e-Newspaper for Dec. 7, 2022

Christmas Kickoffs

Indeed, it is the most wonderful time of the year and it showed locally. Clockwise from top-left ... it’s Kearny Mayor Alberto G. Santos introducing Mr. & Mrs. Claus at the Kearny UEZ Tree Lighting & Festival Thursday, Dec. 1. Next, each year, the Harrison-East Newark Elks join forces with the ACP Riders to deliver Toys for Tots at St. Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston. They did so this year Sunday, Dec. 4. Then, it’s North Arlington Mayor Daniel H. Pronti and his council joining residents at the borough’s annual tree lighting Dec. 1. And finally, Kearny Councilman Peter P. Santana with his son, wife an Frosty the Snowman at the KUEZ Tree Lighting last week. Kearny photos by Barbara B. Goldberg. Other photos via Facebook.

Woman surrenders after threatening suicide for hours: KPD

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

What started off as a tense standoff between an emotionally disturbed woman and the Kearny Police Department and the Hudson County Regional SWAT team the morning of Friday, Dec. 2, ended with the subject surrendering peacefully, but not after a long day of wondering what might next happen.

At around 7 a.m. that day, police were called to 78 Oakwood Ave., a place police have often been called, on a report of a woman threatening to kill herself with a rifle. Kearny Police Chief George King said police weren’t sure whether she really had a rifle as they had obtained intelligence the weapon might actually be a BB gun that resembled a rifle.

Belleville’s Coughlan turns 100 and gets surprise visit from Mayor Melham

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

A Kearny Collision employee looks on at the activity near 78 Oakwood Ave. last week Scott Wallace photo.

REMEMBERING TWO LOCAL HEROES WHO

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

We often say, in the face of tragedy, and when a hero is lost, that we must never let such a hero’s memory be forgotten.

Three years ago, our region faced such a senseless tragedy when Joseph Seals, a North Arlington resident and Jersey City police detective, was shot and killed in the line of duty during one of the worst shootings we’ve ever known.

We go back to that day.

The afternoon of Dec. 10, 2019, was as harrowing as any day in memory. At The Observer’s office, a mere 7 miles away from it all, we sat and sometimes stood, in stunned disbelief, listening to the Jersey City Police Department on a police scanner app after an alert came in about a possible shooting in the city’s Greenville section.

For hours, live and in real time, we heard the echoes of gunshots being fired. Some of those sounds came from radios operated by officers who

were inside Sacred Heart, a Catholic elementary school that is directly across the street on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, from one of the scenes of carnage.

We later learned all of the chaos was the result of Seals being fatally shot in the head as he stood in Bay View Cemetery, on Garfield Avenue, in the second-largest city in New Jersey, as he pursued leads in another case.

Following the shooting of Det. Seals, the two suspects, a woman and a man whose names we will

still not mention, calmly got into a stolen U-Haul and drove about a mile from Garfield Avenue over to JC Kosher Deli, on MLK Drive, and took the lives of several others, including Harrison’s Douglas Miguel Rodriguez, a clerk in the store, whose young daughter was, at that time, a student in the Harrison school system.

It was all happening in a neighborhood, Greenville, known affectionately by its residents as “The Hill.” This is a neighborhood that has not seen growth the way other

Jersey City locations have like the Downtown Waterfront.

Instead, much of Greenville had been ignored for decades upon decades. It is the city’s highestcrime area. Poverty is abundant. The average income is about $33,000 a year, well below the city’s overall average.

However, of late, reports estimate about 100 Jewish families now call Greenville home.

When it was over, hours later, following some of the most intense police action imaginable an incident that brought to Jersey City several Kearny police officers who are members of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office’s SWAT Team it left so many wondering how this could happen.

And yet it did happen. And so many people offered words of love and tribute to both Det. Seals and Mr. Rodriguez. It couldn’t be more clear both were beloved human beings in life, both will be forever missed

HOLIDAY IN THE PARK

Under the Direction of Mayor Robert B. Giangeruso

Continued on the next page

Joseph Seals | Observer file photo

we wake up today almost three years later to a world that is less because of their loss.

Seals, 40 at the time of his death, joined the Jersey City Police Department in 2006. He was the father of five children. Reports say he was on a mission as a detective in the Cease Fire Unit of the JCPD to get as many illicit guns off the streets as possible.

The unit was instituted to investigate non-fatal, gunrelated crimes.

His chief then, Michael Kelly, says Seals was, indeed, able to get dozens of them off the streets.

“He was the leading police officer getting guns off the streets,” Kelly said.

In North Arlington, many mourned his loss, including the borough’s Mayor Daniel H. Pronti, himself a retired police sergeant with the Montclair Police Department.

“As many of you already know, the Borough of North

Arlington, the City of Jersey City and the Seals Family suffered a terrible loss,” Pronti, who called Seals his friend, said at the time. “Those who are friends, family, community and acquaintances of police officers, rarely think of the most severe, ultimate sacrifice, which may occur. Today, we are all facing exactly that. The Seals Family is and will always be a part of our community. Joe was a friend to me and to many of you. I want you all to keep the Seals Family in your thoughts and prayers as they try to go on with their lives, mourning the loss of their husband, father and son. Rest Easy, Brother Seals. End Of Watch: 12/10/19.”

Sadly, Seals wasn’t the only local man to die that horrible day.

Douglas Miguel Rodriguez, of Harrison, was a father, husband, hard worker.

Mr. Rodriguez, an immigrant to this country, worked diligently to provide for his family. To accomplish this, he took a job as a clerk at Jersey City Kosher Deli. He was

DOUGLAS RODRIGUEZ

loved by the people for whom he worked. And, there were reports he took a bullet so other lives might be saved.

He and his family lived in an apartment on Harrison’s south side. When it was learned he lived in Harrison, the community, as it always seems to do, instantly came together

to help the family. Among other things, the Harrison Education Foundation immediately started a fundraising campaign where all cash raised was given to the family.

One Harrisonian who said he knew Mr. Rodriguez recalled a very positive man who loved his family more than anything else.

Ricardo Rodriguez was a neighbor to the family, but is not related to them. He says Douglas Miguel was always friendly when they would pass each other on the street.

“He always took the time to say ‘hello,’” Ricardo said. “Even if he was in a rush to get to work, he would always stop. It is so tragic that this happened to all of the victims, but especially to him. He loved

living here. He always says good things. I feel so bad for his family. I don’t know how they will go on without him.”

And in perhaps the most stunning of all comments made following this awful tragedy, it is the ones made by Mr. Rodriguez’s widow, Martha Freire, that stand out the most.

Ms. Freire showed a compassionate side that is almost impossible to fathom after all she’d been through.

“I forgive the killers I forgive them both,” she said in Spanish, translated by a family friend. “I want to love the memory of my husband. I do not want to waste my time hating anybody.”

Three years later, perhaps we could all learn a lesson from Freire’s words.

Less than a

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

One of the three men who reportedly broke into the Kearny Avenue Exxon station and burgled it of its ATM machine (with $1,000 in cash in it) is in custody and facing a slew of serious charges, Det. John Fabula, the investigating officer on

ATM burglary, 1 of 3 suspects collared: KPD

the case, told The Observer. Ruben Gonzalez, 19, whose last known address was in Newark, was taken into custody by Newark police on Nov. 29, after officers in the Newark PD’s 7th Precinct found him in possession of yet another stolen vehicle, this time a Porsche taken from Muttontown Village, New York. After the burglary, which occurred that day at

around 2 a.m., Gonzalez and his cohorts reportedly fled in a Range Rover stolen in Franklin Lakes.

Fabula was able to identify Gonzalez based on the clothes he wore in the burglary. Oh, and he also had the key to the aforementioned stolen Range Rover on him when Newark cops picked him up.

Fabula charged Gonzalez with third-degree burglary, third-degree theft, thirddegree conspiracy, seconddegree receiving stolen property and fourth-degree criminal mischief. Gonzalez was remanded to the Essex County Correctional Facility

based on the charges he faced in Newark.

On Dec. 1, he was released from the Essex County Jail into the custody of the New Jersey Department of Corrections. He was listed by the Essex County inmate lookup website as an “escapee” from one of its Juvenile Justice Commission facilities, though he is no longer a juvenile.

The investigation continues. Have information about this incident? Call Fabula at (201) 998-1313, ext. 2833, or send an anonymous email to tips@kearnynjpd. org.

The Observer’s correction policy

The Observer strives to bring our readers the best and the most accurate news.

However, from time to time, there may be mistakes in what we report. As such, we take our obligation to report errors seriously.

If you believe we’ve made an error, please send an e-mail to editorial@theobserver.com, indicating what is to be corrected.

We will ensure a correction is noted (if necessary) in a future print edition — and online. If access to e-mail is not possible, please call us at 201-991-1600.

The Kearny Avenue Exxon station where three men reportedly burgled an ATM machine last week. | Apple Maps

GONZALEZ

LPD: Brooklyn boy charged in high school bomb threat

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

Detectives have charged a 15-year-old boy from Brooklyn who they say placed a 911 call where he threatened to blow up Lyndhurst High School, Det. Lt. Vincent Auteri said late last week.

On Oct. 7, 2022, at approximately 11:52 a.m., the Lyndhurst Police Department was notified by county communications that an unknown caller using technology to hide his identity placed a 911 call claiming there was a bomb inside Lyndhurst High School, at 400 Weart Ave.

A 911 dispatcher advised he got a call from a young male reporting a bomb inside the school.

Lyndhurst police officers were immediately dispatched to the scene and the Lyndhurst Board of Education action plan was put into place by the school staff, which meant a lockdown of approximately 825 students. Shortly thereafter, everyone was safely evacuated from the building.

The Bergen County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad and certified bomb detection K-9 units were dispatched to the school. After a search of both the interior and exterior of the school, police did not find any kind of dangerous device on the premises.

During the initial moments of the incident, Special Law Enforcement Officer III William Peer, assigned to the high school, noticed the presence of a young man casually walking in front of the school by the gym.

SLEO Peer did not recognize the boy and he also found it odd that he was not with the rest of the studentbody. This prompted him to approach and address the young man. The boy provided his name and explained he was 15 and from Brooklyn.

The boy further explained he was in Lyndhurst to visit with a Lyndhurst High School student with whom he had recently met playing an online video game.

SLEO Peer returned to assist with

the school evacuation, but not before securing all of the boy’s pedigree information. An alert crossing guard also provided information that placed the boy in the area of Lyndhurst High School just prior to the bomb threat. During the course of the investigation, detectives focused their attention on the 15-year old and they learned the day of the incident, he traveled to New Jersey by public transport. He arrived in Lyndhurst around 11 a.m., where he met up with a group of Lyndhurst High School students. The students ultimately returned to school for the afternoon session and a short time later, the boy placed the 911 call while still within close proximity to the school.

Det. Tom McSweeney eventually confirmed the call was made by the boy with whom he eventually interviewed. The boy ultimately confessed to Det. McSweeney he made the bomb threat and he was subsequently charged with creating a false public alarm before being released to the custody of his father.

The Lyndhurst Police Department thanked all assisting agencies.

“We consider bomb threats to be very serious. The safety of our school and our community will always be our top priority,” Det. Lt. Vincent Auteri said. “We remain grateful for our strong working relationship with the Lyndhurst school district and we would like to thank the community for their support and understanding during the incident and their patience throughout the investigation.”

Chief Richard Jarvis echoed Auteri’s sentiments.

“Bomb threats are never amusing and they are never harmless,” Jarvis said. “We will never allow this behavior to stand. We will always track down the perpetrator and hold him or her accountable. We’re also grateful to SLEO Peer for his quick thinking and alertness. The SLEO program, though new, is working well and this is a great example of it in action.

IF YOU HAD A KNEE OR HIP IMPLANT AT EITHER:

HUDSON REGIONAL HOSPITAL SECAUCUS, NJ

NORTH ARLINGTON MEDICAL CENTER ST. MICHAEL’S MEDICAL CENTER NEWARK, NJ

CHRIST HOSPITAL JERSEY CITY, NJ

HI TECH ORTHOPEDICS WEST ORANGE, NJ

ST. JAMES HOSPITAL NEWARK, NJ

CAREPOINT HEALTH SYSTEM HOBOKEN, NJ

Exactech has recently recalled many of its hips and knees due to premature failure of polyethylene liners. If you have swelling, pain, loosening, instability, or other complaints, you should see your surgeon and identify what implant you received.

These products were implanted by certain surgeons at the following hospitals in Hudson and Essex Counties: Hudson Regional Medical Center, Christ Hospital Jersey City, North Arlington Medical Center, St. Michael’s Medical Center and St. James Hospital.

The surgeons and or hospitals were supposed to send recall letters to patients, but if you moved, your doctor retired, or the letters were not sent, you may be unaware of the cause of your problems. Living with a device containing prematurely degrading polyethylene can cause permanent bone loss also known as osteolysis leading to further complications.

To discuss your legal options, please call us today.

YOU MAY HAVE RECEIVED A KNEE OR HIP IMPLANT MADE BY EXACTECH INC.

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Opinion & Viewpoints

EDITORIAL

Remembering two local heroes lost their lives three years ago

It only took a few minutes to realize something significant was happening in Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019, and it remains one of the most harrowing days in Hudson County history.

At this newspaper’s office, three years ago, after receiving an alert, we all tuned into an iPhone app to listen in on the Jersey City Police Department’s frequency. There was yelling and screaming. The echoes of gunfire were so loud they were clear as anything else we heard.

Moments after we started listening, we learned several members of the Kearny Police Department, who are also members of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s SWAT team, were among scores of law-enforcement sent to there to try to end a wild scene of utter carnage.

When it was all over, two victims had a connection to our readership area — Det. Joseph Seals, of the Jersey City Police Department was a resident of North Arlington, and he was the tragedy’s first victim, having been shot in the head at Bay View Cemetery.

Douglas Miguel Rodriguez, of Harrison, was a father and husband who was a clerk at Jersey City Kosher Deli.

The loss of life was difficult to fathom. Both were married. Both were fathers. Both were incredibly special human beings who had an impact on this world.

This day also served as yet another reminder of the dangers police officers face on a daily basis. We were reminded several officers who patrol our streets were in the middle of a gun battle that, three years after, has been hard to forget. They left the Kearny and headed right into harm’s way.

Fortunately, everyone from Kearny came home unharmed, safely, on a day when two of our neighbors didn’t. Likely, neither had a thought they wouldn’t make it home that night — or ever again. But for two families, that is precisely a reality. There are two homes, one in North Arlington and one in Harrison, that remain forever changed. There could be no greater loss for a family.

We recall the heroic life of Det. Seals, a dedicated police officer and detective who gave 13+ years of his life to ensuring Jersey City’s streets had fewer guns on them — he succeeded at that.

We recall the life that was Mr. Rodriguez’s, a man who dedicated himself to his beautiful wife and daughter and who worked diligently, seven miles from home, at a deli, so things could be better for his family.

They are both heroes and their names — Joseph Seals and Douglas Miguel Rodriguez — must never, ever be forgotten. Their sacrifices may very well have saved the lives of countless others.

May they both continue to rest in eternal peace, in the arms of God, knowing they both made this world a much better — and safer — place.

Fife welcomes Washington MS leaders

Students from Harrison’s Washington Middle School recently met with Mayor James A. Fife and toured his office. All of the students have been identified and chosen because of their leadership abilities. They were joined by their principal Michael Landy, back right, and Superintendent of Schools Maureen Kroog, left center.

LaClair: What god does Steve Rogers think Americans are forsaking?

To the Editor: Steven L. Rogers laments that our nation is in danger because we are “forsaking our God.” Which god, pray tell, is that?

Is it the god European settlers worshipped when they displaced the indigenous peoples from their land, murdering any who got in the way?

Is it the god the Confederate states put into their Constitution when they tried to keep slavery? Perhaps it was the god their forbears worshiped when they kidnapped people from Africa and brought them here on

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

boats. That god?

Is it the god most of the country worshipped when we overthrew democracies to make sure we had plenty of cheap oil? Is that the same god who warned against selling ourselves for 30 pieces of silver; or the one who supposedly asked what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul?

Fact is, our arms are too short to reach what Mr. Rogers calls God. Whether there is a god or there isn’t, no one is

in a position to lecture others about it, or demand how others should see it. They can only do damage, and they have, and they do.

It is so simple, and yet so hard.

If we want to build a better world, then honor every person, treating everyone with respect and dignity. Lecturing people about something no one knows anything about can only make a tough situation worse. Perhaps someday, we will admit this simple fact, and move into a truly brighter future.

Paul L. LaClair Kearny

In Memoriam Mary A. Tortoreti 1942-2016

Lisa M. Feorenzo lisa@theobserver.com Co-owner/Advertising Dir.

Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com Editor/Broadcaster

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KPD: Man who hurt ex turns self in on warrant

By Capt. Timothy Wagner Kearny Police Department

On Nov. 21 at 7:30 a.m., Officers Travis Witt and John Donovan arrested a 29-yearold Kearny man who turned himself in at police headquarters to answer for an arrest warrant. The warrant resulted from a Nov. 5 incident in which the defendant’s ex-girlfriend told police he passed by her home and saw a work van in the driveway. The defendant reportedly became upset in his belief that this van was the chariot of a competing beau, so he climbed through his exgirlfriend’s window to confront her. Sadly, when the defendant entered the apartment, he allegedly punched his ex-girlfriend several times about the head, threw her down on the bed where he struck her some more and then held her on the bed for some time with his hand over her mouth and nose obstructing her breathing. Eventually, the defendant fled the apartment on foot.

area – one of whom was injured – but the males allegedly disregarded their orders to stop. The officers caught up to them, and they reportedly resisted arrest before being taken into custody.

The three were later identified as Kearny boys aged 17, 16 and 16.

They were later charged under juvenile delinquency with obstructing the administration of law and resisting arrest and were all later leased to guardians.

POLICE BEAT

On Nov. 20 at 8:50 a.m., Officers Ryan Brady, Damian Kolodziej, Mat Lopez and Sean King were dispatched to Walmart for a shoplifting. Loss prevention associates told officers a woman fled the store and entered a Honda when they confronted her on suspicion of shoplifting. Officer Lopez quickly found and pulled over the fleeing vehicle on Bergen Avenue.

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The outstanding warrant charged the defendant with burglary, criminal mischief, aggravated assault, simple assault and criminal restraint. The man was held at the Hudson County jail.

On Nov. 19 at 8:54 p.m., Officer Cort Montanino and several other patrol officers were dispatched to a fight in the street near 145 Brighton Ave. Initial reports to police dispatch told of 30 to 40 people involved and two felled combatants lying possibly injured in the street.

The officers did not find such a scene upon their arrival. A witness told the cops some people ran down the street and others fled into a nearby house. The officers raised a resident of that house who reported something to the effect that she was having a party when a group of invitees who had noticed a fight in the street ran outside for a ringside view.

The woman, Rashell N. Paulino, 18, of Kearny, reportedly was initially uncooperative in identifying herself and then later allegedly told the officers a false identity. She was charged by summons with hindering apprehension and maintaining a nuisance, but released at the scene.

Officer Lawrence Latka and Sgt. Ben Wuelfing canvassed the area to search for anyone injured from the completed fight. They tried to stop three males who were fleeing the

In the vehicle was Susana ValleEspinosa, 61, of Jersey City. Store associates accused Valle-Espinosa of concealing $712.21 of apparel, footwear and groceries in her own bags and then carrying them out of the store without paying. The stolen merchandise was also in the vehicle.

Officers arrested Valle-Espinosa. She was charged by summons with shoplifting and later released.

On Nov. 20 at 6:14 p.m., Officers Angel Martinez was dispatched to a residential apartment for a 911 hangup. En route the officer was updated that a dispatcher believed it might be a domestic violence incident.

A 39-year-old tenant told the officer that her 21-year-old daughter, who has not lived with her for two years, forced her way into her apartment against her mother’s resistance. A struggle then ensued in which the daughter allegedly threw a vase at her mother, scratched her mother’s chest, and cut her finger.

Officer Martinez arrested the daughter. She was charged with burglary, aggravated assault, weapon possession offenses, criminal mischief, and simple assault, and held at the county jail.

On Nov. 21 at 10:08 a.m., Officer John Fearon responded to a report of a robbery of a store on the 800 block of Kearny Avenue. While driving to the scene, Officer Fearon saw a man fitting the robber’s description walking south on Kearny Avenue a few blocks from the scene. Officer Fearon confronted this man, later identified as Tyler R. Martin, 26, of

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Nov. 21, one of Belleville’s most

2 from Lyndhurst charged with bilking woman of life savings: Nutley PD

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

citizens’

Nutley police continue to investigate a fraud in which an older resi dent who met a woman on the social media app “Nex tdoor” led to the victim losing a substantial amount of cash, Det. Lt. Anthony Montanari, the Nutley PD’s public-infor mation officer, said.

Florence Coughlan

turned 100 and she received a special visit from Mayor Michael Melham, who brought her flowers and a formal municipal proclamation. She also received a call from Gov. Philip D. Murphy. 'Her home had the first-ever built-in pool in Belleville. She’s a grandmother, great-grandmother and still a "Friend" of the Belleville Public Library,' Melham said. 'Wishing her many more years of good health and happiness.'

Montanari says on Tuesday, Nov. 22, a 76-year-old Nutley woman called police after she realized she was being scammed.

Police arrested Gabriela Mendez, 25, and Michael Zicaro, 28, both of Lyndhurst, after they came to her home to “pick up” an additional $7,000 of her money. The victim had reportedly already given Mendez a large sum of money over the past several months.

Police Director Al Petracco was not pleased this happened to a Nutley resident.

“What appears to be a kind-hearted woman trying to help someone she believed needed money was instead de ceived, defrauded and bilked out of her life savings,” the commissioner said. “My heart is broken to believe there are people preying on older folks as kind as her.”

Chief Thomas Strumolo concurred.

“This is a classic fraud, where actors use the victim’s emotions to obtain money,” Strumolo said. “Both were charged while detectives in vestigate to determine if there were other victims.”

Police continue to urge res idents to use extreme caution before sending or giving mon ey to anyone without verifying their authenticity. Call police immediately if there is any uncertainty.

BUYING A VACATION PROPERTY

Are you contemplating buying a vacation property? If so, there are several things to consider first. Of course, having a budget and knowing what you can afford is perhaps the most crucial fac tor. There’s no sense in touring properties with price tags beyond your reach. Take the time to review your finances to determine your budget, keeping in mind that there are also associated taxes, insurance, utilities, and other living costs to consider. Also, think about the time and money involved in getting to the location and how easy or difficult it will be to visit. Consider how often

you or others will use the home and whether you plan to live in it permanently one day.

When purchasing real estate, you first have to figure out what you want, then we will help you find it. Using the services of an experienced, detail-oriented real estate agent is one of the smartest moves you can make whether you’re buying or selling because we think of things you probably never considered before. Think ing of buying a vacation home? Thinking of selling your current home? Think of us! “Our success has been built one satisfied cus tomer at a time.”

Sports & Recreation

Preseason signs point to much better 2022-23 season for NA boys’ basketball team

Expectations run high for Kearny girls’ basketball team with many players returning

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

There’s been an unfamil iar feeling for Jody Hill as she observes her Kearny girls basketball team practice this preseason. With seven of the top nine scorers from last season’s 17-10 squad back and an unprecedented amount of work put into the offsea son, the Kardinals enter the winter with a level of experience and expectation that is higher than its been in a very long time.

program. (Fortunately), we do have a lot of great ath letes who can help fill that spot as best as we can.”

Even in Araujo’s absence, the Kardinals have the pieces to contend for its first Hudson County title in girls basketball. The biggest reason is in the front court where Ava Hyams (14.6 points, 9.0 rebounds re bounds per game) and Maci Covello (13.7 points and 7.4 rebounds per game) are back for a fourth year in the starting lineup.

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

With a new head coach and several first-year varsity play ers, this preseason represents a clean slate and a fresh begin ning for the North Arlington boys’ basketball team.

And while the Vikings have turned the page from the struggles of the past, coach Marcus Jimenez does some times need to reference last year’s trying 2-22 record as a reminder of the on-going changes that need to be made.

“Occasionally I’ll bring it up when we’re in practice when players slack off a little bit or lose focus,” said Jimenez. “I just quickly remind them that the better teams, the good teams, the elite teams, this is what they’re doing (in prac tice). We gotta put in the work in order to get the reward.”

Rewards like an appearance

in Bergen County Jamboree, a division title or a home state playoff game might seem distant after winning five or fewer games in each of the past six seasons. But if the preseason is any indication, the depth and the talent to be better in 2022-23 is there, especially as Jimenez has seen this group buy into his top pri orities - improving leadership and communication.

“They’re getting out of their comfort zone little by little,” Jimenez said. “I really em phasize communication day in and day out, leadership day in and day out. Those are the two things I’ve been harping on and the players are starting to get it.

“They’ve all been putting in the work, they’ve all been buy ing in. But when we’re faced with adversity, what’s going to happen and who’s going to

provide that leadership. We’re going to be young, but we can’t be dysfunctional.”

Jimenez’s squad has already faced some adversity as it has been without the services of point guard Sean McGeehan, who led the team in assists and steals last season and is working his way back from injury.

With McGeehan out of the lineup, the leading returning scorer from a season ago is junior Vincent Richard, a 5-foot-10 wing, who flashed some potential as an outside shooter last year.

Kyle Villani is another returning player with varsity experience and on a team with little size and no true forwards, at 6-foot-1, he and fellow senior Daniel Janosek (6-foot-2) will likely have to do

“It’s a new feeling for sure because we’re coming into practice and so many of them have been through the program and know the drills, know what we’re trying to instill and we can progress that much quick er,” said Hill, who enters her 25th season as head coach. “I can’t remember the last time that we had as much experience as we have coming in. We’re feel ing really great about that.”

Unfortunately for Hill and Kearny, that depth and maturity has already been tested when senior forward and lockdown defender Julia Araujo suffered a sea son-ending injury during the state soccer tourna ment, creating a huge void in the lineup.

“There’s really nobody who can replace Julia because she was an elite athlete,” Hill said. “Between her size, her quickness and her mobility, she was probably our best defender on the team and she was a great rebounder who runs the floor. There’s no one person that can replace everything that she did for us and it is a blow to the

According to Hill, the 5-foot-11 Covello, who re cently earned Third Team, All-State honors for soccer by NJ.com, has continued to expand her game in the post, adding to her already intimidating presence in the paint, while also being capable of bringing the ball up the court.

The 5-foot-11 Hyams, who recently committed to play at Worcester Polytech nic Institute, will see more time at forward, but is truly capable of playing any posi tion and taking any role on the court, leading the team in assists, steals, 3-pointers, rebounds and scoring last season.

“The two of them are two of the most special players I have ever coached and have ever seen and have watched grow since their freshman year,” Hill said. “Both are two of the most versatile players that I have coached during my 20-plus years.”

Hyams shift from point guard to more of a point forward is a credit to the development of a trio of Kardinal point guard op tions.

Photo by Jason Bernstein

The North Arlington boys basketball team takes a team photo after practice on Saturday, Dec. 3. Standing left to right: Jesse Calfayan, Kyle Villani, Ian Raftery, Daniel Janosek, Vincent Richard, Jaydon Morales. Kneeling left to right: Declan Hughes, Ibrahim Gabr, Justin Bunnell, Adam Gabr.

VIKINGS

their fair share of dirty work in the paint against bigger opponents.

Likely starting in the back court are two very promising underclassmen in freshman Jesse Calfayan (5-foot-10) and sophomore Justin Bunnell. Calfayan has already shown a willingness to attack off the dribble while also hitting shots from the outside, while Bun nell has helped fill the void at the point in McGeehan’s absence.

Jimenez said he’s unafraid to turn to his bench. Juniors Jaydon Morales, who has been one of the surprises in the preseason, Adam Gabr and Ibrahim Gabr are all set for big roles off the bench, each of the three capable of stretching the defense with their shooting.

Junior Declan Hughes is another one who will be in the mix for minutes after seeing some time last season, as well as sophomore guard Liam Raftery and senior forward

Bernie Pimentel, who at 6-foot-1 has the potential to be a high-level rebounder for the Vikings.

“I want players to be uncommon players,” Jime nez said. “They’re giving up the shot (for the extra pass), they’re getting deflections, charges, rebounds, steals. They’re communicating and being leaders. The uncommon player, that’s the player we’re trying to build at North Arling ton.”

North Arlington opens the season at home on Thursday, Dec. 15 against Saddle Brook at 7 p.m., then welcomes Weehawken for a noon tip off on Dec. 17. The Vikings will also host the William Fer guson Holiday Tournament, which starts on Dec. 27 and also features Belleville, Bergen Tech and University Academy Charter of Jersey City.

“They’re starting to pick each other up here and there. But we don’t have forever to get this job rolling,” said Jime nez. “We have a finite amount of time to be the time we want to be.”

Nutley coach seeks return to tougher division after one-year relegation

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

Larry Mitschow takes great pride knowing Nutley has been in the top division of the Super Essex Conference for girls basketball — the American Division — for nine of his first 10 seasons as head coach.

So while the Maroon Raiders are set to compete in the SEC’s Liberty Division this season, that isn’t a reason for despair. Instead, Mitschow sees it as an opportunity for a young roster to gain confidence and experience success before hopefully moving back to the American in a year.

Last season, Nutley went 13-14 overall, but just 2-10 in an American Division

slate that included two games apiece with perennial state powers Immaculate Conception, University, East Orange and West Orange.

“We’re excited to be back (in the Liberty), I think that’s where we belong at the moment,” said Mitschow. “I think it builds our confidence when we win some games early.

“Playing in that top division is great in that it makes us better in the long run, especially in the state tournament. But I think overall (the second division) is where we belong so we can get the confidence and succeed a little bit more.”

Adding to Mitschow’s excitement is a roster that looks to be deeper with more legitimate offensive options than Nutley’s had in recent memory.

Leading the way for the

Raiders this season will be a trio of experienced guards in juniors Cynthia DePersio, Anna Green and Riley Sebastiano.

Green, who is the top returning scorer after averaging 8.1 points per game last season, while DePersio is a stellar defender expected to provide more on the offensive end. Both DePersio and Green will share the point guard spot, with both equally capable of playing off the ball, giving Mitschow peace of mind on the sidelines and the ability to be more creative on the floor.

“They’ll both see time at the point, they’ll also see time at the wing. They can play both positions pretty well so that will be a nice combo to have and they can give each other a break when

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KEARNY

At the moment, sophomore Olivia Covello and junior Jocelyn Huancaya are set to start in the backcourt, with the tandem likely to share the point guard spot. The younger Covello has shown an im proved handle and is poised to be one of the team’s top perimeter defenders. Huan caya, who finished last season strong and has improved her outside shot.

Another option at the point is sophomore Villanueva, who has shown an advanced feel for the game and is willing to mix it up defensively well. While Villanueva is likely to come off the bench, Hill has the confidence to play all three guards on the floor at the same time and go with a smaller, quicker lineup.

Kearny’s backcourt depth has been further bolstered by two new arrivals. Senior Yas hlee Rodriguez, who moved from New York City, is instant offense off the bench, while freshman Mariel Ruiz-Mar tinez might already be an impact shooter on a team that

has traditionally relied upon transition to generate a lot of its offense.

Natalie Osorio, one of four senior co-captains, is the likely starter at the wing when Kearny plays a more tradi tional starting five, though junior soccer standout Aracely Vazquez is fighting hard for the spot as well. The 5-foot-8 Osorio has gotten stronger,

allowing her to make a bigger impact on the glass. Vazquez, plays bigger than her 5-foot-7 height in the paint and is one of the team’s stronger re bounders.

Briana Lopez is another forward option off the bench, who plays well in spurts. Sen ior Gianna Charney and junior Jordan Bailey are capable shooters who can be called

upon in a pinch as well.

Kearny, which enters the season with title ambitions, will quickly be tested on open ing night, Dec. 15 as it travels to defending Hudson County champion Bayonne. It will be the first of many challenges in an always tough HCIAL American Division that also features reigning sectional champion Union City as well

as Hudson Catholic, Snyder and St. Dominic Academy of Jersey City among others.

“I think we have a really, really good chance of going to the end in Hudson County,” Hill said. “Do we have a shot to win it all? I think it’s wide open and I think if we contin ue to keep working hard, we definitely have a legitimate chance to do it.”

WHEN TO SEE AN OPHTHALMOLOGIST

An ophthalmologist is an eye specialist that diagnoses and treats eye disorders and diseases. When should you see an ophthalmolo gist if you suspect you have an eye condition? In some cases, you may receive a referral to an ophthalmologist after a routine eye exam if a problem is suspected. Or you may have symptoms such as unusual vision problems or eye pain. Many eye diseases and dis orders share the same symptoms, and you should seek the expertise of an ophthalmologist if you have a combination any of these symptoms: red/irritated/swollen eyes; poor night vision; chronic headaches; light sensitivity; visual floaters; flashes of light; chronic dry eyes; excessively watery eyes; eye pain; and blurred, distorted, or rapidly declining vision.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that you get a baseline eye examination at age 40. Much like screening for diabetes or certain cancers, a base line eye exam at 40 is a reminder to adults as they age to be aware of their eye health. A baseline screening can help identify signs of eye disease at an early stage when many treatments can have the greatest impact on preserving vision. To schedule an appoint ment, please call 201-896-0096.

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Photos by Jason Bernstein

LEFT: Cecilia Wassman, Camilla Guzman, Makayla Albert, Grace Christie, Isabel Riccardi, Sofia Miller, Mina Shaw, Liani Minichini. Kneeling left to right: Sydney Tramontana, Mariah, Morgan Dolaghan, Anna Green, Cynthia DePersio, Riley Sebastiano, Cassey Arroyo.

RIGHT: Junior starters Anna Green, Riley Sebastiano and Cynthia DePersio look to lead the way for Nutley this season.

NUTLEY

they need it,” said Mitschow. “I can’t remember the last time where I had two girls that could handle the ball with confidence. As a coach, it’s priceless.”

Sebastiano might be the team’s best perimeter shooter as she and Green hit 22 3-pointers apiece last season as sophomores. Adding to the Raiders’ perimeter game is sophomore guard Grace Christe, who made 14 3-pointers a season ago and will start as Nutley has adapted a four-guard attack this season.

Joining the quartet is sophomore forward Isabel

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD & PUBLIC HEARING HUDSON COUNTY

HOME-AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN (HOME-ARP) ALLOCATION PLAN

NOTICE IS GIVEN that a draft of HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) Allocation Plan for Hudson County has also been completed and will be available for a 15-day public re view period.

The County was awarded $9,754,424 in HOME-ARP funds in a one-time allocation from HUD. The Allocation Plan is required by HUD for the County to receive federal HOMEARP grant funds. The HOME-ARP Allocation Plan is a strategic plan detailing the allocation of funding to assist qualifying populations who are experiencing homelessness, at-risk of homelessness, and other vulnerable populations by providing affordable rental housing, tenant-based rental assistance, supportive services, and non-congregate shelter in order to reduce homelessness and increase housing stability. The Allocation Plan defines the use of federal HOME-ARP grant funds to address these needs.

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: Citizens are invited to review and make comments on the draft HOME-ARP Allocation Plan. The draft HOME-ARP Allocation Plan will be available for (15) fifteen days beginning December 1, 2022 to December 16, 2022, and comments con cerning the draft HOME-ARP Allocation Plan must be received by December 17, 2022. The HOME-ARP Allocation Plan can be viewed at Hudson County Division of housing and Com munity Development, 830 Bergen Ave., Fl. 5A Jersey City, NJ 07306 from Monday to Friday at regular business hours between 8:30am and 4:00pm and can also be downloaded and viewed from the County website at: https://www.hcnj.us/housing-and-community-rein tegration/housing-and-community-development. Comments may be returned by mail at the address above or by email to: gserio@hcnj.us.

PUBLIC HEARING: A virtual public hearing will be held at the following weblink: https:// us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwrcu6qqDoqHNTzCFS4uj3NP3t_O-Yll1c1 on De cember 14, 2022 at 4:00PM to review the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan and receive public comment. For more information on how to participate at the public hearing please email gserio@hcnj.us., or call 201-369-4520.

Accessibility: Hudson County does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status or disability in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its federally assisted programs or activities. Assistance will be provided to accommodate the special needs of disabled persons Translation Assistance: The County of Hudson will make efforts to provide translation assistance for public program information. Please contact the Housing & Community Development office at least 48 hours in advance if translation assistance is needed for the viewing the draft HOME-ARP Allocation Plan. To request assistance please contact: call 201-369-4520.

Riccardi. The 5-foot10 Ricciardi flashed her immense potential late last season and will be counted upon to give Nutley an interior scoring presence that it’s been sorely missing for years.

“She’s probably the tallest, most athletic girl that we’ve played at the position since I’ve been here. We’re really excited about her,” Mitschow said. “She’s going to be huge for us this year rebounding, blocking shots, she’s going to be a huge presence in the middle.

“For once we’re going to have someone down low in the post position where we can go for points.”

In years past, Nutley has rarely expanded its rotation beyond six or seven players, but this year’s Maroon

Raiders team should have the depth to go deeper into its bench. A big reason for that is the return of Liani Minichini, the team’s lone senior. Minichini missed all of last season, but flashed potential from the perimeter as an underclassmen, sinking 56 3-pointers over her freshman and sophomore seasons.

“On any given night. We could have five different leading scorers in the first five games which I love as a coach,” said Mitschow. “I think there’s five or six girls that I can say could be the leading scorer that night.”

Junior guard Mina Shaw is fighting to break into the starting lineup, but is sure to make her presence on the defensive end either starting or off the bench. Junior Morgan Dolagahan and Sofia Miller are two more potential shooters off the bench.

Sophomore Cassey Arroyo, who gives Nutley another option running the point, and freshman Makayla Albert are also looking to carve out roles in the rotation.

Nutley opens the season with two consecutive SEC Liberty contests as it hosts Newark Academy on Friday, Dec. 16, then travels to longtime rival Bloomfield the next morning at 11 a.m.

“Every game should be a winnable game. Last year we looked at the schedule and saw like 10 games on there we knew (were losses),” said Mitschow. “This year, the kids look at the schedule with enthusiasm and the belief that we can do this. They realize we should contend for a league title.”

Photo by Jason Bernstein

Standing left to right: Cecilia Wassman, Camilla Guzman, Makayla Albert, Grace Christie, Isabel Riccardi, Sofia Miller, Mina Shaw, Liani Minichini. Kneeling left to right: Sydney Tramontana, Mariah, Morgan Dolaghan, Anna Green, Cynthia DePersio, Riley Sebastiano, Cassey Arroyo.

Benjamin ‘Junior’ Pace Jr. Benjamin “Junior” Pace Jr., the heart and soul of the Pace family, died Nov. 28, 2022. Known to most as Junior, he was a lifelong resident of Har rison, who enjoyed his retired years down at Ortley Beach with his beloved wife of 63 years, Diane.

Junior spent his early years growing up in Harrison making great memories with his siblings Gloria, Brenda, but especially his brother/ best friend, Louis. Known to the people of Harrison as “Benny the Barber,” he owned one of the longest-standing family-run establishments in town. The doors to the barbershop were open to so many, it became more than just a barbershop for most. When he wasn’t at the

Obituaries

barbershop, you could find him in his kitchen with his family prepping for Sunday dinner. He was an avid sports fan, whether it meant never missing a New York Yankees/ Rangers game, or above all, was always seen in the stands supporting his own children and grandchildren as they competed throughout the years.

Junior was predeceased by his mother and father, Dor othea and Benny Pace, and beloved brother, Louis Pace.

His memories will live on through his beloved wife Diane Pace (nee Zitzow), sons Benjamin “Jay” and his wife, Karen Pace, Gary Pace and Rocco and his wife, Wendy Pace, sisters Gloria Kwityn, and her husband, Walter, and Brenda DeCarlo, and her hus

band Joseph; grandchildren Daniel Pace and his wife, Lau ren, Stefanee, and her husband Patrick Kivlehan, Timothy Pace, Samantha Carneiro and her husband Daniel, Gabriela Pace, Alyssa Pace and Sydney Pace and his most beloved great-grandchildren, Kylee, Jake, Juliana, Madelyn and Olivia.

Funeral services were under the direction of Mulligan Funeral Home 331 Cleveland Ave., Harrison. A funeral Mass was celebrated at Holy Cross Church, Harrison. His final disposition will be private.

If you would like to send a condolence message to his family, please visit www.mulli ganfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Saint Jude Children’s Research

How to help a loved one who has suffered a stroke

Has a loved one of yours suf fered a stroke? You may feel at a loss for how to support their rehabilitation. Here are some suggestions for helping them regain their autonomy.

Learn about strokes

Document the physical and emotional changes that may be affecting your loved one so you can better understand their needs. It’s possible they may suffer subsequent strokes. Therefore, knowing how to in tervene quickly will help both of you. Learn how to recog nize signs and symptoms, like speech difficulties or weakness on one side of the body, so you’ll be prepared if the need arises.

Go with them to rehab

Your loved one’s rehabili tation begins as soon as their condition becomes sufficiently stable. It includes tasks and exercises recommended by the various healthcare profession als overseeing their recovery. Join in on those activities to make it a little more fun and keep your loved one motivated.

Take care of yourself

Helping a stroke survi vor can take its toll on your wellbeing. It may even become a physical, emotional and financial burden. Although your role in your loved one’s rehabilitation is essential, it’s also crucial that you not ne glect yourself. You can unbur den yourself of some worries simply by confiding in a friend. Seek extra help from another family member or community organization. Even spending time on a hobby can be restor ative.

Visit heart.org to learn more

about stroke, join a support group for caregivers and get more self-care tips.

Novena to St. Claire

Ask St. Claire for 3 favors. 1 busi ness 2 impossible. Say 9 Hail Mary’s for 9 days with a lighted candle. Pray whether you believe it or not. Publish on 9th day. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised, adored, glorified & loved today and every day throughout the world Forever and Ever. Amen. Your request will be granted no matter how impossible it may seem.

Hospital, 501 Saint Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105-1942 or in care of the funeral home, in loving memory of Benny.

Marie D. Mattia

Marie D. Mattia Harrison died Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, at Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville.

She was 97.

Private funeral services are under the direction of Mulli gan Funeral Home, 331 Cleve

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

land Ave., Harrison.

If you would like to send a condolence message to her family, please visit www.mulli ganfh.com.

Marie was born in Harrison and was a lifelong resident. She worked as a sales clerk for Two Guys Supermarket in Kearny for many years.

Marie is survived by her brother, Harry “Rick” Ferriol, and her son Richard Mattia. She was predeceased by her sister, Florence Nespala.

Mulligan Funeral Home

331 Cleveland Avenue, Harrison

Arrangements

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

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Belatedly, KHS Class of 1970 celebrates its 50th reunion

Sure, it was two years later than it was supposed to be — but what hasn’t been postponed because of COVID?

The Kearny High School Class of 1970 finally got to celebrate its 50th union, 52 years after graduation.

Organizer Pearl Buehler says the original date for the reunion was September 2020 and was going to be in Hasbrouck Heights, but COVID had different plans for the KHS Class of 1970.

“It was rescheduled a few times and finally decided we were going to move our destination to Toms River, so on Sept. 23, the Kearny High School Class of 1970 finally was able to celebrate their 50th Class Reunion at the Clarion Hotel,” Buehler said. “We had anticipated a larger turnout, but many classmates couldn’t make it for health reasons, family

commitments, etc., and we ended up with approximately 55 classmates. The event turned out great and we received nothing but positive comments. Classmates connected with people they had not seen in a long time. So here is a little bit of advice to all of you who hesitate on going to your reunion — just do it — each one is a once in a lifetime event.”

The reunion committee included Buehler, Harve Hantiuk, Carole Leahy and Pat King.

“The work put in by the committee was well worth it,” Buehler said. “We also brought a little bit of Kearny to our reunion by having bagpiper Joe McGonigal pay a surprise and play some tunes. Carole Leahy had suggested this and we thought it was a great idea which was well received by the class. Go to your class reunion and reconnect.”

KHS & Saints Classes of 1973 planning joint reunion next year in Toms River

Graduates of Kearny and St. Cecilia High School’s Classes of 1973 are invited to take part in a joint 50th reunion May 20, 2023, at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, Toms River. The cost is $85 if paid before Feb. 1 or $95 if paid by the final deadline April 30.

The cost includes buffet dinner, two drink chips and an evening of dance, music and fun.

A cash bar will be available for anyone who wants more than two drinks.

Hotel reservations are available for attendees at a rate of $189 a night be sure to mention the reunion to get the preferred rate.

To pay, Kearny High School alums should make checks payable to Laura DiMichele and mail them to her at 26 Warren St., Bloomfield, N.J. 07003.

Saints graduates should make checks payable to Patte Blood and mail them to her at 2324 N. Chanticleer Court, Toms River, N.J. 08755.

HCPO: Conn. man arrested in serious 2021 Kearny crash

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

A Connecticut man has been charged in connection to a crash that seriously injured two people on Route 7 in Kearny in 2021, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said.

On Friday, Dec.2, 2022, members of the Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit arrested Daniel Leal Jr., of Meriden, Connecti cut, and charged him with two counts of aggravated assault, crimes of the second degree; two counts of assault by auto while driving under the influence (resulting in serious bodily injury), crimes of the third degree; assault by auto while driving under the influence (resulting in bodily injury), a crime of the fourth degree and unlawful possession of a weapon in violation, a crime of the second degree.

He was taken into custody at the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office in Secaucus and transported to the Hudson County Correction Facility, South Kearny, pending his first court appearance.

At approximately 4:08 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021, members of the Kearny Police Department responded to the area of Route 7 and the Harrison Avenue split on reports of a vehicle that crashed into a parked tractor trailer.

All four occupants of the car were transported to University Hospital in Newark. Two passengers, a 19-yearold woman and a 20-year-old man, both of Passaic, were both critically injured. Leal, who was a resident of Garfield at the time of the collision, and a second 20-year-old Passaic man, suffered injuries that were not life threatening.

The investigation found Leal was under the influence when he was traveling west on Route 7 in a 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer and collided with a tractor trailer that was parked on the side of the road.

Following a court-authorized search of the vehicle, a revolver was found in the trunk of the vehicle.

Suarez credited the Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit and the Kearny Police Department with the investigation and arrest.

Woman’s Club of Arlington donates backpacks

The Woman’s Club of Arlington supported the New Jersey State Fed eration of Woman’s Clubs in its spe cial project for the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation (ECF). Twelve backpacks were purchased and stocked with needed school supplies for children to whom ECF provides services. This contribution by the members totaled $360 but, when combined with all of the participating clubs in the state, made a huge difference.

The Emmanuel Cancer Founda tion provides New Jersey families facing the crisis of pediatric cancer a place to turn for comfort and support through professional in-home coun

seling and a uniquely tailored package of assistance — all free-of-charge.

Each year, ECF helps hundreds of families in New Jersey with a free package of support services. They assist any New Jersey family with a child who has cancer up to age 18, without exception. They continue helping the families for as long as they need it, whether it be one month or 10 years. There are no applications, forms or other red tape for a family to deal with — they strive to make the delivery of services as quick and seamless as possible.

To date, ECF has assisted over 2,000 families.

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.

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Under direction, patrols designated areas and issues summonses for street sweeping, meter enforcement and parking violations, collects monies from parking meters and other related duties.

Knowledge of problems involved in parking violations or the procedures used in dealing with such problems. Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the municipality. Valid NJ drivers license required. Position is subject to a comprehensive background check. 35 hr week.Salary $28,963 with full benefit package. https://info.csc.state.nj.us/jobspec/07310.htm Applications available here https://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/.

Application Deadline December 30, 2022 Please mail application to The Town of Kearny 402 Kearny Ave Kearny NJ 07032 The following residential preferences shall apply: 1. Residents of the Town of Kearny and the City of Newark; 2. Residents of Hudson and Essex Counties; W 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. 30W03

Webmaster/Social Media Coordinator for municipal website and social media content. Ideal candidate should have two (2) years of successful experience building and/or updating websites and posting content on various social media platforms. Hourly rate is negotiable depending upon qualifications. The application deadline is December 30, 2022. See application on https://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/.

The Town reserves the right to hire or contract with a qualified candidate or vendor before the application deadline. 30W03

Valid NJ Drivers License and own transportation

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Newark.

Martin allegedly refused the officer’s demands to remove his hands from his pockets as well as to stop walking. Martin then took off running whereafter Officer Fearon chased him down and arrested him at Kearny and Laurel avenues.

Officers learned that while buying lottery tickets, Martin allegedly jumped over the store’s counter, took the cash register drawer containing approximately $550, and then pushed a store clerk to the floor while fleeing. Officers recovered the cash drawer on

a Morgan Place sidewalk. After further investigation, Martin was charged with robbery and obstructing the administration of law. He was also wanted on a Hillside arrest warrant. Martin was remanded to the Hudson County jail.

On Nov. 23, Det. Jordenson Jean was assisting investigators from the T.J. Maxx/Marshalls National Task Force in prosecuting habitual offenders to the Kearny Marshalls store on Passaic Avenue.

While on this detail,

investigators informed Det. Jean a man had just concealed merchandise in a backpack and a large black suitcase that had been for sale and then fled the store without paying.

Det. Jean confronted the suspect inside the convenience store of the

Exxon station at 22 Passaic Ave. He was later identified as Daniel E. Martha-Veras, 27, of Newark. The suitcase was near Martha-Veras.

Assisted by Officers Mat Lopez and Damian Kolodziej, Det. Jean had to overcome Martha-Veras’s alleged resistance to take him under arrest. Officers recovered $1,192.61 of stolen merchandise subsequent to the arrest.

Martha-Veras was charged by summons with shoplifting and resisting arrest. He was also wanted on two no-bail warrants by the City of Newark (both for obstructing). Martha-Veras was later turned over to Newark police.

STANDOFF

(Ultimately, it turned out to be just a BB gun more on that later.)

Out of an abundance of caution, the Kearny PD reached out for the Hudson SWAT team and a wide perimeter was set up around the home and adjacent blocks. Traffic was blocked as far south as Oakwood Avenue and Kearny Avenue and as far north as Midland Avenue and Kearny Avenue. Other streets like New Lawn Avenue, Pavonia Avenue were also off limits.

The public was, for hours, barred from walking along those stretches, as well, out of an abundance of caution.

After more than six hours of keeping police and SWAT at bay, the woman ultimately emerged from the home without a weapon on her. Capt. Timothy Wagner, the Kearny PD’s press liaison, said the woman had been taken to an area hospital where she was expected to undergo an extensive psychiatric evaluation.

Deputy Chief Scott Macfie, who was the incident commander that day, said the woman, whose name we are not releasing, will soon be charged with aggravated assault since she “pointed the gun at workers” who were

performing construction on an adjacent home. Charges aren’t always a foregone certainty when someone holds police at bay.

Unfortunately, the home is one police have often been called to for a variety of reasons. In fact, in last week’s police blotter alone, we learnt the woman in this case was arrested in November after she first fled the home to the Exxon Station at Oakwood and Kearny and told police someone was going to kill her and then just hours later, stood accused of threatening to kill someone, herself, who also lived in the same home (which, by the way, does not have electricity.)

There were likely other reports you have previously read in this newspaper involving the woman and other residents at the house involving anything from noise complaints to violations of restraining orders to physical assaults.

Despite all of the intense action which included locking down Lincoln Middle School, just half a block away from the scene of the incident not a single person the victim, civilians, police was injured during the course of the day.

And, fortunately, since the incident was isolated to the home, the general public was never at risk for harm.

Meanwhile, as tends to happen when incidents such as this one occurs, there were numerous egregious social-media reports about what was happening at the scene, the worst of which is that people were being held hostage. At no time was this ever a hostage situation. This was the second of what one might consider a “major” police-related incident in that neighborhood last week. Early Tuesday morning, Nov. 29, three burglars used a crowbar to gain entry to the then-closed Exxon station’s minimart and to take off in a stolen Range Rover with its ATM machine (yeah, we know, the M implies “machine.”)

In that case, Ruben Gonzalez, 19, whose last known address was in Newark, was taken into custody by

Det. John Fabula charged Gonzalez with Burglary, theft, conspiracy, and criminal mischief. He was, at the time, remanded to the Essex County Correctional Facility based on the charges he faced in Newark.

However, he was later released into the custody of the New Jersey Department of Corrections.

Gonzalez was listed by the Essex County inmate lookup tool as an “escapee” from one of its Juvenile Justice Commission facilities, though he is no longer a juvenile.

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Newark police, after officers in the Newark PD’s 7th Precinct found him in possession of yet another stolen vehicle, this time a Porsche taken from Muttontown Village, New York.

78 Oakwood Ave., Kearny | Apple Maps