e-Newspaper for May 4, 2022

Council vote ratifies Belleville Planning Board appointmens

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

In a move officials say was made at the request of Planning Board attorney Rose Tubito, the Belleville Township Council voted last evening to ratify all Mayor Michael Melham’s Planning Board appointments.

While the township stands behind its understanding the mayor has the authority to appoint Class IV members to the Planning Board, the mayor and council believe it is in the best interests of the township, the Planning Board and all future applicants to provide this quick and easy remedy.

“The question of my ability to appoint Class IV members of the Planning Board which was first raised in 2019 and has repeatedly been asked and answered. The township’s belief is rooted in state statue, local ordinance as well as two legal opinions one from the current Planning Board attorney and another from our township attorney,” Melham said.

The Planning Board’s approvals issued were never in jeopardy, as only several Class

IV Members had come under question. A majority of the board, Melham (Class I Member), Jacqueline Guaman (Class II member), Councilman Tommy Graziano (Class III member) and two Class IV members, have never come under question.

Furthermore, in the years since the mayor’s appointments have been questioned, not a single Planning Board approval was ever challenged during the 45-day legal challenge period immediately following board approval.

In November 2019, the Planning Board attorney was asked whether the mayor’s appointment of a specific individual, as a Class IV member of the board, was permitted. While the original question dealt more with whether a “particular individual” could be considered a Class IV member, the attorney’s opinion found this member was rightfully appointed by the mayor under Chapter 19 of the township code the section the mayor has relied on to make appointments.

See BOARD, Page 5

A colorful run to benefit KHS Project Graduation

Santos displeased Oval playground isn’t

Each year, the Project Graduation committee hosts a town-wide fundraiser to help defray the costs of the annual event on graduation night. Things were a bit different this year as organizers decided on a color run where things get, well, colorful, at the end, as you can tell from some of the participants seen here. And though the run is over, it’s not too late to donate to Project Graduation, which provides a fun, alcoholand drug-free event each year. To do so, visit KHS’s Project Graduation page on Facebook for details.

functional Contractor hasn’t fulfilled its obligations, so town may need another to get it up & running

By Ron Leir For The Observer

Public infrastructure travails, firefighter hirings and the 2022 municipal budget shared the spotlight at the April 26 meeting of Kearny’s governing body.

The playground in the heart of the Gunnell Oval recreation complex has been gated much of the time since the $120 million re-do of the facility and Michael Neglia, the town’s consulting engineer, blames

the contractor for failing to correct a “wavy safety surface” condition that, he said, first appeared during the winter.

Since then, Neglia said, that “compromised” surface has “sat back down, but if it doesn’t last. I’m not going to accept it. The town has spent a lot of money (on this project).” While the surface material may well adhere in the short run, Kearny may have to “get another contractor” for a long-term fix, he said.

Mayor Alberto G. Santos added, “We just can’t continue waiting this

out (with the contractor),” particularly with the warm weather ahead. “We need to be ready and get this playground open.”

Ironically, the Oval – and Neglia Engineering – have been feted with the award of an “Excellence in Design” citation from N.J. Parks & Recreation, but Third Ward Councilwoman Eileen Eckel said that recognition – along with “rising numbers” of kids participating in municipal recreation sports programs – has been marred by recent acts of Oval vandalism.

“Signs were going missing,” Eckel said. “There was a search and they found maybe 10 or 12 in the Big Belly garbage disposal. Plus, there was damage to the bathroom facilities and garbage was thrown all over. Our children have to be taught to respect the places where they play. It’s not OK for the taxpayers to continuously pay for repairs. We need parents to step up to the plate to tell kids this is not OK. If a playground is chained and locked, you don’t go

See OVAL, Page 7

KHS Events/Facebook

KPD: Where’d that pallet of pot come from?

By Capt. Timothy Wagner Kearny Police Department

On April 20 at 3:20 p.m., Officer Mina Ekladious was dispatched to a shipping company on Harrison Avenue on a report of a suspicious incident involving marijuana. Officer Ekladious learned from the freight forwarding company they had received a

trailer containing a pallet of marijuana.

Assisted by other officers and detectives, police seized several boxes containing 117 smaller sealed bags of what later weighed in at 136.4 lbs. of marijuana.

On April 22, detectives received information an employee of the shipping company had allegedly stolen some of

the marijuana before police seized it. After further investigation, detectives arrested the employee, Jorge M. Fernandez, 25, of Kearny. Detectives applied for a search warrant for Fernandez’s Devon Street home, which they executed the same day.

From Fernandez’s home, detectives seized 18 bags of marijuana, 20 bags of edible THC candies, 21 grinders, two digital scales, a vacuum sealer, six glass bongs, empty vacuum seal bags, 56, 9mm ammunition cartridges, $1,825 cash, a loaded “ghost gun” handgun without a serial number, a loaded Pietro Beretta .380 caliber handgun, an LG cellular phone, eight iPhones, 49 Samsung cellular phones and 46 Nokia cellular phones.

Fernandez was charged with two counts of possession of a firearm (second degree), possession of marijuana over 25 pounds (first degree), possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a school zone (third degree), theft (second degree) and possession of drug paraphernalia (a disorderly persons offense). Fernandez was held at the Hudson County jail.

On April 20 at 6:24 p.m., Officer Taylor Latka and several backup officers were dispatched to Laurel Avenue and Beech Street where it was reported three males were breaking into parked cars. Upon arrival, Officer Latka was given a description of the three males who reportedly had been inside the caller’s neighbor’s Dodge Durango. Latka quickly found three Newark teens, ages 15, 16 and 16 walking south on Beech Street, but they ran when approached.

One boy was found hiding in a backyard on Beech Street and was taken into custody by Latka and Sgt. Ben Wuelfing. Several other officers found the two remaining boys hiding in a residential backyard on Elm Street and took them into custody.

All the boys were charged on juvenile delinquency complaints with burglary, conspiracy and defiant trespass. Two were additionally charged with obstructing the administration of law. All were later released into the custody of guardians.

On April 21 at 2:43 p.m., Officer John Fearon responded to the parking deck at 206 Bergen Ave., for a report of a group of men looking into parked vehicles. On the fourth deck, Officer Fearon found Tyshaun Techeira and Timothy Thomas, both 18 and of Roselle, sitting inside a white Mercedes Benz that did not belong to them and holding a halfsmoked marijuana cigarette. Both were arrested for burglary and later released with summonses.

On April 24 at 12:29 a.m., Officer Kevin Matos was dispatched to a Forest Street home on a report of an aggravated assault involving a knife. There, an 18-year-old resident reported having had a social guest over who allegedly became violent when asked to leave and punched the resident.

On his way out, the assailant then allegedly wielded around and attempted to slash the resident’s abdomen with a box cutter before kicking him three times and fleeing.

Officer Ryan Wilson found the alleged fleeing assailant on Seeley Avenue. Later identified as 31-year-old Vinicio A. Mejia, of Newark, Wilson arrested Mejia on charges of aggravated assault and weapon offenses. Mejia was held at the county jail, South Kearny.

On April 27 at 3:32 p.m., Officers Anthony Nunez and Ryan Stickno were dispatched to Seeley Avenue and Forest Street.

Multiple calls were received from that area reporting alternatively that a male was passed out in a car at the intersection and that a male was driving erratically.

When the officers neared the scene, they found the offending Honda Civic being driven up Seeley Avenue on the wrong side of the road after having failed to stop at the stop sign at Seeley and Beech Street.

Officers pulled over the Civic and saw signs of impairment in its driver, Ryan W. Decker, 32, of Kearny. Decker was arrested after failing field sobriety tests.

Decker was charged with DWI, careless driving, and a stop sign violation, and released to a local hospital for treatment.

Blood found on cars in NA and it’s a mystery how it got there

When the North Arlington Police Department arrived to the garage on Ridge Road near Melray’s April 28, they found blood on a few cars and on the ground along with blood spatter.

The thing is, to now, they’ve been unable to determine how it all got there.

As of Monday, the department was still investigating, trying to obtain CCTV video footage from the area.

But so far, there’s been no joy in finding any.

North Arlington Mayor Daniel H. Pronti tells The Observer there are no surveillance cameras installed inside the garage, but plans have been in the works for years to install them there.

“It’s all been delayed by COVID,” Pronti said. “We had planned before the pandemic to get the cameras and put them in, but the pandemic has slowed that process down.”

The mayor says that may still prove difficult to accomplish because a lot of the vendors that make the cameras do not have the proper materials and/or stock to comply with the demand.

That said, Pronti, a former Montclair police sergeant, says it appears to him the blood came from someone who likely got clocked in the nose/face.

“The nose really can bleed a lot,” Pronti said, noting the incident doesn’t appear overly serious. — CANESSA

to take your dog(s) on an actual walk through it and talk to other dog walkers about their experience.

area is pet-friendly. Most people start by looking for dog parks (or dogfriendly parks), but sidewalks and traffic flow are even more important for safety as is the distance to the nearest emergency veterinarian. The best way to get a feel for the area is

Looking for a new home that satisfies all your family’ s needs, including those of your pets? Come sit down with us and tell us your thoughts or what you’ll need. We have an abundance of experience (more than 55 years) in finding homes for buyers that are located in the perfect neighborhood, of the optimal size, in the desired style, and at the right price. “Our success has been built one satisfied customer at a time.”

Grant will upgrade Nutley Library’s lift

By Ron Leir For The Observer

Patrons and staff of the Nutley Public Library will just have to be a bit more patient when it comes to accessing the building’s upper levels.

There is elevator service but, because of the mechanism’s age (30 years) and other variables, it’s not always as dependable as they’d like and

when that happens, the only alternative is the stairs, which isn’t the ideal way to navigate, especially when burdened with a stack of heavy books or a child carriage.

There’s relief on the way, however, Library Director Michelle Albert says. The library has been issued a special state grant of $95,000 to help upgrade the lift and the township government is doing

what it can to enlist the aid of an outside professional to do the job.

Problem is, Albert said, the task is becoming more formidable because of costs.

“The first time we went out to bid,” Albert recalled, “only one bid was received and the price submitted was significantly higher than we anticipated.”

So the Township

Commission authorized a second round of bids which came in April 6.

This time, two companies responded, with a range of $120,000 to $160,000. Albert said both bids ended up being rejected by the commissioners because the companies failed to include prices for alternate pricing on items dealing with fire safety and electrical work.

Now the commissioners will entertain a third round of bidding due on May 11 by 11 a.m.

The lift, which can fit no more than six occupants, breaks down, typically, “every couple of months,” according to Albert, prompting calls to an elevator maintenance firm contracted to provide that service. Temperature can be a factor in the lift’s operation — if the HVAC system is overtaxed to compensate for extreme weather days, it can drain power from the lift’s operating system, Albert noted.

As a last resort, Albert said, the commissioners may consider contributing some municipal funds to supplement the grant money unless the latest round of bids come in at a more reasonable level.

Books forming the bulk of the library’s collections available to the public are on shelves primarily on the first two floors, but the children’s room is on the second floor and the third floor is reserved for library staff which uses part of the space for temporary storage and sorting of books and other items.

Meanwhile, she said, the library will continue on as best it can with an elevator that virtually “100 percent of our patrons and staff” rely on, including senior citizens with canes, mothers with strollers and staffers with carts.

So, until May 11 arrives, library staffers are keeping their fingers crossed and hoping for a successful “liftoff,” so to speak.

BCPO: Lyndhurst man nabbed on child porn charges

A Lyndhurst man has been arrested on child pornography and endangerment charges, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said.

The arrest of Vincent P. Incalcaterra, 21, was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Jason Love.

According to Musella, on Thursday, April 14, 2022, members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit executed a search warrant at Incalcaterra’s Lyndhurst home during the course of a months-long Internet child pornography investigation.

The investigation revealed Incalcaterra used the Internet to view, download, possess and distribute files depicting nude and/or sexually explicit prepubescent children. In addition, he reportedly used social media to engage in sexually explicit dialogue and video chats with children, some of whom he convinced

to undress on camera.

As a result of the investigation, Incalcaterra was arrested Thursday, April 14, in Paramus, and was charged with first-degree production of child pornography, second-degree distribution of child pornography, third-degree possession of child pornography and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

Incalcaterra was remanded to the Bergen County Jail, pending a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack.

This investigation continues. Any parent or guardian who determines their child received inappropriate communications from the following social media accounts may contact the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at (201) 226-5532: “pandora.use,” “aleonardo4713,” joh victor,” “F.Zinkart” and/or “fatchode.”

BOARD

Continued from Page 1

If the mayor was permitted to appoint this individual as a Class IV member, then it stands to reason, it’s the Planning Board attorney’s position that the Mayor could appoint Class IV members.

Also in November 2019, the township attorney was asked to provide input on this same topic.

He cited state statute, N.J.S.A

40:55d-23a — Planning Board

Membership — which reads:

Class IV — other citizens of the municipality, to be appointed by the mayor or, in the case of the councilmanager form of government pursuant to the Optional Municipal Charter Law, P.L.1950, c. 210 (C.40:69A-1 et seq.) or “the municipal manager form of government law” (R.S.40:79-1 et seq.), by the council, if so provided by the aforesaid ordinance.”

State statute does indicate the Council may appoint, if local ordinance permits. To that end, Belleville does have a local ordinance, Chapter 19, under which it has been operating, however; it gives the appointment to the mayor

consistent with the Municipal Land Use Law.

Belleville Administrative Code; Chapter 19-1.1; Planning Board, Establishment.

Class IV. Six other citizens of the municipality to be appointed by the mayor.

Melham added: “What we saw at the last Planning Board meeting was disgusting. Three weeks before a municipal election, it was an attempted coup, with all the players reading off a script. The chairman should have never allowed activists to disrupt a public meeting in the manner they did.”

At that time, the Planning Board chairman said meetings should be suspended, and the Planning Board attorney stated, on more than one occasion, the meetings would be suspended, and no meetings would take place until the appointments of the mayor were ratified by the Mayor and Council.

They were on April 26.

Without a vote by the majority of the Planning Board, the meetings have been suspended by order of the Planning Board attorney.

“The mayor’s appointments have now been ratified by Mayor and Council as

233 Kearny Ave., Kearny 201-997-2360

Michael Symeonides

requested, and therefore the meetings will resume,” Melham said.

Meanwhile, it was town activist and former Board of Education Trustee Michael Sheldon who brought most of the attention to the Planning Board situation by hiring a land-use expert attorney to say the appointments weren’t proper. Based on one paid-for attorney’s opinion, the meetings had been suspended.

Sheldon referred to his attorney’s most recent opinion to the board, written on his behalf to be submitted as a statement of his own to the council.

In the opinion, he refers to a case from 2001 where a decision was made that quorums couldn’t be made retroactively.

"If you disagree, the best approach, in the interest of innocent third-parties that may have relied upon actions taken by the Planning Board in the recent past, is to seek a declaratory judgment in the Superior Court. Let a court decide whether Mr. Kates is correct in his interpretation or Mr. Martino is correct. Without it, the status of approved development applications will remain uncertain and will be detrimental to the public interest in resolving these important issues."

Garfield School Students of the Month named

Kindergarten: Rosalie Landro, Joy Paulino, Martin Perez. First Grade: Thiana Carlos Hidrogo, Rayan Nazhi, Logan Romero, Ian Villatoro. Second Grade: Adam Amraoui, Emilia Linares Gomez and Sophia Rojas. Third Grade: Sebastian Carfagna, Ethan Chang, Andres Ulloa Calderon. Fourth Grade: Ziyad Benhmadat, Nathan Campoverde, Hember Cusco Carrera, Jonathan Martinez Sandres, Leah Ruiz. Fifth Grade: Sarah Gallardo, Tiago Ribeiro, Emily Valladares Cruz, Nicholas Zavala. Sixth Grade: Lyzander Farfan, Ester Fernandez, Mason Mendizabal, Ayden Navarro, Ashley Rodriguez Espinoza, Charli Valente.

HAPPY 60TH ANNIVERSARY

April 28, 1962

April 28, 2022

Barbara and WIll Branwell celebrated their 60th anniversary April 28, 2022.

They are both lifelong Kearny residents who were married at First Evangelical Free Church in Kearny on Maple Street and had their reception at the Arlington Players’ Club in Kearny. They have two children - Dr. John P. Branwell and Deborah Jackson and three grandchildren, Olivia, Connor and Natalie.

ESSENTIAL CAR CARE TIPS

May is Car Care Month, which makes it a perfect time to highlight the importance of keeping your ride in tip top shape.

1. Clean the Interior. It doesn’t take long for dust, dirt and crumbs to collect inside your car. In addition to causing odors, contaminants can lead to bacteria growth and compromise the air quality in your car’s cabin. Keep the interior of your vehicle tidy by regularly vacuuming the seats and carpets,

wiping down surfaces with a disinfectant cloth and replace the cabin air filter as needed.

2. Keep up with routine care. To prevent breakdowns, make sure to get your car regularly services. Refer to the user’s manual to determine the recommended maintenance schedule for your type of car. Even better, find a reliable mechanic who can suggest a maintenance timeline after inspecting and servicing your vehicle.

3. Look out for problems. Is your car making weird noises? Does it handle differently? Or maybe a dashboard warning light has come on? Addressing issues right away, even if they seem minor, can help you avoid costly repairs and keep you safe on the road.

Last but not least, make sure to practice safe driving to protect your car as well as yourself, your passengers and other road users.

OVAL

Continued from Page 1

in there. That’s a message that’s important for our kids to hear, that if someone’s caught, there’ll be restitution. We have to make sure this facility is here for the next generation.”

Meanwhile, Neglia offered apologies to residents inconvenienced by “nighttime operations” at the Dukes Street pump station where sewer pipes are being installed between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m., prompting temporary road closures along Schuyler Avenue and related road detours in the area.

“And it’s noisy,” Santos said. “It’s not fair to residents. We have to review those detours. There may be a way not to close off everything at one time.”

Neglia said he’ll advise the contractor to shift to daytime hours, “but there will be significant obstruction (of traffic).”

Santos quizzed Neglia about why nothing has been done to jumpstart the Sanford Avenue Sanitary Sewer LongTerm Intervention project to relieve flooding and sewer backups in that neighborhood. Santos said the Kearny Municipal Utilities Authority, which handles collection of primarily industrial/ commercial wastes from South Kearny, needs to extend its legal jurisdiction

to include residential and, if it agrees to do that, then it needs to inform the town whether a sewer line it built out to a location near the residential flood area

13 years ago to potentially “grow its service area” has sufficient capacity to handle the additional wastes.

If the KMUA won’t sign off on the deal, Neglia said the town would likely have to temporarily divert Sanford Avenue wastes to a temporary “storage” facility and then pump the stuff to a sewer collection line off Schuyler Avenue.

Either way, said Second Ward Councilman Peter Santana, those long-suffering residents need to be updated on what’s happening.

“Residents not knowing where it stands is just degrading to us,” Santana said. n

On the public-safety front, the governing body appointed three new firefighters which, according to Fire Chief Joseph Mastandrea, brings the number of rank-andfile officers to 101, just one short of the 102 maximum permitted under the Fire Department’s Table of Organization. All are replacements for retirees, he said.

Mastandrea said the town had planned to hire four firefighters but one prospective appointee who didn’t complete the prehiring screening process “is

still pending.”

The three probies — Peter Casale, Jerry Arruda and David Laracuente Jr. — are all Newark residents. Each will earn a starting salary of $33,000. The town’s personnel policies list Kearny and Newark as the “preferred” catchment area for Kearny Fire Department hirings.

The trio now begin three months of training at the Morris County Public Safety

Academy, followed by about four weeks of classes leading toward certification as Emergency Medical Technicians, before starting in-house training in Kearny.

The governing body, meanwhile, awarded Kearny fire superior officers annual pay increases of 1.75% for 2020, 1.75% for 2021 and 2% for 2023, after a public hearing on a pay ordinance adjusting their salaries. Over the life of the contract, Tier

1 fire captains (promoted after Nov. 1, 2016) will see their annual pay rise, as per a seven-step guide, up to a maximum of $140,160, while salaries for Tier 2 captains (promoted before Nov. 1, 2016) will go from $147,263 to $152,837.

Tier 2 deputy chiefs, also on a seven-step guide, will end up with a maximum pay of $172,445 while Tier 1 deputies will go from $184,329 to $191,306.

Sports & Recreation

Several local teams enjoying solid baseball seasons at the midway point

By Jason Bernstein Observer Sports Writer

Nutley baseball coach Robert Harbison isn’t ready to say his Maroon Raiders are close to playing up to their true potential. But after a rough start to the season, Nutley is starting to round into form right as the calendar turns to May and tournament play is about to begin.

In Saturday’s 10-5 victory over Kearny at the Hudson/ Essex Challenge to Cure Alzheimer’s at Miller Stadium in West New York, Nutley showed some of the characteristics needed to make a run in the upcoming Greater Newark Tournament and state playoffs.

“Right now you’re concerned about playing well in the tournaments and I think we’re playing ok,” Harbison said. “We gotta clean up our base running a little bit, but defensively, we’ve been good all year. As

long as we can throw strikes, (we should do well).”

The win was Nutley’s fifth in the last six games, a streak that has mainly been on the strength of a pitching staff that is short on experience as it has given up two runs or less in four of those games. To be more precise, it’s been Harbison’s bullpen which has shined of late. For the second time in five days, lefty Chris Pierro was dominant in long relief, pitching three perfect innings out of the pen with four strikeouts to close it out.

Pierro and the return of Joe DeLanzo (eight scoreless innings) from an injury that kept him off the mound to start the season suddenly gives Harbison two quality relief arms to use late in games.

Meanwhile, an offense that was expected to be a strength, came alive on Saturday, in particular in the fourth inning when it erupted for eight runs.

DeLanzo, one of Essex

County’s top players, opened the inning with a double, followed by a Dylan Santos single. Brandon Lucia and Frank Contella each had an RBI before Santos delivered the crushing blow of the inning, a two-run double into the leftfield corner, scoring two and making it 9-3.

Santos went 2-for-3 with a walk, three RBI and two stolen bases on the day, DeLanzo was 3-for-5 with two runs, an RBI and two stolen bases. Lucia drove in two runs and Pierro went 2-for-3 with a walk and a run for an offense, which has struggled, but has the potential to put up runs like it did on Saturday.

“I’m not happy with where we are offensively yet, but we have enough bats that we can score some runs,” said Harbison. “It’s a short season, but can we turn it around offensively? Yes, but it’s gotta happen soon.”

See BASEBALL, Page 10

Carselda, a sophomore, matures on the diamond quicker than anyone could have imagined

By Jason Bernstein Observer Sports Writer

Robert Carselda may only be a sophomore, but the North Arlington shortstop/relief pitcher has already acquired a well-earned reputation as someone who thrives in the big spot. It’s a trait he credits to trying to remain even-keeled from the first pitch to the final out.

“The key is just to stay consistent really and when you come back into the dugout after scoring or striking someone out, you can’t let the emotions get too crazy,” Carselda said. “You gotta keep them under control. You gotta stay consistent throughout the game until it’s over. I don’t like to celebrate until the game is over.”

In recent days, Carselda’s play, especially in the later innings, has been worthy of celebration.

Carselda’s walk-off single against Weehawken on April 19 not only gave the Vikings a much-needed victory, but it served as a springboard for a torrid four-game stretch that saw him go 8-for-14 with seven runs scored. Then, a day later, on April 27, Carselda was summoned from the bullpen to strike out the side to preserve an 8-6 win over perennial Group 1 contender Hoboken and earn his second save of the young season.

Carselda’s big numbers and most importantly, when he got them, is why he has been named The Observer’s Athlete of the Week.

He entered the weekend hitting .371 (13-for-35) with six walks, 12 runs scored,

seven RBI and eight stolen bases. On the mound, in five appearances, he had a 2.17 ERA with 17 strikeouts in 9 2/3 innings.

“Robert wants the ball, he’s not afraid of the big situation on the mound. He wanted to close that game out against Hoboken,” North Arlington head coach Paul Marcantuono said. “He wants the ball hit to him, he wants to be up in the big spot.”

“I just get out and honestly just throw,” said Carselda. “I don’t even think about what I have to do, I just go out there and throw.

“I think it’s better personally not to think (out there). When you think too much, then it’s going to affect the way you hit or the way you pitch. So I just go out there with the mindset of doing what I have to do to the best I can.”

Having that mindset wasn’t easy last year, when he was trying to prove he belonged on varsity as a freshman. Playing in a utility role, he recorded just four hits in 25 at-bats, but offered a glimpse in the final game of the season with two RBI in a state tournament loss to Dayton.

Heading into this year, Carselda gained 10-15 pounds in muscle, while also improving his footwork and quickness to not only earn himself the starting shortstop job, but become the Vikings’ leadoff hitter.

“Last year as a freshman I probably was a little nervous,” said Carselda, who is 5-foot-10 and 155

See ATHLETE, Page 11

Photo by Jason Bernstein Kearny and Nutley line up for a game in West New York recently.

BASEBALL

Continued from Page 9

Now at 8-6, Nutley has earned the sixth seed in the Greater Newark Tournament and will face 11th-seeded West Orange in the first round on Friday.

“Winning is more of a feeling than anything else and when you start to win baseball games. I think your attitude changes and you start to expect to win, instead of expecting to lose,” Harbison said. “I think we can be a challenge for anybody that we come across.”

n The Raiders aren’t the only local team that has come on in recent days after uneven starts to the season.

Lyndhurst has won four of its last five games — the most recent, a 22-5 victory over Harrison on Wednesday — to improve to 8-6 and keep its Bergen County Tournament hopes alive.

North Arlington is now at 6-6 after late-inning victories over Ridgefield Park and Hoboken as it

heads into a big week with matchups against division foes Hasbrouck Heights and Becton.

Also at the Hudson/ Essex Challenge to Cure Alzheimer’s, Bloomfield snapped a four-game losing

skid when it scored seven runs in the top of the sixth inning to defeat North Bergen, 9-3. Tyler Bell went 4-for-4 and Nico Ong reached base three times for the Bengals, who are the seventh seed in the GNT and will host Glen Ridge in the first round on Friday.

Unlike Nutley and Bloomfield, Belleville did not earn a bye into the round of 16 and will need to win two preliminary round games to reach the first round alongside their neighboring foes. The Buccaneers are now halfway there after defeating East Orange, 131, in the play-in round on Friday behind 13 strikeouts by Mike Napolitano.

Napolitano also continued his stellar year at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two RBI. Belleville’s next GNT opponent is Newark East Side on Wednesday with the winner earning a spot against top-seeded and defending champion Millburn.

Leaders in emergency and elective angioplasty.

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If you think you may be at risk, you should talk to a cardiac specialist at Clara Maass Medical Center. As one of the first community hospitals to perform emergent and elective angioplasty, our heart team can clear blocked or narrowed arteries to safely restore blood flow to your heart. Schedule an appointment with one of New Jersey’s top cardiac specialists at rwjbh.org/heart

Whoever your heart beats for, our hearts beat for you.

Photos by Jason Bernstein

Joe Delanzo

ATHLETE

Continued from Page 9

pounds. “As a freshman, I definitely felt a lot more anxi-

ety out there.

“After the first couple of games (this year), that pressure I fe lt as a freshman had gone away. I’m feeling more comfortable and

without that pressure has made me a better player.”

The comfort that Carselda now shows on the field, whether it’s in the batter’s box, on the mound or at shortstop makes it easy to forget that he’s still a sophomore with plenty of room to grow as a player.

Marcantuono envisioned Carselda eventually becoming this kind of player, just not quite this quickly.

25 Y EARS !

CONSIDERING LASIK SURGERY?

LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) refers to several types of laser eye surgery available to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. These common vision problems are the result of a refractive error that occurs because of changes in the shape of the eye. With changes in shape, the light passing through the cornea refracts incorrectly onto the retina, causing blurry vision. LASIK surgery reshapes the cornea, resulting in 20/20 vision or better in most patients. Keep in mind that, as time passes after surgery, many LASIK patients still need corrective lenses for reading or night driving. LASIK surgery is most effective in patients under 40 with mild nearsightedness. It has less predictable results for

other forms of vision loss.

Modern laser vision correction surgery has accomplished a remarkably great level of safety and accuracy. LASIK surgery is rapid and comfortable, and visual recovery is quick. As a bladeless procedure, LASIK has delivered amazing results to millions of people around the world. If it’s been a while since you’ve had an eye exam, call 201-8960096. We are located at 20 Park Avenue, Lyndhurst. To get in touch with our optical shop, call 201-896-0007. We accept most insurance.

P.S. Although LASIK eye surgery has few side effects for most people, common complaints include dry eyes and temporary visual disturbances such as glare.

www.delucavision.com

“I knew he had the potential to do something like he’s doing right now, but for him to do it this early and this quickly as a sophomore is pretty tremendous and pretty special. And it seems like he’s getting better and he wants to get better every day,” Marcantuono said. “I always knew it was there for him, it just came really quick. How fast he developed is pretty eyeopening.”

Photo by Jason Bernstein Robert Carselda

Nutley PD to parents of kids: If you must buy your children a Gel Blaster Gun, teach them how to use it properly

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

The Township of Nutley is experiencing a “shooting” problem, but it’s hardly what you might think when you hear the word “shooting.” It’s all because Police Director Alphonse Petracco and Chief Thomas Strumolo say the Nutley Police Department is experiencing a series of incidents with children shooting Gel Blaster Guns at drivers.

Chief Strumolo says the “guns” are plastic, but work similar to paint ball guns.

numerous calls in which motor vehicles were struck with projectiles while moving.

The pellets themselves are ecofriendly and nontoxic; however, they can still cause eye injury. More importantly, a motorist may become startled and distracted and get involved in a motor vehicle crash, if one or more of these pellets make contact with a moving vehicle.

They’re are battery operated and shoot-gel like projectiles at 90 feet per second and for well over 100 feet. Although classified as a toy, police have responded to

Petracco requests parents who purchase or allow their children to play with these “guns” explain the dangers associated with “shooting” at homes, people or passing motorists.

“Although children may not know better, throwing or shooting anything at a person is a chargeable offense,” Petracco said.

LUPUS: THE BATTLE INSIDE

to positively identify biomarkers exclusive to Lupus.

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the human immune system to attack its own healthy tissues, often damaging lungs, kidneys, heart, skin, the joints, as well as blood. While the cause of Lupus is unknown, it is believed that genetics, hormones, and environmental factors may be contributing factors. Symptoms include pain or swelling in the joints, low grade fever exclusive of other issues, extreme fatigue, unique butterfly-shaped rashes on the face, hair loss, unexplained mouth or nose sores, breathing problems, and pale or discolored toes and fingers when stressed or cold. A medical professional can assess a patient’s symptoms and family medical history, and use innovative laboratory tests

Lupus can harm the kidneys in different ways, and treatments can vary, depending on the type of damage that occurs. In some cases, it’s necessary to test a small sample of kidney tissue to determine what the best treatment might be. Please call PREMIER CARE ASSOCIATES OF WEST HUDSON at 201-998-7474 to schedule an appointment. Our office is located at 512 Kearny Ave., Suite B. We treat hypertension, arthritis, and acute and chronic injuries.

HINT: Medical history was made in 1948 when a Mayo Clinic team led by hematologist Malcolm Hargraves discovered the first lupus erythematous cell.

Rosemary J. (Illes) Ala

Rosemary J.(Illes)

Ala, 82, died peacefully April 14, 2022, at home with her family by her side.

Born in Jersey City, Rosemary was the daughter of the late Stephen and Rose (Kerekes) Illes and raised in Kearny.

After residing in Parsippany for over 40 years, she and her husband George relocated to Macungie, Pennsylvania, in 2006. She and George celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary in February.

Rosemary worked as an administrative assistant and car controller at Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company for 29 years before retiring in 2005. She enjoyed shopping, playing Mahjong with friends and Mexican Train Dominoes with her grandchildren, and casino trips with her husband.

She was fondly known as “Mutti” to her children and grandchildren.

Survivors include her loving husband, George; children: Denise Ala and fiancé Frank Casendino of Morristown; Richard Ala and wife Beth of Beverly Hills, Florida; Vivian Gurniak and husband Richard of Fogelsville, Pennsylvania; Valerie Donnelly and husband Glenn of Rockaway; grandchildren Nicole Boothe, Elizabeth Ala, Matthew and Brianne Gurniak, Aidan and Sage Donnelly; great-grandchildren Melanie and Michael Boothe and Emmarie Shreckengost; and brother David Illes of Little Falls. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Fred and Stephen Illes.

At Rosemary’s request, there will be no service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or American Lung Association.

Robert Allan

Robert Allan, 63, died suddenly Monday, April 25, 2022, at his home in Rutherford.

The funeral service was at the Thiele-Reid Family Funeral Home, 585 Belgrove Drive,

Kearny, with Pastor Matthew Swiatkowski, officiating. Cremation was private.

Born in Kearny, Robert lived there until moving to Rutherford 25 years ago. He was a heavy equipment operator for Lore Sweeping Company, Inc., in Passaic, for the last five years and was a member of Operating Engineers Local 825 in Springfield.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce (Anderson) Allan; one daughter, Heather Allan; and one son, Daniel Anderson (Kelli Lauterborn); and two brothers Stephen Allan (Janet) and Scott Allan (Renee).

Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Loureiro

Elizabeth “Betty” (nee Esteves) Loureiro, 71, died suddenly in Ocala, Florida, at the Ocala Regional Hospital. She was born in Newark, resided in Kearny, before settling in Florida 15 years ago.

Is your sleep apnea under control?

(StatePoint) High-quality sleep is fundamental to your health and happiness. However, for the 10-30% of U.S. adults living with sleep apnea, a good night’s rest is not guaranteed. Obstructive sleep apnea is a respiratory condition where airways narrow during sleep, causing short periods when you’re not breathing. Incredibly common, it’s estimated that there are millions of Americans with undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea. Uncontrolled sleep apnea is associated with a number of challenging symptoms, including Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS). This symptom, which can linger even after one begins being treated for sleep apnea, is often described as feeling excessively drowsy. If you experience EDS, you might even fall asleep when you shouldn’t. For example, sleepiness at work or while you’re watching kids, along

with drowsy driving, could put you and others at an increased risk of accidents and injury.

Not everyone being treated for sleep apnea experiences complete symptom relief. This is why the American Lung Association, with support from Jazz Pharmaceuticals, is encouraging the public to recognize their own or a loved one’s sleep challenges.

“The first step to better sleep is to share your unresolved symptoms with your healthcare provider. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea after participating in a sleep study, your doctor will work with you to manage the condition,” says Dr. Atul Malhotra, a board-certified pulmonologist, intensivist and research chief of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at UC San Diego.

Dr. Malhotra recommends setting up a follow-up appoint-

Betty worked for Clayton Container in Harrison for two years and Pathmark Corp. in Carteret before retiring many years ago.

Beloved wife of 43 years of Joaquim (Jack) Albuquerque Loureiro, she was the daughter of the late Antonio and Ondina Esteves, dear sister of Ondina Guedes (late Mario), Lucia Gorski (Late Stanley), Ana Marrazzo (Thomas), Antonio Esteves (Robin) and Joaquim. She is also survived by many dear nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews

All obituaries must be submitted by email by 10 a.m., Mondays, to obituaries@ theobserver.com. Payment is due at submission.

and the late Anthony Esteves.

The funeral for Betty is Wednesday, May 4, at 9 a.m., at the Shaw-Buyus Home for Services, 138 Davis Ave. at Bergen Avenue., Kearny. Mass will be celebrated at St. Cecilia Church, Kearny, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. All are welcome to attend.

Visitation will take place Tuesday, May 3, 2022 from 4-7 p.m.

Please visit www.buyusfuneralhome.com.

ment within three months after you begin treatment -- or sooner if problems arise, and then on an annual basis after that.

“Unfortunately, some patients continue to experience lingering symptoms,” says Dr. Malhotra. “It’s important to address these concerns with your doctor.”

You’ll know if your treatment is working based on how you’re feeling. Are you less sleepy during the day? Do you have higher energy levels? Does your bed partner notice less snoring, gasping or sleep disruptions? To help your doctor understand what you’re experiencing at your appointment, it’s important to distinguish fatigue, which is a lack of energy, from sleepiness, which is an inability to stay awake.

For more information about sleep apnea and EDS visit lung. org.

Part time Clerk drivers needed . Job responsibilities may include transporting senior residents at scheduled times, delivering foods for homebound residents, and providing clerical coverage for the Clerk Typist Hours will vary between Monday-Friday 8:30am - 2:30pm up to 30 hours per week. Must possess a valid NJ driver’s license. $13-$18 per hour per job description https://info.csc.state.nj.us/jobspec/01257.htm for application see job opportunities on website http:// www.kearnynj.org/JobOpportunities 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 52W03

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

SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC WORKS –TOWN OF KEARNY, NJ.

The TOWN OF KEARNY is accepting applications for the full-time position of Superintendent of Public Works. The town is seeking an experienced professional with technical knowledge and strong leadership skills to effectively manage the Department of Public Works which consist of staff of 35. The position entails planning, supervising and directing all aspects of public works including, but not limited to: recycling center, roads, public buildings and grounds, parks, fleet maintenance, shade tree, snow removal, sanitary sewer system, and sidewalk permitting and inspection. Also includes contract administration for tree removals, landscaping and janitorial services. The successful candidate should have at least five years’ experience in a supervisory and administrative leadership capacity. Certification in Public Works Management (CPWM) is required along with a Class B CDL License. A Sewer Collection System Operator License (C3) is required or the ability to obtain within the required time. Salary negotiable based on qualifications and experience. Send resume and cover letter with desired salary to Paula Cavalier, Personnel, at Pcavalier@kearnynj.org All resumes must be received no later than May 31, 2022. The Town of Kearny is an EOE. 51W04

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

Newark areaWanted full-time heavy equipment mechanic, Caterpillar for none computerized machines. Job to include: inspect, maintain and repair heavy equipment, front loader, bulldozer, excavator, backhoe ect. Excellent pay/company pickup truck. Contact Eddy 917-995-8556 or 973-336-5266

50W03

Server FT/PT needed.

Experience a MUST!!

Please call (201)988-1134

51W03

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

50W03

Assistant to Super/Porter in Belleville Condominium Association. Looking for individual to assist 30 to 40 hours weekly, $18.00 to $20.00 per hour. Cleaning of outside and inside, some English necessary. If interested, call Jeanne 973-284-0900

51W03

Newark areaBulldozer, bucket loader, Backhoe operator.

Excellent pay Contact Eddy 917-995-8556 or 973-336-5266

52W03

PART TIMTE

Shampoo assistant wanted part-time in busy Lyndhurst salon. Must meet our qualifications Call (201) 933-5233 52W03

Seeking 2 Full Time positions for a Front desk receptionist and a Medical Assistant!!! Including: Benefits, No weekends, Competitive Salary. Email resume to Thoracicmedical@ gmail.com

51W03

PUBLIC NOTICETOWN OF KEARNY

PUBLIC NOTICE OF THE SALE AT PUBLIC AUCTION OF TOWN OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 369 FOREST STREET (BLOCK 210, Lot 28) TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER

1. The Town-owned property known as 369 Forest Street (Block 210, Lot 28) shall be offered for sale to the highest bidder at a public auction to be held on Friday, May 20, 2022 beginning at 1:00 PM at the Municipal Council Chambers, Town Hall, 402 Kearny Avenue, Kearny, New Jersey.

2. The Town Clerk shall advertise the sale pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:12-1 et seq. by two insertions in the The Observer, Jersey Journal and The Star Ledger once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks, the last publication to be not earlier than seven (7) days prior to the auction.

3. The minimum bid shall be $100,000 and the property shall not be sold for less than that amount.

4. The Mayor and Council reserve the right to reject all bids where the highest bid is not accepted. Notice of such reservation shall be included in the Wadvertisement the sale and public notice thereof shall be given at the time of the sale.

5. The public auction shall be conducted in accordance with procedures to be announced by the Town Clerk.

6. No person may participate in the bidding process unless it shall have deposited with the Town Clerk before bidding shall have commenced cash or certified check payable to the Town of Kearny in the amount of $ 20,000.00

7. Upon the close of bidding the highest qualified bidder, as designated by the Town Clerk, shall submit cash or certified check in the amount of the difference between $20,000 and 10% of its bid and shall immediately execute an offer to purchase at its bid price, which offer shall include the terms and conditions specified herein, including 100% cash payment of the balance due on closing. The only condition to closing shall be the validity of the Town’s title.

8. Title shall be conveyed by Quitclaim deed.

9. Closing shall occur no later than 60 days after the day of bidding on a date to be arranged between the purchaser or his attorney and the Town attorney.

10. At closing of title, purchaser shall be charged a sum of money equal to the costs of all advertising and payment of closing document preparation.

11. Failure to comply with any of the requirements, or to close on the day agreed upon pursuant to paragraph 9 of this resolution, shall entitle the Town to rescind prior bid approval, terminate any and all rights of the designated bidder and retain all monies theretofore deposited.

12. The property shall be conveyed in the “as is” condition, subject to existing encumbrances, liens, zoning regulations, easements, other restrictions, and such facts as an accurate survey would reveal. The sale of this land by the Town shall not be deemed to constitute the Town’s consent to, or support of, any variances needed for development.

13. All prospective bidders may obtain a Bidder Registration Package which contains a Qualified Bidder Registration from the Town Clerk prior to the auction date. It must be submitted together with the initial deposit check by 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 19, 2022.

Patricia Carpenter Town Clerk 52W02

appliances/LR, 1 bath, access to yard, Small pets ok. Walking distance to shopping center and NYC transportation $1750 + 1.5 months security.

Available June 1st Call or text Serious inquiries only (973)980-6335. 52W03

E.NEWARK Fully renovated 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath. EIK w/Brand new appliances, Large LR, balcony, Friendly neighborhood. $2000 + 1.5 months security. Walking distance to shopping center and NYC transportation. Available June 15. Call or text Serious inquiry’s only (973)980-6335. 52W03

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

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

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

LODI

Newly renovated. 2nd Floor. 3 rooms, Kitchen, 1 Bath. 2 car parking $1,750 + 1.5 months security. Utilities included. Small Pet allowed. Must have references. Background checks.

Available May 15. Call to set up viewing (973) 800-0452 52W08

EAST NEWARK Room for Rent for single person. Utilities included. Available now. call 973868-7999 50W03

NUTLEY 1 room for rent. share kitchen. private entrance. parking for 1 car inside. $600, utilities included. No Pets/Smoking. Available May 15th call (973)368-7520 52W03

NORTH EAST BERGEN COUNTY Studio apartment 600 ft. full bathroom, Kitchenette parking. Use of laundry room $1200 + 1.5 months security.

Utilities incluced Available now call (201)965-4440 52W06

N.ARLINGTON Beautiful modern apartment, Large rooms. 2 BR. EIK. LR/DR. Closed to all major transportation. Hot water paid by owner. Electric & heat paid by tenant. $1850 + 1.5 months security. No pet/smoking. Desired location and plenty of public parking. Available now (201) 577-6443 50W03

NORTH ARLINGTON Garden Apartment for rent. Nice area. 1 BR.3 rooms. $1600 + 1 months security.

NORTH ARLINGTON

1 bedroom, 1 bath, HW floors, Newly painted. $1,250 + 1.5 months security. 1 year lease. H/HW included. No Dogs available June 1st (732)237-4682 52W03

Lyndhurst - Large Garage for Rent: $250 Contact: 201-693-3480

Jean’s grass hedges

LYNDHURST RESIDENTS

Impact Environmental Consulting, Inc.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO RENEW

Class B Recycling Center Permit No. CBG210002

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to NJSA 13:1D-157 and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Administrative Order 2021-25 (AO 2021-25), that Impact Environmental Consulting, Inc. located at 1000 Page Avenue, Lyndhurst, NJ, intends to renew its Recycling Center Class B General Approval operating permit.In that the recycling facility is located in an Overburdened Community and subject to the New Jersey Statewide Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act, its authorization, beyond being Administratively Complete, is covered by the New Jersey Environmental Justice Law and therefore subject to AO-2021-25.

The proposed Class B Recycling Permit Renewal does not request any modifications to the facility’s existing Class B permit. The current Class B Permit No. CBG210002 was first issued on July 13, 2007 and continually operated and renewed every 5 years. The last renewal was on June 5, 2017. Upon final approval, the permit will be renewed for an additional 5 years from the current expiration date.

Pursuant to AO 2021-25, a public information session will be held virtually on June 8th, 2022 at 6:00pm. The information session will be held via Microsoft TEAMS. Please send an email to Community@ImpactEnvironmental.com to receive your link.

Concurrent with this notice, Impact Environmental Consulting, Inc. will accept public comments on the proposed Class B renewal for a sixty-day period starting May 6th, 2022, and concluding on July 6th, 2022. Comments can be submitted via electronic mail to Community@ImpactEnvironmental.com or via United States Postal Service to:

Impact Environmental Consulting, Inc.

Attn: Community Affairs

1000 Page Avenue, 3rd Floor Lyndhurst, NJ 07071