e-Newspaper for Nov. 23, 2022

NJ Transit wants to build methane power plant ... in KEARNY

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

Could another state agency be in cahoots with Gov. Philip D. Murphy to mess with the Town of Kearny, its people, its leaders and its neighbors? It sure seems that way — and because of it all, Mayor Alberto G. Santos and numerous members of the Town Council joined public health experts, concerned residents and environmen talists at a forum Monday, Nov. 14, at the Kearny Public Library to raise awareness about the dangers of build ing a new methane gas-burning power plant in South Kearny.

Yup, you read that correctly — a methane gas-burning power plant

is being proposed for South Kearny — less than three years after the town last battled yet another state agency, the NJ Sports & Exposition Authority, that time over the Keegan Landfill.

This forum, organized by members of the “Don’t Gas the Meadowlands Coalition,” gave speakers a chance to discuss the project’s risks to residents’ health and the environment and clean energy alternatives that would pro vide a better alternative.

“We are concerned about the direc tion of NJ Transit’s gas plant proposal for our town and the impact of more fossil fuel pollution on not just on our community, but on the many munic ipalities surrounding NJ Transit’s

Man robbed at gunpoint at Kearny ATM

A

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

BHS expands to restore more monuments

By Kevin A. Canessa Jr.

On Veterans Day, the Belleville Historical Society incorporated a new organization specifically dedicated to the cleaning and restoration of military and veteran memorials. During the past seven years, the society has cleaned and restored more than 50 memorials throughout North Jersey, ranging in size from modest stone markers, to elaborate bronze plaques to life-size statues.

In fact, it recently restored an epic monument to the employees of the Polack Co. on Schuyler Avenue, just outside the CVS.

All of the work is done free of charge. Recently, while doing Armistice Day/ Great War research, the society discovered that one World War I British

soldier was buried in New Jersey. Pvt. Bertram Joseph Venables was a Royal Marine Light Infantry stationed aboard the British battleship Dominion.

He developed pneumonia

and was shipped to New York for medical care where he died April 4, 1918.

“We located his grave at Flower Hill Cemetery in North Bergen, where we had done much previous work.

We cleaned his stone and set UK and American flags,” Michael Perrone, the BHS president, said. “On Veterans Day at 11 a.m., we set a small wreath there ... it is the least we can do for a young man

buried 3,000 miles from home.

“We hope to use our new organization to raise money for repairs of the church steeple at the old Belleville Dutch Reformed Church.”

NA Knights blood drive set for

Friday, Nov. 25

The Queen of Peace Knights of Columbus sponsor a blood drive on Friday, Nov. 25 from 3 to 7 p.m., at the Colum bian Club Hall, 194 River Road, North Arlington.

The wearing of a cloth face mask or face covering is optional.

All donors must weigh at least 110 lbs., eat a meal before

donating, bring ID and drink plenty of water before and after donating.

It is strongly recommend ed anyone wishing to donate make an appointment ahead of time by calling (877) 258-4825 or visiting donor.cbsblood. org/donor/schedules/ drive_schedule/55166. For more information, visit www. vitalant.org.

Contributed photo

A look at the headstone of Pfc. Joseph DeJessa, who died in Vietnam in service to the United States. DeJessa was a resident of Lyndhurst at the time of his death. Perrone and the Belleville Historical Society restored the stone and are looking to do many more, pro-bono, soon.

IMPROVEMENTS IN NUTLEY SCHOOLS

By Ron Leir For The Observer

media center at Washington Elementary School and the art room at Radcliffe Elementary School for pre-K classes.

Nutley Board of Education — for now at least — plans, eventually, to vacate its administrative offices to make room for more on-site pre-schoolers.

Kent Bania, who started his first year as the district’s superintendent of schools over the summer, said Nutley is one of just 27 local districts around the state to have been awarded Pre-school Expansion Aid (PEA) to accommodate full-day pre-K for ages 3 and 4.

Nutley is getting $1.2 million for the coming school year, he said. The district is sharing in a $26 million nationwide distribution of state Department of Education expanding access to pre-K for more than 2,100 children ages 3 and 4 statewide, particularly those from low-income families.

The challenge that’s been facing the district, Bania said, has been finding space sufficient to adequately handle programs like pre-K, which explains why, in shifting from half-day to fullday coverage, re-designed the

A total of 60 youngsters are currently registered for the district’s on-site pre-K program, Bania said.

Because one of the state’s pre-conditions to getting the PEA funding was that local districts had to be up and running with pre-K classes by October, Bania said the district had to quickly decide what would serve as the best logistical solution to the space quandary to meet the state’s specifications.

Had Nutley voters approved a $70 million school construction referendum in 2017 to help relieve overcrowding among all grade levels, the district might have been better positioned to fill its pre-K space gap.

Given its current situation, though, Bania said the district is looking to move the BOE offices from their current quarters in the basement of the Walker Middle School less than two blocks away, to leased space on the second floor of a commercial building at 371 Franklin Ave., to create more space for pre-K classes slated to open in September 2023.

“There is a waiting list for pre-K seats for the 20232024 school year,” he said, and, if necessary, we’ll draw applicants’ names from a lottery. Our goal is to have 550 (pre-K) seats open in the next five years.”

Despite the district’s commitment to widen on-site pre-K opportunities, Bania said the BOE wants to be supportive of the for-profit, pre-K day care facilities in the Nutley business district “and we’re hoping to double our pre-K capacity by using our private provider realm” as a partner in expanding early childhood classes.

A statement released by the

district in September added: “Early childhood education is critical to the growth of

our educational community,

By Ron Leir For The Observer

Now Raquel Drosos — known as Raquel George while growing up in her native Nutley — has written her fourth novel “Games of Chance.”

It’s her first attempt at adult fiction. She described her new work as a “coming-of-age story, whose topics are aimed toward adults.”

Amazon, which is distributing the 404page volume, offers this summary: “In the aftermath of a tragedy, Alex, Seb and Emilia — who are not biological siblings — are raised as siblings in an ItalianAmerican family in New Jersey. Alex is smart, charismatic, and easily carried away when it comes to partying and pretty girls; Seb is fearful, pensive and used to living in Alex’s shadow; Emilia … is a competitive

runner and a perfectionist. They are all best friends.

“Over a period of 21 years…the three of them grow and change. They have romantic relationships — some fulfilling, some toxic. They start careers and take risks (and) their choices lead them … from dive bars in Boston to medical school in New York, from museums in Italy to the depths of mental illness. Their mistakes put a stain on the family — and one of them goes too far astray….”

Asked what she hopes the reader will draw from the fictive account, Drosos said: “The only underlying message is the importance of family,” as illustrated by the central characters “who love each other. Even with flaws, they’re trying to do the best by each other.”

None of the book’s “siblings” are modeled after the author or her real-life brothers,

Continued on the next page

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Raquel says. Emelia “is much more driven and makes choices different from me,” she said, describing her characters as reflecting “an amalgam of different traits I see in people.”

Neither of Raquel’s reallife parents pursued the path of the pen: Her dad William is a retired Newark fire captain and her mom Suzanne runs the business end of a fitness company. But both, she noted, were “supportive” of her literary leanings and helped her explore publishing strategies which, ultimately, led to the self-publishing route and deploying the internet as a marketing tool.

Her first book, “Jill/Until Proven Innocent,” was published in 2003 when Raquel was just 14. It’s about a girl in boarding school. That same year saw the publication of “Seventeen Days,” a kidnapping mystery, and that was followed, in 2005, by “Secrets of CandeeLand,” focused on girls growing up in an upscale townhouse community who learn that one of their moms is the leader of a crime ring.

All three were targeted to a young adult audience, the author said.

She started writing her current novel (the book jacket design is the creation of Raquel’s uncle, Charles Micucci, a retired illustrator from Nutley), a decade ago, but real-life developments kept interrupting the process.

After graduating from Nutley High, Raquel was accepted by Princeton University for undergraduate studies in comparative literature, which included spending her junior year abroad in Bologna, Italy — serving as inspiration for some story content reflected in “Games of Chance.”

Then came several years working in TV production, teaching Italian to high school students, followed by marriage to Kostantinos Drosos, a telecommunications scientist, and now, at age 33, a housemom to two children — a daughter and son — age 6 and 3.

But the literary habit will never desert her, Raquel

insists.

“I’ve always loved to read. Even as a child, I always had a book in my hand…. It just became a favorite thing to do. It’s like a calling …. To me, it’s tied up with who I am, as someone naturally inclined to do this. I love words. I have a lot of stories in my head. I just have to do it.”

Early literary influences included Katherine Paterson’s “Bridge to Terabithia,” an adventure tale of two friends and the magical world they create; and the entire Harry Potter collection. “Now,” she says, “I read a lot of classics.”

Among her favorites are Betty Smith’s “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn”; Joseph Heller’s “Catch-22”; and Colum McCann’s “Let the Great World Spin.” She likes Smith’s work because “it’s a very family-centered novel and it looks at the different choices people make.”

About Heller’s book she observes: “I like what he does with language. Things circle back on each other. It’s haunting but also funny.” As for McCann, she finds his writing “very lyrical, with different but interconnected stories.”

Spoiler alert: Her next book will be another adult novel that will “focus on parents trying to manage roles as both artists and parents.”

(Hmmm, now that sounds awfully familiar, doesn’t it?)

“Games of Chance” is available on Amazon as an e-book or in paperback by visiting www.amazon.com/ dp/BOBL31B7YP or www. raqueldrosos.com.

Special sand art on display in Belleville

Each year, Roopa Raja, who owns a small convenience store at 750 Washington Ave., Belleville, creates a special piece of sand art, known as Rangoli, an ancient form that goes back thousands of years in India. Rangoli is made around the Hindu New Year, specifically for Diwali, the festival of lights. This art is designed to connect and bring family, friends and God together during this special time. The artwork is still at the store, so everyone is invited to drop by the store to see it.

Drosos reading her new book.

Opinion & Viewpoints

EDITORIAL

West Hudson: Prepare for a new battle v. Murphy H

i Gov. Murphy, it’s us, again, the people of Kearny and greater West Hudson and The Observer newspaper. You may remember us, since back in 2019, we were the ones who fought you for a year+ to get the Keegan Landfill closed. Remember that? Wow, that seems like an eternity ago, before COVID-19 and all, right?

But remember how just before Christmas three years ago, the NJ Sports & Exposition Authority, finally, relented and closed down the damn place?

You may recall that all happened after a relentless effort, led by Kearny Mayor Alberto G. Santos, the Town Council, Cristina Montague, scores of residents and this newspaper banded together in ways once thought impossible.

After that, some here forgave you; but not all. In fact, you lost a good number of districts here in 2021 when you sought re-election.

Still, after all that, we kind of figured there would be no chance in hell you’d ever mess with Kearny in unfathomable ways. And yet here we stand, again, despite your promises and assurances you wanted this state to be done with fossil fuels, with word you’re backing a gas-based power plant for NJ Transit in our town that would be online 24-7-365(6).

We’re told it’s so if God forbid another Sandy happens, the trains will still be able to run. But see, here’s the thing — you made a promise: No more fossil fuels in Jersey. And yet here we are aware of a plan to build a fossil-fuel power plant in our town, one that comes with numerous potential health and environmental disasters.

Oh, Phil, what have ye done? Is your memory that short? Are you seriously considering this plan? Are you honestly ready to dump on the people of Kearny — and its neighbors — again?

We are somewhat early this time, we know. But we want this to be very clear: We don’t want this here. And up to now, we see no viable alternatives that would make this any more desirable.

We stand on the precipice of yet another battle with you. So let us be first to fire a warning shot. We will yet again band together to fight you on this. We will Tweet you. Send Facebook messages. Call your office in Trenton. Interrupt your press conferences and other appearances. Write letters.

We will do as we did in 2019 again in 2022 and 2023 to ensure this NJ Transit plan is scrapped completely. And our recent history should remind you vividly — we won’t stop until you stop. We won in 2019 and we will win again in 2022 & 2023. Scrap the damn plan now while it’s still early enough for you to save face.

Because nothing — nothing else — will suffice.

Rogers: Midterms prove we need a lot more God and much less rhetoric

Now that the 2022 midterm elections are over, we see several of our leaders today, busy pointing fingers, placing blame, calling names and displaying before the entire world their egos and self-serving agendas that are not serving the best interest of our nation. The only thing they are accomplishing is adding fuel to the fires that are dividing and consuming our nation.

If we are to learn anything from this past election cycle it is that we must understand and accept the fact that no political party, president, Congress or one single citizen in our nation can preserve this great republic without a willingness and commitment to hold himself or herself accountable to the God who has blessed this nation since its creation.

I look at the results of this election cycle not as a disaster, but as an opportunity for every American, from all levels of society, to take a step back and begin the process of restoring as part of our national fabric the faith and values that have guided us in governing this great country since its birth.

As I traveled throughout

OP

ED

By Steven L. Rogers Nutley

America during these past two years, I made dozens of speeches to audiences in small towns and large cities and found in their eyes a burning desire and hunger and thirst for a spiritual revival in our country.

Many of them shared with me a powerful desire for our political leaders to help the people of our nation to believe again in the values that made America the world’s “Shining City on a Hill.”

I believe most Americans have become tired of the political talk that far too many leaders of our nation continue to advance at their speaking tours, political rallies, and television network appearances.

Many of these leaders have replaced the truth of God’s words that have always strengthened the heart, soul, and spirit of the American people, with political talking points that have always led us to division and troubles.

Simply put, we Americans

are slowly allowing our leaders, no matter what political party they serve, to advance political agendas that are replacing the gifts and treasures that God has given us, with those things that rust and are eating away at our most precious gifts from God — freedom and liberty.

In a speech many years ago President Ronald W. Reagan said, “the fall of any empire, any great civilianization, has been preceded by forsaking its God.”

Well, like Reagan, I don’t want America to be another great civilization that continues its decline by totally forsaking our God.

In the next several months, we will witness on television, at political rallies, in political speeches and so forth, finger pointing, name calling, denigration of political opponents and candidates running for office trying to convince us that what they are saying will lead us to a path of a better America.

My friends, the only path they will be leading us to is the one where we will find the slow and steady decline and an eventual end of this great

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KPD: Woman was threatened, then turned into a threat

By Capt. Timothy Wagner Kearny Police Department

On Nov. 8 at 7:44 p.m., Officer Bryan San Martin was dispatched to meet a 56-yearold Kearny woman at the Exxon gas station at Kearny and Oakwood avenues who was reporting that a man threatened to kill her (to be clear, the threats had noth ing to do with Exxon or its employees).

The woman reported she allows three adult men to live in her nearby house, which has no electricity. The woman recently returned home to find the television in her bedroom was missing. She suspects one of her three roomies sold it for drugs.

When the victim confront ed one of the roommates, a 47-year-old man, whom the victim suspects of frequent recent drug use, he alleged ly became belligerent and aggressive and threatened to kill her. The victim the fled to the gas station to call police.

Officer San Martin brought the victim to the police station where they lodged a charge of terroristic threats against her roommate. The victim also applied tele phonically for a temporary restraining order against the roommate, which was granted. But the victim then demanded restraining orders against her two other roommates, whom she had not accused of any offens es. When the judge found no cause for the additional orders, the victim reportedly began screaming at officers and the judge, “You failed

me, Judge; this is on you. The men in blue failed me.” The victim then refused to take a copy of her restraining order, announced she was returning home and stormed out.

Armed with an arrest war rant, at 11 p.m., several offi cers responded to the victim’s home where yelling could be heard from outside. The front door was unsecured, having been damaged in prior incidents of lunacy. With the home in total darkness, having no electricity, officers breached with flashlights and a ballistic shield and ordered the defendant to exit the residence. He was taken into custody without further incident and later held at the county jail in South Kearny.

But it’s not over. At 2:24 a.m., officers were called back to the “victim’s” resi dence on a report she was threatening the remaining tenants with a knife. Upon arrival, people were scat tering out of the house like cockroaches exposed to a light. After receiving several allegations that the home owner had chased tenants around while swinging a knife and hurling insults at them, the officers placed her under arrest.

The former victim was now charged with aggravated assault and weapon posses sion charges. She was later released with summonses.

n

On Nov. 7 at 11 p.m., Officers Taylor Latka, Josh Lopez, and Luis Cazares responded to a private home where a 43-year-old man

called police because his 20-year-old son was at his home. The complainant has a restraining order barring his son from the residence, but the son had yet to be served with the order. The son left before police arrived but was located nearby. Officers served the son with the re straining order.

A short time later, the com plainant called police again because his son had returned and entered his apartment, causing an argument. The son again left before police arrived, but Officer Latka swore out a complaint for contempt based on the son violating his restraining order.

At 12:40 a.m. the next day, the complainant informed police his son was back at his home. Officer Danny Magan inho responded and found the son still at the apartment. Officer Maganinho arrested the son and later transferred him to the Hudson County jail.

American experiment.

But there is good news ahead for America. I believe that out of the ashes these politicians are piling up on their political trails, that there are millions of Americans who have not forsaken the faith and values we as a people cherish.

There are millions of Americans searching their souls, listening to their hearts and hearing the voice of God to stand up with great courage and strength, to get our nation back to a time when we saw a rebirth in the American spirit that led us to great achievements, growth, and prosperity.

We need to ignore or replace political leaders who believe they are the salvation of America with political leaders who recognize that the salvation of America depends on their understanding that God, and only God will reverse the decline of our country.

Our leaders need to take some time and get on their knees like our founders did in their time, in prayer to God, seeking his wisdom and

guidance as we move forward as a nation.

I believe that these midterm elections have shown the people of our nation something much deeper than the politics of our time. We are now seeing with our own eyes the spiritual condition of our time.

Knowing where we were as a nation, where we are now, and where we need to be headed in the years to come, I believe we will rise to the occasion, and from small towns to great cities, we will come together and commit ourselves to restoring the faith and values our nation has cherished since our birth.

The destiny of America is in our hands. Now is our time for all of us in America to put our hands in the hands of God and know that the best years of America are ahead if we restore the faith and values that made us one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.

Steven L. Rogers is Presi dent of campaign4america. com. He is a retired Nutley commissioner and police lieu tenant.

ROGERS from previous page

KPD: Man robbed at gunpoint at Davis Avenue ATM

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

A49-year-old Kearny man looking to withdraw cash from the Schuyler Savings Bank ATM machine at 24 Davis Ave., Kearny, got a whole lot more than he bargained for on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at around 8:30 p.m., Capt. Timothy Wagner, the Kearny Police Department’s public-information officer told The Observer today. That’s because as the man was preparing to withdraw cash, two punks wearing masks approached him, brandished a small handgun and demanded his money, Wagner said. Interestingly enough, though, since he hadn’t made a withdrawal yet they are clearly crappy canvassers the two suspects got away with a grand total of $0 cash, but since they searched the victim, they helped themselves to some of the personal effects he had in his pockets.

Of course, being of little value to the two masked men, Wagner says they later dropped those items as they ran away from the scene. (We can only hope one of them left a print somewhere on the wallet.)

As for the two suspects: One is described as a lightskinned Black man, around 25, approximately 5’11” with a medium build wearing a grey hoodie. He was the one who flashed the gun. The other suspect is described as a dark-skinned Black man

POLICE BEAT

with a thin build and braids. He was wearing all black clothing.

Both had masks on, so at least they were COVIDconscious. (sarcasm.)

The two fled toward West Hudson Park, which appears to be becoming an excellent hideaway spot for criminals (see bank robbery this past summer at the same bank) and reportedly entered a white BMW SUV and left the area.

No injuries were reported, thankfully.

Anyone who has information about the case is asked to reach out to Det. Kyle Plaugic at (201) 9981313, ext. 2834. Tips may also be anonymously sent, by email, to tips@kearnynjpd. org.

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

Kearny UNICO members along with Kearny Mayor Alberto G. Santos and members of the Town Council gathered at the statue of Christopher Columbus to honor him Saturday, Oct. 8.

Sports & Recreation

Introducing Liliana Malinowski — the best Lyndhurst tennis player you may have never heard of

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

It was perhaps the best kept secret on the local sports scene. Within the confines of Lyndhurst High School is one of the state’s top youth tennis players Liliana Malinowski. But because the Golden Bears do not have a girls’ tennis team, few knew about her prowess on the court.

Last week when Malinowski signed her National Letter of Intent to play tennis at Divi sion I Fairfield University, her skills were no longer a secret to others.

Malinowski, who liked Fairfield’s proximity to home as well as its business school, is rated as a 3-star prospect by Tennis Recruiting Network. The same website has her ranked as the No. 22 player in New Jersey for the Class of 2023 and No. 341 in the country.

“I came out with this com mitment and a lot of people were shocked and made me feel good about myself. I’ve been receiving compliments from people I don’t know,” said Malinowski, who verbally committed to play at Fairfield in late July. “I feel like more people would be much more aware of my level of tennis if there was a tennis team. A bunch of my friends from dif ferent towns, everyone knows how good they are because they go far in the state (tour naments) because of them. Now that I’m coming with this news, it’s kinda been a shock to a lot of people.”

Malinowski, who first start ed playing at the age of 5, has competed in national tour naments across the country, traveling to Arizona, Florida, Las Vegas, North Carolina and South Carolina. But due to Lyndhurst’s lack of a team, Malinowski couldn’t compete in the Bergen County Tour

nament or NJSIAA individual tournaments. Nor was she obviously able to play for team titles.

So while most of her peers were competing for their schools this far, Malinowski continued to work on her game at Mountainside Rac quet Club in Union County.

“I play year-round there with a private coach and I play against some other kids at my level,” Malinowski said. So I never really have a season, it’s more an all year thing.

“It’s very upsetting because I knew I would succeed in them or have fun at least. Playing in a team sport is such a beautiful thing and while tennis isn’t really a team sport, I feel like being on a high school team makes it a little bit

different than what I’m used to so it’s very upsetting to know that no one in my town really plays at all.”

To help fill that void, Mal inowski played volleyball her junior year and also elected to run track in the spring.

“I think it was very impor tant. The main reason I did those things was because I couldn’t play tennis,” said Malinowski, citing the ability to compete in a more relaxed environment with friends and the value of being a part of a team as the benefits. I was able to play volleyball because there wasn’t a tennis team and I wanted to make sure I had that experience before I went to college.”

Two Kardinals reach high Hudson County honors

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

The Hudson County Interscholastic Athletic League coaches announced its all division teams for the fall sports season and two athletes from Kearny — Alejandro Alvarado and Gigi Arenas — were select ed as Player of the Year in their respective sports.

For Arenas, a junior, it is the second time she has been named HCIAL Amer ican Division Player of the Year. It wasn’t an honor she was necessarily expecting to receive this fall because she was unable to partici pate in the Hudson County Girls Tennis Individual Tournaments.

“When my coach told me I gasped,” Arenas said. “I started crying and I had no words at all.”

A little more than a month ago, Arenas was crying tears of sorrow when a sprained right thumb forced her to withdraw from the First Singles championships in which she was the top seed.

“I felt a strong pain in my thumb and I thought it was nothing, I thought I hit my thumb with a racket when I was playing a match,” Arenas said of the injury, which happened a few days after competing in the state tournament. “Then I went home and I couldn’t move it. It started throbbing and I couldn’t feel my thumb and I was getting scared.

“I was devastated, I was frustrated because I had trained the whole year for that specific moment and to realize I was the No. 1 seed of the tournament and I just couldn’t play, was heart-breaking.”

Prior to her injury,

Arenas went a perfect 11-0 against Hudson County competition. Not only did she not lose a single set, only once did she only drop two games in a set during those matches.

As a freshman, Arenas went undefeated in the county to earn Player of the Year honors, but there wasn’t an individuals’ tour nament that year. Nor was there one her sophomore year when she dropped just one match against county competition.

Arenas’ teammate, Rena ta Bystrowski, earned First Team honors at Second Singles after winning the Hudson County Second Singles Tournament.

Arenas enters her senior season with one goal in mind — to win the cham pionship she was unable to play for this year.

“I’m very confident be cause I know that without any injuries, with the hard work and determination that I can win the Hudson County Tournament and prove to everyone that I de serve to be Hudson County Player of the Year,” Arenas said. “I know next year’s going to be my year.”

While Arenas still has more to add to her legacy at Kearny High School, Ale jandro Alvarado sealed his as one of the best strikers in recent memory for the legendary program.

In his first year as a starter, Alvarado scored 24 goals, second most in Hud son County, to go with six assists to be named HICAL American Division Boys Soccer Player of the Year.

As a junior, Alvarado came off the bench and

Photo by Jason Bernstein

LYNDHURST

While Malinowski chose not to play volleyball her senior season, she fully intends to re turn to track in the spring after

a fine debut last year. Compet ing in track for the first time, she qualified for the NJSIAA Group 2 championships in both the 1,600 and 3,200 meter runs.

“I loved doing track and I’m going to do track again this year,” Malinowski said.

“I honestly think that it did help me with tennis since my endurance has gotten a lot better. It all kinda works together. There’s good parts to not having that tennis team and bad parts, but I knew I had to try (a high school team sport)

at least once.”

While Malinowski never got to play her best sport at Lynd hurst High, she hopes her story can be motivation for other athletes who may face a similar challenge at their respective school.

“There’s so many places you can play at. You can even ask a friend (to play),” Malinowski said. “There are so many clubs out there, it all just comes with research and talking to people. You don’t have to rely on your school to play a sport.”

thrived in the role, scoring 15 goals as part of a loaded Kardinals roster that won the

Hudson County and Group 4 state titles. This season, how ever, he was the main focus of all opposing defenses. It was a role he embraced.

“It was definitely a lot of pressure. A lot of the seniors

graduated and we lost a big part of our attack so there was a lot of pressure,” Alvarado said. “We got doubted by many and we had to prove people wrong and we kinda did. I had to take a big role, step up and I

thought I did a pretty good job of doing that.”

Alvarado quickly thrived in his new role, scoring at least one goal in each of Kearny’s first nine games. He had at least one point in the Kardi nals’ first 11 contests.

“When I was on that streak, I just got very confident,” said Alvarado. “It gave me a lot of motivation to keep going throughout the season and keep scoring and scoring to lift

the team up.”

During the Hudson County Tournament, Alvarado record ed a hat trick in the semifinals against Harrison, then scored two more goals in the final against Union City at Red Bull Arena. Alvarado added two more goals in the state tourna ment, including the lone goal in the North 1, Group 4 quar terfinals over Livingston.

Four of Alvarado’s team mates - Johan Baez, Alex Cruz, Nico Gomez and Hans Zoller - joined him on the first team. In addition, Bill Galka was named HCIAL American Division Coach of the Year after leading the Kardinals to a 17-1-1 record and a second straight undefeated season in the league.

Because the Kearny girls’ soccer team plays an inde pendent schedule, its play ers are not eligible for the HCIAL’s league awards.

Premier Car e TALK S

Gastritis refers to the numerous conditions that cause inflammation of the stomach lining. Sometimes, the same bacterium that causes stomach ulcers causes gastritis, which can oc cur suddenly or over lengthy periods of time. Nausea, vomiting, burning pain, and indigestion are just a few gastritis symptoms. Weakness or tears in the lining of the stomach wall allow digestive juices to irritate and inflame the stomach lining. Crohn’s disease, HIV/AIDS, autoimmune dis orders, and sarcoidosis, which allows inflamed cells to grow, all increase the risk and severity of gastritis. Alcohol abuse, bacterial infection, overuse of aspirin or ibuprofen, stress, parasites, contaminated water or food, are also contributing factors. Any presence of blood in vomit or stools indicates complications that require urgent medical attention.

A number of diseases and conditions can increase your risk of gastritis, including Crohn’s disease and sarcoidosis, a condition in which collections of inflammatory cells grow in the body. Left untreated, gastritis may lead to stomach ulcers and stomach bleeding. Rarely, some forms of chronic gastritis may increase your risk of stomach cancer, especially if you have extensive thinning of the stomach lining and changes in the lining’s cells. To schedule an appointment with our office, please call PREMIER CARE ASSOCIATES OF WEST HUDSON at 201-998-7474. We are located at 512 Kearny Ave., Suite B.

P.S. Foods that can make gastritis worse (because they irritate the stomach) include fatty and fried foods, pickled foods, fruit juices, and coffee.

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

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

GASTRITIS: MORE THAN A TUMMY ACHE

Dr. Prakash J. Doshi

Dr. Hector Aguilar

Arenas

Kearny’s Tree Lighting & Festival slated for Thursday, December 1 at Town Hall

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

After one year of virtual celebrating (2020) and then another year with scaled back activities (2021), ‘tis once again the season to celebrate the annual — and all out — Kearny Tree Lighting Festival Thursday, Dec. 1, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The evening begins on the steps of Town Hall, 402 Kearny Ave., with a concert featuring local performers of all ages, including the Kearny High School Ensemble, the West Hudson Arts & Theater Company Chorus, Roosevelt and Schuyler schools Choral Groups, the Next Step School of Dance, the Hudson Arts & Sciences Choral Group, Franklin School Choral Group, Paz Music Academy students and the Kearny Middle School and Kearny High

school Chorus.

At 6:30 p.m., Santa arrives to help Mayor Alberto G. Santos, along with members of the Town Council, light the tree.

Festivities then move to Town Hall Park, where Santa, joined by Mrs. Claus and their elves, will be on hand for photo ops with children (12 and younger) until 8:30 p.m. Santa will hand out holiday gifts and goodies (while supplies last.)

The merry making continues throughout the park with free events and activities until 8:30 p.m.

“This all happens thanks to the amazing support we get each year from both the KUEZ business community and local civic organizations,” John Peneda, coordinator of the KUEZ, said.

In the park, families may enjoy performances on the Jingle Bell Stage, where

special guests Mirabel and Isabella will perform and then be on hand for a meet and greet. Also featured will be the West Hudson Christian Chorus and local Kearny soloist Gabriel Do Los Santos, among others. Other activities include face painting, holiday craft making, the return of the life-sized snow globe, a special Letters to Santa station and so much more.

The KUEZ will also be on hand with its annual giant toy raffle.

Please note: Kearny Avenue will be closed between Liberty Street and Quincy Avenue throughout the event, which occurs rain or shine.

OVERVIEW OF COMMON EYE CONDITIONS

Age-related eye diseases are the leading cause of low vision and blindness. These can be avoided or abated by having regu lar vision checkups to discover and diagnose an eye condition or disease early on when it’s easiest to treat. Refractive errors, which cause nearsightedness, farsighted ness, and astigmatism, are the most widespread group of eye conditions. Macular degenera tion, cataracts, and glaucoma (a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve) are common conditions caused by the natural aging process. Amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed or outward turned eyes) are eye con ditions usually found in children, while diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes. The good news is that these eye

conditions are all treatable.

If it’s been a while since you’ve had an eye exam, make an appointment with our office. A complete eye exam involves a series of tests designed to evaluate your vision and check for eye diseases. For your conve nience, we also have an optical department. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please call 201-896-0096. We are located at 20 Park Avenue, Lyndhurst. Call 201-896-0007 if you need to reach our optical shop. We accept most insurance.

P.S. Many different eye diseases and conditions share the same symptoms. The best practice for prevention is to have your vision checked every two years, or sooner if you notice changes in your vision.

www.delucavision.com

At The Dream Boutique in Harrison, it’s high-end clothes at a fraction of the

usual cost

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

When one thinks of a boutique, certain locations often come to mind. Greenwich Village. Westfield. Summit. Westwood. Harrison, though, up to now, hasn’t exactly “made” that list. But notice, we say until now.

And that is because Daniel Brown had a dream — to open a boutique of his own — and since he lives close by, he found Harrison to be the right destination and the right time.

“Harrison was such a welcoming community,” he says of when he we scouting locations to open his dream shop, which, coincidentally, is called The Dream Boutique, at 208 Harrison Ave. “I got such great feelings when I saw the empty space. I really connected with town and sensed a really strong community here.”

It’s the first time Brown has owned his own business, though he’s spent a lot of time in the retailfashion industry. So why make the jump from an associate the top of the flow chart?

“My self-confidence grew and it all aligned perfectly,” Brown says.

But there was more. And it involved an unfortunate set of circumstances.

When COVID hit in 2020, he lost is grandmother to the hideous disease and the a week later, his grandpa died of what he describes as a “broken heart.”

“It’s why the doors to the dressing rooms are purple,” he says.

And it slowed things down for him, but now he excited because his grandparents would be proud of what he has accomplished. The same may be said of his mom, who has stuck with him the entire way.

The boutique itself has clothing for women and men, sized from extra small to 3XL. His stock is sourced from all over the place — California, Brazil, parts of Europe and South America and elsewhere — though you might not recognize the designers’ names unless you’re hardcore into the industry.

And it’s all described as “contemporary, streetwear.” Lots of earth tones, color wise.

And while we previously mentioned some other towns where one might find a boutique like this one, there’s something dramatically different about The Dream Boutique Brown wants to remind everyone of.

“It’s all at a fraction of the cost here,” he says. “But the quality remains the same.”

The boutique is open Monday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you can’t make it to the shop for whatever reason, they’re online, too, at www.thedreamboutiques. com, (notice the “s” on the end) where you may order for delivery. If you do go for a visit, ask Brown about the loyalty program, too. The more you spend, the more you earn.

“I went to school for fashion marketing and management and now here I am,” Brown says. “I’ve always had an eye for great fashion and I hope it continues here in Harrison for a long time to come.”

A look at the display window of The Dream Boutique, Harrison. The store, on Harrison Avenue, has items for men and women up to size 3X.

Obituaries

John M. Mailly

John M. Mailly died at home on Nov. 18, 2022. He was 67.

Born in Jersey City, he lived in Kearny before moving to North Arlington 15 years ago.

John served proudly in the United States Navy from 1976 until 1980 and recently retired from the U.S. Postal Service in Kearny.

Visiting will be on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. at the Armitage Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. Mass is Wednesday 11 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Church, Kearny. Final details will be posted on Monday afternoon at www. armitagewiggins.com.

John was the brother of Jo seph Mailly, Madonna Coyle and the late Elizabeth David son and James Mailly. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews and their families.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to Juve nile Diabetes Foundation.

Catherine E. Chadwick

Catherine E. Chadwick (nee Manley), 85 of Kearny died Nov. 19, 2022.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation for Catherine at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny on Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrat ed at St. Cecilia Church on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Crema tion will be private.

Born in Kearny, Catherine was a lifelong resident. She worked as a key punch op erator for Congoleum-Nairn for many years prior to her retirement. Catherine loved to gamble, and especially enjoyed trips to Atlantic City. She most treasured time spent with her faithful dogs Shannon and Honda.

Catherine was the lov ing mother of Donald W. Chadwick, Lisa Chadwick, Dawn Chadwick and Steven Chadwick; cherished grand mother of Ashley Fuller and her husband Andrew and Kyle Chadwick. She was the dear sister of William Manley and his wife Beth, Gertrude Graczyk and the late Bernice

Kolesar, Carol Kowalski, Dolores Kaiser, Mary Davitt and Joan Ronski. She was also predeceased by her loving, longtime companion Graham Bowman.

Joyce Lennox

Joyce Lennox, (nee Owens ) 92, returned to the Lord Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022.

Born in East Newark, Joyce grew up alongside her loving siblings, the late Gloria Aymar and Buddy Owens. Residing in North Arlington since 1956, Joyce was a jovial neighbor who brought many moments of laughter to her friends and family.

Brightening the office with her delightful demeanor, Joyce worked as a secretary for the Archdiocese of New ark before retiring in 1989.

She was a long time mem ber of the Woman’s Club of Arlington and enjoyed the many events at the Kipp Center in Rutherford. She especially enjoyed donning her homemade angel costume at Kipp’s annual Halloween party.

Ever a youthful spirit, Joyce enjoyed playing skeeball on the Jersey Shore boardwalk and jumping through the ocean waves with her family. She was a fierce competitor in any scrabble game and never missed an opportunity for a round of bocci.

Joyce was a proud patron to any organization that mailed her a request for donations, with enough dreamcatchers and notepads to last a few lifetimes.

Joyce was the beloved wife of the late Alan Lennox for their 50 years of marriage; mother to her two children and their spouses, Diane Bar

stow and her husband David, and Alan Lennox and his wife Nora; and cherished grand mother to Alan, Kaitlyn and Kimberly Lennox.

In lieu of flowers, we invite donations in Joyce’s memory to the St. Ann’s Soup Kitchen in Newark to support fami lies in need. Checks may be mailed to 103 16th Ave., New ark, N.J. 07103.

A funeral Mass for Joyce was celebrated Thursday, Nov. 17 at Queen of Peace Church, North Arlington. Her burial was in Arlington Cemetery, Kearny, under the direction of the Parow Fu neral Home, 185 Ridge Road, North Arlington.

Thomas J. Byrne

Beloved son, brother and uncle Thomas J. Byrne, aka “Side Byrnes,” 73, of Kearny, died after a round of golf on Nov. 15, 2022.

Born July 22, 1949, Tom graduated from Queen of Peace High School, and after earning a BA in accounting at Seton Hall University, he was a social worker in the Hudson County Welfare Department in Jersey City.

He also worked at UPS for 25 years before retiring to dedicate himself to family and

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.

friends.

Tom was a consummately private person, with a know ing look and a kind heart. Generous nearly to a fault, he was the first to offer a hand in help and a good keeper of secrets. Tom was devoted to his mother, Celesta, who sur vives him, and with the grace and wit that marked all of his relationships, he helped her for decades after the passing of her husband and his father, James J. Byrne.

Wise and confident, Tom was adored by his six siblings, Mary, Pat, Steve, Sue, Janet and Mike, all of whom will miss him dearly. He treasured his friends and supported them through difficulties, and he was extremely support ive of the higher-education endeavors of his nieces and nephews.

Tom regularly donated blood, and volunteered at

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

a food bank and at events sponsored by the Knights of Columbus of North Arlington, where he was a longtime trus tee and treasurer. A Boy Scout in Kearny’s Troop 2 in his youth, he attained the level of Life Scout and served as an assistant scoutmaster.

Tom liked to travel, and his last trip was to the Uganda game parks. An insatiable reader, he could always relia bly be found with a New York Times crossword puzzle in his back pocket.

There was a view ing at Condon Funeral Home, Kearny. Mass was celebrated at Queen of Peace Church, North Arlington, and afterward a repast took place at the Knights of Colum bus, North Arlington.

In lieu of flowers, Tom’s request was that donations be made to the American Heart Association wt www.heart.org.

Mulligan Funeral Home

331 Cleveland Avenue, Harrison

Arrangements may be made in Spanish, Portuguese or Polish Frank X. Mulligan III, Manager, NJ Lic. 4221 Frank X. Mulligan, Jr. Inactive Private Parking at 10 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. North 973-481-4333 visit

L.

WILFRED ARMITAGE & WIGGINS FUNERAL HOME

Mark G. Wiggins, Manager N.J. Lic. #3916

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

Wilfred

SCHOOLS

and vital in setting up our youngest learners for success. This expansion aid is a positive opportunity for the entire Nutley community.”

Meanwhile, Bania said, the district completed renovations of the high school gym floor and bleachers and has begun configuring the high school library to a state-of-the-art media center with electronic

access to information and the creation of two classroom spaces for different instructional purposes including a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) lab and robotics.

It also started a project to install a safe entranceway to Yantacaw Elementary School.

It’s the last remaining school facility to get that security upgrade and the work is expected to conclude this spring, Bania said.

A group of five new school

NUTLEY SCHOOLS

administrators have been appointed to guide the district this year:

n Brooke Benavides replaced Lorraine Restel z̄Elementary School. Restel led Lincoln for the past 16 years.

Since 2014, Benavides has been coordinator of English Language Arts, K to grade 12.

n Michael Gurrieri

takes over as district ELA coordinator after having been a teacher of English, theater and public speaking at Nutley School since 2015.

n Jackie Devore was named coordinator of physical education, health and wellness, K to grade 12, focusing on mental health, wellness and social/ emotional learning. She previously served as a high school vice principal.

n Craig Jandoli takes on the role of one of the high school’s vice principals,

replacing Devore.

He joins the district after having served as assistant principal at Don Bosco Preparatory School in Ramsey and Hawthorne High School since 2016.

n Jenna Rubino replaces Carly Johnson as coordinator of science, K to grade 12 after having worked as science teacher at John H. Walker Middle School since 2014.

The new appointments took effect during the summer.

NJ CSC Job description https://info.csc.state.nj.us/jobspec/05594.htm Salary Starting at $30,478 For

https://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/ 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.)

Application deadline is 11/30/22 26W04

TECHNICIAN MIS

The Town of Kearny seeks a fulltime Technician MIS. The position will be responsible to ensure the stable operation of the municipal computer networks. Duties include maintaining, configuring, installing, supporting, planning, developing, and optimizing all network hardware, software, and communication links. The Technician MIS will also analyze and resolve end user hardware and software computer problems in a timely and accurate fashion and provide end user training where required.

Salary range ($45-843-$69,146). For NJ CSC job description: https://info.csc.state.nj.us/jobspec/53099.htm

For applications and instructions: https://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/.

Application deadline 11/30/2022 27W04

ROOFERS WANTED

Looking for an experienced person who can install most roof systems including torch down, EPDM and TPO roofing. A responsible person who has the knowledge to learn and move up into possible foreman and assist with project/business management. We have steady work all year round. Driver’s license is a plus! Full time position Call 973-344-2549 to schedule an interview! 27W03

ACCOUNTING/ BOOKKEEPING Bank Reconciliation Payroll, Journal Entry experience required. Work with MS Word, Excel & Quickbooks. Bilingual English/ Portuguese/Spanish Fax resume to 201-955-3339 29W03

NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR

The Town of Kearny seeks a qualified Network Administrator. The position will be responsible to ensure the stable operation of the municipal computer networks.

Duties include maintaining, configuring, installing, supporting, planning, developing, and optimizing all network hardware, software, and communication links/platforms. The Network Administrator will also analyze and resolve end user hardware and software computer problems in a timely and accurate fashion and provide end user training where required.

Salary negotiable depending upon qualifications.

For NJ CSC job description: https://info.csc.state.nj.us/jobspec/10107.htm.

For applications and instructions: https://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/.

Application deadline 11/30/2022 27W04

Pathways to Independence, Inc., A day program supporting adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities M-F 8:30AM - 4:30PM Career opportunities for: Employment Specialist/Job Coach F/T ($17.50/hr.)

Evaluate/Support adults referred by DVR in locating community employment. 2 year Associate degree required.

One to One Direct Support Professional FT ($16.00/hr) working within our adult training program, providing individualized supports to one adult with disabilities. Direct Support Professionals FT & PT ($14.82-15.25/hr.) Providing supports to adults with disabilities within our Adult Training Program. OPPORTUNITIES FOR CAREER GROWTH Excellent time off benefits (FT & PT) / and excellent medical benefits for FT Must have HS Dip/GED all positions must have a clean driving record. Pathways to Independence, 60 Kingsland Ave. Kearny, NJ 07032 or email resume to: pti450@aol.com (or visit us 9:30AM – 3PM M-F to apply) A great place to work & make a difference in the lives of adults with disabilities. eeo 29W03

Seeking motivated person with computer skills to list various auto parts for sale online. Take photos of our inventory and list on internet resale sites. choose your own hours & work remotely. pay will be commission based on sales. Perfect for student or P/T job seeker. Chris 201-991-6622 or in person at 54 Stover Ave Kearny NJ 27W03

Dynasty Insurance Agency looking for an individual to provide sales and service for commercial and personal insurance lines. Portuguese and/or Spanish is a plus. A licensed individual is preferred, but we are willing to train and assist in obtaining a license for the right candidate. Salary commensurate with experience. Submit resume to imoreira83@yahoo.com 27W03

Seeking Auto Detailer to prep cars for sale as well as clean/power wash light & heavy machinery M-F 8-5 OT avail $15/hr 201-725-7060 27W03

Part Time Teacher’s Aid & Baby sitting inHarrsion, 3 months - 6 years old Honest, Responsible. References available. $19 per hour. 10 years experience call (347)617-4964 27W03

MAINTENANCE PERSON AT CITY BARREL 46 CORDIER ST IRVINGTON, N.J. 973-465-7800 FAX 973465-7803 EMAIL citybarrelinc@aol.com 29W03

BELLEVILLE 2nd floor. 2 BR. EIK. LR. $1300 + 1 months security. Utilities not included. Close to TRANS. Available January 1st (973)563-7479 or (973)650-9855 28W03

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)759-5929 28W03

KEARNY Newly renovated. 2nd fl 3 BR’s, LR, DR. W/D Hook-up. $2,000/ month. 1 month security. Avl. February. Call 973896-8984 27W03

attic, backyard, Laundry Hookup. $1,950/mth Available Now. (973)277-0942 28W03

KEARNY All modern 3rd floor. 2 BR’s, 1 Bath. EIK. C/A. 1 car garage. Washer/dryer included. $2200 + 1.5 months security. Utilities separate. No smoking/Pets. Available December 1st (201)407-2864 or jfiallos63@gmail.com 27W03

KEARNY Newly renovated. 2nd fl. 3 BR, LR, DR, Family room, Outdoor porch. Hardwood floors through out C/A, 1 Bath, EIK, Laundry hook-up, no pets. no smoking, $2,400 + 1.5 month security. Utilities separate. Avl. Now Call (973) 474-8614 28W03

9am - 5pm (201)655-4663 or (201)655-4664 28W03

N.ARLINGTON

KEARNY 6 room apartment, second floor, carpeting, AC’s, ceiling fans; No W/D; No pets, no smoking, $ 1700.00 + 1.5 months security; Utilities Separate. (201) 9989676. 27W03

Newly renovated Garden Apartment for rent. Nice area. 1 BR.3 rooms. $1750 + 1 months security. H/HW included. NoSinglePets/Smoking. or Couple preferred. 1 Parking space. Laundry on premise. Call between 10am - 7pm (201)997-2341 27W03

N.ARLINGTON

1 BR. $1400 + 1.5 months security. H/HW included. 12 month lease. 1 Parking space. No Pets Available December 1st (201)968-5052 28W03

N.ARLINGTON Apt fr rent No pets. No smoking. Available now 201997-6666 29W06

KEARNY

GARFIELD 2 bedroom apartment, Large LR, Large Kitchen, Large DR. All ceramic tile and HW floors Walk up

LYNDHURST 1st floor. Large Studio Apt. Full bath. EIK. No Pets/Smoking, $1250 + 1 months security. Available after November 15th. All utilities included.Good credit Call between

Barbara Gerbasio

BR’S. wood floor preferred. I have a 12 year old declawed cat (908)249-5805 27W03

SEEKING APARTMENT

RENTAL Family of 3 look ing for an apartment to rent in Kearny or sur rounding area. We are section 8 approved and looking for a 2 bedroom apartment. . Smoke free and no pets. Both parents are working and our son is going to school. Please call sandy at 973 280 9198 or contact her by email calilsmom1231@ yahoo.com 29W03

KEARNY Available now room for rent for respon sible person. Laundry room. No Smoking. Pri vate entrance. (973)7044186 27W03

HARRISON 1 room for rent. $500 + 1 month security, everything in cluded cable & internet. Available now (973) 5253860 27W03

FURNISHED ROOM FOR RENT

KEARNY Over sized private room. Bathed in natural sunlight. Newly painted & tastefully deco rated. with your own sink & refrigerator. all utilities included. Manager on premises. Close to Bus stop. Street parking. posi tivley no smoking/pets. Gentlemen preferred. Good credit rating and 4 weeks security required. Hurry this wont last! $210 weekly. Call (973)8307498 27W03

325

201-939-7708

NJ TRANSIT

Continued from Page 1

project in this region already overburdened by environmental and health stressors,” Santos said. “While we need to build infrastructure that is resilient to a changing climate, we need to figure out how to do it in a way that won’t negatively impact the health, environment, and quality of life for those in this region.”

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2022 GMC Canyon elevation Crew Cab 4wd Vehicle

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2023

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$650 Acquisition + $289 doc fee included on lease vehichles. lease includes 10,000 mi./yr. and $.25/ mi afterwards. Price includes all costs to be paid by consumer except licensing & registration fees & taxes. lease thru GM Financial to qualified buyers. Offers expires 11/30/22. See dealer for details and limitations, not responsible for typo errors.

The meeting was part of an ongoing advocacy campaign calling on the Murphy administration to reject a toxic gas-burning power plant. For nearly two years, activists across New Jersey have rallied, marched, lobbied, written letters and have spoken out at public meetings against the proposal.

In the fall of 2020, Gov. Philip D.Murphy directed NJ Transit to redesign the “Transitgrid” project to maximize the use of renewable energy. Unfortunately, the updated RFP (Request for Proposal) from NJ Transit suggests they still intend to build a massive new fossil fuel power plant in South Kearny.

“Despite direction from Gov. Murphy to redesign the Transitgrid project to maximize renewable energy, which came after widespread opposition from 19 North Jersey municipalities and 14 state legislators and thousands of New Jersey residents, NJ Transit is still leaving the door wide open to dirty energy,” said Matt Smith, New Jersey director of Food & Water Watch.

“Without decisive action now, the governor will be allowing NJ Transit to sink over $500 million into an ill-conceived project that will foul the air and environment in one of the most pollution-overburdened regions of the country. If Gov. Murphy is serious about his clean energy and climate commitments, he must order NJ Transit to redesign the Transitgrid project without a massive new fossil fuel power plant.”

At the meeting here in Kearny, two public-health experts — Dr. Sarah Evans (PhD, MPH of Mount Sinai) and Dr. Khalil Savary (MD of Rutgers Medical School) — spoke of the risks to children’s health from fossil fuels and industrial pollution.

“Air pollutants emitted by gas-fired power plants are linked to a myriad of health effects including asthma, heart disease, cancer, impaired brain development, premature birth and others,” Evans, an assistant professor of environmental medicine and public health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in Manhattan, said. “Construction of this plant would be detrimental to the health of residents of Kearny

as well neighboring towns, all of which are considered overburdened under New Jersey’s Environmental Justice Law.”

The plant, if built, would be operational MURPHY 24-7-365(6).

It would be used, in part, to power NJ Transit train and light rail lines that might go offline in the event of a natural disaster similar to 2012’s Superstorm Sandy. If built, it would be yet another promise made and not kept by Murphy, who made it clear he wanted Jersey to be fossil fuel independent in the not-too-distant future.We asked Santos whether a potential alternative solution to the proposal — such as it not always being online — exists. The mayor says it’s too early in the process to be certain.

“It’s too soon to say whether there can be a compromise (such as primary solar-powered with backup of gas-powered if batteries are depleted). At this juncture, it appears NJ Transit is sticking to all gas-powered power because it wants to maximize power in order to send it into the grid and collect revenue from it,” Santos said. “I think all-gas should be a definite ‘no’ from the Murphy Administration, which has set high goals for carbon emission reductions for the state. Not to oversimplify, but you do have to walk the talk. Any hybrid proposals would have to be analyzed, but we’re not there yet (and I don’t know if we’ll get there) ”

Meanwhile, organizers strongly urged locals to write the governor, email him, call his office, Tweet at him, tag him in Facebook posts and even birddog him, which means showing up at places and events he’s scheduled to attend unrelated to the NJ Transit proposal — to protest and to voice opposition to the plan.

Residents were also urged to attend — either in person or virtually — meetings of the NJ Transit Board of Commissioners which, unless otherwise determined, take place at NJ Transit Corporate Headquarters, 1 Penn Plaza East, Newark.

Upcoming meetings are scheduled for Dec. 14 at 10 a.m.; Feb. 8, 2023, at 6 p.m.; March 13, 2023, at 6 p.m.; and April 19, 2023, at 10 a.m. There is no meeting scheduled for January 2023.

Learn more about the NJ Transit board at www.njtransit.com/board.

Learn more about the fight against the NJ Transit proposal at www. nomeadowlandspowerplant.com.