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Wednesday, 13 July 2022

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Vol. CXXXV, No. 10

Your ad could be here! BELLEVILLE n BLOOMFIELD n EAST NEWARK n HARRISON n KEARNY n LYNDHURST n NORTH ARLINGTON n NUTLEY

Nearly 3 years after agreement to close it, Keegan cap still not on, causing many to wonder ...

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

WILL THIS EVER END?

Michael Neglia, Kearny’s consulting engineer, says it could be 2 more years before the Keegan Landfill, seen in this NJSEA drone-taken image, is ready for alternative use. By Ron Leir

For The Observer

or nearly 70 years, the Keegan Landfill in Kearny was operable until a court ordered it to shut down in 2020 and directed its owner, the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority, to clean the 100-acre prop-

erty along Bergen Avenue for future recreational use. Now Kearny residents are wondering if it will take another lifetime before they see the conversion. Those living near and upland of the site have complained (still) of breathing in noxious fumes from the dump, potentially causing headaches, nausea and dizziness.

Residents got an update on where matters stood at the June 28 mayor/Town Council meeting held at Kearny High School while the council chambers is undergoing renovations. In an email, Mayor Alberto Santos said: “The town and NJSEA are in alignment with a closure See KEEGAN, Page 19

Melham sworn in by former Governor Richard Codey By Kevin A. Canessa Jr.

kc@theobserver.com

here was a lot of pomp and circumstance in the air in Belleville last week. That, of course, is because Michael Melham promised more of the same — more events, more quality-of-life initiatives, more steady leadership during inevitable crisis situations — as he was sworn in for

his second term as Belleville’s mayor along with his council running mates — Naomy DePeña and Thomas Graziano. Sen. Richard Codey, the former governor of New Jersey, administered the oath of office to the mayor during the township’s reorganization meeting Friday, July 1. “I do not see the need to change See BELLEVILLE, Page 15

Photo courtesy of the Township of Belleville

Melham, far right, with his family and former Gov. Richard Codey.

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Wednesday, July 13, 2022

WHATCo Disney singalong set for July 16 outdoors at VFW By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com

PBA 21, FMBA 18/218 & CS-11 make big donation to Kearny’s food pantry By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com

Members of the Kearny FMBA 18/218, Kearny Civil Service 11 and Kearny Policemen’s Benevolent Association Local 21 (seen in photo) gave back to the community by donating a considerable haul of non-perishable food items and reusable shopping bags to the Kearny Food Pantry. In addition, members of the Kearny Food Pantry did what they do best — which is help the community by providing food, amongst other things, to Kearny residents. Members of the Kearny FMBA, CS-11 and PBA Local 21 expressed delight at being afforded the opportunity to give back to the community and in a fashion of true service to the community

not leave anyone behind. The members also expressed their eagerness to assist the Kearny Food Pantry more in the future. “Being in a position to work collectively with other unions to give back to the community I grew up and continue to reside in is truly a humbling experience and the Kearny PBA Local 21 looks forward to continuing our great partnerships with the FMBA and CS-11,” Mina Elkadious, newly elected PBA president, said of the donations. His sentiments were echoed by Kearny’s Chief Fire Inspector Juan Barroso Jr. “It was an honor to join forces with the other unions to help fight hunger in our community and also to give back to the community,” Barroso said.

West Hudson Arts and Theater Company returns with its second annual “We Love Disney” Family Sing-Along Saturday, July 16, at 7 p.m., on the lawn of VFW Post 1302, 300 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair, and be sure to dress as your favorite Disney character for this fun-filled audience sing-along of dozens of classic Disney songs. From “Be Our Guest” to “Do You Want to Build A Snowman” to many others, the lyrics of the songs will be projected onto a screen, and the audience may sing along by following the bouncing ball. Suggested donation is $10 per family, payable at the gate. Presale tickets are not available. “We’re excited to be able to

welcome back fans of every age to this hugely popular West Hudson community event,” Brandi-Leigh Miller, WHATCo president, said. “We are also grateful to both the VFW Post 1302 for once again allowing us to host this event on their lawn and East Newark Mayor Dina Grilo for the use of the town’s ‘Movies in the Park’ equipment.” Visit www.whatconj.org for additional information.

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Municipal taxes won’t rise (again) in Harrison By Ron Leir

For The Observer

or the past six years, the Town of Harrison has been growing in population and that growth has triggered a demand for increased public services. During that time, the town has responded to that need by hiking local spending for those services while still managing to keep local taxes at reasonable levels. And 2022 is no exception. “Although the town has not yet received a 2022 certified tax rate (pending certification by the state), we anticipate that inclusive of the school and county (tax) levies, the average taxpayer in 2022 will pay only $140 more than in 2016 — an average of $23 per year or onequarter of 1%,” said Gabriela Simoes Dos Santos, the town’s chief financial officer. “In fact,” the CFO said, “the average homeowner will pay less in municipal taxes in 2022 than they did in 2016 — approximately 3.5% less.”

“All of these goals have been accomplished without incurring debt,” she said. And, Dos Santos said, the town has done this and more “while limiting the cost of providing services to our growing town to 1.5% over the last six years in the face of a national cost of living increase of almost 17.5%.” An analysis of Harrison’s 2022 municipal budget shows Michelle advertising@theobserver.com 201-991-1600 that while total appropriations are projectedClient: to climb, from Newspaper: about $49.7 million in 2021 to approximately $51.5 million this year, the amount to be raised by local taxation remained steady at $17.4 million. Wikipedia image The town’s overall debt Advertising: Here is the updated template with a new photo of Jarlynn Hyd service remains relatively high, to augment public safety,” (of land) to build an open space projected at a little more than Dos Santos said. “The town park (off Cape May Street and $10 million for 2022, but has has invested capital funds the river) and has purchased begun to drop off and that in addition to seeking grant property to expand affordable money to upgrade all of the housing.” See TAXES, Page 8 playgrounds, resurface the soccer courts and build a brand-new, multi-use sports field on Harrison Avenue.” Additionally, she said, the town “has acquired five acres

The Observer

The total municipal tax increase on the average home with an assessment of $447,600 is reckoned to be $1.20, according to the CFO. And, “Despite lowering the tax levy, the mayor and Town Council increased spending in key areas, including additional police officers, firefighters and state-of-the-art equipment

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IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION Opinion.................................................................................................Page 6 Sports..................................................................................................Page 9 Health & Wellness Directory...............................................................Page 10

Obituaries..........................................................................................Page 13 3.925” wide x 6” deep Classifieds ..................................................................................Pages 16-17 Business Dir...................................................................................Page 18

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Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Work underway to rehab Kearny council chambers

Google Street View

KPD: 3 teens charged with carjacking & other crimes at QuickChek By Capt. Timothy Wagner Kearny Police Department

Photo by Ron Leir

Work is well underway in the Kearny council chambers. A new audio-visual system will be installed, walls & floors refurbished and several other improvements. While the work is performed, the mayor and council will host meetings at the Kearny HS auditorium.

Garfield School in Kearny names May Students of the Month Donna Masters, principal of Garfield School, Kearny, announces the following recipients of Student of the month for May 2022. Kindergarten: Benjamin Espinal, Ryan Gomez Vidreiro, Annabella Madramootoo 1st Grade: Ayaan Ali, Jacob Giron, Stev Pardo, Jeronimo Paltin Saquinaula 2nd Grade: Victoria Collado, Alex Delgado 3rd Grade: Emily Garcia Bustamante, Abigail Gawronski, Benjamin Macado 4th Grade: Josie Fernandez, Dakota Murphy, Ella Ramos, Fabiana Ramos

5th Grade: Skyler Navarro, Celina Singh 6th Grade: Sylviah Browne, Erlyn Frias Thomas, Francesca Guerriero, Victor Perez, Shayndel Silvestre. Editor’s note: The Observer accepts honor rolls, students of the month, etc., from all schools in its coverage area — public or private. However, we publish them in print when space, which is often at a premium, is available. If space isn’t available, we’ll publish them online at www.theobserver.com. Schools must submit to editorial@theobserver.com from a school-based email address.

Pet Direct ry

n July 4 at 4:01 a.m., Officer Paul Duran and several backup officers responded to a report of a carjacking-in-progress at the Quick Chek store at 238 Kearny Ave. It was reported a 25-year-old Kearny man was sucker punched, knocked to the ground, and beaten while he was down, by a group of males. One of the males allegedly took the victim’s car key and tried to start his car, but damaged the key in the process. Unable to figure out how to get the car started, one of the assailants allegedly asked the victim to give

him a ride, but that bridge, apparently, had already burned. The suspects then ran down Bergen Avenue. Sgt. Tim Castle found the three suspects at Chestnut and Dukes streets. After further investigation, the three were taken into custody. They were later identified as a 15-year-old Kearny boy, a 13-year-old Franklin boy, and a 16-year-old Dover boy. All three suspects were charged under juvenile delinquency with carjacking, conspiracy, burglary, criminal attempt (theft) and simple assault. A juvenile intake officer ordered the three remanded to a county youth detention facility.

The Observer’s correction policy

he Observer strives to bring our readers the best and the most accurate news. However, from time to time, there may be mistakes in what we report. As such, we take our obligation to report errors seriously. If you believe we’ve made an error, please send an e-mail to editorial@theobserver.com, indicating what is to be corrected. We will ensure a correction is noted (if necessary) in a future print edition — and online.

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Wednesday, July 13, 2022

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From pollution to a park: BASF site will soon be renewed By Ron Leir

For The Observer

5-acre tract of dormant industrial waterfront property in East Newark will give way to a brand new park under a plan endorsed by federal overseers and the borough. BASF (Baden Aniline & Soda Factory), a German-owned chemical processing firm, proposes to finance the design, construction and maintenance of the park on its two-acre property at Clay Street and Passaic Avenue along the Passaic River, combined with a three-acre adjoining parcel it has purchased. The project is the result of a pollution settlement with BASF and Federal Natural Resource Trustees related to the company’s alleged liability for environmental damages to two watersheds and tidal systems: mostly the Diamond Alkali Superfund site in Newark, including the highly contaminated Lower Passaic River Study Area, and, to a lesser extent, the Berry’s Creek Study Area. Creating the park “is intended to partially compensate for natural resource damages at the two sites,” according to the federal trustees, representing the U.S. Department of the Interior and the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration. As part of that settlement agreement, BASF has pledged to pay for the park’s design and construction and to maintain the property for at least 30 years. The borough would be the owner of the property. The development cost is pegged at $763,000 and it is anticipated that the project will be completed by late 2023 or spring 2024. At the same time, BASF — in lieu of getting a release from liability associated with pollution of the two study sites — will receive a “base credit in the amount of $73.5 million” in return for its long-term investment as caretaker for the new park over three decades, the trustees said. “This method of estimating

the credit,” they said, “is consistent with the governing law, which requires that money recovered for injury to natural resources be used to restore, replace or acquire the equivalent of the injured resource.” And because the company’s liability for damages to the Diamond Alkali and Berry’s Creek sites is “uncertain,” the settlement agreement “allows BASF to transfer its credit to other potentially responsible parties to apply to offsetting their liability (primarily) at the Diamond Alkali site … since the (proposed new) park is located within and provides more wide-ranging benefits to the Diamond Alkali site.” Borough officials and residents got a taste of what to expect at the new park June 28 when representatives of the trustees and BASF presented pictorial representations of the planned improvements and fielded questions about the project. Part of BASF’s responsibilities will include replacement of a bulkhead to improve public access, provision of a riverbed cap, mudflat restoration and removal of historic fill to allow for installation of natural soils and creation of ecologically sustainable plant life. As envisioned by landscape planners, the park will feature a greenspace with a variety of 50 species of native trees, shrubs and perennials that figure to be welcome to egrets and other migratory birds, along with pollinator gardens and a wetland area, interspersed by walking paths and riverfront viewing areas. There is to be a transition between a wet meadow area and upland lawn. Visitors can also stroll along a gradually graded walkway, elevated to a height of 20 feet, proceeding south to north through the park, or proceed up and down an elevated boardwalk on the river’s edge. Activities like hiking, jogging, biking and kayak-rentals (if the borough can swing that) would be promoted. In the northern area of the park, plans call for an open

lawn with stepped seating, along with a small amphitheater close to the river, with about 40 seats facing a stage. Borough Councilwoman Rose Evaristo said the park will be a “fantastic” opportunity for East Newark to experience a public greenspace alongside the river. “We’ve needed something like this for a while,” Evaristo said. “We’re only 11 blocks and we don’t have a lot of property to spare to provide a public park where residents can relax or where they can stroll with their dogs.” She said the borough is exploring the possibilities of hosting such activities as “movie nights” or theatrical performances at the park. “We’re also looking to have arts and crafts for our younger kids and maybe getting an ice cream and/or drinks stand,” she added. The trustees’ design specifications “potentially allow for construction of a parking lot, limited food and drink retail, a restaurant and interpretive exhibits,” all of which may not exceed 20% of the property. But mostly, Evaristo said, it’s the chance to provide a place where people can go and relax that she finds most welcome. “This end of town, especially, doesn’t have green and that’s what this will be,” she said. At one point, Evaristo said, the borough was hoping for a chance to acquire a small empty lot between the Hampton Inn and Colonial Cement on Passaic Avenue “but

we concluded it wasn’t big enough to develop as a park.” While the BASF site has been judged large enough to support a passive park, the company faces a formidable task cleaning the site. It will have to transform an area described by the federal trustees as “degraded, compacted concrete and asphalt surfaces, as well as crumbling parking areas, abandoned structures, decommissioned underground utilities and weathered bulkheads” plus soils laden with “historic fill” from prior industrial occupants.

It also needs to include as part of its design for the park, a “ponded area” or “tidal basin,” to help control drainage to and from the river, along with lights and benches, plus “the structural elements for a possible future kayak or non-motorized personal watercraft launch.” Groundbreaking for the new “Riverfront Park” has been tentatively scheduled for Aug. 12. In the photo above, folks review renderings of what the park on the BASF property in East Newark might look like once it is completed.

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A senior community of National Church Residences, Spruce Terrace, is opening their waiting list on Thursday, July 14, 2022 after 10 AM. We are setting up in our Court Yard to hand out application from 10 am to 12 pm (noon). After that period, please request your application through the phone or an email. Spruce Terrace is a HUD section 202 PRAC and those who meet all the eligibility requirements will pay 30% of their monthly income. Income eligibility is for Extremely low Income: $24,150 (1-person) and 27,600 (2person) and Very low Income: $40,250 (1-person) and $46,000 (2-person). Amenities: Emergency pull cord, heat/hot water, refrigerator/stove, onsite laundry facility, 24/7 call-in work-order center, elevator, community room, library, onsite parking and service coordinator. Those interested in applying must pick an application at Spruce Terrace 21 Spruce Street, Kearny, NJ 07032. Applicants can request application also via email or faxed. Also, you can request by going to www.rentalhousingdeals.com or www.nationalchurchresidences.org and looking for Spruce Terrace. If you have a disability and need assistance with the application process, please contact Antonio Rodriguez at 201-997-4464, TDD:711.

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Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Opinion & Viewpoints

COMMENTARY Parents: Are you really noticing what your kids are saying & doing?

he father of the young man — we will not use either name — who massacred innocent people at a 4th of July parade from a rooftop in Highland Park, Illinois, told The New York Post last week he and his son had a detailed conversation the day before the shooting about people who commit mass murders. The murderer, apparently, told his dad he couldn’t understand how people could fire upon innocent citizens, as has happened so often in this country, on what seems like a daily basis. When I read this, I was close to screaming in disgust. And it wasn’t all because of the conversation they apparently had, but because pops would go on to say he had absolutely no suspicions his son was — what we all know now — a psychopathic homicidal maniac. Yes, I get it — this kid needed seriously intense psychological help that he did not get. But it’s too late now to matter. And it begs the question: How could a father, who still lives with his son, not know his child, irrespective of age, not see the signs? They were everywhere — in videos, in social media posts, in posters on his bedroom walls. How, when his son asked him to sign off as a reference to buy weapons of war, did this man not even suspect his son could use the weapon to eliminate innocent people in a sleepy, affluent Chicago suburb? Could this man really be listening to his son? Could he be so oblivious to what I know as plainly obvious, not to see the signs his kid was in a state of serious mental anguish? Though I am not a father, I always prided myself when I was an educator on having an ability to know the moments something was wrong with any number of my students. Young people don’t exactly hide it when they’re in a world of pain. I know, with certainty, because a student told me so, that my words were able to stop/ prevent a suicide. And, there were instances I was certain could have led to a kid seeking a gun to harm others. So if I could sense these things, not having a child of my own, how could a man, who knew his son for 20+ years, and who lived with him, not detect even a single sign? It’s impossible to fathom. And it begs another question: Parents, are you really listening to what your kids are saying — and are you paying close enough attention to their actions, their words, their emotions? Please, don’t let an opportunity to save others pass by. If one dad in Illinois did a better job of paying attention, multiple lives could have been spared. Do you want to be the next parent to have missed warning signs? Please, be aware and beware. We just can’t go on like this anymore. — KEVIN A. CANESSA Jr.

McCarthy Family says ‘Thank you’ for outpouring after major fire To the Editor: I wanted to take a minute, while I have a moment of peace during this difficult time to say thank you to everyone. The people of Kearny have proven to be the generous, loving, supportive community in which I grew up. During the worst of these past few days, I have only been strengthened in my choice to return home to raise my own family. Within moments of the devastating fire (on Laurel Avenue), my boys and I had a safe place to land, shoes on our feet and a protective place to wait until family arrived to pick up the boys. The generosity of the people, many of whom I do not even really know, exploded in the form of donations of funds and clothing to provide a few basic comforts. Father Joe Mancini, pastor of St. Stephen Church, was a

LETTER TO THE EDITOR comforting presence at the scene, as well as at the Red Cross Fire response. He was there as fire chaplain, but also because his parishioners were in need of a prayer and friendly face. Kearny Thistle United (Mike Mara & Anthony Farhinas), my little boys’ soccer club, wasted no time in posting a GoFundMe account — at www.gofund. me/e584efbf — on our behalf to assist with replacement of gear and the cost of rebuilding a home. Parents and coaches provided cleats and shin guards, the next day, to ensure my boys could participate in Kearny soccer camp as scheduled. The 7-Eleven on the

Belleville Turnpike offered our older boy (an employee) a place to be during that devastating day. They also took up a collection to ensure he would be able to grab some essentials. They allowed him a place to belong, despite being new to the job. The countless people who have offered their donations and support is overwhelming. Words cannot truly express the depth of my family’s gratitude. I feel as though I could live a thousand lives and still never repay all the kindness. Our family has a long road ahead of us, as we hope to rebuild our home and our lives in a town of such beautiful sincerity and love. We are forever grateful to be a part of this community. Brenda McCarthy (nee Kelly) and family Kearny

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Nutley unveils ‘Area of Hope,’ a place to reflect, pray in quiet, in a world of hurt By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com

ommissioner Mauro G. Tucci unveiled Nutley’s Area of Hope last week in a ceremony at Memorial Park I near the center of town. In dedicating the area to those lost during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tucci, who led the township through the crisis as mayor for the first two years, referred to it as being “a light in times of darkness.” “As we prepare for summer, we all continue to remember those we have lost to COVID-19, to cancer, to natural causes or for any reason,” he said. “I think everyone in town knows or has known someone who has suffered a loss over the past two years. Sometimes, it is difficult to understand pain and suffering and we look for a place to reflect on our feelings.”

The Area of Hope includes several benches with memorial plaques dedicated to loved ones who died during the pandemic, surrounded by beautiful flowers and shrubbery. One prominent bench, dedicated by the Nutley Board of Commissioners, is in the name of beloved Nutley physician Dr. Michael Giuliano, who sadly died from COVID near the beginning of the pandemic. “Dr. Giuliano served our town for over 40 years,” Tucci said. “We are honored to be able to pay a lasting tribute to his memory.” The Nutley Department of Parks and Recreation created a place of great hope and peace in a world that sometimes seems ravaged by sadness and anger. The concept and in-house design for this project assisted in the quick completion and cost savings of the project. Construction began in 2021

An overview look at Nutley’s new Area of Hope in Memorial Park I.

and is now fully completed for the community to enjoy. “I would like to thank Commissioner Tucci and the Parks Department for designing the Area of Hope,” Nutley Mayor Dr. Joseph P. Scarpelli said. “This tranquil space will provide our residents a place to reflect,

find peace and reboot their mind and soul.” “We have determined that the best course for fulfilling a void and bringing added faith to our community was to create a place of healing and hope for our residents,” Tucci said. Located in Memorial Park I,

closest to the Chestnut Street entrance, the commissioner welcomes all to visit the area — for whatever the reason. “It is a peaceful environment for reflection, remembrance and healing,” Tucci said. “We invite everyone to visit our Area of Hope.”

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When we first got this submitted photo, we were pretty sure it was a really good Photoshop job. But, it turns out Elmo really was in attendance at a recent meeting of the Belleville mayor and Town Council. And, to boot, we’ve learned a clown was also in attendance at the two previous meetings before this one. It can’t be cheap to rent Elmo or Bozo. And we haven’t been able to ascertain who’s inside the costume and/ or who paid for Elmo to travel from Sesame Street in New York to Belleville. Of course, Belleville council meetings have always been unpredictable — but this — this takes the cake for unpredictability. Perhaps Big Bird or Snuffy will be next?

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8 KPD: Dope files fake report to make YouTube content The Observer | www.theobserver.com

By Capt. Timothy Wagner Kearny Police Department

n May 13 at 1:15 p.m., Officer Christian Medina was flagged down at Midland and Schuyler avenues by a man reporting his mother’s BMW X5 SUV was stolen from Midland Avenue and Devon Street. The complainant reported he had the BMW’s key fob in his possession and his mother, the registered owner of the BMW, was away in Miami. The man also said his wallet and identification were in the SUV when it was stolen. Officer Medina returned to the police station to investigate further before entering the car in the nationwide stolen vehicle database. The officer found that the phone number given to him by the complainant did not work and the number the complainant gave as his mother’s was answered by the voicemail of an unrelated person. Officer Medina went to the Kearny residence where the complainant was staying and

a woman there got him on the phone, wherein he provided a different phone number for his mother. This number, the officer later found, was answered by a man in Texas who reported it as a wrong number. Finally, just before 6 p.m., the complainant called police dispatch and reported the whole affair had been a prank. Reportedly, the complainant’s sister had been filming his interaction with the police to post it to Youtube and other social media video platforms. Then, as karma would have it, on June 29 at 7:20 a.m., Officer Medina was dispatched to check on a man sleeping on the sidewalk on Midland Avenue. Low and behold, he recognized the sidewalk sleeper as the man who had falsely reported the stolen SUV. The man provided a Portuguese passport identifying him as 26-year-old Michel Eduardo Da Silva Moreira, which was not the name he claimed to have on May 13. Da Silva Moreira also had a different date of

birth than he previously gave to the police, and an arrest warrant from Robbinsville Court for a traffic offense. Da Silva Moreira was arrested and charged with false reports to law enforcement based on the May 13 incident. He was later released with a summons when Robbinsville authorities gave him a new court date for their charge. On June 27 at 7:14 a.m., Officers Anthony Nunez and Nick Funk were dispatched to a report of a man who hit a pole near 61 Old Lincoln Hwy.

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and was now asleep behind the wheel. The officers were later told the man did literally hit the pole — with his head. The officers arrived to find a damaged Acura on the sidewalk with its driver still inside it. It was reported to police that the Acura’s driver struck a red gas station pole with his car, then got out of the car and banged his head into the same pole, before returning to the driver’s seat and going to sleep. The driver, a shoe-less Pablo Santiago, 51, of Newark, exited the car again after officers arrived. When he did so, officers saw a used heroin wax fold tucked into the driver’s seat. The officers ran Santiago through a battery of field sobriety tests, which he did not pass. Santiago was arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, DWI, and a slew of traffic charges. He was also wanted on a Newark Municipal Court warrant for prior traffic offenses carrying a $250 bail. Santiago received a new court date for his Newark matters and was later released with summonses. On July 3 at 7:07 p.m., Det. Jordenson Jean was working a security detail at Kearny ShopRite when a store manager alerted him to a man and woman who were reportedly filling two large reusable shopping

bags with over-the-counter medications. The store later determined the value of those medications to be $2,665.10. Det. Jean and the store manager stopped the pair at the exit door when they attempted to leave without paying for the merchandise. When stopped, the male suspect, later identified as David Robinson, 40, of Brooklyn, allegedly pushed the store manager to the floor and fled the store with Det. Jean giving chase. The store manager sustained scrapes to his knee and elbow from the assault. Det. Jean and officers from Kearny and several area agencies surrounded Robinson in a construction site located at 55 Passaic Ave; but a standoff ensued with Robinson threatening to jump into the Passaic River. Officers eventually talked Robinson down from those threats and he was then transported by ambulance to Jersey City Medical Center for an evaluation. Upon hospital discharge, Robinson was charged with robbery, shoplifting, conspiracy, obstructing the administration of law, resisting arrest, simple assault and defiant trespass. He was later remanded to the Hudson County jail. Robinson’s female accomplice fled during the chase and has not yet been apprehended.

TAXES

Continued from Page 3 trend figures to continue. Harrison did, like most municipalities, take a hit from COVID-19, seeing a decline in revenues from municipal court fines, interest on investments, hotel tax, parking lot tax and parking garage fees during 2020 and 2021. Due to declining revenues from permanent and transient customers, the Harrison Parking Utility operated in 2020 at 38% of pre-COVID-19 levels and operated in 2021 at 24% of pre-pandemic levels, creating a $2.1 million deficit in the current budget which must be raised to offset lost revenues. Nonetheless, the town’s overall fiscal performance was such that it merited a February upgrade in credit rating by Moody’s, from A1 in 2021 to Aa3 stable in 2022. According to the investment service’s analysis, Harrison “will continue to experience overall growth due to its easy access to New York City. The town has ongoing new developments coming on line, despite COVID-19, which are attracting young professionals to the area. “The town’s financial position has materially improved over the past several years, despite pressure from an underperforming parking fund, to very strong levels and is expected to remain stable going forward. Its debt burden is elevated but should continue to decline as the town has no future debt plans.”

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Sports & Recreation

Kids flock back to Lyndhurst for Auteri’s annual baseball camp

Nutley’s Devin Ortiz waiting for next week’s MLB draft, hoping to hear his name called By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

Photo courtesy of Lyndhurst baseball

Tyler Lopez displays his sweet swing during the Lyndhurst Baseball Camp.

Olivia Glasser is an 11-yearold young lady who will enter sixth grade at the Lyndhurst Middle School in a few weeks, although there are few in town who call her by her given first name outside of the Glasser family home. Outside, Olivia is recognized by one of two distinctive nicknames, either “Blue Hair,” or “Sonic,” take your pick. Although these days, the summer sun and shampoo has turned the blue hair she had in April to a St. Patrick’s Day shade of green. There’s another distinctive quality that young Olivia embraces dearly. She’s a baseball player, through and through. Don’t dare try to sell Glasser on the softball stuff that most girls her age participate in. “I love baseball,” Olivia proudly says. “My family has always loved baseball. When I got old enough, I decided to play baseball as well.”

So as Olivia roamed the grounds at the Lyndhurst Recreation complex last week for the annual Lyndhurst Baseball Camp, she was surrounded by 80 or so boys — and just a handful of girls. “I do feel a little pressure playing with the boys, but I’ve learned to handle it,” Glasser said. “I have a few of my friends here.” Glasser said that she was motivated a bit by Lyndhurst High graduate Alexia Jorge, who last spring became the first female to ever play college baseball at the College of St. Elizabeth in Morris County. “She got me into being a catcher,” Glasser said of Jorge, who works with Glasser on occasion. Glasser said that she learned a lot being a pupil at the camp, under the guidance of Lyndhurst High head baseball coach Pat Auteri. “I’ve been playing baseball for a long time,” said Glasser,

whose favorite team is the New York Yankees and her favorite player is Aaron Judge. “So I’m used to everything.” Chloe Blair is a 7-year-old who will enter third grade at Roosevelt School in Lyndhurst in a few weeks. She’s also an aspiring baseball player, who is a Mets fan, but whose favorite player like everyone else in town is American League All-Star Judge, who leads the majors in home runs. Blair is still learning, but she’s a first baseman by trade. She came to the camp because her older brother Dylan, who is nine, also attended. “It feels fine being here with the boys,” young Chloe said. “I have friends here.” Chloe was a good student at the camp, which had two weeklong sessions that concluded last Friday. “I learned how to pitch,” Blair said. “I learned about See CAMP, Page 10

Devin Ortiz’s dreams of playing professional baseball started in the parks of Nutley growing up. Now, after a fine career at St. Joseph Regional High School in Montvale and at the University of Virginia, Ortiz is back home and hoping for that chance when MLB hosts its annual amateur draft July 17-19. “It would mean everything. It’s what I’ve been working for all of these years, even before high school,” Ortiz said. “It’s always been a goal of mine to play professional baseball. Now I’m finally healthy, I’m totally ready to go and excited. I’m hoping a team will take a chance, that’s all I can do right now.” Ortiz has been traveling all over New Jersey the past month, prepping the draft, while also working prospect camps and even helping coach with a 10-U softball team. That means practicing in the park with father Jose or with former teammates Raul Ortega and Kyle Teel, working out at FASST in Lyndhurst. “I just keep myself busy every day,” Ortiz said of his hectic schedule since the conclusion of Virginia’s season. “Right now I’m working camps, doing private lessons and just trying to make some money on the side as well.” Multi-tasking is nothing for Ortiz, who was one of college baseball’s top twoway players. This season, his fifth at UVA, he hit .286 with seven home runs, 47 RBI and an impressive .389 on-base percentage in 58 games. He also pitched in nine games (five starts), going

5-1 with a 2.02 ERA and 37 strikeouts in 26 innings before his season on the mound was cut short in early April due to fatigue. Even so, he was one of five nominees for the John Olerud TwoWay Player of the Year Award. “I’m still working at all of the infield positions. I don’t know where I’ll be at the next level, so I’m just trying to be prepared to play the corners, play a little bit of second. I can fill in at short and play a little bit of outfield as well. And also I’ve just been training for pitching as well,” said Ortiz, who primarily played first base this season. “Whatever they need, I’m just trying to do it all right now and we’ll figure it out when the time comes”. Ortiz was mainly a third baseman and shortstop when he arrived in college from St. Joseph Regional. Soon afterward, he found himself in the outfield in order to get his bat in the lineup. The past two seasons, Ortiz started primarily at first base, but also saw a lot of time at designated hitter because of an injury to his non-throwing shoulder, which required surgery. For his career, Ortiz recorded 154 hits in 573 at-bats (.269) with 18 home runs, 113 runs scored, 103 RBI and 73 walks. On the mound, he was 10-1 with a 2.52 ERA and 89 strikeouts in 71 innings. Despite being one of college baseball’s more versatile players, Ortiz feels he was unable to show his peak abilities on the diamond, largely from a host of injuries and a missed season thanks to Covid during his five years at See ORTIZ, Page 11

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

CAMP

Continued from Page 9 bunting.” Legendary Lyndhurst baseball coach/athletic director Butch Servideo would be happy to know that the bunt still exists in Lyndhurst. Servideo, retired now for over a decade, was the proponent of the bunt and used it proficiently to capture the NJSIAA Group II baseball championship in 2008. “It was a lot of fun learning,” Blair said. “I like playing with the boys. It was very, very fun.” It’s safe to say that the male participants in the camp were enjoying themselves as well. Sam Signa is an 11-year-old who will enter the sixth grade at the Lyndhurst Middle School this fall. Signa is a rising star in the town who played shortstop and pitcher for the Lyndhurst Little League All-Stars. Signa is a veteran of the camp, having attended his sixth this summer. “I learned how to field the

right way,” Signa said. “I learned how to catch it right and throw it right. I also learned how to hit the right way. It means a lot to me because I love baseball. This is my favorite camp, so I had to be here.” Needless to say, two years ago, when everything in the world was shut down because of the pandemic, Signa was extremely disappointed. “I missed it a lot, because I just love learning about the game,” said Signa, who also said that he learned how to pitch properly and how to land. “I had bad form. I had to learn how to finish. It helped me a lot.” Silverio Martinelli is a 10-year-old who will begin fifth grade at Washington School in Nutley. He attended the camp because his mother, Tracy, was once the superintendent of schools in Lyndhurst while residing in Nutley. “This is my first year here and I like it a lot,” Martinelli said. “It’s very organized and I was able to learn a lot of good things.

Photo courtesy of Lyndhurst baseball

I learned how to catch the ball with the back hand and then how to throw. I also learned what you should do after you pitch the ball. I also learned some hitting things in the batting cages. It really helped me a lot.” Young Silverio is also a Yankee fan whose favorite

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players are the now retired Derek Jeter and Brett Gardner, but he also said that he knew a lot about the legendary Joe DiMaggio. “When I was a second grader, I learned a lot about his life by reading a book about him,” Martinelli said of DiMaggio. “I had a lot of fun at this camp. I’m glad I came.” Dominick Volpe is a 10-yearold from North Arlington who is a third baseman, catcher and outfield in his hometown Little League.

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“I came to this camp last year and I feel like I’ve become a much better hitter,” Volpe said. “I wasn’t that good at hitting this year, so I needed help.” Volpe is another Yankee fan who roots for All-Star Giancarlo Stanton and the versatile D.J. LeMahieu. “I also got better at catching ground balls,” Volpe said. “I feel like it’s going to be more of a challenge for me as I get older. This will only help me get better.” Dante Rizzolo is a 10-yearold Lyndhurst resident who will enter the fifth grade at Roosevelt School in a few weeks. He’s also a Yankee fan whose favorite player is Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres. “Last year, I only played the outfield in Little League,” Rizzolo said. “This year, I hope I can play the infield. I learned to throw with more power this year so that will help. I learned how to transfer my body weight.” There aren’t many 10-yearolds who recall a transfer of body weight. Pretty remarkable. “It was a lot of fun,” Rizzolo

Olivia Glasser doesn’t shy away from the challenge of playing baseball at the Lyndhurst Baseball Camp.

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Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Ordinarily, the eye’s lens is flexible—it changes shape to help us see objects in focus at different distances. When we look at objects from a distance, the muscle around the lens relaxes; when we see objects up close, the lens constricts and changes focus. Presbyopia is an age-related condition in which the lens hardens and becomes less flexible, making it more difficult to focus on close objects. Presbyopia occurs gradually and usually becomes noticeable after age 40 and will continue to decline until about age 65. The need to hold reading material at a distance is a tell-tale sign a person has the symptoms of presbyopia. The condition can be abated with corrective lenses or corrected

through surgery. If you do not correct presbyopia, you may be bothered by headaches and eye strain. For patients undergoing cataract surgery, there are many different types of intraocular lenses that can be used to correct presbyopia. If it’s been a while since you’ve had an eye exam, call 201-896-0096. 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. Presbyopia is not the same as farsightedness (hyperopia). Although the two conditions share the same symptoms, the former is caused by a hardening lens while the latter is caused by a cornea that lacks curvature.

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Wednesday, July 13, 2022

ORTIZ

Continued from Page 9 Virginia. “I feel like I haven’t gotten the chance to show who Devin Ortiz is as a player,” Ortiz said. “I had some great moments at Virginia that allowed me to keep my name on the radar and help my team win in big moments. But just from a consistency standpoint of completing a whole season and being consistent throughout a whole season is definitely something I’m

The Observer | www.theobserver.com really excited to do. I am healthy now, I don’t have things to worry about and hopefully it can stay that way.” Regardless of whether Ortiz hears his name called during this month’s draft, he doesn’t intend to walk away from the game anytime soon. Whenever his playing career is done, he hopes to coach in college. “I’m definitely going to stay involved in the game for as long as I can. I definitely see coaching at a higher level than high school

as a goal of mine,” Ortiz said. “I’m definitely interested in coaching college baseball and getting my foot in the door whenever my time is up. That could be a year, two years or it could be eight, 10 years from now. Whenever that time is up, I definitely want to stay in the game. I’ve dedicated my whole life to it. I’ve learned so much and I still have a lot to learn. I just want to help build the game and help teach younger guys, especially at the college level.”

CAMP

Continued from Page 10 said. “I plan to be back next year.” Jack DePalma is a 9-yearold fifth grader at Lyndhurst’s Jefferson School. He plays Little League and plays all over. “I play catcher, pitcher, first base and third base,” DePalma said. “I have to learn to play the outfield. I learned how to track the ball when it’s hit.” DePalma is another Yankee fan (aren’t they all these days?) and his favorite player is Anthony Rizzo, who has a lot of family members who reside in Lyndhurst. “I feel like I’m a better player,” DePalma said. Vincent DiToto is a 10-year-old fifth grader from

Photo courtesy of Lyndhurst baseball

More than 80 youngsters attended either one or both of the weeklong sessions of the Lyndhurst Baseball Camp that was held the last two weeks at the Lyndhurst Recreation Complex.

Lyndhurst’s Jefferson School. He plays shortstop and pitches in Little League. “I learned the proper way for a pitcher to warm up and stretch,” DiToto said, displaying the warmup band that pitchers use. “It’s going to help me a lot. I had a lot of fun, a lot of fun.” Two years ago, in the

midst of the pandemic, it was unknown whether kids who were kept inside would ever return to the Lyndhurst Baseball Camp. “It was a real concern,” Auteri said. “We really didn’t know. But it’s great to see the numbers back up. A lot of people say that baseball is dying. Obviously, that’s not

Photo courtesy of UVA

Devin Ortiz

the case. It’s good to see so many kids wanting to play baseball. This is what it’s all about. Hopefully, we will be able to keep these kids in Lyndhurst and keep them interested in baseball.” After all, it’s the first taste the youngsters get of Auteri and his coaching staff. “I just hope that the pandemic is past us,” Auteri said. “It really was a tough time for all of us. I’m very encouraged by the turnout. I

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can see the potential of some of these kids, from the first and second graders all the way up to the seventh and eighth graders. It’s almost like a good scouting evaluation for us. It was a great camp.” And if she elects to play baseball in a few years, there will always be room for the girl they call “Blue Hair” or “Sonic.” “I think it’s because I’m really fast,” Olivia Glasser said.

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Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Hicks heads at UMass Amherst to coach By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

For the first time since re-embarking on a whirlwind coaching career that took him from Harrison High School to the highest levels of college football, Dan Hicks found himself looking for a job and facing an unknown future. “There was a lot of uncertainty,” the 30-year-old Hicks said. “When you first get into coaching, you sit in at these clinics and you hear these conventions and they talk about how with every (college) coach you’re going to live in 20 cities in 20 years and the day will come when you’re not working at a university anymore. This was my first taste of that. It was a lot of uncertainty, a lot of questioning and wondering what was next.” Hicks, a Blue Tide graduate and a product of the Harrison Gardens, no longer has

Photos courtesy of Matt Boryszewski

Dan Hicks

to worry about what’s next. Last week, he was hired as an analyst on defense and special teams at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. “I’m super excited and grateful to join a dynamic staff that Coach (Don) Brown has assembled at UMass. His BeRG N WHeRe BeRGe

OuNTyy BeGINs NORTH ARLINGTON COuNT

ter • Summer 2018 Community Newslet

reputation speaks for itself, so to soon be able to work for a coach with so much knowledge and wisdom is a blessing,” Hicks said. “I’m really looking forward to taking bits and pieces from my experiences at Harrison, some of my experiences at AIC and most The Ke

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the least possible accomplished you’ll find out cost. I think we have in and Fire about what’s been happening this with our DPW, Police you find the ion Officials, the community. I hope Departments, Construct do not t, Library, information useful. Please Recreation Departmen me, members and the Rite, hesitate to contact our Emergency Squad stops at Shop t departmen our Mall and daily and of the council Senior administra the staff. . Our bus totion at www. Harrison offers Walmart and Seabras heads through our website older. Friday, and 60 anddaily, Monday through Community, those runs hear from you soon, northarlington.org. We hope to Friday, the Center. Please Monday through feedback! to and from the with we welcome youra.m. with in touch morning starts off at 9to call or email me.Our seniors are filled It is a good way to stay hesitate tea, not do juice body. If you freshly brewed coffee, A diverse group with your governing life and energy. ns, us lately, I your choice of toast, muffi all over the and Mayor Joseph Bianchi haven’t checked in with of people from also and excited Meals areon.org t cultures or yogurt.ortharlingt think you’ll be surprised donutsjbianchi@n world with differen things a week, to the they are a big d, 7 days6060 about all the wonderful 201-991and backgrounds, Wedelivere home bound in nity. Harrison happening in North Arlington. seniors who are part of our commu weekly menu The for their nity. our commu salutes our seniors center every this great town is posted at the contributions to . Monday morning and country. daily from free spirits Activities range Our seniors are in our town to bingo, to pride games, great domino who take and parties involved. To learn many celebrations and are always . cultural holidays our website at of national and more, please visit rst edition and day As this is the fi Wednes j.com. On Tuesday, townofharrisonn Senior Citizen of the Harrison our Zumba class y, Thursda to just like A. Fife to capacity! Newsletter, I would with Lisa is filled Mayor. James of your time on the year to the take a few minutes Trips throughout Town of Harris to our program Shop, Livingston to introduce you Christmas Tree the Town of for all of their help. and activities that

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recently, the experiences that I accrued under Coach (David) Cutcliffe at Duke University, and do anything I can at UMass.” While UMass, a Division 1 FBS Independent, might be a new stop for Hicks, there will be some familiar faces awaiting him in the coaches room. Hicks will once again be working on defense and special teams with Ben Albert, who was an associate head coach at Duke and now the assistant head coach at UMass. Current running backs coach Damian Mincey is someone Hicks has known for five years dating back to when Mincey was recruiting former Harrison star Dustin Husenovic to Pace. Those relationships combined with a return to the northeast made UMass the right fit for Hicks who interviewed with several Division 1 FBS and FCS programs in recent months since his contract at Duke expired right before New Year’s. “I was particular about where I wanted to be. I didn’t want to just jump on the first job offer that was presented to me this offseason. I was super picky with opportunities and I maybe let some good ones pass me by,” Hicks said. “When I had a conversation with Coach Albert and Coach Brown, everything seemed to fit. It’s a northeast mentality and I knew that I would fit in with these guys.” Hicks said he was able to use the six months away from

coaching to “re-center,” himself as he returned to North Jersey. The time, the longest he’s been back in the area since stepping down as the head coach at Harrison to become a wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator at American International College. Spending six months at home without knowing his next job wasn’t easy, but Hicks credits the support system of friends and coaches for keeping him upbeat. Among them, former Harrison coach Al Ruiz, who is now the boys basketball coach at Pompton Lakes, Mike and Nick D’Errico, Lyndhurst head coach Rich Tuero, Paul Johnson, the head football coach at St. Mary of Rutherford, and former Harrison coach Raphael Viana. “Without all of these people in my circle, I wouldn’t have been able to go through the adversity. Without the support system that I have, it’s truly not possible,” said Hicks. “It was very challenging, but there’s always a positive to take from it. I grew as a person, I grew as a coach from going on interviews and talking to coaches. This is a people business.” Hicks, who played at Harrison and Fairleigh Dickinson, started his coaching career as an offensive assistant and later offensive coordinator at Kearny. After a brief stint in pharmaceutical sales, he returned to coaching in 2017 as the offensive coordinator at Harrison. One year later, he became the head coach at his alma mater, going 5-5 and giving the Blue Tide just their second non-losing season in three decades. The following spring, in 2019, he departed to begin his college coaching career at American International. “It feels like yesterday that I was telling the players at Harrison High that I was getting ready to leave for AIC,” Hicks said. “To be back up here, back in the northeast, back in Massachusetts and hopefully, assisting with the pipeline from New Jersey to Massachusetts, I’m beyond excited and ready for that challenge.”

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

James Michael Gelcius James Michael Gelcius, 26, died Sunday, June 19, 2022. Visiting was at the Thiele-Reid Family Funeral Home, Kearny, with interment in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. Born in Newark, James lived his entire life in Kearny. He was an avid fisherman, enjoyed

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Obituaries video games, listening to music and riding his ATV. He is survived by his mother, Kathleen Lynch and one sister, Jennifer Lynch (Angel Rodriguez). James was the grandson of Lucille Gelcius, nephew of Johanna Gelcius, Robert, James and Eddie Lynch, uncle to Angel and Antonio Rodriguez and is also survived by his cousins Jason and Jimmy Cathcart, Christopher and Ryan Lynch, Sabastian Shaw and Jason Jonathan Cathcart. He was predeceased by his

father, Richard A. Gelcius Jr. Matthew Westlake Duffy Matthew Westlake Duffy of Kearny, died Friday, July 1, 2022, at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston, surrounded by his loving family, after a short illness. He was 40. Funeral services were under the direction of Mulligan Funeral Home, 331 Cleveland Ave., Harrison. A funeral Mass was celebrated at Holy Cross Church, Harrison. His interment was in Holy Cross Ceme-

tery, North Arlington. If you would like to send a condolence message to his family, please visit www.mulliganfh.com. Matthew was a lifelong resident of Kearny. He was an avid music lover and a talented, self-taught guitar player. He was a fervent sports fan and was especially passionate about his beloved New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Steelers. Matthew is survived by his beloved parents David and Kathleen (nee Westlake) Duffy,

All obituaries must be submitted by email by 10 a.m., Mondays, to obituaries@ theobserver.com. Payment is due at submission. a loving brother, Dave S. Duffy and his wife, Robin, cherished nieces Angelica and Bethany Rose and many other aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Cecilia and Bernard Duffy and Rita and William Westlake. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73123 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 Saint Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105-1942, in loving memory of Matthew.

Nutrition tips for seniors Eating healthy, nutritious foods gives you the energy you need to go about your daily life and stay in good shape. For seniors, it’s essential to have a varied diet to help maintain independence and quality of life. Here are some healthy eating tips to follow as you age.

tion of red meat and saturated fats to help prevent prostate cancer. They should also include plenty of vegetables, lean proteins and fish in their diet. Both aging men and women can benefit from eating more protein to help prevent their muscle mass from deteriorating.

50 TO 59 YEARS OLD

60 TO 69 YEARS OLD

At this age, women should focus on eating foods that help reduce the unpleasant symptoms associated with menopause. For example, they should reduce their sugar intake and consume foods like soy and flaxseed, which are good sources of phytoestrogens. On the other hand, men should reduce their consump-

As you age, your metabolism gradually slows down. Therefore, you don’t need to consume as many calories as you used to. However,

Deadline for Obituaries is Monday 10AM

Miracle Prayer

Dear Sacred Heart Of Jesus, in the past I have asked for many favours, this time I ask you this special one favour. Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it in your own broken heart where our Father sees it, then in his merciful eyes it will become your favour, not mine. AMEN. Say this prayer for 3 days and promise publication and favor will be granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. S.W.

you must ensure you’re still getting enough calcium, vitamins and nutrients by eating the appropriate foods. If you lack the necessary appetite, you may need to supplement your diet with quality meal-replacement bars or drinks. Consult a health care professional for advice.

70 YEARS & OLDER Hunger is less of an issue at this age. Therefore, the goal is to consume enough protein to meet your nutri-

Novena to St. Jude

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. Please grant my request. Say this prayer 9 times a day. By the 9th day your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised. Thank you Saint Jude. K.

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tional needs while still eating plenty of healthy fruits, vegetables and starches. You may also need to take vitamin and mineral supplements to strengthen your immune system. On top of maintaining a

healthy weight, fuelling your body with healthy foods can help prevent muscle and bone loss and the onset of disease. Consult your doctor or a dietitian-nutritionist to help you adopt healthy eating habits.

Mulligan Funeral Home 331 Cleveland Avenue, Harrison

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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.

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Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Sarlo wants stiffer penalties for fentanyl dealers

Acting to crack down on drug dealers who are fueling the ongoing surge of overdose deaths with fentanyl, state Sen. Paul Sarlo is introducing legislation that would toughen legal penalties for selling the highly-potent drug. The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office recently arrested a man in

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possession of 15 pounds of fentanyl, — enough to produce 3.5 million deadly doses — and six pounds of heroin, the equivalent of 27,000 decks. It takes only a single two-milligram dose of fentanyl to kill a person. Dealers often add fentanyl to heroin and other drugs to increase

the potency. “Drug overdoses have become a leading cause of death in recent years and fentanyl is the deadly ingredient that is taking a terrible toll of lives lost or destroyed,” Sarlo said. “This one dealer alone had enough fentanyl to kill a countless number of vulnerable users. Selling

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a crime of the second degree for any amount up to 10 grams. First-degree crimes are subject to 20 years in prison and fines up to $200,000, and five to 10 years and $150,000 for second degree. More than 3,000 people died of overdoses in New Jersey last year, according to the State

Medical Examiner, with more than 107,000 drug fatalities nationally, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The deadly fentanyl was the primary cause of death in most cases, according to public health officials. In the aforementioned case, the dealer, Carlo Francisco Olivar Gomez, was taken into custody by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, along with Ridgefield Park Police Department with the assistance of a Bergen County Regional SWAT team. “I want to commend the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the other law enforcement officers who made this arrest,” Sarlo said. “Tougher penalties will help keep him and other dealers off the streets.”

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Wednesday, July 13, 2022

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The man who stops advertising to save money is like the man who stops the clock to save time. - Thomas Jefferson Start advertising your products and services to reach over 100,000 TOP: DePeña is sworn-in, in Spanish, by her dad. Her husband, Allen, holds the Bible. BOTTOM: Graziano takes his oath as councilman and deputy mayor.

BELLEVILLE

Continued from Page 1

course, for finally Belleville is no longer the butt of jokes, but rather we are the topic of conversation,” Melham said, whose remarks drew applause from the room filled with friends, family, township employees and residents. Graziano was sworn in by his uncle, Marine Corps retired Lt. Colonel Frank LaMura. He was also selected as the town’s Deputy Mayor by a unanimous vote of the council. DePeña, who just wrapped up her term as the first Latina to serve as Deputy Mayor, took her oath in Spanish as it was administered by her father, the Rev. Luis Fernandez. “This is meaningful to me because it’s my heritage,” she said. “It’s a beautiful language, but what unites us is that regardless of the language in which it was expressed, my commitment is to everyone, to serve with the same love …” The room filled with applause before

DePeña could finish her sentence. Melham said it was an “absolute honor” to have Codey, a Democrat, take part in the ceremony and said he stands ready to work with his council colleagues to build an even better Belleville. “Now is the time to stop the politics of division and abide by the will of the people, the very constituency that overwhelmingly decided to put the Melham team back in office for a second term,” he said. Codey, who also administered the oath as Steven J. Martino was reappointed as the attorney for the township, used some of his signature humor to make a point about reaching across political ideologies to find common ground — even if it’s from a former Democratic governor to a (registered) Independent mayor. “We’re all in this together, whether it’s Trenton or Belleville,” he said. “And I know, mayor, you’re not of my party. I don’t care. Why should anybody care? This is about Belleville, not about some party. We’ll get to the party later because he won.”

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Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Observer Classifieds

The Observer is not responsible for typographical errors. Error credits will not be granted. Minimal changes for multiple-week ads are $10 per instance. Refunds are not granted under any circumstances. Help-wanted ad deadline is 2 p.m., Monday, and all ads must be sent by email to classified@theobserver.com. All other classifieds are due by 3 p.m. Monday. All classifieds are pre-paid — no billing. Call 201-991-1600 to place an ad. The Observer cannot accept legal advertising.

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

Parking Enforcement Officer / Parking Meter Collector Under direction, patrols designated areas and issues summonses for street sweeping, meter enforcement and parking violations, collects monies from parking meters and other related duties. Knowledge of problems involved in parking violations or the procedures used in dealing with such problems. Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the municipality. Valid NJ drivers license required. Position is subject to a comprehensive background check. 35 hr week. Salary $28,963 with full benefit package. https://info.csc.state.nj.us/jobspec/07310.htm Applications available here https://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/. Application Deadline July 29, 2022 Please mail application to The Town of Kearny 402 Kearny Ave Kearny NJ 07032 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. 09W03

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

Public Health Nurse Supervisor The Town of Kearny is currently accepting applications for the full time position of PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE SUPERVISOR (NJ CSC Title Code 02915) The application may be found here: https://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/ Applicants must possess a current, valid registration as a Professional Nurse in the State of New Jersey. Salary dependent upon qualifications. The Application Deadline is 7/30/22. The Town reserves the right to hire a candidate before the due date. 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. The Town of Kearny 402 Kearny Ave Kearny NJ 07032 EOE/ADA 09W03

Building Inspector/Building Subcode Official Part Time Full time/Part Time provisional position. Receptionist Must be Under direction of the Construction Official, is bilingual $13/H Great for a responsible for administering the Building Subcode student Evening within the jurisdiction in accordance with the 3pm - 5pm M-F State Uniform Construction Code (UCC). Saturdays 9am - 12pm Responsibilities will include building plan review for increased hours in the future Entry level and inspection of all construction projects to ensure Reliable & trust worthy compliance with approved plans, specifications, Call Donna and the provisions of the UCC. Additional duties 201-247-8064 would include general code enforcement, 09W03 property maintenance, zoning, and resale inspections as needed. Valid NJ driver’s license and HHS license required. NJ CSC title code and job description https://info.csc.state.nj.us/jobspec/05048.htm 35 hours per week. Salary Commensurate with experience with full benefit package for Full Time Auto mechanic WStatus. Position is provisional and subject to the PT/FT Civil Service exam process. with tools Newark Application Deadline is July 30th. The Town reserves ironbound area call the right to hire a qualified candidate before the end (732) 489-1797 of the advertisement period see application here: htt09W03 ps://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/ 09W03

Part time/Full time Electrical Inspector/Electrical Subcode Official Full time salary range ($78,002-$87,459) depending upon qualifications. Part time salary range ($28.04-$36.57 per hour) depending upon qualifications. Please submit application by July 30, 2022. The Town reserves the right to hire a qualified candidate before the end of the advertisement period. 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 for applications see link https://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/ 09W03

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 04W12

Hoboken man arrested in Bloomfield in connection to Jersey City stabbing A Hoboken man was arrested July 7 in Bloomfield in connection to fatal stabbing in Jersey City just days earlier, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. Joshua Gonzalez, 24, of Hoboken, was arrested at approximately 11:10 a.m. by members of the United States Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force on Franklin Street in Bloomfield. Gonzalez was wanted in connection with the double stabbing July 5 in Jersey City that left one man dead and one woman injured. The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit has charged Gonzalez with first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, first-degree felony murder, burglary, unlawful Possession of a weapon (knife), possession of a weapon (knife) for an unlawful purpose, resisting arrest by flight and violation of a restraining order. Following his arrest, Gonzalez was transported to the Hudson County Jail in South Kearny, pending his first appearance. Nnn On Tuesday, July 5, 2022, at approximately 6:42 a.m., members of the Jersey City Police Department re-

sponded to Clinton Avenue on reports of an aggravated assault. Responding officers, there, found a 22-year-old woman with a serious apparent stab wound. The woman was transported by EMS to the Jersey City Medical Center, where she remains in stable condition. At approximately 10 a.m., the Jersey City Police Department was notified an injured person was located at 186 McAdoo Ave. Responding officers found the lifeless body of a man — later identified as Jason Khusial, 21, of Jersey City — with multiple apparent stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:14 a.m. The Regional Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause of death to be multiple sharp force wounds to the torso and the manner of death to be homicide. An investigation determined Khusial had been injured in the Clinton Avenue incident. Suarez credited the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit and the Jersey City Police Department with the investigation and the United States Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force with the arrest.

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Wednesday, July 13, 2022

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Observer Classifieds

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Wednesday, July 13, 2022

NEWS BRIEFS

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Nutley offering chair yoga for senior citizens with limited space The Nutley Department of Parks and Recreation will offer “Chair Yoga for Seniors.” It’s is a supported style of yoga that is accessible to all levels of fitness. In the class, participants will be guided through seated and moving meditations utilizing the support and assistance of a chair. This program is free to Nutley senior citizens; however, space is limited. This classes take place Mondays

and Thursdays at P&R, Annex Building, 65 Bloomfield Ave. The summer session kicks off in July. Transportation is available. Online registration is available at www.register.communitypass.net/ nutley. Applications may also be submitted to the recreation department at 44 Park Ave. prior to the start of the program. For more information, contact the recreation department at (973) 2844966, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

May Students of the Month named at Kearny’s Franklin School The following are May Students of the Month at Kearny’s Franklin School. Olivia Pacheco, Liam Sousa Brandao, Annyliz Moreira, Ayvah Quiles, Margaret Kelly, Mia Siguenza Calva, Anthony Chuquirima Miranda, Mia Abraham-Ruiz, Ariel Avendano Perez, Aditi Jani, Alexander Reis, Michael Olabisi, Bryson Corry, Jack Millar, Gennesis Juarez, Lucas Zanandrea, Aiden Aquino, Adriana Cruz, Lucas Topor, Anna Varghese, Eva Maria Salas Castro, Miguel Romero, Bruno Mejia

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The Observer | www.theobserver.com

KEEGAN

Continued from Page 1 that both eliminates (hydrogen sulfide) gas emissions and improves stormwater drainage to help mitigate area flooding. The closure entails the installation of an impermeable liner topped off with clean fill while maintaining the existing mature vegetation at the base of the landfill to absorb stormwater. Proposed end uses include walking trails and access to the Kearny Marsh.” Michael Neglia, the town’s consulting engineer, said the “best option” for ensuring proper drainage to minimize spread of foul-smelling fumes is to leave the top, side and bottom of the dirt mounds that have built up over the years “in their natural state” covered by an impermeable liner designed to prevent fume emissions and leachate generation; topped by 18 inches of clean fill, and, in turn, by six inches of vegetation. An existing vapor collection system of 28 wells, coupled with the drainage, should help minimize moisture infiltrating the landfill and thereby control the releases of odors in future years, Neglia said. Still, he cautioned, because the landfill property sits in a flood plain, it’s possible that heavy rainfalls from a “100-year storm” situation could dislodge leachate that “hopefully” should flow into a storm water sewer for treatment. But meanwhile, Neglia noted, “we still have to order the liner and get the clean fill,” both of which, he added, could account for delays to the project. Assuming permit approvals are granted by the state Department of Environmental Protection, Neglia estimated a 1 1/2- to-two-year time frame to complete the closure process. Technical consultants to the NJSEA offered no dissenting views to Neglia’s assessment of the closure proposal. As reported by The Observer, the DEP in March 2021 endorsed the placement of a geomembrane cover system across the entire landfill and estimated closure costs — which must be borne by NJSEA — at nearly $47 million, but permits for the liner and closure are still outstanding. (The NJSEA’s predecessor

A drone view of the Keegan Landfill in Kearny, courtesy of the NJSEA.

agency, the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission, invested $25 million in an effort to improve the landfill drainage by building two sewage pumps to transport leachate into a collection system for treatment instead of the waste materials spilling into the Kearny Marsh and Frank’s Creek.) Santos, in a separate email, said the NJSEA “has advised us they will have funding for the closure (but) they did not provide a cost estimate. The NJSEA did not tell us whether the funding has been formally appropriated by the State of New Jersey or is being funded through existing escrow accounts.” For the past year, the NJSEA has been performing air monitoring of emissions from the landfill site, according to Santos. If and when the landfill is closed to the satisfaction of DEP, the NJSEA is expected to proceed with development of what the town is hoping will be passive recreational uses for the property. Christine Sanz, chief operating officer of the NJSEA and CEO of the Meadowlands Conservation Trust, shared some concepts of what residents might expect to see as possible “passive end uses” for the site in “post-closure” status, generally envisioned as a “public park and wildlife preserve.” Initially, Sanz said the NJSEA may arrange for what she called “one-day, sneak/peek events,” such as tours by school groups and/or public officials along a designated trail or

perimeter road. But scheduling these activities may be complicated, Sanz said, if they are “competing with heavy construction” associated with the “ongoing maintenance of the gas collection system” and preparation of the land for recreational purposes. In the future, Sanz said, the NJSEA envisions such notions

as hiking and/or biking trails, bird watching, kite-flying, outdoor art shows and concerts and possibly kayaking to the nearby Kearny Marsh. Fourth Ward Councilwoman Susan McCurrie encouraged the NJSEA to “have discussions with the town on finalizing end uses for the site” and, in particular, to collaborate with Kearny

ACES (Advisory Committee on the Environment and Sustainability), a non-profit pledged to pursuing green initiatives that improve Kearny’s environment and quality of life, on individual projects. Kearny ACES “should be your first line of communication,” McCurrie said. McCurrie also called for setting “benchmarks” for completing designated recreational goals for the former landfill site as a way of establishing a timetable for reaching those goals. Asked to assess the likelihood of seeing a productive end use for the property, Third Ward Councilwoman Carol Jean Doyle labeled the NJSEA presentation a “grandiose play. Guess what — I’ll believe it when I see it. And who will pay for it? I really don’t know. I believe (the NJSEA) will put down matting plus dirt and vegetation but, as far as the amenities, who knows? We’ve been promised things before and we have yet to see them.”

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The Observer | www.theobserver.com

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

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