e-Newspaper for Oct. 26, 2022

Following threat of suit, NJAM reverses course, corrects Melham story

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

After calling for an immediate retraction from NJ.com for an inaccurate and misleading headline on Sept. 12, Mayor Michael Melham says the publication has finally made the correction after he threatened legal action for defamation. NJ.com, and its print publication, The Star-Ledger, waited until Oct. 12 to change the headline on a Sept. 12 story that inaccurately portrayed a lawsuit filed by the township’s zoning officer. The original headline of the story read: “NJ

mayor lied to investigators about illegal billing to get back at zoning officer, lawsuit says.”

Melham attempted to point out the lawsuit does not allege he lied to investigators, but no one at NJ.com was responding.

“I assumed it would be a really quick fix once the media outlet was informed about the error,” the mayor said. “But the editors didn’t take any action.”

Frustrated, the mayor brought in his attorney, Marlo J. Hittman of Livingston, to demand a retraction of the original story. In his letter, the

See SUIT, Page 18

By Ron Leir For The Observer

Among Kearny’s little-known treasures is the Exempt Firehouse.

The two-story brick structure at 72-74 Halstead St., between Kearny Avenue and Maple Street, is one of the few properties in town accorded landmark status by the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. It’s also on the state register.

Unknowing passersby may easily mistake the Romanesque-style building with two sets of double-doors on the ground floor and twin oval-shaped windows above as a dormant commercial property, but an inspection of the interior belies that impression.

I was afforded a tour of the building recently by its unofficial caretaker, Firefighter Michael McCurrie, who currently serves as president of the local Association of Exempt Firemen.

This week, the town’s governing body is slated to ratify a 25-year extension of the town’s lease of the property, through Jan. 31, 2049, to the Association.

An ordinance authorizing the lease renewal at $1 a year introduced at the Oct. 11 council meeting refers to the property as a “recognized historic site” and notes that

See EXEMPT, Page 6

Champions — again & again — for Kearny soccer

BELLEVILLE

Kearny’s girls’ and boys’ soccer teams both won Hudson County championships Friday, Oct. 21, at Red Bull Arena in Harrison. For the girls, it’s the 13th in a row and for the boys, it’s two in a row. The girls are seen here celebrating. Read the recaps beginning on Page 9.

Jason Bernstein photo

Statue unveiled in Harrison

The Harrison Soccer Sculpture was recently officially dedicated. The feel-good ceremony kicked off with traditional bagpipe music. Local soccer history was shared by legendary players Hugh O’Neill, David D’Errico and James Harrison. West Hudson players of all ages—past and present were in attendance, including Harrison High School’s current boys’ & girls’ soccer teams.

DOL halts BHS construction

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has issued stop-work orders to contractor HESP Solar L.L.C., of Montvale, and subcontractor Patriot Iron Works, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, who were working on a project at Belleville High School.

Investigators from NJDOL’s Division of Wage and Hour and Contract Compliance delivered the stop-work notices Oct. 7 to the two contractors working at 100 Passaic Ave in Belleville. A site inspection led to Patriot Iron Works being cited for failure to register and failure to carry required workers compensation insurance, while HESP Solar was cited for hiring an unregistered subcontractor, the NJDOL said.

In June, NJDOL sent a letter reminding local governments and boards of education of their responsibilities under the New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act, which requires the payment of minimum rates of pay to laborers, craftsmen, and apprentices employed on public works projects. Construction contractors performing public work must also participate in a USDOL Registered Apprenticeship program, ensuring that a portion of taxpayer dollars are investing in New Jersey’s future workforce.

In 2019, Gov. Philip D. Murphy signed into law legislation giving NJDOL the power to immediately halt work at any public or private work site both for construction and nonconstruction when an initial investigation finds evidence an employer has violated state

wage, benefit or tax laws.

“The Department of Labor Stop Work order was not directed toward the district,” Superintendent Richard Tomko said.

“Rather, the investigation and action relied on information with regard to a subcontracted vendor of a subcontractor who was working on the solar project at the high school. All vendors proposed on the approved bid specifications for that site were vetted by the board of education and administration, and they have all the required documentation necessary to have been awarded the contract.

“The responsibility for what is outlined in the work stoppage order lies solely with the contractor, and the department does not inform the district of any labor complaints or wrongdoings of this type. However, as soon as I was made aware of the current issue, our construction manager and business administrator made contact with our lead contractor at the high school, and we were assured that any and all concerns were rectified with the appropriate agencies.

“The administration, the Belleville Board of Education, and counsel are well aware of the requirements set forth by the Department of Labor for public construction projects, including recent bills signed by Gov. Murphy and his administration. We always do our due diligence with regard to safety and compliance with each and every project.”

— CANESSA

Photo by Laura Comppen

Brooklyn attempted murderer at Walmart

By Capt. Timothy Wagner Kearny Police Department

On Oct. 13 at 12:13

p.m., Dets. Michael Andrews and Michael Farinola went to Walmart to assist Dets. Robert Koehler and Daniel Tirone of NYPD’s Brooklyn North Violent Felony Warrant Section. The New York detectives had surveilled Malik R. Jackson, 29, of Newark, to that location. Jackson was wanted in New York for attempted murder, but now, he was at Kearny Walmart. Jackson exited the Walmart as detectives were confirming the arrest warrant. They arrested him without incident. Jackson was charged as a fugitive from justice and held at the Hudson County Jail pending extradition to New York.

On Oct. 8 at 5:43 a.m., Officer Ruben Rivera and Sgt. Ben Wuelfing were dispatched to the southbound lanes of the Pulaski Skyway for a onevehicle crash. The officers found a damaged BMW whose driver had apparently lost control and crashed into the concrete road barrier. There were no injuries, but driver Zili

Yin, 24, of Piscataway, showed indicators of impairment so severe that he could not even begin field sobriety testing.

The officers arrested Yin who allegedly refused to cooperate with alcohol breath testing at the police station. Yin was charged with DWI, refusal to submit to breath test, unregistered vehicle and reckless driving. Yin was later released with summons.

On Oct. 9 at 9:41 a.m., Officer Kevin Carvalho responded to ShopRite whose management was reportedly detaining an early bird shoplifter. The store manager accused Ziyuan Wang, 24, of Harrison, of concealing $78.54 of vegetables, cheese and gum inside her backpack and attempting to carry the merchandise out of the store without paying for it. Wang was charged with shoplifting and released from police headquarters with a summons.

On Oct. 9 at 10:07 p.m., Officers Michael Ore and Ruben Rivera were dispatched to a dispute at a private residence. An apparently inebriated 45-year-old resident, a man, of the attic of this

house, met the officers as they were walking up to the home (foreshadowing).

A 40-year-old who lived in the first-floor apartment told cops the incident began when she heard banging outside her apartment door and then heard the attic man state, “This is war.” The man allegedly began throwing items about the hallway and then took a baseball bat to her apartment door in an attempt to break it down. Officers saw dents in the door consistent with slugging.

Attic man was arrested for criminal attempt (burglary), weapon possession offenses, terroristic threats, criminal mischief and possession of

burglar’s tools. He was later lodged in the county jail.

On Oct. 10 at 1:58 p.m., Officers Esteban Gonzalez, Rich Poplaski Jr. and Sgt. Phil Finch met a 19-year-old concerned citizen outside a local home. The woman said she was worried for the wellbeing of the family who lived there because a 36-year-old male cohabitant has been abusive to the other residents. The suspect was not then home. Officers interviewed the residents. A 17-year-old boy told them the man recently threatened to kill him. The boy’s mother said two days earlier, the man violently grabbed her arms, jaw, chest

and neck as she was exiting the shower and spit on her twice.

The assault resulted in several bruises. And the man allegedly followed up with a text message to the effect that “vengeance would be his.” The woman played an audio message for police of the man threatening to kill her son and said he also threatened to hit her with a baseball.

Officers drew up criminal complaints for simple assault and harassment on behalf of the woman, and for terroristic threats on behalf of her minor son. Later that night they located and arrested the man. He remanded to the Hudson County Jail.

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Drug Take Back set for Oct. 29

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

When the Lyndhurst and Kearny police departments and other police agencies take part on Operation Take Back Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, a Drug Enforcement Administration campaign, it will allow residents an opportunity to dispose of unused, expired and unwanted prescription medications.

In Lyndhurst, the event takes place at police HQ at 367 Valley Brook Ave., and Kearny police HQ, 237 Laurel Ave., both from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To avoid any confusion, the LPD has devised these bullet points to answer likely questions about the program. (These points of information may be applied to any police agency accepting discarded medication.

• This program is anonymous and made to protect the privacy of individuals disposing of medications. No questions or requests for identification will be made. Individuals will

be able to deposit medication freely and independently.

• Police will not count, inventory or log medications. Law enforcement personnel will not handle any medications.

• Individuals may dispose of medication either in its original container or by removing medication from its container and disposing directly into the drug disposal box. If the original container is submitted, the individual should remove the prescription label if it contains any personalidentifying information.

• Liquid products, such as cough medicine, should remain sealed in its original container. The depositor should ensure the cap is tightly sealed to prevent leakage.

• Syringes cannot be accepted.

• Lastly, please note this program is for prescribed medications only.

Direct any further questions (in Lyndhurst) to Sgt. Geoff Rejent at (201) 9392900, ext. 2606, or visit www.

DEATakeBack.com.

Schuyler School top students named for the month of September

The following are Schuyler School’s Students of the Month for September 2022. Nicholas Afanador, Emily Amador, Ava Astorga, Vincent Avitable, Owen Bayer, Sofia Betancourt, David Caceres, Sofia Cajina Flores, Amanda Caldeira, Johan Cano, Alexa Ciudad Real, Gianna De Aza, Ezekiel DeLara, Marco Diaz, Isabella Espinosa, Rebecca Fernandes, Jeimmy Freile Villegas,

Lucas Gomes, Emma Gonzalez, Robert Huber, Julian Kulesza, Sophia Lepore, Liam McGirr, Alicia Molina, Gabriella Muniz-Ramirez, Gabriela Ochoa Barrios, Kamila Olivier, Keily Pinero, Deborah Rocha, Daniel Rodrigues, Paula Isabella Saavedra Chamorro, Luna Santos, Penelope Sime, Jace Solis, Leah Solis, Gabriela Tantalean, Nicoly Tassi Libanori, Ester Vieira Da Fonseca and Olivia Walsh.

ECPO offering training to provide help to victims of domestic violence

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office will offer a free training program focused on helping victims of domestic violence find the resources they need to become healthy and safe.

Called “Sanctuary,” the program teaches students how to provide crisis intervention and outreach services to victims of domestic violence. It will instruct participants in how to aid victims of sexual assault, child abuse and stalking, as well as witnesses to domestic homicides.

The program, organized by the Victim-Witness Advocacy Office, is divided into two courses: basic and advanced. Both courses will be offered virtually. The advanced begins Monday, Oct. 31, and the basic course Tuesday, Nov. 1, in the same time slot. Students must complete the basic course before attending the advanced course.

Both classes are free.

The basic course covers topics such as the nature of catastrophe, assisting underserved victims and crisis-intervention counseling. It also discusses

ESSEX COUNTY

the spiritual dimension of trauma, the cultural aspects of criminal victimization and safety planning and threat assessment.

Topics covered in the advanced course include crime-victim advocacy, trauma-informed care and power politics in intimate relationships.

Upon completion of the two courses, residents who are members of churches, mosques, synagogues, social service agencies, fraternal organizations and allied organizations in Essex County will be trained to provide immediate and culturally sensitive outreach to domestic violence victims-survivors and their families.

Those interested may apply at dev.njecpo.org/ sanctuary-program and submit applications to EssexVW@njecpo.org.

Applications are due by Oct. 26, 2022. For more information call (973) 6214689.

EXEMPT

Continued from Page 1

the building serves a public purpose, “essentially (serving) as a museum highlighting historical facts about the Kearny Fire Department.”

McCurrie, a 34-year Kearny firefighter who heads the rankand-file firefighters union, says much of the cost of sustaining the building, which dates from 1894, come from deductions from local firefighters’ salaries.

State law and N.J. State Exempt Association by-laws state anyone who completes seven years of active duty as a firefighter becomes an “exempt” member and contributes annual dues to the Association.

Monies collected from the salary deductions and exempt dues both go to help support the building’s upkeep and, where needed, charitable expenses for members and/or their families.

Today, the building hosts firefighters union meetings and occasional town-sponsored

public events. It also serves as an election polling place.

McCurrie, a licensed carpenter, has applied his trade skills – along with several fellow firefighters and local businesses – by volunteering untold numbers of hours ensuring the building stays safe and secure. As a rookie back in 1988, McCurrie recalled, “We inherited it in bad shape.”

A fence and a makeshift wall were installed outside as protection against possible falling pieces of façade.

Among others McCurrie credited with putting in their own time were licensed carpenters. Capt. Vic Girdwood taped and spackled drywall joints; Capt. Glen Williams reframed the tin ceiling and sheet-rocked over plaster walls on the second floor; Capts. Jerry Coppola and Harry Fearon fabricated a new stairwell to the second floor; Firefighters Sebastian “Zibby” Viscuso and William McGeehan did the original renovations of the first floor, putting in new flooring and paneling the walls back in 1973;

and Firefighter/Lineman Jim Doran, a licensed electrician, guided McCurrie through installation of inside and outside lighting.

McCurrie concentrated his efforts on restoring the original wainscotting on the walls of the main floor, installing a new electrical system, a new HVAC system and backup heating unit. For the first-floor kitchen area, he salvaged an old 2-basin stainless steel commercial sink he recovered from the town’s public works compound that Joe Lynch from Precision Plumbing in Kearny helped him hook up. He also secured a 10-burner commercial store from a German Methodist church in Harrison and a refrigerator from the old Gunnell Oval fieldhouse.

The most recent set of improvements, much of that done during COVID-19, cost in the neighborhood of $50,000, McCurrie said.

Future projects he’d like to tackle are drainage improvements in the basement, resurfacing uneven concrete in the rear of the building and

installing a new set of front doors and upstairs windows that conform to architectural stylings of the early 19th century, matching the original design of half-circle transom windows with two square doors.

Speaking of history, the upstairs space – now occupied by rows of wooden folding slat seats surrounded by various helmets donated by local KFD members from the early 1900s to the present and other artifacts like an early fire alarm telegraph and call box systems, old air packs and voice “horns” chiefs used to shout orders to firefighters.

Resting on a stone pedestal is an ancient cast-iron fire bell that used to be in Schuyler School.

“It must weigh 800 pounds,” McCurrie said.

How it got transported up to the Exempt house remains a mystery.

all these materials may be catalogued and organized so that, eventually, the space can become a real showcase for fire buffs and the general public.

Clearly, this is a labor of love for the veteran firefighter but, more than that, he considers it part of an extended legacy, harkening back to the days when “each firehouse had its own carpenter, electrician and so forth, so each building was self-sufficient.”

A surprising discovery McCurrie made while exploring the building’s main floor was a protrusion in the ceiling, a short distance from the right-front door, featuring a sort of rope-pulley system. He climbed up a ladder, gave the attachment a yank and found the rope was still intact as he pulled it down until it was several feet above the floor. Investigating further, he found the instrument’s twin opposite the left front door.

It, too, still functioned.

Downstairs, mounted on the walls are more helmets, historical and current-day photos of KFD members in action fighting fires, a collection of uniform patches from other fire departments and an old fire rescue net.

One day, McCurrie hopes

After conferring with some of the department’s old-timers, he solved the apparent mystery. These attachments fitted onto the harnesses worn by the horses that pulled the fire

See KFD, Page 8

Tuesday, O

HUARANGA First Ward

MENDOZA Second Ward

BENNETT Third Ward

SARABANDO Third Ward

The

KFD

Continued from Page 6

apparatus, such as it was, when the Highland Hose Company 4 — as the then-operating firehouse was known — swung into action as the members responded to an alarm of fire.

(The KFD switched from volunteers to paid firefighters circa 1888.)

harness into place and ride off to put out the fire with hoses they filled with “soda acid” — a combination of vinegar and baking soda — which, once the nozzle was turned, would pressurize and squirt out a carbon dioxide spray that suppressed the heat of fire.

Highland Hose shut down sometime during the 1930s, around the same time Engine Company 4 in South Kearny opened, McCurrie said, probably because Highland wasn’t big enough to accommodate the then-larger fire rigs being manufactured.

But unlike much bigger towns in the region, Highland Hose Co. didn’t maintain a stable of its own horses, McCurrie said. Firefighters had to commandeer a team from some passing milk or freight wagoneer, back the horses into the firehouse, lower the

It was as an Exempt House that the building received its national landmark status in 1987, the same year it ended up on the state historic register.

St. Anthony’s celebrating 120th anniversary Oct. 30

St. Anthony of Padua Church in Belleville celebrates the 120th anniversary of its founding Oct. 30. The day with Mass at noon that day, followed by a buffet dinner and dancing at The Chandelier in Belleville. The reception begins at 3 p.m. and runs through 7 p.m. and will feature live music by the band Jersey Sound. The Mass is open the public.

Tickets for the dinner are

now available at $75 per person. Contact Leonora DiLauro-Ragab, parish secretary, at (973) 481-1991 to purchase tickets.

Preparations for the event are ongoing. Current and past parishioners, as well as students, are welcome to share information about the event and to contact the parish office for more information or to offer any information or assistance in planning.

The wall of fire patches at the Exempt Hall in Kearny.

Sports & Recreation

It’s lucky No. 13 for Kearny girls despite adversity along the way

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

For the 13th season in a row, the Kearny girls’ soccer team celebrated a Hudson County Tournament championship on Friday night, Oct. 21. But unlike many of those other previous titles, the Kardinals road to a County title came with a level of adversity others hadn’t experienced.

That adversity made this championship all the more rewarding for a group, which endured more than its fair share of injuries, as well as a shocking five-game losing streak, before celebrating at Red Bull Arena following its 2-0 win over an improved Bayonne team.

“We’ve had an up-anddown season, we had the five-game losing streak, but we knew that we had to come out, show who we were in this game,” senior captain Maci Covello said. “We knew that we had to own Hudson County for another year again. Our hard work just showed and we’re really proud of the work we’ve put in.”

Covello, a three-year starter, delivered the

exclamation point to the championship victory with an insurance goal in the 62nd minute when she took a feed from fellow senior captain Paige Raefski.

The second goal gave Kearny the extra breathing room it needed. Its depth was once again tested with standout defender Julia Araujo and breakout midfielder Olivia Ovello both came off due to injury in the second half.

Playing without two key starters was merely just the latest example of fighting its way back.

“We’ve seen it all this year already,” head coach Michael Sylvia said. “We’ve played with injury, we’ve played big games. We’re in a position where every time we play a strong team, it makes us better, whether we win or whether we lose.

“They’re resilient. They’re very resilient and it makes when they come back healthy that much more special.”

Kearny withstood Bayonne’s early offensive pressure. But when the young Bees made a mistake on the

See KEARNY, Page 10

Kearny boys repeat as Hudson soccer champs, eye bigger prize

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

While members of the Kearny boys soccer team were happy after defeating Union City, 3-0, for the Hudson County Tournament championship at Red Bull Arena on Friday night, the celebration afterward seemed just a little subdued.

Yes there were smiles, and photos and interactions with friends and family members in the crowd postgame. But within that excitement came an understanding more work

and greater goals await, most notably, another state championship.

“We have bigger goals for this year and we have a lot of pressure on our back,” said senior defender and captain Michael Reis. “There were a lot of people who were talking down about us and we want to show them what we can do again.”

But before they can potentially repeat as NJSIAA Group 4 champions in the next couple of weeks, first was their defense of their

See CHAMPS, Page 11

Photo by Jason Bernstein

31) Call/Llamar al 551-200-2363 Kearny, NJ

Continued from Page 9

defensive end, Gianna Charney was there to capitalize, scoring on a rebound to make it 1-0 in the 22nd minute.

The goal was the fifth of the tournament for Charney, a senior who has emerged as another threat on offense heading into the state tournament.

“We knew that if Gianna could get in good spots, with the havoc that Emily (Horvaht) and Paige create in the middle and on the right, that she could get goals,” said Sylvia. “I’m just so impressed with her.”

From there, the Kardinals were in control as Maci Covello, Araujo and freshmen Kaela Ciccino and Mason Gryckiewicz effectively shut down the

Bees offense and limited the work for keeper Gabriela Matias.

The tone was further set in the midfield with Olivia Covello, Araxiel CardenasSaenz and Arianna Carvajal. Raefski, who had two assists, led the all-senior front line of herself, Charney and Horvaht.

“It’s always a great game every time we play Bayonne,” Sylvia said. “We knew that it was going to be a battle. They played hard, we played hard and I’m glad that we were able to come out of here with the W.”

On Monday, Oct. 24, after publication, pairings for the NJSIAA State Tournament are set to be announced. Kearny is fifth in power points in the North 1, Group 4 section and is projected to play Fair Lawn in the first round on Wednesday.

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CHAMPS

Continued from Page 9

county title.

And like they have so many times during its now 34-game unbeaten streak, the Kardinals not only struck early, they delivered goals in bunches.

Johan Baez’s well-placed freekick from 20-plus yards out found the head of Alejandro Alvarado, who flicked the ball over the keeper from point-blank range to make it 1-0 in the 22nd minute.

“He just plays an amazing ball into the box,” Alejandro said. “He always gets it to me in a good area and I’m able to finish it.”

“Half of our goals have come on set pieces from me to Alejandro,” said Baez. “We know the ritual, put one behind them and just keep it going every time.”

Less than four minutes later, Baez did keep it going.

Kearny was awarded a penalty kick after being fouled in the box. Baez then walked up and sent a left-footed shot into the

Dr. Prakash J. Doshi

lower-right corner to make it 2-0.

“I think everybody knows that when it comes to PKs I step up to it. I always have the confidence to step up to it no matter what,” Baez said. “I was a little shaky, but I knew what I was stepping into and I knew I had to put one into the net.”

“We’re like sharks. We

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Dr. Hector Aguilar

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get one and then we keep going and going and going,” said Alvarado. “That’s what I love about this team. We don’t get one goal, we get multiple.”

From there, the game was comfortably in hand with the Kardinals defense rarely challenged. Alvarado added

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another goal, his 22nd of the season, in the 63rd minute, providing the exclamation point on Kearny’s seventh Hudson County title. Kearny has now gone more than two years since its last loss to a county opponent, a streak that is now 33 games. With a 15-0-1 record,

Kearny is now ranked No. 2 in the state by NJ.com Top 20, and No. 11 in the country by PrepSoccer.com

But despite such success, these Kardinals know they have to further up their game in the state tournament, as it competes in one of the state’s deepest sections — North 1, Group 4.

Brackets for the state tournament are set to be announced on Monday, Oct. 24, after publication, but based on the current power point standings, Kearny is set to be seeded third and projected to play perennial state power Montclair in the first round on Thursday.

“I believe we’re playing our best, but we have to keep on getting better every day,” Reis said. “No matter what, you can always improve.”

“We’re not at the top yet, we’re still going,” said Alvarado. “We’re not at our best, but we’re playing very, very well. We’re playing well against the good teams and we’re showing that we can compete with anyone in the state.”

Photo by Jason Bernstein

Anselmo MiLLAN FOR MAYOR OF HARRISON

K

Early Voting Starts

THIS Saturday, Oct 29th

As Mayor I Will:

For 9 DAYS until Sun, Nov 6th

Mon-Sat 10am - 8pm

Sunday 10am-6pm

*No Appointment is necessary

• Neighborhood Preservation Program

Election Day Tuesday

Tuesday, November 8th 6am 8pm at your local polling place

Bring back the Programs funded by State Grants & Funding, that were CANCELLED or Lost by the current Leadership.

• Beautification & Environmental Committee

• Harrison Fest/ Multicultural Celebration

• Give Property Owners TAX ABATMENTS on Improvements

• Put in place pumps & tanks in High Flooding Areas

• Create New 280 connections to alleviate traffic on game day (as originally planned)

• Create Parks & Plant Trees and Flowers on our Aves & Blvds.

• Bring Back the Community, for ALL HARRISONIANS!

True Harrison Pride, Halloween Parades, Multi Cultural Fests.

Vote COLUMN “H” for Harrison

THE Current MAYOR has given the EPA permission TO DUMP ON HARRISON!!

Twenty-six years ago, I was on the council, when the redevelopment plan was created, the PSE&G property was identified as Recreational Space. I repeat: Recreational Space

Twenty-six (26) year ago. But:

In a MEETING OF THE HARRISON REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, TOWN OF HARRISON AUGUST 29, 2022, the Current MAYOR of Harrison, who is Chairman of the Re-Development Agency, was asked when we will build the green space. He Responded “We were going to do some planning over there, but the EPA is going to use it for the [Passaic] river dredge [aka sludge]. We don’t know how long that is going to be it could be 10 years ” Put differently, Mayor Fife stated that Harrison is not planning on building green space there because the property is under agreement with the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) to be used to dump sludge from the Passaic River, where the sludge will be left in the open air to dry, making it airborne.

Please sign the Petition:

As Mayor I, Anselmo MiLLAN:

will NOT ALLOW The EPA to use the PSE&G Property for Dewatering of TOXIC PASSAIC RIVER SLUDGE

Putting Harrisonians FIRST! I Have Started a Petition for the Governor to Stop this before it starts. Sign petition online. I WILL Move Forward in Building more GREEN SPACE on that property, A Recreational Center, Dog Parks...

Paid for by: Millan for Mayor, Josie Millan-Fernandez Treasurer

Mary McGaughran

Mary McGaughran (nee Fallon) of Kearny died at home

Sunday, Oct.

16, 2022.

She was 93.

Visitation for Mary was at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Stephen’s Church, Kearny. Entombment was in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.

Mary was born in Harrison and at the age of 5, her parents moved the family back to their hometown of Paisley, Scotland. She had many interesting stories about what it was like living and growing up in Scotland during World War II. The family returned to the United States in 1948 and settled in Kearny where Mary married and raised her family.

Mary worked in the Accounts Receivable Department at CongoleumNairn in Kearny and prior to retirement at Ellen Tracy, Inc., in Lyndhurst. During her retirement, she was a member of the Henrietta Benstead Senior Citizens Center. She was an avid reader, loved to travel and enjoyed her trips down the shore.

Surviving are her sons James McGaughran, David McGaughran and daughter Linda McGaughran. She was the grandmother of Peter McGaughran and great-grandmother of Ethan McGaughran. She is also

survived by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Daniel and Isabella Fallon, her brother Jeremiah Fallon and by her former spouse George McGaughran.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

K. Sheila Giordano

K. Sheila Giordano (nee Fay), 85, of Kearny, died Oct. 17, 2022.

Visitation for Sheila was at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Stephen’s Church, Kearny. Cremation was private.

Born in Jersey City, Sheila was a lifelong Kearny resident. A summa cum laude graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University in political science. Sheila earned a master’s degree in English as a Second Language from Jersey City State College. She was a proud educator throughout her career, working for the Essex

County Educational Services Commission and for Holy Cross Elementary School in Harrison, teaching first grade until her retirement in 2008.

Sheila was deeply devoted to her family and especially treasured spending Christmas and other holidays with the ones she loved most.

Sheila was the beloved wife of 60 years to Fred Giordano; loving mother of Michael Giordano and his wife Karen and Matthew Giordano and his wife Sharon; cherished grandmother of Christopher, Abigail and Anthony. She was also the dear sister of Joan Pacesa and the late Patricia Connors.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Charles J. Varano

Charles J. Varano, 76, a lifelong resident of Harrison, died Oct. 18, 2022.

Beloved husband of Angela Varano (nee Cicchino), he was the devoted father of Joseph Varano, Nicole Renzulli and her husband Joseph, and Lisa

Lopazanski and her husband Brian. Loving grandfather of Victoria Varano and Brandon Lopazanski, he was the dear brother-in-law of Tom Speck and Al Cicchino, and Maryann Cicchino. Charlie is also survived by his canine companion “Roonie” as well as many loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Patrick Varano, brother-inlaw Michael Cicchino and sisters-in-law Elaine Speck and Kathy Cicchino. Retirement was not in Charlie’s mind. He was a Belleville Postal Worker for 11 years before venturing into the food truck business with his wife Angela, establishing “Angela & Charlie’s Dog House, Harrison. Charlie and Angela were at all town events as well as Little League games. Charlie served in the US Army from 1966-1968,

stationed in the DMZ Zone, Korea.

If you knew Charlie, he was always the life of the party, from parties to card games — Charlie always had a good time. He was an avid fan of the NY Giants as well as the NY Yankees. But, what he truly enjoyed was a nice glass of Carlo Rossi burgundy wine. In addition to wine, Charlie also listened and sang to Dean Martin, plus some oldies. Charlie will truly be missed by many loving family and friends.

Visiting was at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny. A funeral service took place at the funeral home. Interment was in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.

FNA football team in state playoffs for 2nd time in 25 years

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

or just the second time in 25 years, North Arlington’s football team is heading to the state tournament.

On Friday, Oct. 21, the Vikings formally punched their ticket into the postseason with a 28-21 victory over rival Lyndhurst at Rip Collins Field. In what may have been the best performance of his storied career, QB Devin Rivas completed 18-of-21 passes for 252 yards and four touchdowns, two of them going to Ian Crudele, who had seven receptions for 124 yards.

Brackets for the state tournament were released on Sunday morning and North Arlington (5-3), is the fifth seed in North 1, Group 1. The Vikings will travel to Kenilworth to play fourthseed and undefeated Brearley on Friday at 6 p.m.

North Arlington is the only Observer-area team to qualify for the state

tournament. North Arlington’s win dashed Lyndhurst’s playoff hopes in North, Group 2. Nutley won two of its last three games to finish the regular season at 4-4, but was unable to catch up enough to earn a spot in North, Group 3. Bloomfield met a similar fate, finishing outside of the top 16 in North, Group 5 despite winning three of its last four games to go 4-4.

We are looking for several experienced WOODWORKERS/MILLWORK BENCHMAN for our NJ Location.

If you are interested, please check our website www.bestmarknational.com and send an updated copy of your resume to staffing@bestmarknational.com 25W03

Building

the

Official,

responsible for administering the Building Subcode

the jurisdiction in accordance with the State Uniform Construction Code (UCC). Responsibilities will include building plan review and inspection of all construction projects to ensure compliance with approved plans, specifications, and the provisions of the UCC. Additional duties would include general code enforcement, 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 Status. Position is provisional and subject to the Civil Service exam process. Application Deadline is November 30, 2022. The Town reserves the right to hire a qualified candidate before the end of the advertisement period see application here:

https://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/ 25W04

Community Service Aide Part-time

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

BELLEVILLE

BELLEVILLE 1 Bedroom, LR, EIK. $1600, All utilities included. Electric, Gas, Heat & HW. Verizon cable and WIFI included. Near transportation. 1 months security. Available Now (973)885-4433

HARRISON

HARRISON/E.NEWARK 3 bedroom apartment 1 Bath, EIK, LR, Back door and use of backyard and deck. 1 parking space and laundry available No Pets/No smoking. Utilities Seperate. 15 min walk to PATH. $2,600 plus 1 mth security. Avail Nov 1st

2 BR’s, LR, Clean carpets, Kitchen with refrigerator and stove included. No Pets/ Smoking. Utilities Separate $1.450/mth plus 1.5 mth security. Available Nov 1st (201)998-2615 25W01

Operator

(2) – Kearny Municipal Utilities Authority (KMUA), Hudson County KMUA is seeking to hire (2) Full-Time Entry Level Operator Trainees for Collection & Storm Sewer Systems. Tasks include but are not limited to Jetvac & Street Sweeper Operation, Snow Plowing, Emergency Callouts, Cleaning, Landscaping, General Manual Labor, Heavy Lifting, Maintenance, Catch Basin/Manhole Repairs, and Inspections. Individuals hired for this position will be enrolled in the NJWA Apprenticeship Program which will assist with additional education and training for Collection System Operator Licensing. Minimum Requirements: 18 Years of Age, High School Diploma, Valid NJ State Driver’s License, Valid NJ CDL Class B w/Tanker or Ability to Obtain. All applicants must pass a Physical, Drug Screening, and Background Check. EOE. Applications can be found at https://www.kearnynj.org/kmua-links-notices/. Please email completed applications/resumes to JoVonn Quinones, Executive Director JQUINONES@KMUA.ORG 25W03

Temporary Community Service Aide to work with Kearny Prevention Coalition team. Performs a variety of routine field and office work involved in the Program. Must have basic office skills, bi-lingual Spanish Preferred. College Graduate in one of the social sciences. Some Travel involved Monday-Friday approximately 10 hours per week Hours may vary Must possess a valid NJ driver’s license. Knowledge of Federal Drug Free Community or Completion of CADCA’s National Coalition Academy Preferred. $15,000 per year. Application available on line at www.kearnynj.org application deadline 11/22/22.

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) 25W03

Miss a classified that caught your eye a week ago? Threw your newspaper away already?

Don’t worry – our classifieds are all online and date back to 2014. Visit www.theobserver.com and click on classifieDs

KEARNY 2 bedroom apartment on Kearny Ave. Must have good credit. No Pets. $1,500/ mth plus utilities. Leave detailed message (551)253-4149 25W03

KEARNY 3 bedroom, kitchen , living room , bathroom and one parking spot. Available for November 15th $2,500.00 + one month security. No pets (551)258-9594 25W03

D.J. Equipment for sale Technics-Digital 5 disc changer system. Peavey X R560 Powered Mixe. Peavey 115DL Speakers 2 with stands $1,000 or B/O. DaVinci limited edition platinum series

D.V.7010 Home Speakers $300.00 or B/O. Steel Guitar w/ accessories $1,000 or B/O. Office (201)997-3262 or Cell (201)954-4287 25W03

SUIT

Continued from Page 1

attorney wrote, in part, “Your headline falsely makes it appear that Mr. Melham lied to the attorney general, which would be a potential crime. The headline is adjacent to a photograph of Mr. Melham pictured directly under the title sitting at the dais at a council meeting in front of the Township of Belleville seal, making the impact of the false headline all that more egregious.”

In response, NJ.com finally

changed the headline to read: “N.J. mayor retaliated against zoning officer by filing AG’s office complaint, lawsuit says.”

In addition, the news site updated the original lede, which stated “Belleville’s construction official and zoning officer has filed a whistleblower lawsuit alleging Mayor Michael Melham lied to the state Attorney General’s office, sparking an unnecessary investigation.”

The new lede also deletes any reference to a lie: “Belleville’s construction

official and zoning officer has filed a whistleblower lawsuit alleging Mayor Michael Melham filed a complaint with the state Attorney General’s office in an act of retaliation.”

NJ.com also included an editor’s note at the end of the story. It reads: “This story has been updated to correct that the lawsuit alleges the mayor filed a complaint against the zoning officer with the state Office of the Attorney General as an act of retaliation, and delete incorrect statements regarding the content of the lawsuit allegations.”

Melham said he is pleased that NJ.com finally made the correction on Oct. 12, but questioned why it took a month and required lawyers to get involved.

“We all know that media makes mistakes from time to time, but news reporting is an extremely important part of our democracy and must be protected,” the mayor said.

“The press also has a role of ensuring its facts are straight. And when there is a clear and obvious mistake, such as in this case, the matter should have immediately been rectified.”

Soccer shootout upcoming

The North Central District of Elks Lodges hosts an annual soccer shootout for children aged 5 to 13, Sunday, Nov. 6, at 11 a.m. at the Gunnell Oval, 520 Schuyler Ave., Kearny.

Points are calculated by shots on goal and the winners head to a state competition. There is no cost and children should avoid wearing cleats. Parents must bring a child’s birth certificate as proof of age. Call or text Chris for more information at (201) 772-8013.