’s president.

From there, he served as a volunteer assistant coach for the Lyndhurst High School

team, first under Hall of Fame coach Butch Servideo and then under current coach Patrick Auteri before retiring after last season.

“It’s very emotional seeing all of this family here,” Walker said. “I didn’t expect all of these people to be here.

After 60 years, what can you say?”

While Walker was talking about his relatives, some of whom he said drove more than five hours to be there, he could have just as easily been talking about his baseball family, which shares the same love for “Mr. See WALKER, Page 10

9

For years, Julieta Laurens has been a regular spectator for Harrison’s home football games.

But as much as she enjoyed watching the games and the atmosphere on those Friday nights, there was always a hint of despair that she didn’t get to enjoy the same opportunity of her friends and classmates on the field.

This past Wednesday in Harrison, Laurens and 49 other girls from Harrison and Lyndhurst high schools got that experience in what was the first New Jersey high school flag football games between two area teams.

“I would come out every Friday to watch the high school football games and just wish that they had a program for us,” Laurens said. “Now they do and it feels so much better playing it than watching it.”

In front of a crowd of more than 300 people — complete with members of the Harrison marching band — Harrison defeated Lyndhurst, 18-14, as Laurens threw three touchdown passes to Rasha Abdeljalil, the last coming with less than a minute remaining in the game.

Lexi Augustyniak ran for two touchdowns for Lyndhurst.

“It feels amazing. No one else has ever seen anything like this before,” Abdeljalil said. “We’re the first ones to do this. We never expected this, but they gave this to us and now we’re showing what we can do and we’re not going

to stop.”

Harrison, Lyndhurst and Nutley are a part of the High School Girls Flag Football League, put together by the New York Jets and Nike. The league, which started with eight teams a year ago, expanded to 40 teams from New Jersey and Long Island this spring, with the Blue Tide, Bears and Raiders among the new additions.

It was the second game for Harrison, which lost to Hawthorne a week earlier.

It was the inaugural game for Lyndhurst as well as Nutley, which defeated Morristown in its opener on Thursday.

Each team has eight regular season games, followed by a playoffs that begins on June 1. On June 4, an overall New Jersey champion will be crowned at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park.

“To me this has been a long time coming,” said Harrison head coach Dan Nankivell. “Flag football, for girls to be able to play the sport, should have happened years ago and with the direction the sport is going, it’s a nobrainer.”

As part of the program, the Jets and Nike provided each team with uniforms and flags for 25 players.

The only problem for Nankivell and Lyndhurst’s Rich Tuero was that each had more than double that amount of girls signing up for the program. Many of them did so while playing another varsity sport in the spring like softball or track.

“I was not surprised at See FOOTBALL, Page 11

10

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

WALKER

Continued from Page 9 Walker.”

“What Mr. Walker has done for Lyndhurst baseball and the community is just tremendous,” Auteri said, calling the honor ‘long overdue.’ “Everybody knows Mr. Walker. It’s not even Jim Walker, it’s Mr. Walker. That’s the effect he’s had on people at the high school level to people that are probably in their 70s now.

“There’s guys in their 70s now that he’s coached and he’s made a difference in their lives as a mentor and somebody that they can look up to.”

The 44-year-old Auteri counts himself as one of them.

He first got to know Walker when his older brother played Babe Ruth baseball and Patrick became the team’s bat boy.

“He’s a mentor, he’s a voice of reason,” said Autieri.

“When I took over, he was one of my biggest supporters. He always is one of my biggest supporters still to this day even though he doesn’t come around as much. He always

Photos by Jason Bernstein

Jim Walker with Lyndhurst head coach Patrick Auteri. RIGHT: Jim Walker with his sons John and Brian

calls to check in and see how we’re doing.”

Walker, who grew up in Jersey City and graduated from Dickinson High School, moved to Lyndhurst at age 24 with his wife. His passion for baseball led to him getting involved with the town’s Little League program.

“I wanted to get involved and that’s what I did. I got involved pretty deep,”

Premier Care Dr. Prakash J. Doshi

TALKS

Dr. Hector Aguilar

ASTHMA: BREATHING EASIER

Asthma is a treatable inflammatory lung disease that varies in severity from person to person and from one episode to the next. It is usually caused by irritation of the airways, often due to a viral or bacterial infection, allergies, or environmental pollution. Signs and symptoms include wheezing (a whistling or hissing sound when breathing), shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, and a cough (especially at night) that lasts more than a week. Learning to recognize and treat symptoms early, avoiding indoor and outdoor allergens and pollutants, and being monitored by a health care provider are essential. An asthma attack can occur suddenly or gradually over

days or weeks. It can be a minor nuisance or escalate to lifethreatening.

Many people have asthma.

And there are many treatments to manage it. It’s important to follow the asthma action plan that you made with your doctor, avoid your triggers, take your medicine, and keep up with your doctor appointments. To schedule an appointment, please call PREMIER CARE ASSOCIATES OF WEST HUDSON at 201-9987474. Walk-in patients are always welcome 7 days a week.

HINT: Hippocrates (460 BC) is considered by many to be the physician who identified the relationship between respiratory disease and the environment.

Email any questions or comments to: premiercare@gmail.com

Premier Care Associates of West Hudson is available on a walk-in or appointment basis for your primary healthcare needs.

Walker said with a chuckle.

“Sixty years deep of getting involved.”

His involvement is one that has passed down through generations of Walkers. He got to coach his three sons Thomas, who died in an accident two decades ago, John and Brian. Jim Walker also got the opportunity to coach his grandsons Brian, Michael and Luke at Lyndhurst.

All three of his grandchildren also coached baseball at Lyndhurst, with Michael and Luke on this year’s staff.

Said Jim Walker, “they’re carrying on the tradition and it makes me feel good to keep the Walker name going for baseball in Lyndhurst.”

Walker still works at Costco Wholesale in Teterboro, waking up at 4:30 in the morning to make his way to work. He said the job sometimes leaves him too tired to remain a uniformed coach, but he still makes it a point to try to attend all of Lyndhurst’s home games.

“It never got to that point where I had enough. It got to the point where I get a little pooped from working on a full-time basis, but I’m here (when I can),” Walker said.

“I’ve never been at a point where I didn’t want to do it. I still love baseball.

“I love baseball so I’m not going to stop coming to see it and I like to see the kids do well.”

That includes making

0% Financing Available (for qualifying patients) Hablamos Español • Si Parla Italiano

an appearance at Auteri’s summer baseball camp. Even then, with kids not much older than the great-grandkids running around the diamond before Saturday’s ceremony, Walker’s presence was felt.

“We run our summer camp every year and last year, he came down and we’re dealing with kids 5, 6, 7 years old, and as soon as he walked onto the field, everyone was like ‘who’s that?’ and I’m like ‘that’s Mr. Walker.’” Auteri said. “He just has that aura and that presence and in this day and age it’s difficult to maintain, especially for 60 years.”

“It makes me feel good to be out there,” Walker said. “I just have some kind of rapport with the kids. I get along well with them all, young and old.”

Dr. J.Y. Carcamo

FOR THE FEARFUL PATIENT... Dental injections are now PAIN FREE!

FREE

SMILE MAKEOVER CONSULTATION $100 VALUE

We offer a Senior Citizen Discount! (for patients with no insurance)

134 Ridge Rd. • Lyndhurst • (201)933-1700 • www.CarcamoDental.net

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

FOOTBALL

Continued from Page 9 all. I knew these girls were competitive,” said Tuero, who himself is pulling double duty this spring as Lyndhurst’s flag football and girls track head coach. “I had no doubt that there were going to be a lot of girls.”

Tuero has had plenty of girls participate in the town’s summer football camp he runs every summer. Further football opportunities for girls became available last year when Lyndhurst started a co-ed flag football program.

For Tuero, the opportunity to be a part of this league has extra meaning because of his two daughters. Among those on the Lyndhurst team was Tuero’s oldest daughter, Sophia, age 9.

“It’s going to be a dream come true when I get to coach my little girl,” Tuero said. “My daughter is really excited to be a part of it.

She was on the sideline and it’s definitely an added Photos by Jason Bernstein motivation.”

Lyndhurst’s Lexi Augustyniak. BOTTOM: Julieta Laurens It may have been a warm (Harrison).

Wednesday night in April,

C ELEBRATING

EYE

11

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

25

yet both Tuero and Nankivell said the atmosphere and emotions on the sideline resembled a cool Friday night in the fall. Both coaches have treated their players and games just like they would for their tackle football teams.

That emotion was especially apparent in the second half as Harrison tried to mount a comeback and eventually did, making a late defensive stand before Laurens found Abdeljalil for a long catch-and-run for the winning score.

But as much as the score mattered to those involved, they all knew there was more at stake on this night.

This June will mark the 50th anniversary of Title IX, which prohibits gender

discrimination in education and federal programs, such as sports. The law has helped create several more athletic opportunities for young female athletes and the High School Flag Football League is just the latest example of that.

Laurens and others understood the importance of the moment and the impact it has the potential to have for so many other girls in Harrison and beyond.

“It feels really good because we’re the first ones to ever do it in Harrison history,” Laurens said.

“We’re creating a path for the future teams. We’re being the role models that the girls in the stands are watching and who they want to be when they’re in high school.”

Easter Egg Hunt Congratulations

JENNIFER COOPER Contact our office to claim your prize!

201-991-1600

Y EARS !

CARE

DeLuca Vision Consultants Presented by Joseph A. DeLuca, M.D., F.A.C.S. REFRACTIVE ERRORS AND VISION LOSS The good news is that the Did you know that conditions caused by refractive refractive errors are the errors are entirely treatable most common type of vision with glasses, contact lenses, or problem? Refractive errors surgery. More than 150 million make it difficult to see Americans have a refractive clearly or in focus. They error — but many don’t know occur when the shape of that they could be seeing better. the eyes makes it difficult That’s why eye exams are so for light to focus correctly important. Eye doctors check on the retina. Refractive for refractive errors as part of a errors cause nearsightedness, comprehensive eye exam. The farsightedness, and a exam is simple and painless. combination of both To schedule an appointment, (astigmatism). The most common symptom of refractive call 201-896-0096. Our office is located at 20 Park Avenue, errors is blurry vision, but a Lyndhurst. To reach our optical patient may also experience shop, call 201-896-0007. We double vision, headaches, accept most insurance. eye strain, a halo or glare P.S. Astigmatism may surrounding bright lights, develop after an eye injury, and trouble focusing when disease, or surgery or it may reading or using a computer or other screen-based devices. be present from birth.

www.delucavision.com

HEALTH&WELLNESS & &WELLNESS

DIRECTORY

John P. Branwell, DPM., C.Ped 201-998-9700 • 37 Seeley Ave., Kearny

Podiatric Medicine • Surgery • Diabetic Shoes • Orthotics MEDICARE • BCBS • AETNA • Most Insurances

www.johnbranwellpodiatrist.com

CARDIOLOGY & INTERNAL MEDICINE

Call to make an appointment! (973) 777-3286

1135 Clifton Ave, Suite 206, Clifton, NJ 07013 Mina A. Elfar, D.M.D. General, Cosmetic, & Family Dentistry

837 KEARNY AVE. KEARNY, NJ T: 201.991.1055

645 MAIN ST. HACKENSACK, NJ T: 201.347.5001

2 W NORTHFIELD RD. LIVINGSTON, NJ T: 973.758.8922

OUR SERVICES: • General Dentistry • Cosmetic Dentistry • Implants • Dentures • Oral Surgery

• Invisalign • Pediatric Dentistry • Periodontics • Preventative/ Hygiene

WWW.GENUINESMILESPA.COM

To advertise, please call our office at:

12

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

In young season, Nutley’s Matt Pergola already has staggering 46 lacrosse goals that’s the key,” Pergola said.

“Every time I would go, I wanted to improve my weak By all accounts, Matt Pergohand so I would do twice as la had a fine junior season last many reps with my right hand spring, scoring 52 goals. But if as I would with my left. I just the Nutley star lacrosse attackworked on it more than my er wanted to further elevate strong suits in order to imhis game, he had to expand prove upon my weaknesses.” his skill set — in particular, his The result of all of Pergoability to use his right hand. la’s reps is a player who has “I told him at the end of the been unstoppable thus far in a year that next year you need to season that is poised to rewrite have your right hand a whole the history books at Nutley. lot stronger,” Raiders head In just six games, Pergola has coach Mike Salvatelli said. “As a state-high 46 goals for the great of a player as he was last Raiders. On April 6, he joined year, he knew that this was exclusive company in Nutley his biggest weakness. From lacrosse history for when he Day 1 (this preseason), I could scored his 100th career goal in see that it was the one thing a 20-12 victory over Dayton. he focused on the most in the The 5-foot-10, 160-pound offseason.”

Pergola is on pace to become “I hit the wall (a lot) and

By Jason Bernstein

Observer Sports Writer

Photo by Jason Bernstein

Nutley boys lacrosse player Matt Pergola.

FULL RANGE OF FOOT CARE:

Routine Podiatry, Orthotics, Foot Surgery

Put Your Feet in My Hands

P O D I AT RY

Proudly serving Essex, Bergen, and Hudson County for

Our foot doctor has spent the past two decades offering quality podiatry services to everyone that walks through his doors. Count on us for quality care provided by knowledgeable, highly trained experts.

Most Insurances Accepted

32 Years!

See ATHLETE, Page 14

312 Belleville Turnpike Suite 1B • N. Arlington, NJ

(201) 998-3668

www.drlatorafootdoctor.com

“Make your vision picture perfect...

See what you’ve been missing. Visit our office!”

Family Eye Care Eye Exams • Contact Lenses • Pediatric Care Your Eye Care Professionals Dr. Maria Domingues Lic # 27OA00630100

Dr. Jayswinder Kaur Lic# 27OA00689700

Dr. Marina N. Megalla Lic# 27OA00690300

Dr. Carla Domingues Lic # 27OA00646200

348 Ridge Road • Lyndhurst La doctora habla Español

the school’s single-season scoring leader, eclipsing the mark of 71 currently held by assistant coach Sal Gabriele.

For his career, he has 134 through April 16.

Pergola’s blistering scoring performances have made him this week’s Observer Athlete of the Week.

“It helped me become a well-rounded player,” Pergola said about the emphasis on using his right more. “I don’t have to go just to one side, I

can go to my left or my right.

It makes it harder for teams to scout me and tougher to guard. It’s been so beneficial and I thank (Salvatelli) for telling me about it.”

“Freshman year, he was pretty much all lefty,” said Salvatelli, noting Pergola started to use his right more as a junior after losing his sophomore year to COVID. “Now this year, he’s just as comfortable with going to his right. He can turn and finish, he can turn and feed, or he can just take you right and then bring it back to his left hand anyway. He’s just that quick and he can read the defender better than others can.”

Salvatelli, who played at Glen Ridge, also credits Pergola for his unmatched commitment to watching and studying lacrosse.

“The kid just puts in more work than anyone. He’s just an all-around lacrosse kid,” Salvatelli said. “He watches it. Every Division I, II or III game on TV, he’ll talk about it the next day in practice with you. He watches his film for our games to see what he can do to get better. He watches

201.438.8668

A doutora fala Português

Pet Direct ry Bone Appétit Barkery PET SALON & BAKERY Certified Professional Dog & Cat Grooming

169 Midland Ave. • Kearny, NJ • (201) 955-2306 boneappetite@verizon.net

TO ADVERTISE, PLEASE CALL 201-991-1600.

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Obituaries Kenneth Williams Kenneth Williams, 83, of Kearny, died peacefully on April 16, 2022.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Stephen’s Church, Kearny, Tuesday, April 19, at 10 a.m. Entombment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.

Born in Newark, Kenneth was a lifelong Kearny resident.

He proudly served the people of his town as a patrolman with the Kearny Police Department from 1974 until his retirement in 1994. An avid outdoorsman, Kenneth enjoyed fishing and swimming, and especially days spent at the beach. He was also a loyal fan of the New York Yankees & Giants.

Kenneth was the beloved husband of Mary Jane (nee Graham) Williams; loving father of Kenneth John Williams, Susan Dulko and her husband Bob, Glenn Williams and his wife Debbie and John Williams and his wife Coreen; proud grandfather of Kenneth James Williams (Brittany), Tyler John Williams (Pye Pye), Robyn Dulko, Shawn Dulko, Ryan Williams (Michelle), Nicole Cain (Mary), Danielle Crockford (Thomas), Madison Williams and Jack Williams; and dear great-grandfather of Charlotte, Savannah, Finley and Nicholas. He was predeceased by his sister Marjorie Ballantytne and by his brother Douglas Williams.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association.

Dennis William Davitt Dennis William Davitt, 74, of Middletown, Delaware, formerly of West Milford and Kearny, died Thursday, April 7, 2022.

Born in Kearny on Oct. 12, 1947, he was a son of the late William and Alice (McCrea) Davitt. Dennis proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps completing two tours in Vietnam. He made his career as a supervisor for the Town of Kearny for 40 years.

13

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Dennis served as the past commander at VFW Post No. 1302 in Kearny.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sharon (Duplain) Davitt; grandson, Dylan Vecchiarelli; and sister-in-law Diane Davitt. He is survived by his children, Heather Crist (Sergio), Jason Davitt (Sheetal), Joan Vecchiarelli and Ray Vecchiarelli; siblings Michael Davitt (Caren), Peggy Lawless (Jay), William Davitt and Gary Davitt (Diana); grandchildren Alexis, Madison, Jonathan, Saheli, Aanya, Jennifer, Raymond, Jacklynn, Lexy, Melissa and Jessica; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A service will take place at 2 pm, Saturday, April 23, in Northern New Jersey Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 75 North Church Road, Sparta.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dennis’ memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kan. 66675-8516.

To leave online condolences, visit www.spicermullikin.com The Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home and Crematory in Delaware was in charge.

Vincent and his wife Deborah Martone of Toms River; her daughter Theresa and husband Ronald Testa of Wall Township; five grandchildren, Melissa, Lisa, Vincent, Amy and Alicia; along with five loving great-grandchildren, Lucia, Henri, Brielle, Franco and Felix.

A graveside service took place April 18 Holmdel Cemetery, Holmdel.

In lieu of traditional remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that donations in Carmela’s name be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (www. stjude.org) For messages of condolence, or to share a favorite memory of Carmela, please visit her page of tribute at www.HolmdelFuneralHome.com A memorial service will take place at a later date.

Robert R. Burton Robert R. (Bob) Burton, 63, of Kearny, died Friday, April 1, 2022 at home after a heroic battle against glioblastoma.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 37 years, Wendy, as well as their four children, Bob (Jaclyn), Jayce (Amanda), Lacey (Jonathan) and Brielle. He leaves behind his six adoring grandchildren Carmela Martone Isabel, Elijah, Bobby, Luna, Carmela James and Eloise. Additionally, Martone, 97 he is forever loved and rememof Toms River, bered by his mother, Lorraine died on MonRyan, and his siblings and loved day, April 11. ones, Mike, Karen, Bill, Joe, She was Scott, Dina, Bryce, Barbara, as born in Jersey well as his niece and nephews.

City, where He was predeceased by his she was raised by her parents father, Russell Burton.

Rosalie and Francis La Magra.

Bob was loved by so many. He Carmela married the love of was a hardworking, self-made her life, Vincent, and they raised business owner and master their family in Kearny. carpenter.

He dedicated many She enjoyed taking trips years to coaching Kearny youth everywhere, especially to Seabaseball and softball.

Through side, Atlantic City or wherever his ability to make friends her car would take her. Carmela wherever he went and his nevdrove until she was 96. er-ending support to anyone in She enjoyed spending time need, he has touched the lives of with her family more than many.

Above all, Bob was a famanything. ily man whose main goal in life She was predeceased by her was to see his children happy parents, her husband Vincent — a task he completed simply by Martone and six siblings, being present.

Margaret, Paula, Antoinette, In lieu of flowers, please Rosemary, Joseph and Angelo. consider a donation to St Jude She leaves a surviving brother Children’s Hospital.

Vincent.

Also surviving is her son

Pasquale A. ‘Pat’ Marino Jr. Pasquale A. Marino Jr., or “Pat” as he is affectionally known, died April 14, 2022.

He was 89 years young.

Born in Jersey City, he lived in Kearny most of his adult life before moving to Monroe Township.

Pat served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Before retiring, he was the owner operator for CMC Pollution Control, Kearny.

Pat enjoyed reading in his spare time, as well as traveling, dancing and eating at local restaurants. But what he enjoyed

All obituaries must be submitted by email by 10 a.m., Mondays, to obituaries@ theobserver.com. Payment is due at submission. doing the most was watching his New York Yankees.

Pat is survived by his nephew Bruce Marino, cousin Auggie Correa, beloved friend Salvatore Renna and Pat’s loving significant other, Kathleen Franke.

Family and friends are welcome to visit on Tuesday, April 19 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Condon Funeral Home, 684 Kearny Ave., Kearny. (condonfuneralhome.com) A Catholic service will begin at noon at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.

Mulligan Funeral Home 331 Cleveland Avenue, Harrison

Arrangements may be made in Spanish, Portuguese or Polish

Frank X. Mulligan III, Manager, NJ Lic. 4221

Frank X. Mulligan, Jr. Inactive Private Parking at 10 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. North

973-481-4333 visit us at: www.mulliganfh.com

Shaw-Buyus Home for Services

Mario Teixeria, IV, Manager, NJ Lic. #3757

Mario Teixeira, Jr. Director, NJ Lic. #2542 • Monique Teixeira, Director, NJ Lic. #4048 Newly renovated family owned and operated funeral home with multiple locations.

Fluent in Portuguese and Spanish. Handicapped Accessible.

138 DAVIS AVE. • KEARNY, NJ 07032

(201) 991-2265 www.buyusfuneralhome.com

WILFRED ARMITAGE & WIGGINS FUNERAL HOME Mark G. Wiggins, Manager N.J. Lic. #3916

You will feel as if friends of family have taken over when you entrust funeral arrangements to the Wilfred Armitage Funeral Home. The family-owned firm has been in business for 100 years, serving generations in West Hudson and South Bergen. Its beautiful facilities, in a setting reminiscent of a colonial mansion, reflect the graciousness and tact of its understanding personnel.

Wilfred Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home

596 Belgrove Dr. • Kearny, NJ 07032 (201) 991-0657

14

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

basketball court and the quicker pace of the game for helping his vision on Continued from Page 11 the lacrosse field and being able to navigate in as much of the oppoless space. nents as I do to put toNutley played its gether scouting reports. first-ever home night There’s not a day that game at Tangora Field goes by where he isn’t thinking about or doing on April 6 and it was a moment Pergola something physically won’t soon forget. Just for lacrosse.” a couple minutes into That includes the the game, he scored his winter where Pergola 100th career goal. It was has been a guard for merely the beginning for the Raiders’ basketball team. Pergola credits the Pergola, who finished with a single-game catighter confines of the

VIEW

Think you can’t refinance because values are down?

reer-high 11 goals.

“It was probably the best lacrosse experience I’ve ever had because I was playing under the lights with all my friends there, all of my family, everybody there,” Pergola said. “It felt great to have that opportunity to do it at home and at night in front of my friends. My team was just backing me and supporting me and my coaches. I loved it and I can’t wait for more night games to happen.”

NORTH ARLINGTON • NJ 07031

RATES AT HISTORIC LOWS!

THINK AGAIN!

FREE

Analysis for Purchase & Refinance!

ROB PEZZOLLA • NMLS# 266181 • ROB@KEYPOINTMORTGAGE.COM

TEL: 201.998.9050 • FAX: 201.820.0505

T S U J

D E T LIS Timing is Everything.

NJMLS

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Several local PDs taking part in med takeback day April 30

By Kevin A. Canessa Jr.

T

kc@theobserver.com

he Lyndhurst, Nutley and Kearny police departments will participate in Operation Take Back New Jersey, Saturday, April 30.

The campaign, coordinated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, gives residents an opportunity to dispose of unused, expired and unwanted prescription medications that day. In Lyndhurst, the drop is at PD Headquarters, 367 Valley Brook Ave. In Kearny, it’s also at police HQ, 237 Laurel Ave. In Nutley, it’s at PDHQ on Chestnut Street all are between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The program is anonymous and designed to protect the anonymity of individuals disposing of medications.

No questions or requests for identification will be made. Individuals will be able to deposit medication freely and independently. Law enforcement officials will not count, inventory or log medications. Law-enforcement personnel will not handle any medications. The individual may dispose of medication either in its original container or by removing medication from its container and disposing directly into the drug disposal box. If the original container is submitted, the

individual is encouraged to remove the prescription label if it contains any personal-identifying information.

Liquid products, such as cough medicine, should remain sealed in original containers. The depositor should ensure the cap is tightly sealed to prevent leakage. Syringes may not be deposited.

For more information, visit, www. deatakeback.com.

The mailbox seen above is at Kearny Police Headquarters and is in place 24-7. Other departments have similar boxes.

Police may use separate containers the day of the takeback.

Celebrating Chinese Memorial Day

Comprehensive / Real-Time / Accurate

.com

Better Home Searches.

Contributed photo

Scores of visitors at the Belleville Reformed Church Cemetery observed the traditional Chinese Memorial Day Saturday, April 9. In 1870, Belleville became home to the first successful Chinese community on the east coast of the United States. The event was co-sponsored by the Belleville Historical Society and the United Chinese-American Association of New Jersey. Speakers included the church Pastor Lillian Ortiz, of La Senda, Antigua; Margaret Lam, president of UCAANJ; former Englewood Cliffs Town Council President Bill Woo; Belleville Councilmen Steven Rovell and Vincent Cozzarelli and Belleville Historical Society President Michael Perrone.

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Rejoice! Fish House Road ramp to Rt. 7 east has opened

By Kevin A. Canessa Jr.

W

kc@theobserver.com

hat you are about to read is true. You are not misreading anything.

The new Fish House Road northbound ramp to the Route 7 eastbound ramp in Kearny opened Friday morning, April 14, the NJ Department of Transportation says.

The NJDOT’s contractor removed barriers to open the new ramp from Fish House Road northbound to Route 7 eastbound in South Kearny before

COUNCIL

Continued from Page 4 against PSE&G with the state Board of Public Utilities disputing a $77,429 electric bill for the fieldhouse at Harvey Field by agreeing to pay the utility $30,829. PSE&G had shut off service Oct. 29, 2021, for nonpayment of usage charges dating from September 2009 through April 2021.

PSE&G has created a new account for the fieldhouse, effective March 18, 2022. n Contracted with Neglia Engineering for design services of the water main relocation project associated with the N.J. Department of Transportation Portway Project (Fish House Road/Pennsylvania Avenue) for $123,440, conditioned on the town being reimbursed by DOT. Santos disclosed that the town will,

15

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

the Wittpenn Bridge. The existing ramp was closed and detoured in October 2017 to allow for the construction of several new ramps and the western approach to the new Wittpenn Bridge, which opened to traffic Oct. 2, 2021.

With the new ramp open, traffic will no longer have to take Route 7 westbound and make a U-turn to get to destinations in Jersey City. The direct access to the Wittpenn Bridge is expected to reduce congestion and improve travel times. once again, be soliciting consulting proposals for strategic approaches to deal with the town’s persistent on-street parking woes. He said the town has been bogged down trying to deal with “all sorts of questions” about how to regulate issues related to residential driveways, overnight permits for “guest” parking and parking for commercial vehicles.

“We need a consultant to tell us clearly what our options are,” he said.

“Vehicles are getting bigger, we’re seeing more pickup trucks and it’s getting harder to park on our streets.”

He said the town is talking to East Newark and railroad representatives about the possibility of using vacant rail property along Grant Avenue for public parking. First Ward Councilman Albino Cardoso noted there are still five openings for resident permit parking at the newest development along Passaic Avenue.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY LOCAL MOVES & LONG DISTANCE IN HOUSE MOVES (LABOR ONLY) RENTAL BIN SERVICES LOAD & UNLOAD PODS

10% OFF WITH THIS AD!

CALL NOW & GET YOUR

FREE

AFFORDABLE MOVING QUOTE! WWW.GOWAGON.COM 201-921-6432

0% FINANCING UP TO 18 MONTHS! NO MONEY DOWN!

• Boilers • Bathroom Remodeling • Oil to Gas Conversions

• Sewers Video Camera Inspections

267 River Rd. | North Arlington | New Jersey

LIC# 9529 |T: 201.997.8565 | F: 201.997.1085 | www.DeGracePlumbing.com

REFRIGERATION • AIR CONDITIONING • HEATING HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTOR COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • SALES • SERVICE NORTH ARLINGTON, NJ WAYNE CANGIALOSI ROCHELLE PARK, NJ NJ LIC.# 13VHO1132900 • NJ Master HVACR Lic.# 19HCOO868800

201-981-0852

waynehvacr@verizon.net • www.waynerefrigeration.com

NJ Plumb# 11103 / HVAC# 19HC00064800

COURAGEOUS

PLUMBING, HEATING, COOLING Sewer & Drain Cleaning/Excavations Central AC/Furnaces/Humidifiers

$25 OFF

YOUR FIRST JOB CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFERING

Oil to Gas Conversion, Inspections, Hot Water Heaters, Permit Corrections for Resale Visa, Mastercard and Discover Accepted courageousllc.com • courageousplumb@aol.com

201.206.4845 • 908.387.8150

16

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Observer Classifieds

17

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

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 44W12

RECREATION PLAYLEADERS Playground Play leaders needed for summer recreation program. 6/27 -8/19 Play leaders will supervise playground activities during our summer recreation program. 25-30 per week. Application deadline 5/2 For application Go to https://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/ 48W03

LIFEGUARD Lifeguards/Lifeguard supervisor needed for summer open swim program.

Valid lifeguard training & CPR cert req. 33 hours per week. $15 per hour.

Application deadline 5/2 For Applications go to https://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/ 48W03

Looking for delivery person, experienced waitress/waiter and pizza maker/counter person for restaurant in Harrison.

Must speak English.

(917) 692-1648

Laundromat attendee wash/fold, phone, customer service.

Part time .

Experience only call Penny (862)763-1977

49W03

49W03

The Risotto House Restaurant located at: Hasbrouck Heights, NJ Needs kitchen helper, waitres/ waiters Please call Mark (201)478-2966 From 10AM - 5PM or after 9PM

Full Time Experienced Body Man for a State of the Art Body Shop in the Ironbound Section of Newark.

Call 973-344-5403 or apply at 333 South St. 48W03

50W03

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

Pathways to Independence, Inc., A day program supporting adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities M-F 8:30AM - 4:30PM Career opportunities for: Program Supervisor F/T salary $40-$42K per year.

Oversees the Adult Training Program; this position is a hand on supervisory position which works/supports the direct support staff and the adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. BA Degree Employment Specialist/Job Coach F/T ($17.50/hr.)

Evaluate/Support adults referred by DVR in locating community employment.

2 year Associate degree required.

One to One Direct Support Professional FT ($16.00/hr) working within our adult training program, providing individualized supports to one adult with disabilities.

Direct Support Professionals FT & PT ($14.82-15.25/hr.) Providing supports to adults with disabilities with our Adult Training Program.

Van Drivers PT $14.75/hr. - Van Aides PT $14.25/hr. (split shift for drivers/aides 6:45AM-9AM and return again 2:45PM-5PM) OPPORTUNITIES FOR CAREER GROWTH Excellent time off benefits (FT & PT) / and excellent medical benefits for FT Must have HS Dip/GED all positions must have a clean driving record (license not required for Van Aides) 60 Kingsland Ave. Kearny, NJ 07032 or email resume to: pti450@aol.com (or visit us 9:30AM – 3PM M-F to apply) A great place to work & make a difference in the lives of adults with disabilities. eeo 50W03

KCONNECT.TECH Hiring for a full time Low Voltage Technician position, 1 year experience necessary, call our office at 973 360 8707 for interview 46W06

Office Work Setting & Confirming appointments Outbound calls $15/h Split shift 9-1 & 4-7 M-F few hours on Saturday more hour will be added Must be a people person & enjoy talking on the phone 201-955-0001 for interview 50W03

Need Driver/ Loader pickup passengers in van and load in helicopter.

Full/Part time position Retires welcome call (862)849-2652 Location Kearny NJ Heliport 49W03

New Jersey-Wanted full-time heavy equipment technician/ mechanic. Job to include: inspect, maintain and repair heavy equipment, front loader, bulldozer, excavator, backhoe ect.

Knowledge of hydraulic systems is a must.

Excellent pay/company pickup truck. Contact us @917-995-8556

Looking to make extra cash?

Are you a handyman?

Painter?

50W03

THE OBSERVER is not responsible for typographical errors.

Credit for errorswill 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

Fire Prevention Specialist Part-time position, Under direction, inspects premises of buildings to detect and eliminate fire hazards and to enforce the provisions of relevant fire safety codes and related regulations; does other related duties.

Possession of a current valid Fire Inspector certification issued by the NJ Dept of Community Affairs required. 24.5 hours per week, $28.00 -$35.00 per hour.

The following residential preferences shall apply: 1. Residents of the Town of Kearny and the City of Newark; 2. Residents of Hudson and Essex Counties; 3.

Residents of the State of New Jersey.

Proof of residency is required; applicants shall provide copies of the first page (only) of the last three (3) 1040 tax returns with the financial data redacted and a Government issued photo identification card (i.e. current NJ Driver’s License, Passport etc.).

Applications are available at: https://www.kearnynj. org/job-opportunities/ Application Deadline is 5/6/22.

The Town of Kearny is an equal opportunity employer.

DISH Wireless L.L.C. is proposing to install new wireless telecommunications antennas on an existing119-foot-tall monopole located at 590 Belleville Turnpike, Kearny, Hudson County, New Jersey, 07032.

Modification consist of new antennas at a centerline height of 89 feet above ground level and support equipment at ground level. Any interested party wishing to submit comments regarding the potential effects the proposed facility may have on any historic property may do so by sending comments to: Project 6122003102 TC EBI Consulting, 6876 Susquehanna Trail South, York, PA 17403, or via telephone at (339) 234-2597

49W03

50W01

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTE - Not a legal advertisment

Advertise your talents with

The Observer Your ad will appear in print & online and will reach thousands of loyal customers in print & on the web

Call (201) 991-1600

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Observer Classifieds

18

17

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.

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

HARRISON

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

PLUMBING & HEATING

N.ARLINGTON

JOSEPH V. FERRIERO Plumbing & Heating

HARRISON Newly renovated. 2nd fl. 3 BR’s, LR, DR, EIK. $1,800/mth plus security. No pets/smoking. Avl. June 1st. (973) 482-5532 49W03

N.ARLINGTON Remodeled 3 bedrooms, 2 bath apartment available April 1st. LR, formal DR and EIK on first floor. 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths on 2nd floor. Laundry Hook-up in basement. Tenant pays all KEARNY utilities. No Pets. $2,750/ mth plus 1.5 mth security.

Credit score 750 or highKEARNY 1st fl. 3 Br’s, er. Call Sal (201)280-0600 LR, DR, Kitchen. Utilities 48W03 seperate. No Parking. No Laundry or yard. 1 1/2 N.ARLINGTON Beautiful months security. No pets. modern apartment, Large No smoking. Avl. May 1st. rooms. 2 BR. EIK. LR/DR. (201) 246-0383. 49W03 Closed to all major transportation. Hot water paid by owner. Electric & heat KEARNY Brand new 4 paid by tenant. $1850 + BR’s. $1950 + 1.5 months 1.5 months security. No security. Utilities sepa- pet/smoking. Desired lorate. Access to Yard. No cation and plenty of pubSmoking/Pets.

Avail- lic parking. Available now able Now (201)772-9965 (201) 522-4470 50W03 49W03

KEARNY 2nd floor. 2 BR, H/W floors. C/A & Heat.

2 car parking Avl. With Washer/Dryer. Close to school & transportation. $1700 + 1.5 months security. No Pets/Smoking.

Avl. May 1st. 973-6345485 49W03

N.ARLINGTON 1st Fl. 1 BR, LR, DR, EIK With yard.

Quiet neighborhood.

Near Transportation. $1300 + Plus utilities.

1 1/5 months security.

No Dogs. One year lease.

Credit check.

Available June 1st (973)838-1662 48W06

HOME IMPROVEMENT

LANDSCAPING & DESIGN

LACA CORP

Mario Esposito’s Landscaping LLC

50W06

50W52

47W04

MASONRY

FENIELLO CONTRACTING LLC.

Kitchen and bath remodeling. Carpentry.

Hot Water Heaters.

Fully Ins. Lic# 165

(201)637-1775

“Five star contractors”

Brick paver specialist All concrete work.

Blacktop driveways.

Power washing.

Satisfaction guaranteed.

Free estimates.

(973) 979-1167 or (973) 323-5123 50W06

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

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

All types of Home Improvement.

Quality work. Fair prices Fully insured.

Lic# 13vh03006100

(201) 906-2422 50W06

KEARNY 2nd floor.

Newly renovated 3 bedroom apartment in private home. Close to NYC transportation.

Supply own utilities, no smoking, no pets. $1800 + 1 month security. Available 5/1. 201-998-5794 50W03

KEARNY 2nd FL, 3 bedrooms, $1800 + 1.5 months security. utilities separate. No smoking/No pets call or text (201)543 1382 50W03

N.ARLINGTON N.ARLINGTON 2nd Floor.

Newly renovated. 2 BR’s, 1 Bath. LR. EIK. $1850 + 1.5 months security. Utilities separate. No pets/ smoking. Available Now (201)889-0422 49W03

W.NEWARK 1st Floor. 2 BR’s, EIK. DR. On speedway Avenue $1400 + 1 months security. Utilities separate. No Pets/Smoking Available May 1st (973)207-5292 50W03

CONDO FOR RENT N.NEWARK 1st Floor Newly renovated.

2 BR, EIK, 1 Bath, 1 parking space. $1500 + 1.5 months security.

Utilities separate.

No Pets/Smoking.

Available April 1st.

(973)615-3765

Background check required 48W03

ROOM FOR RENT EAST NEWARK Room for Rent for single person. Utilities included.

Available now. call 973868-7999 50W03 KEARNY Single, clean, responsible person $550/ MONTH. 1 month security. No kitchen, No smoking/pets Available now.

(201)667-1733 50W01

44W09

Affordable & Simple Landscaping Spring clean-ups, mowing, Hedge Trim, Mulch, Flower planting & more.

Reasonable Rates.

Dave 201-286-7224

RUBBISH REMOVAL

BRUNO’S PAYLESS ROOFING

A-1 AFFORDABLE RUBBISH REMOVAL

Roofing -Siding- Repair Same day service

Attics, Basements, Yard Cleaning. We Haul or You Can Rent 10-15 Cubic Yard Containers.

We Accept Visa/MasterCard (201) 998-1262

(973)906-8404 Call for a FREE estimate Many local References Established 1999 45W06

45W06

B&A ROOFING

KEARNY Newly renovated. 1st floor. 3 BR’s.

LR. EIK. 1 Bath. $2650 + 1.5 months security. Utilities separate. No Pets/ Smoking. Available May 1st (201)279-9676 or (201)702-9056 50W03

Forever Green Landscape Construction & Design Pavers- Retaining WallsMasonry-LandscapingFence-Decks Text: (201)949 8824 NJForeverGreen.com

49W06

ROOFING/SIDING

LIC#13VH00418100

W.NEWARK

•Clean-up •Lawn Maintenance •Top soil •Mulch •Spring Clean up Free Estimate (201) 438-3991

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

PEST CONTROL

PEST CONTROL

and windows FREE ESTIMATES (201)719-3074

Call 973-932-2092

Licensed & Insured

Licensed and Insured

47W06

49W06

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

PAINTING & DECORATING

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

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

erickconstructionnj.com Free estimates - Fully insured Lic#13VH04302300 10W54

• Concrete • Brick work • Steps • Stone Walls • Tiles • Painting • Sheetrock • Drywall • Plastering ALL types of Masonry For Free Estimates Call Edinson (973) 943-2254 46W06

G&R BUILDERS Roofing,

Siding, Windows/Doors, Decks, Gutter Cleaning Painting, Tiles & Masonry, Sheet Rock.

All types of Carpentry

Andreas Painting Professional Painting & Decorating House Painter Interior & Exterior Painting Plastering - Taping Free Estimates (201) 997-0706 49W06

HALL FOR RENT

What an ad on Craigslist gets you ...

• A free ad • No-shows • Headaches • People from other regions of NJ • Scammers What an Observer Classified gets you ...

• local readership • local buyers • Access to thousands of people who support our advertisers • Placement in a 134-year-old newspaper (and on www.theobserver.com) and our paper that readers are loyal each and every week.

Truth is, nothing can compare to our Classified Section. Why take the risk with Craigslist?

Try The Observer’s Classifieds ... and see results right away.

Call us today to place your ad.

(201) 991-1600

FREE ESTIMATES 20% Senior Citizen Discounts

(201) 893-0656 Lic. #13VH02536200 45W06

45W06

18

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

FELTEY

Continued from Page 1 Three of his own kids were born in Germany and his family has friends across the globe.

Not only did the Feltey family travel the world, they were able to go to college courtesy of the Army.

These benefits are universally appealing to students, the Army says.

So with about 75% of young people today admitting they know little to nothing about the U.S. Army and the career opportunities it offers, these visits allow students to ask questions and ease concerns about a potential career in the military.

One student at Harrison High School asked Feltey whether he ever regretted joining the Army.

In response, Feltey said: “Looking back over 29 years, there are moments where I asked ‘What did I get myself into? I cannot feel my fingers. I cannot feel my toes.

As a leader, you cannot feel sorry for yourself very long. My soldiers give me energy.’ It is important to remember that the Army does not send soldiers into situations you are not trained to deal with — and that

training makes you stronger.” nnn More than just a recruiting experience Feltey, who has been in Kearny a few times since he was promoted to brigadier general last year, had breakfast with his dad, and two dear friends, John Koutsouris and Mike Andrade, where else, but at The Greeks.

“He had a paced schedule, but it was great to see Tom here for breakfast,” Koutsouris said. “It was great to spend time with him that morning before he had to head out to Harrison High School.”

Having survived that breakfast experience, later that day, Feltey had lunch catered by the Kearny High School culinary arts students, with Mayor Alberto G. Santos in attendance.

He was also expected to meet with Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka later on that day. nnn Parents, students, want to know more?

Students and parents are encouraged to keep asking questions.

Recruiters are available to meet and discuss any general questions or

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

During his recent visit to West Hudson, Kearny’s Brig. Gen. Thomas Feltey took breakfast at The Greeks, Feltey, second from right, is seen here with his dear friends, from left, John Koutsouris & Mike Andrade and his dad, Thomas.

concerns. With over 150 different career paths available in the U.S. Army, there is something for everyone. For specific career-related questions, recruiters may setup an appointment to speak with a specialist.

For follow up questions regarding this visit and what the Army is doing in your communities, please contact Allison Luchnick, Public Affairs specialist, U.S. Army MidAtlantic Recruiting Battalion, at allison.s.luchnick.civ@army.mil.

Lusitania

SAVINGS BANK

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT LOANS

Special Promotional Low Rates

Supporting Investment in Local Commercial Real Estate WWW.LUSITANIABANK.COM/MORTGAGES 107 Pulaski Street, Newark, NJ 07105 • (973) 344-5125 Ext. 129 www.lusitaniabank.com NMLS # 640892 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY LENDER

TODAY’S LOAN RATES Payment Example: $10.12 per $1,000 borrowed on a $100,000 10-year fixed rate mortgage at an interest rate of 3.990% will result in 120 payments of $1,011.98 on owner occupied 5+ multi-family. Payment Example: $7.39 per $1,000 borrowed on a $100,000 15-year fixed rate mortgage at an interest rate of 3.990% will result in 180 payments of $739.19 on owner occupied 5+ multi-family. Payment Example: $10.24 per $1,000 borrowed on a $100,000 10-year fixed rate mortgage at an interest rate of 4.250% will result in 120 payments of $1,024.38 on investment 5+ multi-family. Payment Example: $7.52 per $1,000 borrowed on a $100,000 15-year fixed rate mortgage at an interest rate of 4.250% will result in 180 payments of $752.28 on investment 5+ multi-family. Actual monthly payment may be higher because example does not include applicable property taxes, fees, insurance premiums or other related costs. Annual percentage rate (APR) based on $100,000.00 loan with a 10-year & 15-year amortization term. Financing on properties located in Essex, Union, and Hudson Counties. Minimum finance charge of $955.00. New loans only. Rates and annual percentage rates are based on 75% loan to value with 25% equity or 25% down payment. Rates and annual percentages are effective as of the publication date of this ad and are subject to change. Please speak with our Mortgage Department for additional terms and conditions that may apply. Subject to credit approval. Other rates and programs are available.

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

HPD

Continued from Page 3 achieve the 51-member T.O. and five more in 2023 and they’ve agreed to up the ante.

With additional personnel available, Strumolo said he’s been given the opportunity to put in place specialized units like community policing, traffic safety and crime suppression.

To increase uniformed visibility around town, the department will be adding two new officers to each road patrol shift and purchasing two new patrol cars to supplement its fleet, he said. Typically, the HPD periodically leases patrol vehicles as needed to replace older cars in the fleet, but this will mark the first outright fleet increase in recent memory, he said.

Also, within the coming year, Strumolo said the department will be opening a police sub-station at the Harrison Parking Center in the heart of the riverfront redevelopment area.

“We’ll start staffing the new facility during morning and afternoon rush hours with officers from our traffic and community policing units,” he said.

Those officers will focus on any garage security issues that may arise, keep tabs on the high volume of commuters using the nearby PATH train station and help with crowd control at Red Bull Arena.

These officers may also assist residents with the renewal of annual resident parking permits and distribution of town-issued literature updating residents about municipal-sponsored programs and events, he said.

Strumolo said the department also plans to acquire two motorcycles to assign to traffic and parkingenforcement officers. “It’s a must for us,” he said, to help control crowds during soccer games and other events at the arena and related traffic concerns. “It will give us more flexibility.”

Using federal Homeland Security funding, the department purchased a Sprinter Van to serve as a command vehicle that can

19

The Observer | www.theobserver.com serve as a backup emergency dispatch center. It’s also equipped on the outside, with a 150-foot-long drone camera attachment.

“We’ll also be adding a K-9 unit, primarily for detection of explosives. Probably in the next three months, we’ll be putting out a request through the department for any officer who wants to apply as a dog handler. Once someone is selected, then that officer will be matched with a canine for training. The process can take up to eight months,” the chief said.

Strumolo estimated the town is investing about $250,000 for the expansion of its motor pool and canine enforcement.

Each of the seven new officers will be earning the current starting pay rate of about $45,000 a year, he said.

Three have prior experience as law enforcement officers in other jurisdictions and are now going through a period of in-house orientation.

The other four will go to the Passaic County Police Academy for 26 weeks of training before starting assignments in Harrison.

The new hires are: Cindy Alba, a New Jersey City University alum and a prior Class 1 special officer in Guttenberg; Gerard Castellano, a William Paterson University alum who served one year as an officer with the Irvington Police Department; Jessica Clarke, who worked for a funeral home in Somerset; Carlos Delgado, an NJCU alum with a business degree who was a Hudson County Sheriff’s Officer for a year; Christina Ritch, an Arizona State University alum who was an Essex County Sheriff’s Officer four years; Gina Versaguis, an Army veteran who worked the front desk at a medical facility; and Jonathan Puglla, a former Uber driver.

Once all seven are fully operational in Harrison, the HPD will have 17 officers who are fluent in Spanish and/or Portuguese, according to Strumolo, which, he noted, means, “never will there be a time when we don’t have Spanish speakers among our officers on the road.”

Photo courtesy of Larry Bennett

Harrison Police Chief Dave Strumolo, left, and Mayor James A. Fife, second from right, swear in one of the new police officers last week as Councilman Larry Bennett looks on. Seven new officers have been hired.

THINK OF THE

POSSIBILITIES. CONSIDER PRINTWORK FOR YOUR BUSINESS!

COUNTER CARDS Any flat surface or countertop becomes premium space with easel-backed, full color Counter Cards. Use them in glass display cases, on bookshelves, register counters and tabletops.

• Gyms, Studios, Business Offices (Advertising, promos, etc.)

• Hotels (Including pricing and service lists) • Real Estate Offices (Inc. property info, pricing, etc.)

• Schools • Retail Stores (Showcasing product details)

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

TRADING CARDS Trade artwork, photos, and just about any image or message imaginable!

• Informational Cards • Networking Cards • Promotional Business Cards

, H C U M AND ORE! MUCH M

Call 201.991.1600 for more info.

20

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

DENTISTRY DEDICATED

TO EXCELLENCE. With combined experience of 50 years, Dr. Elfar and his team of dental professionals, provide the highest

$99*

quality of dentistry at affordable prices!

NEW PATIENT EXAM, CLEANING AND X-RAYS

SERVICES • General Dentistry

• Invisalign

*FOR NONINSURED PATIENTS

• Cosmetic Dentistry • Pediatric Dentistry • Implants

• Periodontics

• Dentures

• Preventative/

• Oral Surgery

FREE

CONSULTATIONS (FOR IMPLANTS & INVISALIGN ONLY.

Hygiene

X-RAYS NOT INCLUDED.)

No insurance?

No problem!

Call us about our in house discount plan.

$350 IN OFFICE WHITENING

Mina A. Elfar, D.M.D. General, Cosmetic, & Family Dentistry

GOOGLE REVIEW "This is the best dental practice I've been to by far! Professional and friendly staff. Took me in right away. Very clean and new office. I was extremely impressed. Dr. Elfar and all his staff is personable and committed to providing the best care. Will be recommending to all my friends and family! 5/5!" -Rami Alrabaa

FLEXIBLE HOURS • EARLY, LATE AND WEEKEND HOURS 837 KEARNY AVE. KEARNY, NJ T: 201.991.1055

NEW LOCATION!

645 MAIN ST. • HACKENSACK, NJ T: 201.347.5001

WWW.GENUINESMILESPA.COM

2 W NORTHFIELD RD. SUITE 302B LIVINGSTON, NJ T: 973.758.8922