e-Newspaper for Oct. 12, 2022

LOSS OF A LEGEND

By Jim Hague Special to The Observer

It was an epic love story that spanned almost seven decades, a marriage that lasted 65 years.

It was a union that began innocently at a school dance at the now-defunct St. Cecilia’s High School in Kearny, when a shy sophomore named JoAnn Foster was introduced to star athlete Charlie Dolan, a senior at the school and a three-sport standout (soccer, basketball and baseball) who was well on his way to becoming the school’s all-time leading scorer in basketball.

“I knew who he was, but to

be honest, I didn’t think he knew who I was,” said the former Jo-Ann Foster, who became Jo-Ann Dolan later after marrying Charlie. “It was at a CYO dance at the school and he had a friend who came up to me and said, ‘Charlie Dolan wants to ask you out.’ I said, ‘Well, if Charlie Dolan wants to ask me out, he should do it himself.’ I was just so nervous.” Charlie eventually got up the nerve to ask out the shy and beautiful Jo-Ann. They went to the old Warner Theater together and saw

See DOLAN, Page 8

Russo suing Kearny over ‘obstacles’ the town ‘created’ at American Strip Steel property

By Ron Leir For The Observer

ACarlstadt-based developer who has already added in excess of 500 new apartments to the town’s residential land scape is suing Kearny for allegedly putting obstacles in the way of a new waterfront project that would bring in another 400-plus apartments.

Russo Development LLC, Russo

Acquisitions LLC and 55 Passaic Ave. Urban Renewal LLC — all related to Ed Russo — have filed a 40-page com plaint in the Hudson County Division of State Superior Court alleging that the town:

n Changed the rules for build ing in the redevelopment area that includes the 17-acre project site (the now-leveled American Strip Steel plant) limiting the height of residen

tial buildings to a maximum of four stories or 40 feet, thereby thwarting the “profitability” of the venture.

n Delayed action on the developer’s application for a long-term payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for a previ ous plan for the former steel plant site proposing a four-story building with 276 apartments despite an endorsement of the PILOT by the town’s own professional expert.

Russo then pitched an “alternate” plan of a higher density than the orig inal plan “but still at a density within that which is permitted in the project and redevelopment area … to render the project economically viable and potentially feasible without offer of any tax incentives from the town,” the complaint notes.

n Compelled the developer to con

See RUSSO, Page 19

Breast Cancer Awareness Month - 2022

In November 1999, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was in terrible shock, but I knew I had to remain calm for my children. My health was always very well and I didn’t have a family history of this disease. I am very grateful because I had tremendous support from my mother, sisters, family, friends. My husband’s love was unconditional and my children were my greatest supporters. For about three years after my diagnosis, I had been wondering how to help other survivors. Sixteen years ago for the first time in Kearny, we kicked off the “Tie a Ribbon” campaign, thanks to our Mayor Alberto G. Santos and councilmembers, Deb Belfatto, the former Executive Director of the Susan G. Komen North Jersey affiliate, Lisa Feorenzo of The Observer, Rosemary Dressler (former volunteer director of West Hudson Hospital), survivors, volunteers and family. Since 2005, we have been doing “Tie a Ribbon” in East Newark and Harrison, now with a great support of Minette’s Angels Foundation and the Lucy Angel Foundation. As a breast cancer survivor, I learned keeping a positive attitude is a way to overcome any challenge. I use affirmations and uplifting messages every day, and of course, I am still dancing. Remember: “Life isn’t about what happens to you — it’s about how you handle what happens.”

Inmates at Hudson County Jail may now start college degrees behind bars

The late Charlie Dolan (second from left) is seen with legendary basketball icon Bill Raftery (far left), the late Fran Raftery, Bill’s brother, and sportswriter Jim Hague in this picture from 2017. Photo courtesy of Jim Hague.

MetroDoc opens in Belleville as onestop spot for urgent medical care

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

Belleville’s access to urgent medical care, until now, was limited to very few options, especially for those who are located in the southern

portion of the township. But that all changed, dramatically in fact, once MetroDoc opened its offices in the Silver Lake section of town, in a building that was once a Pathmark supermarket.

To great pomp and

circumstance, the urgentcare center hosted a kickoff event that featured speeches from the company and Belleville Mayor Michael Melham, last month. But from the get-go, the company wanted everyone to know

that while it is, indeed, an urgent-care center, it is hardly just an urgent-care center.

In fact, it’s so much more than that.

Let’s take a look at all it has to offer.

First, the hours of operation. Every week has 168 hours and MetroDoc is open half of all hours. That means any day of the week

including Saturday and Sunday the doors are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sure, some doctors see patients on Saturdays (albeit usually on a limited basis.) But just think of this for a moment.

MetroDoc is open both days of the weekend from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. You just won’t find this elsewhere.

Knights hosting fundraiser dinner Oct. 16

T

he Queen of Peace Knights of Columbus sponsor a benefit eat-in/or takeout pasta dinner Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 5:30 p.m., at the Columbian Club Hall, 194 River Road, North Arlington.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to Mercy House, a home of support and healing for people in need.

The Knights will serve pasta, meatballs, bread, salad and dessert for $20 for adults and $10 for children aged 6 to 11.

Reservations must be made by Sunday, Oct. 16 by calling (201) 988-0183. The Knights ask that all patrons to consider donating a nonperishable, non-expired food item for the Queen of Peace Food Pantry.

But what really sets this apart from many other urgent-care centers, or doctors in general, is that the company’s philosophy is when you come to MetroDoc, with or without an appointment, you’re in and out of the office in 30 minutes.

“We pride ourselves on this,” Moses Motzen, the founder and director of MetroDoc, said. “And it is part of the reason why we chose Belleville and this particular location. We also chose Belleville because it is an underserved community and we strongly believe in health care for everyone.”

As to the location, after those in-and-out 30 minutes, right next door is a pharmacy.

So in addition to

getting the care a patient needs, the medication that might come with it may be had just as quickly by walking a few feet over the pharmacy located in the adjacent supermarket.

Offerings

MetroDoc says it’s the ideal place to go for non-life threating illnesses, minor burns and lacerations, bites, sprains, small bone fractures, COVID testing and testing for sexually-transmitted diseases. But it does not end with urgent care. MetroDoc also wants to be your primary care doctors. And, as such, they offer annual physicals, occupational medicine, treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, health screenings, immunizations

and they will refer you to specialists, as needed.

Oh and if you’re worried about parking trust us, that will never be an issue the lot is enormous.

If you’re unable to make it to the office, they also offer telehealth, including phone consultations, video appointments, text or email discussions and remote monitoring of ailments.

They also have many hightech pieces of equipment, including EKGs, X-rays and more.

In all, for Belleville residents and others who live nearby at MetroDoc, if you need it medically, chances are they’re going to be able to help you. And you’ll never have to wait long to get in.

Speaking of getting in,

the office is extremely bright and welcoming, with game for kids to play in the lobby, bright white walls and yellow and blue accents that create a very relaxing atmosphere and aura (they also happen to be the same colors of the Belleville High School Buccaneers, though that just happened to be the case it wasn’t planned that way.)

Learn more about MetroDoc located at 115 Belmont Ave., Belleville by visiting www.metrodoc. com or by calling (973) 412-3600. Though never required, you may make an appointment online or by calling the aforementioned phone number. Remember, hours of operation are every day of the week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

FHA LOANS

Are you a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned buyer looking for a new home? There is a home buying program available in all 50 states that may be worth a look.

FHA loans have been around for generations and there are several types of programs to choose from. The Federal Housing Administra tion insures these loans. They can offer a better deal than a conven tional loan for those with low credit scores, including low closing costs and a lower minimum down payment, sometimes as little as 3.5 percent. FHA-approved banks and lending institutions issue these loans. Borrowers who qualify must purchase mortgage insurance, and

payments are made to the FHA. Your real estate agent can help with more details.

Whether you are buying your first home or selling before downsizing, venturing into the world of real estate can easily seem overwhelming. Arming yourself with the right agent and the appro priate information, whether about loans or neighborhoods or home styles, can make all the differ ence. We would be happy to serve as your real estate agent for your next transaction. Let’s get together soon at to discuss your buying or listing plans. “Our success has been built one satisfied customer at a time.”

HC Jail inmates can start college degree behind bars

By Kevin A. Canessa Jr.

kc@theobserver.com

Joseph Wise is a 48-year-old, lifelong Hudson County resident who is now in his third semester of studies at Hudson County Community College. But his road to a college degree, you might say, is far from typical.

In fact, it’s hard to believe it’s true — though it is.

He began his higher education journey in the Academic and Workforce Pathway Program in September 2021 — while he was incarcerated at the Hudson County Correctional Center in South Kearny.

Wise says he has spent much of his life in and out of institutions and battling

substance abuse.

He says shortly after starting AWPP, HCCC’s Associate Vice President for Continuing Education and Workforce Development Lori Margolin called him “a scholar.”

“No one ever called me a scholar before,” Wise said. “It made me think. It made me realize that my mind was more locked up than my body.”

It also made Wise come to the realization classes got his mind off jail, and education was the only way to stay out of institutions.

“I decided: I did jail, now do education,” he said.

AWPP is the result of a partnership between Hudson County Community College, the Hudson County

WISE

Correctional Center and the Hudson County Department of Housing and Community Reintegration. The program is made possible by a $450,000 grant to HCCC from Hudson County. It is one of just a handful of such programs in the United

States that offer virtual degree and workforce training in a county correctional facility.

All too often, incarcerated men and women are not given tools needed to return to society without encountering poverty, violence, unemployment and dependency — the same conditions that led to their incarcerations in the first place.

Data indicates the unemployment rate of previously incarcerated men and women is five times higher than that of the general population, and 70% of children with incarcerated parents develop criminal records as well.

“The most effective programs to combat recidivism are those that begin prior to release, include education and/ or job training programs and provide ongoing support — elements that are incorporated into AWPP,” HCCC President Christopher Reber said. “Programs like this are essential and transformational, and the men and women who participate are extraordinarily inspirational.”

Margolin and HCCC Dean of Academic Affairs and Assessment Heather DeVries worked with Hudson County

Department of Housing and Community Reintegration Director Frank Mazza and the Hudson County Correctional Center to institute the program, which offers participants a choice of a degree or workforce path.

When it began last fall, the program was offered only to men, and this summer, women were included.

Today, there are 44 scholars in the AWPP, for a total of 122 students enrolled since the program began.

Program participants must meet all HCCC academic requirements. Classes take place in the jail’s law library. In addition to providing classes, HCCC partner Women Rising, Inc. conducts financial literacy and life skills sessions, and to promote equity, the college ensures incarcerated students receive the same academic coaching and assistance as other HCCC students.

Wise says he was also battling substance abuse, and one of his professors gave him a list of meetings to attend.

Now on probation with Recovery Court, he is taking classes on campus at HCCC as an EOF (Educational Opportunity Fund) student, receiving counseling, tutoring, financial assistance and the support of faculty and academic counselors, especially HCCC EOF Director Jose Lowe and his staff.

After graduating from HCCC with an associate degree in human services/ pre-social work, Wise says he plans on transferring to the Rutgers University School of Social Work. Eventually, he wants to work with adolescents in a treatment facility so he can help prevent young people from going through some of the challenges he has experienced.

“This is a really good program with people who are great inspirations to me,” Wise said. “Everyone in the program is pushing to help me do what I need to do to succeed, and I am going to do that.”

Woman who sought job at agency that serves

herself: Schillari

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

She wanted to become a security guard with the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office. The Hudson Sheriff’s Office, meanwhile, is the leading agency in the county to serve warrants upon defendants.

Now, instead of getting the job, she wound up behind bars as a fugitive from justice, since she has 11 warrants out for her own arrest, Hudson County Sheriff Francis X. “Frank” Schillari said.

Zyeama Y. Johnson, 27, of Jersey City, was charged with being a fugitive from justice on Oct. 4, 2022, after she applied for employment as a security guard with the sheriff’s office, was found to have an active bench warrant out of Monroe County, Pennsylvania, for failure to appear in court on charges of fraud and an additional 10 bench warrants for failure to appear in court on traffic charges in Jersey City, Schillari said.

After confirming the validity of the warrants, a detectives from the HCSO took Johnson into custody.

While conducting routine

inventory of Johnson’s property following her arrest, sheriff’s officers say they discovered she was in possession of two credit cards believed to be stolen and she was subsequently charged with credit card theft.

After further investigation revealed Johnson to be a former employee of the United States Postal Service, the United States Postal Investigative Service was contacted, which then launched its own investigation.

Observer Editor Kevin A. Canessa Jr. may be reached at kc@theobserver.com. Follow him on Facebook & Twitter @ kevincanessa.

DOLAN

“

It’s A Woman’s World,” starring Fernando Llamas and Arlene Dahl, who ironically became real-life husband and wife. The romantic that he was, Charlie bought Jo-Ann a gift.

“It was a pineapple Tootsie Roll lollypop,” Jo-Ann Dolan recalled with a laugh.

But soon after the final movie credits rolled on, Jo-Ann knew she had herself a partner for life. When Dolan took off for St. Michael’s College in Vermont to play basketball, he wrote a letter to his love every single day. And still a student at St. Cecila’s, Jo-Ann returned every single letter to keep the long distance relationship from fading fast.

That relationship didn’t fade one moment over the past 65 years, until last week when Charlie Dolan died after a long battle with a series of illnesses, in particular Parkinson’s disease. He was a few weeks shy of his 86th birthday.

While Dolan was not readily known for his romantic side he claimed that Jo-Ann was the only love of his life he was well known for his athletic prowess. He played soccer and fared well, but was much better known for his proficiency in basketball and baseball.

In baseball, Dolan was a standout pitcher for the Kearny Build Better Boys Baseball league team that won back-toback championships in 1955 and 1956. Dolan pitched the championship game wearing a cast on his left arm after breaking a wrist that he made sure he pitched with.

In basketball, Dolan tallied 1,265 points in just three years of varsity play freshmen were not permitted to play varsity back then. He averaged more than 30 points per game his senior year of 1955. Dolan’s career scoring record at St. Cecilia’s stood for seven years before Kearny’s most famous basketball

personality shattered it.

Bill Raftery, whose point total of 2,430 points at St. Cecilia’s remains No. 2 in the all-time Hudson County scoring list, vividly recalls Dolan’s kindness when Raftery was growing up in Kearny, as a key to his development as a player that led to a career at LaSalle University in Philadelphia and led to his eventual career as the head coach at Seton Hall and to a three-decade career as a beloved sportscaster, most notably with CBS Sports and the national coverage of the popular NCAA Tournament and Final Four.

“He was one of the older guys that I

looked up to,” Raftery recalled. “The older guys pretty much held the court, but Charlie let us play with them if they needed an extra guy. The competition was always good and playing with the older guys, guys four, five or six years older, always helped. And Charlie always offered good constructive criticism. He would never interfere with my development. He was always so helpful. I think about him a lot.”

Raftery paid Dolan a visit whenever he had the opportunity to do so, especially after Dolan’s health went into decline.

“He had this natural athletic ability,” Raftery said. “But it was never about him. His generosity just showed the goodness of the guy. He had such a good heart. I never once saw him raise his voice to anyone. He always seemed to be so happy and that stuck with me over the years.”

Another legendary basketball figure also recalled his relationship with Dolan.

“

He was the godfather of Kearny basketball,” said Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Bob Hurley Sr., who amassed an astounding 1,100 victories and a record 28 NJSIAA state championships over his brilliant coaching career at St. Anthony High

information,

call Kearny Recreation, (201) 955 7983.

Dolan, right, with Joe Torre in 1976, at a Kearny Little League awards dinner.

Sports & Recreation

North Arlington girls soccer look to continue successful start after BCT setback

Added experience pays off for Belleville’s Bajuz

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

John Spina can remember watching Christina Bajuz struggle at times as a sophomore. And while there might have been a temptation to sit her down, instead the veteran head girls volleyball coach at Belleville decided to keep Bajuz on the court so she could learn from the errors.

more experience and that honestly heightened my growth so much because I was able to play with different girls from all different towns. I was able to get more experience and play with other girls and I grew so much from that.

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

As the head coach of one of the smallest schools in Bergen County, Mike Vivino knows that winning the Bergen County Tournament will never be a realistic goal for North Arlington. But in a tournament that annually features some of the best programs in the country, it does serve as an opportunity to provide a midseason report on where the Vikings girls’ soccer team is heading toward in the second half of the season, including the upcoming state playoffs.

“Being a smaller school, I use it as kind of a measuring stick. Are we able to compete with those schools? If we’re able to sneak out a win or two or three that’s great,” Vivino said. “My sights are not ever really on winning a tournament, it’s about the process and if we do all of those little things correctly, usually it turns into good results at the end.”

So while North Arlington suffered its first loss of the season, a 4-0 defeat in the second round to Northern Highlands on Oct. 2, Vivino

got the evidence he needed that the Vikings have the ability to compete with anyone it may face the rest of the way.

North Arlington followed up the loss with an overtime win at Saddle River Day and a tie against Bloomfield, putting its record at 9-1-1 through the first month of the season. Currently, North Arlington is third in power points in the North 2, Group 1 standings.

“What better test than a Northern Highlands, a Ramapo, a Ramsey? Schools like that, that not only are sometimes not just the best in the state, but sometimes the best in the country. That’s the measuring stick that we put ourselves up against,” Vivino said. “(The loss) was proof that even with the bad result, we still found ways to be successful against a team like Northern Highlands.”

A big reason for that success rests between the posts where junior Daliana Rojas has continued to build upon last season’s breakout. Rojas has posted five shutouts and allowed only 12 goals this season.

“

She’s been on this rise since the county game against Lyndhurst last year. She just has this confidence and what I love most about it is that she’s taking ownership of the back line and ownership of the overall structure of our defense,” Vivino said.

“She’s confident in her own abilities, she’s constantly asking questions in order to improve her game, especially technically. She finds ways to make big saves and keep us in big games.”

Rojas’ play and leadership has been especially important with a backline that is one of the youngest Vivino has had as coach.

Freshman Skyler Crudele has been a significant contributor at outside back right from the start, as has junior Ashley Miranda while sophomore Abby Lopes has come on in recent days to earn a bigger role. In the center of the Vikings’ fiveplayer back have been junior Sophia Veloso and seniors Brenna Sullivan and Nicole Garcia.

The reliance on youth

“She struggled a little bit in a full-time role last year and my thing as a coach has been if I see something special in a kid, I don’t care if they struggle,” Spina said. “I allow them to struggle and we’ll grow together.”

Now a year older and with significantly more on-court experience, Bajuz and the Buccaneers are enjoying the success of that growth.

At 10-5, Belleville is enjoying one of its better seasons in recent years and the play of its junior outside hitter is a big reason why.

Bajuz has already blown past last year’s total for kills, posting 100 this season, including 27 during a recent four-game winning streak. Bajuz’s recent play has earned her the distinction of being The Observer Athlete of the Week.

Both Spina and Bajuz credit her breakout performance to the added experience she has acquired, especially from playing club during the offseason for the first time.

“Club was just such a good experience,” Bajuz said. “I feel like in order to improve you got to get

“I feel like after playing club I’ve become more confident. I don’t have to be afraid of having people count on me because I can count on myself to hold a team up.”

The most notable areas of improvement have come in Bajuz’s accuracy on her hits as well as the ability to score points from the back row.

“She came back much improved this year,” said Spina. “She always wants to learn, she’s always asking questions.

“A lot of Christina’s kills come from the back row. She’s jumping and swinging and putting the ball down. You don’t see that often, particularly in the division we’re playing in.”

Belleville is currently second in the Super Essex Conference’s Colonial Division with a 9-3 record, trailing only Payne Tech. Bajuz’s 100 kills are third most among players in the division. She also has a team-best 32 aces, as well as 77 digs.

“This is her coming out party this year. She hasn’t reached her peak yet, but I think by the end of the season she will be,” said Spina. “She’s hitting the ball as hard as any girl I’ve seen on my teams in the last however many years.”

“The girls know that

SOCCER

continues in the middlefield with sophomore Maddie Goncalves as the holding midfielder and freshman Lyndsay Gilbert as the floating center midfielder. Sophomore Brielle Serodio and freshman Sophia Poremba are also seeing significant action in the midfield as reserves.

At attacking midfielder is senior Arancha Antunes.

Going into the season, Antunes and junior forward Lia Cruz were expected to be one of NJIC ’ s top 1-2 offensive combinations. Instead, the dynamic duo on offense has turned into a “ Big 3 ” thanks to a breakout season from junior forward Laurynn Teixeira.

Teixeira has nearly doubled her offensive output from a season ago with 15 goals and seven assists. Cruz, who had the lone goal in the Vikings ’ win over Lyndhurst at Red Bull Arena, also has 15 goals

with seven assists on the year. Antunes has nine goals and 13 assists.

“

All three are very different styles. They ’ re all very good technically, their touch with the ball is very good, ” Vivino said. “ I think Lia has more of a lethal striker, she ’ s just trying to find her way through those little gaps. Lauren has the ability to play high up, she also has the ability to drop off a little bit and take shots from a distance. Arancha is just an overall playmaker.

If you give her a little bit of room, she ’ ll either torch you with a pass, or beat you on the dribble or find a way to get the shot off. They all have their own little ways of distinguishing themselves. ” North Arlington looks to keep its success going on Wednesday, Oct. 12, when it hosts Rutherford. The Vikings, who currently hold a 1 ½ game lead in the NJIC Meadowlands standings, could take a stranglehold on the division race with a win over the Bulldogs, currently in second.

ATHLETE

whenever I’m hitting they can rely on me,” Bajuz said. “Everyone looks up to me in a sense because they know I’ll put the ball down or get it over.”

Bajuz doesn’t have to do it alone on offense though. Sophomore Kaitlyn Coto has also been a breakout player this fall with 70 kills and 105 digs, as she and Bajuz have developed an on-court chemistry.

“On the court I feel like it works out really well. She and I both have a similar hitting style,” said Bajuz, who has also made it a priority to build an off-court bond with her as well. “We both want to be aggressive when we go on the attack. So even when we make a mistake, we come back and we look at each other and we know we got the next one and we’ll encourage each other no matter what the play was.”

That bond, as well

as the chemistry built with other key players like defensive specialist Ashley Cely and setter Galadrielle Balderavona has the Buccaneers playing with significantly more confidence than last year as it heads into their Essex County Tournament opener on Thursday when it hosts the winner of East Orange and Shabazz. With a win, Belleville would then play top-seeded Livingston, ranked No. 14 in the state by

NJ.com, on Saturday

“I love volleyball, but that was just tough. I kept reminding myself the entire time of why I started playing this sport. It’s so fun and brings people together. Being able to play this year and have so much success with a team that I really enjoy playing with. I’m so thankful and every single day I get to go back on the court and have fun playing. I’m just so grateful to have this kind of experience.

Christina Bajuz

Kearny-Harrison rivalry resumes on Thursday night in Hudson semifinals

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

As the weather starts to cool and the tournament play begins, it’s only appropriate that one of the state’s great rivalries is set to resume and heat up the local sports landscape.

For the fifth season in a row, the Harrison and Kearny boys soccer teams will square off in the Hudson County Tournament. Only this time, it will be in the semifinals as the top-seeded and undefeat ed Kardinals will host the fourth-seeded Blue Tide on Thursday. Oct. 13, at 7 p.m. at Kearny High School.

It will be the first time the century-long neighboring rivals meet since last year’s HCT final at Red Bull Arena, which Kearny won, 2-1, in overtime, in front of more than 4,000 fans. This will be the ninth tournament meet ing between the two since a true Hudson County Tourna

ment was instituted in 2009 with the Kardinals winning five of the eight prior match ups.

In the quarterfinals, Kearny made quick work of Hoboken, defeating the Red wings, 6-1, behind a hat trick from sophomore Jeckson Ri vera on Saturday afternoon. The Kardinals’ unbeaten streak is now at an incredible 30 games, having gone 27-0-3 since its last loss.

A few hours later, Har rison’s Yusuf Jaiteh scored what proved to be the game’s only goal in the 70th min ute to give the Blue Tide a 1-0 victory over previously undefeated Memorial in their quarterfinal matchup. Since suffering an opening night loss to Wallington, Harrison has won eight consecutive games.

On the girls side, 12-time defending champion Kearny broke out of its slump with a 10-0 victory over Dickinson.

Sophomore Olivia Covello led the way with three goals and an assist, while Paige Raefski and Emily Horvaht added two goals apiece. Kearny will host fifth-seeded Hoboken in the semifinals, on Thursday at 5 p.m., with the Kearny-Harrison boys soccer game following after

wards.

Essex County seeding released Seedings for the Essex County boys’ and girls’ soccer tournaments were released last week.

On the boys side, Bloom field was awarded the 16th seed and will host 17th-seed ed Caldwell in the prelimi

nary round on Tuesday, Oct. 11. With a victory, the Ben gals would play top-seeded Seton Hall Prep, the state’s No. 1 ranked team. Also on Oct. 11, Belleville, the 18th seed, will play at 15th-seeded Irvington with the winner facing second-seeded and undefeated Newark East Side. Nutley, which is seeded 22nd, defeated Abundant Life, 6-1, in a play-in game this past Saturday and will now face 11th-seeded Glen Ridge.

Preliminary round action in the girls tournament began on Monday after The Observ er went to press. Bloomfield, the 13th seed, was hosting 20th-seeded Payne Tech, 15th-seeded Nutley was home to face 18th-seeded Science Park and 17th-seed ed Belleville traveled to 16th-seeded Columbia. The winners will play in the first round on Wednesday, Oct. 12.

PHOTOPHOBIA

Photophobia is eye discom fort when exposed to bright lights. It is a common problem that is not always caused by an eye disease but may be disease-related in some cases. In addition to several eye disorders and diseases, photophobia has been associated with eye inflammation, eye injuries and burns, eye infections, migraine headaches, corneal abrasion, certain prescription drugs, and excessive contact lens wearing. If sensitivity to light becomes intolerable, causes eye pain, happens with headaches, or the problem persists in low light, a medical diagnosis for the cause should be sought, since treat ment of an underlying problem

may solve the photophobia. In the meantime, avoid sunlight (even indirect), darken indoor rooms, and wear dark glasses. If you have photophobia, it is important that you see a health care provider so that the cause can be identified and treated. Managing the cause of photo phobia is important, and you can take measures to reduce the discomfort of your photophobia as well. To schedule an appoint ment, please call 201-896-0096. Our office is located at 20 Park Avenue, Lyndhurst. To reach our optical shop, call 201-896-0007. We accept most insurance. P.S. Pupil dilation for an eye exam will cause temporary symptoms of photophobia.

Yusuf Jaiteh Olivia Covello

Photos by Jason Bernstein

CHARLIE

School in Jersey City. “When it came to caring about the kids of Kearny, he was always there. He loved the game of basketball so totally. In a town

that bleeds soccer, Charlie just loved basketball. He was so passionate about it. When he called and asked me for something, it was so extremely difficult to say ‘no.’ It’s like saying no to Santa Claus. And he was so generous to everyone, both the boys and the

girls. He wanted basketball to thrive in Kearny. He was a great man. Not many schools have people like Charlie Dolan.”

In fact, Dolan became totally involved with Kearny High programs.

“He always wanted what was best for the kids,” legendary

Kearny soccer Hall of Fame coach and athletic director John Millar said. “He always wanted what was best for the kids. He asked how he could help kids get into college. He would weave his magic and get the kid into school. He cared so much about the kids. You don’t find guys like that anymore.”

Bill Mullins, the long-time boys’ basketball coach and boys’ volleyball coach at Kearny, has known the Dolan family since childhood.

“

Mr. Dolan was so important to our program,” Mullins said.

“He was always a gentleman, just one of the nicest men I’ve ever known. He never said a bad word about anyone. He was so positive with everyone, especially the kids. He was unbelievable.”

Dolan would oversee the off-season open gym sessions that the kids would participate in and could not have any influence from the Kearny coaches, due to NJSIAA regulations.

Dolan even went into his own pocket to start the Kearny AAU basketball program, a team that he coached in the summer months. When a 3-on-3 national tournament took place in Florida about a decade ago, Dolan funded the entire trip for the participants.

“He would take kids to games and even played basketball with us at times,” Mullins said. “He would take the time to teach kids the right way to shoot the ball. He really meant everything to us. I will always be grateful to him. I learned a lot from him. He’s just a great man, a gentleman who lived a great life. I was truly blessed to have him coaching with us. The kids of Kearny were lucky and blessed. It’s a loss for all of us.

Former Kearny boys’ head coach Bob McDonnell also developed a great relationship with Dolan.

“He knew the history of all the sports teams,” McDonnell said. “He was a font of information, basketball, baseball, soccer, you name it. And he was always there offering congratulations. He was the first one to call me when I got the job to congratulate me. He became a mentor to me and we became really good friends. The kids all responded to him. He was a very positive influence on them. He tried to do whatever he could to help. My lasting memory of Charlie will be that he was the most unselfish person I’ve ever met in my life.”

Dolan was also supportive of the girls’ basketball program.

“He was one of the most supportive people I know,” said long-time Kearny girls’ basketball head coach Jody Hill. “It was a no-brainer to have him around. He was at every home game and wanted to be involved with us as much as possible.”

Added Hill, “His dedication to the kids was an inspiration to me. He was always so positive and uplifting. He was also so very generous. He always had great knowledge of the game that he passed on to the kids. He would take a kid to the side and work on their shots, their games. He would come and offer his advice. And who could say no to Charlie Dolan? He really was a naturally born teacher who taught the kids all that he knew.”

Tom Fraser, a long-time guidance counselor at Kearny’s

Dolan in the 1950s playing for St. Cecilia High School.

Obituaries

Charles J. Dolan

The following obituary was written by Charlie himself. These are the words of a very great man.

I, Charles Joseph Dolan, have left the earthly “playing field” and gone to the “great ballpark” to happily join up with all the family members and friends who have gone before me.

I was born Nov. 20, 1936 at West Hudson Hospital in Kearny to Helen (Eckel) and Charles J. Dolan Sr. I have remained a Kearny resident since birth, attend ed St. Cecilia’s grammar and high schools. I was fortu nate enough to have had the athletic ability to play soccer, baseball, basketball for my alma mater. Following that, pitched for the Build Better Boys baseball team, (a Hud son County league) for 18-19 year olds. “Oh Those Were the Days!”

Married to my high school sweetheart, Jo-Ann Foster, we parented three wonder ful children, Danny Dolan (Suzanne), Mary Jo McDer mott (John) and Bernadette Patterson (Steve).

I have dearly loved eight grandchildren, Danielle (Dolan) Metzger (Dan), Matthew and Cameron Dolan, Johnny, Katie, Mc Dermott and Tara (McDer mott) Lockwood (Sean). J.D. Jerry LeBeouf (Katie) and Charles Jerry (fiancé Jocie) and great-grandson Charlie Metzger.

I was blessed with the world’s best family of grandparents, aunts, un cles, cousins, friends and neighbors throughout my lifetime in both East Newark and Kearny. I leave behind

to mourn me my immediate family and my extended fam ily, brothers-in-law Kenny Foster, Chuck Foster and their families. I was prede ceased by my sisters-in-law Ethel M. and Missy Foster.

I coached Little League baseball, was past president of the Holy Name Society (St. Anthony’s), served on the Kearny Board of Adjustment (Zoning), West Hudson Hos pital Board of Directors, Saint Cecilia’s Booster Club and was a volunteer basketball coach at Kearny High School for many years. I served on the Salvation Army’s Advi sory Board, formed an AAU basketball team for Kearny youth and coached as well.

I loved being with and teaching the “kids.”

I was pleased to have been Kearny Senior Citizen of the Year 2012 and honored to have been inducted into the Hudson County Hall of Fame and Kearny High School’s Hall of Fame as a “contribu tor.”

In 1965, my friend John Hannay and I formed a food brokerage business named “Handol,” which eventually, with John Barone, became Food Associates, Inc. based in Kearny for many years.

In 1995, we merged with M. W. Houck, where I was Vice President of Frozen Foods, then at E.M.S. Ferolie as a consultant until retirement.

Grieve not for me, smile and laugh as much as you can. Life is short. Remem ber there are two deaths ..

First: “when your heart stops beating and your spirit leaves your body.” Second: “when your name is no longer spo ken.” So please, mention my name often!

I have dealt with Parkin son’s Disease since 1984 so I am asking you: Please do not send flowers to the funer al home. ln lieu of, please donate to Michael J. Fox P.D. Research Foundation, P.O. Box 4777 Grand Cen tral Station, New York, N.Y. 10163-4777

Visiting for Charlie was at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. His Mass was celebrated at St. Stephen’s Church, Kearny. His crema tion was private.

Deacon Craig A. Stewart Deacon Craig A. Stewart, 70, of Wood-Ridge, formerly of Kearny, died Oct. 5, 2022.

Devoted husband of Ro seanne Stewart (nee Car chidi), he was the beloved brother-in-law of Christine McShane and her husband Daniel and John Carchidi and his wife Sharon Levchak. He was also the loving uncle to eight nieces and nephews and seven grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Before retiring, Craig was a Nutley Police Sergeant and served the community for 25 years. In his spare time, he was an EMT instructor at the Bergen County EMS Train

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. Publica tion must be promised. Thank you Saint Jude.

ing Center, Paramus, as well as a charter member of the Kearny Volunteer Emergency Squad.

Deacon Craig was ordained May 21, 2011, serving both in the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Newark, and at the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Wallington.

If you knew Craig, he had a great sense of humor and he always loved to make people laugh. He was an absolute classic car enthusiast. He will truly me missed by many loving family and friends.

Reception of the body took place at St. Stephen’s Roman Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, Oct. 11, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Stephen’s Church. Everyone is asked to meet at church on Tues day morning. Entombment will be in Holy Cross Chapel Mausoleum, North Arlington.

submitted by

10 a.m.,

obituaries@

In lieu of flowers, dona tions may be made to a chari ty of your choice.

Professional arrangements have been entrusted to Condon Funeral Home, 684 Kearny Avenue, Kearny (con donfuneralhome.com).

Barbara A. Haff

Barbara

A. Haff, (Sabol), 77, died Fri day, Oct. 7, 2022, in Brightview Senior Living in Wayne.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Stephen’s Church, Kearny, on Monday, Oct. 17, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Arlington Cem etery, Kearny. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.thiele-reid.com.

Shaw-Buyus

Home for Services

Teixeria,

DAVIS AVE.

Manager, NJ Lic. #3757

KEARNY, NJ 07032

A.

Mulligan Funeral Home

Cleveland Avenue, Harrison

be made in Spanish, Portuguese or Polish

X. Mulligan III, Manager, NJ Lic. 4221

X. Mulligan, Jr. Inactive

Parking at 10 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. North

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.

of

beautiful facilities,

colonial mansion,

Wilfred Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home

Belgrove Dr.

Kearny, NJ

RentNJ.com

HCCC named one of best colleges to work for in America

Hudson County Commu nity College (HCCC) has been selected as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to the Great Colleges to Work For program. HCCC was recognized for excellence in professional development, shared governance, facul ty experience, diversity, inclusion and belonging and confidence in senior leader ship.

“This honor is especial ly meaningful because it was awarded based on the results of a questionnaire that captured employment data and workplace poli cies, and more importantly a survey administered to faculty, administrators and professional staff,” HCCC President Christopher Reber said. “Confidential employee feedback was the primary factor in HCCC’s earning this recognition.”

The Great Colleges to Work For program is one of the largest workplace-rec ognition programs in the United States. The program uses a two-part process to assess colleges that earn top ratings from their employees regarding workplace prac tices and policies.

These include a Modern Think Higher Education Institution Questionnaire, and a ModernThink Higher Education Insight survey that was vetted by a panel of higher education experts. This year, 212 institutions participated in the program, including 130 four-year institutions and 82 two-year institutions.

Sixty-eight institutions have been recognized as a 2022 Great College to Work For, including 46 four-year institutions and 22 two-year institutions.

HCCC is the only college in New Jersey to be honored with this recognition.

Home to 18,000 full- and part-time students, HCCC is also home to nearly 1,000 employees, 40% of whom

are former students.

Reber believes the col lege has been successful in supporting students in large measure because HCCC supports the professional development and success of faculty and staff. HCCC provides a comprehensive offering of professional development opportunities including participation in the “Teaching at a Com munity or Technical Col lege” program through the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Devel opment (NISOD); offering professional development day workshops; hosting the annual adjunct faculty conference; organizing a col lege service day and convo cation each fall and spring; developing and offering an all-college faculty orienta tion; making Association of College and University Ed ucators (ACUE) certificate training, E-Cornell Diversity and Inclusion certificate training and Title IX train ing available to faculty, staff and students; and offering up to $9,000 annually for each full-time employee to participate in approved credential attainment and professional-development activities.

HCCC also makes it possi ble for faculty and staff to at tend in-person conferences, workshops and institutes, and participate in webinars.

Meanwhile, an employee who was honored for 20 years of service at HCCC wrote to thank the college for commemorating the milestone with a special plaque and pin.

“I wanted to thank every one from the bottom of my heart. I really loved it, and it made me proud to be an em ployee of the college and let me know that all those years of service are appreciated by Hudson County Community College administration and board of trustees. I just had to let you know how grateful I am to be a part of HCCC.”

Observer Classifieds

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

Dental Office in Kearny is looking for a Full Time-Part Time Dental Assistant/ receptionist, 2 Year of experience minimum, bilingual is a must ( English Spanish).Send us a resume to hudsonparkdental@hotmail.com or call us (201)998-1400

NeedseamlessD.Fitzgeraldgutters.

to

Dennie (800)479-3262

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

Comp Profl (Harrison, NJ ) IT Firm: Systems Project Manager I Duties incl: Manage on-prem enterprise unstructured data. Project planning support w/technical tasks details. Monitor project milestones & deliverables & prepare project reports. Data admin & mgmt on cloud after migration. Schedule, facilitate meetings for IT projects. Automate recurring tasks. Work w/ vendors. Coordinate w/different teams as needed. Manage project execution to ensure adherence to budget, schedule, scope.

Perform risk assessments to develop response strategies. SME for Records Mgmt Program.

Perform data and access compliance work for on-premises data & cloud data. Req’ts: Associate’s degree or its foreign equivalent in CS, IT, CIS, Engg (any) or related field + 36 months experience as Project Manager, Consultant, Specialist or related occupation. Or in the alternative, Bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent in CS, IT, CIS, Engg (any) or related field + 12 months experience as Project Manager, Consultant, Specialist or related occupation. Send resume to: HR, Derex Technologies Inc. 111 S Frank E Rodgers Blvd, #306 Harrison, NJ 07029 or email: hr@derextech.com

TEACHER’S AIDE

To work with children at Day Care Centerin ExperienceKearny. or CDAwill be preferred,Please call after 3:00 pm 201-991-5684

Harrison Nails 701 Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard North Harrison, NJ 07029

We are looking for nail technicians. Our schedule is flexible. Please call Lisa: Cell 908-303-6348 Business 973-268-2559

Part Time Superintendent for living arrangements 860 Mount Prospect Avenue, Newark Free one bedroom apartment, must clean daily, Monday – Friday 1-2 hours per diem. Value of Apartment 1,250.00, Please call 973-284-0900

23W03

Superintendent position in Belleville – 35 hours per week, cleaning of buildings and property, light plumbing, light painting, minor repairs, on call for emergencies, No benefits. If interested, please call Joanne at 973-284-0900

23W03

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS

BELLEVILLE 1 Bedroom, LR, EIK. $1600, All utilities included. Electric, Gas, Heat & HW. Verizon cable and WIFI included.

transportation. 1 months security. Available Now (973)885-4433

Observer Classifieds

MASONRY

Painting & Decorating Andreas Painting Professional House Painter

KEARNY Newly renovated. 2nd fl. 3 BR, LR, DR, Family room, Outdoor porch. Hardwood floors throughout C/A, 1 Bath, EIK, Laundry hookup, no pets. no smoking, $2,400 + 1.5 month security. Utilities separate. Avl. November 1st Call (973) 474-8614 or (201)8893608

KEARNY 3 BR, LR, Kitchen & 1 Bath. $1800./ mth plus 1.5 mths security. No Pets. No Smoking. Utilities separate. Call (917)963-3244. Apt Available November 1st 23W03

KEARNY

HARRISON 1 BR Renovated condo with walkin closet and 3 other closets. LR, Kitchen with granite, 1 Bath. H/ HW, cooking gas and 1 parking space included. $2,000 plus 1 month security. Avail immediately. (201) 776-2088 21W03

& Exterior Painting - PlasteringTaping Free Estimates (201)

HARRISON Renovated 3 bedrooms apt in Harrison, new appliances, central AC, washer and drier hook ups, storage in the bsmt. Perfect for families $2,300.00. Utilities separate Parking available for additional $100 per month. Marek (862)5714823 21W03

KEARNY 3 BR apt on 2nd Fl for rent. $2350 + 1 month sec. Avail Oct 15th. Sep utilities. No pets/No smoking. 914645-8263. 21W03

KEARNY 2nd Floor Apartment with Large Living Room, Eat in Kitchen, One Large Bedroom, Hardwood Floors, Dish Washer, Central Air, One Car Parking Space, Gas and Electric Not Included. $1,600.00 monthly. Must See!!! E Midland Avenue, Kearny, NJ. Call/Text 917280-3084 23W03

1 Bedroom in Kearny on Devon Street, nice l ocation, heat and hot water included, no pets,$1,450.00 month rent, 1 ½ month security, please call Joanne 973-699-3146

Apt

rent No pets. No smoking.

201997-6666

N.ARLINGTON Studio, 1 BR, EIK, Bath. 1.5 Months security. Utilities included. No Pets/No Smoking. 1 person preferred. Available Now (201)428-8815 23W03

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

PAYLESS ROOFING

& Residential

-Siding-Repair

2005 Pontiac G6. Red. 40K miles. Runs but was in street flood. Newer tires, brakes etc. $4,000.

Car was in rain water Call Dianne (201)803-6556

HARRISON 2 Bedroom, 2nd floor, LR, Formal DR, Lg EIK, 1 bath, 1 parking space. Central AC. Washer/Dryer. $1800/mth plus 1 mth security. Available Now.

interested

(973)951-9833

HARRISON/E.NEWARK

3 bedroom apartment 1 Bath, EIK,

door and

deck.

and

No Pets/No

Utilities Seperate. 15 min walk to PATH. $2,600 plus 1 mth security.

SANTOS

Lincoln School, became close friends with Dolan over the years, after having taught all three of Dolan ’ s children (son Danny and daughters Mary Jo and Bernadette).

“ He was the best friend anyone could ask for, ” Fraser said. “ He was smart with a good sense of humor. He was also the toughest guy I knew. I was fortunate to call him my friend. ”

Dolan volunteered his time to several organizations, like the

Kearny Little League, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the old West Hudson Hospital and a particular obsession to the Salvation Army that he passed on to friend Fraser and wife JoAnn.

In 2009, Dolan gained induction into the Hudson County Sports Hall of Fame with the prestigious Marty Seglio Memorial Community Service Award.

Eight years ago, Dolan was slowed somewhat by his illness that made him wheelchair bound, but personal caregiver

Jo-Ann made sure he was a presence at all the games. His health and the pandemic forced him to the sidelines.

Before he died, he took time with Jo-Ann to write his own obituary that appeared on the Armitage-Wiggins Funeral Home website and in this newspaper.

“

It will be tough to find another one like Charlie, ” Raftery said. “ He helped so many kids including me. ”

“

I know he was proud of what he did, ” Jo-Ann Dolan said. “ He put his heart and

soul into everything and I was right there behind him. ”

And it all began so innocently at a dance 68 years ago this month.

Dolan leaves his wife, three children and eight grandchildren, not to mention the hundreds of others he mentored and coached. He will be so sorely missed.

Editor’s Note: Retired Observer Sports Writer Jim Hague came out of retirement to write this tribute for his friend and neighbor of the last 25 years.

DOLAN

RUSSO

tribute to acquire a dormant railroad property to widen a section of Passaic Avenue several blocks south of the redevelopment site in the belief and install a storm water system to relieve flooding at Passaic and Johnston avenues — “all requested of Russo by Kearny”— to help expedite the project.

In an answer to Russo’s complaint (filed Oct. 4 by town attorney Greg Castano), the town denied it asked the developer to undertake the public-infrastructure improvements.

The complaint, submitted by Parsippany attorney C. John DeSimone III, contends, “…the actions of the town have been orchestrated and perpetrated by Mayor Alberto Santos, to systematically and deliberately thwart the development of the (Passaic Avenue) project, a project for which the mayor voted in the affirmative in his capacity as a member of the (town Planning) Board.”

Santos declined comment,

saying in an email, “Since this is an active lawsuit, questions should be directed to the town attorney’s office.”

In September, and again, this month, the Kearny Planning Board was due to vote on Russo’s site plan approval application for the project, but each time the applicant sought postponements.

As that plan now stands, Russo — who has adopted the brand Vermella for his residential projects —proposes to build on the former steel plant site a single, 432-unit five-

story, 68-foot-high residential building containing 88 studios, 216 one-bedrooms and 128 twobedrooms, plus an “amenity” area with outdoor pool, dog run and riverwalk, with surface and covered parking for 496 vehicles, utilities, lighting and landscaping.

In a letter dated April 29, 2021, Michael Neglia, consulting engineer to the town and Planning Board, deemed the developer’s application “substantially complete,” but indicated variances and waivers from

design standards involving the proposed riverwalk, surface parking setback from public right-of-way, Passaic Avenue streetscape and driveway locations were required.

In September, and again, this month, the Kearny Planning Board was due to vote on Russo’s site plan approval application for the project, but each time the applicant reportedly sought postponements.

For the most part, the town’s legal spokesman either denied the Russo allegations

or said there was “insufficient information from which to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations…and leaves plaintiffs to their proofs.”

The stakes are high, the developer says. The legal complaint puts it this way: “Russo Entities, either directly or through various affiliates, is at risk for over $10 million invested in the property, which is the remaining undeveloped portion of the (Passaic Avenue) Redevelopment Plan.”

In two prior developments in the redevelopment area, Russo built Vermella West, 113 Passaic Ave. — four residential multifamily buildings containing 280 apartments plus a clubhouse — and Vermella East, 60 Passaic Ave.— five residential multifamily buildings with 268 living units and a clubhouse.

The Russo complaint asks the court to set aside the ordinance restricting the height of buildings in the Passaic Avenue redevelopment area to four stories, to force the town to grant a PILOT for the project and to force the town to pay legal fees associated with the litigation.

Photo by Ron Leir

Now-leveled American Strip Steel site where developer Ed Russo proposes to build third and final phase of Passaic Avenue redevelopment project.