e-Newspaper for Feb. 1, 2023

UNDER THE COVER

Kearny could soon have its firstever parking utility and with it, parking permits for residents, ability to pay to park by app & more Page 5

SWAT team, serving Kearny warrant, is shot at by suspect; no one is hurt: Essex County Prosecutor

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

Despite shots having been fired, no one was shot in a SWAT incident last week at the lower end of Kearny Avenue, multiple law-enforcement sources said.

According to reports:

On the morning of Wednesday, Jan. 25, the Hudson County Regional SWAT team was sent to a Kearny Avenue residence to serve a search warrant on a man involved in a narcotics operation being investigated by police in Lyndhurst.

At the same time, the Bergen County SWAT team was sent to a home in Lyndhurst where another suspect was apprehended, without incident.

Hudson County SWAT was called upon in the initial warrant being served because the suspect’s home address was Kearny.

But this one didn’t go as swiftly as the one in Lyndhurst because at some point, the suspect there brandished a firearm at the Hudson SWAT team, leading

them to fire shots at the suspect.

What is not immediately clear is how many shots were fired and whether that suspect fired shots first.

Meanwhile, in Jersey, whenever a law-enforcement officer discharges a weapon, for any reason at all, the state Attorney General, or his designee, must investigate the incident.

Since Hudson and Bergen SWAT teams were involved in this case, the Attorney General’s office assigned the nearby Essex County Prosecutor’s Office to investigate the shooting, Robert Florida, the ECPO’s public-information officer, told The Observer.

As of presstime, the name of the man who was the subject of the arrest warrant in Kearny, has not been released.

However, numerous lawenforcement sources have told The Observer the man is a reported member of a street gang and has an extensive criminal history, including convictions for homicide and aggravated assault.

Lyndhurst PD assigns 2 officers to work in township schools as SROs

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

The Lyndhurst Police Department has created two new school resource officers to work in township schools to join one sergeant who has been as one for several years.

The two officers will have somewhat different roles, however.

Officer Nolan James will work solely in townships schools along with Sgt. Steve Passamano and will be primarily stationed in the middle school.

Passamano has served as an SRO for the last 3.5 years.

Officer Joseph White, meanwhile, becomes the Lyndhurst PD’s full-time juvenile investigations officer, responsible

for looking into and following through on all cases involving minors (those younger than 18).

White will also offer support to James and Passamano in their in-school efforts.

It’s all a part of Mayor Robert B. Giangeruso and Chief Richard L. Jarvis Jr.’s stated commitment to keeping township schools safe.

“The Lyndhurst PD School Resource Officer program has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the Lyndhurst schools. Supporting the safety of our schools means investing in the overall well-being of our students and their future,” Giangeruso said. “Providing our resources solidifies the commitment from my office and our

See SRO, Page 18

Montclair State University & DHS will create human-trafficking resources for law enforcement across all of New Jersey

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

The Global Center on Human Trafficking (GCHT) at Montclair State University and the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark office signed a Memorandum of Understanding Jan. 25 for the devel-

opment of a web-based application and website to aid in the fight against human trafficking.

The agreement was signed during a special event at the HSI-Newark’s field office and featured remarks from Ricky J. Patel, HSI Newark special agent in charge; Jonathan Koppell, Montclair State University president; Ali Boak, director for Global Center on Human Trafficking; Phillip

R.Sellinger, United States attorney for the District of New Jersey; Col. Patrick J. Callahan, superintendent of the New Jersey State Police; Esther Suarez, Hudson County prosecutor; Theodore N. Stephens II, Essex County prosecutor; Fritz G. Frage, Newark director of Public Safety.

The event closed with the story of human trafficking survivor and victim advocate, Treia Boozier.

The digital resources will be designed to provide information and resources to New Jersey law enforcement agencies that may encounter victims of human trafficking.

Under the partnership, the GCHT and HSI-Newark will collaborate to ensure new resources include best practices, current contact information and points of contact for law

See HUMAN, Page 18

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

Contributed photo

Seen at the promotion ceremony last week were, from left, LPD Chief Richard L. Jarvis Jr., new SROs Nolan James and Joseph White, SRO Commander and long-time solo SRO Sgt. Steve Passamano and Mayor Robert B. Giangeruso.

Lyndhurst PD seeks the public’s input

its 2023 re-accreditation

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

Ateam of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023, will examine all aspects of the Lyndhurst Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations and support services, Chief Richard L. Jarvis Jr. said.

“Verification by the team that the Lyndhurst Police Department meets the commission’s best practice standards

is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence,” Jarvis said.

As part of this final onsite assessment, employees and members of the general public are invited to provide comments to the assessment team and may do so by telephone or email.

The public may call (201) 939-2900, ext. 2603, on Monday, Feb. 6, from 10 to 11 a.m. Email comments may be sent to Lt. Paul Haggerty at phaggerty@lyndhurstnjpo-

lice.gov.

Telephone comments are limited to five minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards. Contact Lt. Haggerty at (201) 9392900, ext. 2603, or phaggerty@lyndhurstnjpolice. gov, for information about the standards.

Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Lyndhurst Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to email the Accreditation Program

Director at hdelgado@ njsacop.org or write to the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, 751 Rt. 73 N., Suite 12, Marlton, N.J. 08053.

The Lyndhurst Police Department must comply with NJSACOP LEAP standards in order to achieve accredited status.

“Accreditation results in greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits, increased community advocacy and more confidence in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs,” Jarvis said.

The Accreditation Program Director for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police is Harry J Delgado.

“The assessment team is composed of law-enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey law-enforcement agencies. The assessors will review written materials, interview agency members, and visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed,” Delgado said. “Once the commission’s assessors

complete their review of the agency, they will report to the full commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status.”

Accreditation is valid for a three-year period during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.

The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police through its New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission is the legitimate authority and accreditation agency in the state of New Jersey.

For more information on the commission, write to the address listed above or send an email to hdelgado@ njsacop.org.

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

With installation of solar panels, Belleville schools get much greener

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

The Belleville School District says it is moving ahead with cutting-edge initiatives to create a cleaner, greener community.

advertising@theobserver.com

agreement, it is estimated taxpayers will save $2 million because the solar energy will power parking lot lights, classroom computers and more.

the engineering behind the panels could inspire myriad STEM projects throughout the grade levels.”

And, while these projects are focused on preserving the environment, they will also reduce energy bills for schools while creating important lessons for students.

Observer

201-991-1600

The district, under Superintendent of Schools Dr. Richard Tomko, has installed rooftop units capable of harnessing the vast (and free) energy of the sun.

Tomko said the panels will be fitted with LED panels that will allow students and teachers to monitor how much energy is being saved each day, infusing lessons of green living into the classroom curriculum.

In addition to the solar panels and carport roofing, three new light poles powered by solar and wind energy have been installed at the high school and one at School 9.

The project was funded with $107,912 in state money.

The panels have been installed at Schools 3, 4, 7, 8, 9 and 10, as well as at Belleville Middle School and Belleville High School. Solar-powered carport roof-

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ing has also been installed in Schools 8 and 10, and at Belleville High School.

Over the course of a

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“It’s exciting to use energy-saving initiatives as real-world teaching tools in the classroom,” the superintendent said. “This will hopefully lead to important classroom discussions about fossil fuel alternatives, environmental awareness and more. Just studying

“While these lights will also reduce energy costs, their primary and immediate benefit will be safety-related,” Matthew Paladino, the district’s business administrator, said. “Keeping our grounds well-lit and keeping students and staff members safe and secure is always our priority.”

appliances in your kitchen aren’t an option, make sure all existing ones are spotless.

There are a multitude things you can do to call attention to the many reasons why buyers should choose your house to buy over any others. We’ll be sure to point out all the tempting features that will appeal to buyers searching for a new home. We feel the responsibility strongly of using the full range of our experience, skills, and training to get you the price you are looking for when it comes time to sell. Call us or stop by to learn about our current listings. “Our success has been built one satisfied customer at a time.”

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Belleville Public Schools

Carport solar paneling, seen here in the parking lot at Belleville High School, has been installed here and at two elementary schools. Rooftop paneling has also been installed.

State AG’s office creates Human Trafficking Unit

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

As crimes involving forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation continue to grow nationwide, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced a new unit within the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) that will focus exclusively on

investigating and prosecuting these types of human trafficking crimes in New Jersey.

The newly established Human Trafficking Unit will spearhead New Jersey’s fight against human trafficking through aggressive pursuit of criminal networks that trade in people and exploit them for profit.

Platkin introduced the

Happy Valentine’s Day!

new unit in his remarks at the Division of Criminal Justice’s 13th annual Human Trafficking Awareness event at the Trenton War Memorial late in January. The day-long event, scheduled yearly in January’s National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, brings together members of law enforcement, community partners,

advocacy groups and survivors of human trafficking to educate and raise awareness of this global health issue and collaborate on ways to end it.

DCJ Director Pearl Minato said the creation of the Human Trafficking Unit is a game changer.

“I want to thank Attorney General Platkin for prioritizing our mission to end modern-day slavery in New Jersey by providing DCJ with the resources needed to tackle the problem of human trafficking head on,” Minato said. “This team of seasoned litigators and investigators, under the leadership of Deputy Director Theresa Hilton, will be capable of pursuing complex trafficking networks across jurisdictional boundaries and bring charges that result in significant prison sentences.”

Deputy Director Theresa Hilton, a veteran litigator with extensive experience prosecuting sex assault crimes, was brought on by the attorney general in September to oversee sexual and domestic-violence prevention policy and criminal enforcement work — a role Platkin created within the Division of Criminal Justice.

In the role, she will also now lead the new unit.

Prior to joining DCJ, Hilton led the domestic-violence unit at the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, where she revamped policies to remove artificial barriers to justice, including those that unfairly placed the weight of prosecutions on the shoulders of victims.

Yearly, millions of humans

of all ages in the world, including in the U.S., are bought and sold for forced labor or sexual exploitation. Human trafficking is a crime whose victims are often hidden in plain sight and signs of human trafficking often go unnoticed because the relationship between trafficker and victim masquerades as consensual romantic or familial relationships or as legitimate employment relationships.

Often times, human trafficking victims have been so coerced or traumatized, they don’t view themselves as victims at all. For these reasons, it’s difficult to estimate the extent to which the problem exists in New Jersey.

However, the FBI considers New Jersey to be a “hub” for this type of activity, in part because the state is positioned between several major metropolitan areas including New York, Baltimore and Philadelphia.

Since January 2018, approximately two dozen human trafficking cases in New Jersey have been prosecuted by county prosecutors’ offices and the Division of Criminal Justice.

The new Human Trafficking Unit was created to enhance and expand New Jersey’s efforts to end human trafficking by assembling a select group of professionals within DCJ who are uniquely qualified and experienced investigate and prosecute these crimes.

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

Parking utility, angled parking, app payments, permits on the horizon in Kearny

By Ron Leir ronleir423@gmail.com

Kearny residents fed up with competing for curbside parking spaces when shopping in the main business district or circling around several blocks to find a space close to home at night could be seeing some relief by the summer.

That’s when Mayor Alberto Santos hopes to unveil the first phase of a plan that would set up a local parking utility to sell residential parking permits and enforce new parking rules, initially, in the southern part of town.

If the new system works, Santos said he anticipated expanding the program to encompass the entire town.

The plan figures to be based, in large part, on recommendations submitted by Advanced Parking Planning Systems LLC, a consulting firm headed by Robert Baselice, who also serves as executive director of the North Bergen Parking Authority.

Baselice’s firm surveyed Kearny residents to get an overall assessment of the local parking problems, surveyed how other municipalities in the region were handling parking

issues and then drafted a 30-page report listing his observations and a plan of attack which he presented to the mayor and council last Tuesday.

Residents’ top three complaints were “no availability of parking at night,” followed closely by “people taking up more than one space on

the street, saving spaces,” and “commercial vehicles taking up spaces when not providing services,” just ahead of too many out-ofstate or temporary license plates on the street.”

To best get control of these and other gaps in satisfying the demand for making available sufficient spaces as efficiently as possible,

Baselice recommends creating, by town ordinance, “a separate Town of Kearny Parking Utility” as a unit of the Kearny Police Department, but dedicated to all things related to resident parking.

The KPU, which could be managed by the town administrator or a new

See PARKING, Page 19

Apple Maps

Among numerous recommendations from a consultant on how to best address Kearny’s major parking issues is the consideration of angled parking in several areas, including the location seen here here, near Kearny High School, along Davis Avenue.

OPINION & VIEWPOINTS

Santos swears in Vainieri

Friday, Jan. 20, 2023, was the day The Hudson Reporter newspapers died. What was once a vibrant series of individual newspapers in Jersey City, Bayonne and a bunch of North Hudson towns, eventually became two editions and the staff was reduced significantly. One of those former staffers was The Observer’s former sports writer Jim Hague, a major reason why people picked up those newspapers in the first place.

When the obituary for The Hudson Reporter broke that day on social media, there were scores and scores of replies from readers musing, “How could this happen? We need local newspapers in our community.”

And while it is so very true of the need for local journalism, the answer as to why this happened is so simple to note yet so impossibly difficult to solve.

A look the last Hudson Reporter — published Jan. 19, 2023 — reveals it was a grand total of 12 pages. There were four local ads. One was for a Bayonne business, another from the State of New Jersey, one from a gigantic hospital conglomerate and one was from a restaurant chain. Not one of those four paid-for ads were for a business within the readership area — North Hudson and Jersey City. There were also a few, generic, national ads.

So the last edition had six ads in total over 12 pages. There were also two classifieds that may have netted the company $50 tops — it was more than likely even less than that.

The simple reality: weekly newspapers survive with one source of revenue — advertising. When advertising dies off, so, too, does the newspaper. It’s happening across the board in the print industry. Why? There are just too many reason to list. But one of the biggest is social media. So many business owners think, heck, why pay for advertising when I can use Facebook?

Every time a private citizen posts something like, “Look at the new store in town,” it’s another nail in the print newspaper world’s coffin. It’s a harsh reality, one we’ve had to accept here at The Observer, at times, also.

So while there are those who will lament the loss of The Hudson Reporter — I am certainly one of those people — I can’t help but wonder how many of these folks are business owners who never took out an ad for their business?

I can’t help but wonder how few people realize most small newspapers operate solely on ad revenue? I wonder how many people realize our newspaper is as much a business in Kearny as any deli, garage, restaurant, liquor store, daycare center, gas station, cafe, diner, law office, accounting office, etc., is?

If you love a local business, but rarely, if ever, spend money in it, you really should not be shocked when that business eventually has to shut its doors.

Such was the case for The Reporter, 40 years after its birth. No one could have predicted this in 1983, or 1887, frankly.)

Few to no ads = no newspaper (just as in when there are no eaters, there’s no restaurant.) I pray the industry may one day rebound for all of this. But by no means will I hold my breath in anticipation of it happening.

Hudson County Commissioners Clerk and Kearny Mayor Alberto G. Santos, right, swore-in Anthony Vainieri for his seventh-consecutive term as the chairman of the commissioners earlier this month. Vainieri represents all of North Bergen. Commissioner Anthony L. Romano, who represents all of Hoboken and part of Jersey City, was sworn in as vice chairman.

Calautti: Differing viewpoints are great, but publishing outright fallacies ... irresponsible

To the Editor: It is commendable The Observer allows opposing views on its Op-Ed page, such as the recent topic of serious injuries in football. Unfortunately, Armand Rose has used this platform to spread misinformation regarding a connection between the COVID vaccine and heart-related problems in sports.

This fringe conspiracy

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

theory has been bouncing around the internet for over a year now. Yes, young athletes sometimes die playing sports, but it is usually due to a genetic condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

There has not been a surge in such incidents “at

an alarming rate.” The CDC website still recommends anyone 6 months and older get vaccinated. The idea the vaccine is responsible for the death of young athletes is not even a controversy, it is a hoax. It’s also a slap in the face to the parents of young athletes who have died from this genetic condition, one whom I know personally.,

James Calautti

Kearny

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

Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com

Editor/Broadcaster

Tina Feorenzo Co-owner/Advertising

Michelle Rybeck advertising@theobserver.com Graphic Artist/Real Estate

Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

Sports Writer

Robert P. Pezzolla gm@theobserver.com General Manager

Kimberley Pezzolla kimpezzolla@theobserver.com

The Hudson Reporter’s demise is nothing to celebrate. It’s maddening

KPD says Newark man wanted Wawa employee to ‘Go back to Mexico’ and pick his s**t up off the ground

By Capt. Timothy Wagner Kearny Police Department

On Jan. 21 at 8:11 p.m., Officer Tom Collins responded to Wawa on Harrison Avenue for on a report of a man fighting a Wawa employee and had struck him in the head with a wooden broom handle. The assailant fled before police arrived. Joined in the investigation by Det. Michael Farinola, officers learned the Wawa employee had been cleaning around the outside of the building when he heard a man allegedly say, “Come pick this s[--]t up, Mexican boy.”

The employee turned to see a man in a parked car had thrown garbage out the window. When the employee voiced his displeasure at this, the man allegedly alighted from the car and began punching at the employee, but missing. The assailant then picked up the employee’s broom and struck him three times in the head and hand causing him pain and swelling.

The assailant fled by car when

confronted by security, allegedly calling out “Go back to Mexico.” He was described as a Black male wearing a “KISS” t-shirt and slippers.

Det. Farinola learned the assailant used both an EBT card and a credit card to make store purchases before the assault. After serving court orders on the banks, the detective identified the suspect as Alston Ross, 28, of Newark. He charged Ross by summons with aggravated assault and weapon offenses.

The summons later became a warrant and Ross was picked up by Port Authority police at Holland Tunnel, who turned him over to KPD. Ross was then booked and held at the Hudson County Jail.

On Jan. 13 at 2:38 a.m., Officer Anthony Oliveira pulled over a Nissan Altima at Belgrove Drive and Bergen Avenue for having a suspended registration. Officer Oliveira impounded the car and issued driver Victor M. DaSilva, 58, of North Arlington, tickets for driving with a suspended registration and for having

POLICE BEAT

an inoperable license plate light. However, during the course of his motor vehicle stop, Officer Oliveira recognized passenger Michael J. Byrd, 30, of Newark, from a prior police contact. He struck up a conversation with Byrd and soon learned Byrd was the subject of a Kearny arrest warrant stemming from a violent Dec. 17, 2022, robbery on Halstead Street.

In the December incident, a 43-yearold Kearny man had just driven home after cashing a large check for his contracting business in Newark. After parking near his home, the victim was approached by two men who threatened they had a gun and demanded money.

When the victim did not turn over money, he was brutally beaten about the face swelling his left eye shut, and lacerating his face. The thieves then allegedly stole an envelope that fell

out of the victim’s pocket containing approximately $16,000 cash from the business check he earlier cashed.

Responding officers recovered a stun gun on the ground next to the victim that was believed to have been dropped by one of the robbers; however, it is unclear how or if the stun gun was used in the assault.

Det. Kyle Plaugic led an investigation in which he collected and analyzed a trove of digital evidence in cooperation with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Computer and Technical Services Unit and the Newark Police Division’s Robbery Squad.

That investigation identified Byrd as one of the suspects in the robbery. The investigation also showed Byrd allegedly followed the victim from Newark where he cashed his check.

On Oct. 25, Det. Plaugic filed criminal complaints charging Byrd with robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, aggravated assault and unlawful possession of a weapon. After Byrd’s Jan. 13 arrest, he was held at the Hudson County Jail.

Commentary by Kevin A. Canessa Jr.

It was late September and the New York Mets, somehow, squandered their National League East lead to the Atlanta Braves. Then, in the early part of October, the same Mets team went out and lost to the San Diego Padres in a 3-game Wild Card series. What was such a fun season ended miserably and the presumption was the Braves would cruise to the World Series.

But the Philadelphia Phillies had other plans and against all odds, got to but lost the series to the Houston Astros.

Maybe it is because I am older but I was able to stomach that. Their path to the series was so unlikely, so improbably, that they were actually fun to watch.

But now here were are, on the preci-

pice of the Big Game (we’re not supposed to call it what it’s called in real life because it’s trademarked and the NFL doesn’t like the word to be used without their permission and a check written to them) and another Philly team will be playing for a championship.

The Eagles. The Kansas City Chiefs. The City of Philadelphia against little ole’ Kansas City. The city that required a judge to be on site to adjudicate cases because their fans were so unruly v. a city best known in sports for being the place where umpire Don Denkinger loused up a call in the 1985 World Series.

Philly is the city where Santa got pelted with snowballs. It’s the city where a Cherry Hill man once vomited on a child — intentionally — on

a child. It is the city with fans who, without getting into a litany of reasons as to why, has the absolute worst fans in all of America. Yeah, they’re passionate. Sure, they are loyal. But to say they are obnoxious and are insufferable is perhaps the easiest statement for a fan of New York/New Jersey to make.

When the Chiefs and Eagles take the field the second Sunday in February, though I have very little interest in football, I will be rooting for the Chiefs not just to win, but to blow the Eagles out.

The thought of a parade down Broad Street should make every Giants and Jets fan want to vomit (not on a child, of course.)

Come on, admit it, you know I am right. And it had to be said!

Philly is in the big game, so picking a team to root for should be easy

SPORTS & RECREATION

Negron and Nutley leave Codey Arena county wrestling champs

Lyndhurst boys basketball ends Jamboree drought, looks to grow from experience

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

Lyndhurst’s first appearance in the Bergen County Jamboree in five years came to a stunning and heartbreaking end on Thursday night when it dropped a 6259 overtime game to Demarest in the first round.

With the frustrations of squandering a 22-point lead still fresh in their minds, head coach Perrin Mosca made it clear to his young team that it was time to put this game, while a valuable experience, in the rearview mirror as it reaches the stretch run.

division) responded with perhaps its best half of the season, jumping out to a 3720 halftime lead.

The lead grew to 22 early in the third, but Demarest stormed back, trimming the deficit to nine by the end of the quarter, then forcing overtime. In the extra period, Matt Slowikowski delivered the dagger, hitting a game-winning 3-pointer with just three seconds left.

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

Rocco Negron remembers the frustration a year ago of not being able to compete in the Essex County Tournament due to a shoulder injury, which eventually required surgery.

Now fully healthy, Belleville’s 132-pound junior is letting the County know just how good he is capable of being on the mat.

On Thursday, Negron and Nutley heavyweight Brandon Toranzo, left West Orange’s Codey Arena as County champions, winning their respective weight classes while keeping their undefeated seasons intact. Toranzo was also named Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament.

“It meant a lot,” said Negron. “Last year got taken away from me. Last year I probably would have done good (in the ECT). This year meant a lot, winning it for the first time and hopefully not the last time.

“I feel good, I feel confident in it. Last year I wasn’t con-

fident in my shoulder at all. It would always hurt, even in practice, but now it’s smooth sailing.”

Despite the shoulder injury, Negron qualified for the state tournament in Atlantic City. But this season has been different.

As the top seed at 132 pounds, Negron earned a double bye into the round of 16. His tournament run began with first period pins over Caldwell’s Jordan Orland and Newark East Side’s Edwin Cuaresma.

In the semifinals, Negron won an 11-3 major decision over Nick Bastante of West Essex. Then, in the championship match, Negron defeated Matthew Farley Jr. of Seton Hall Prep, in a 5-2 decision, improving his record to 24-0.

“Last year he made a name for himself by beating some very good opponents and making it to Atlantic City,” said Belleville head coach Joe Pizzi. “I think this year, he’s really taken the next step in every facet of his game. He’s

really turned it up a notch. He was working hard before, but it’s very evident that he’s fully engaged in everything that he’s doing, all aspects of it.”

“I’m as confident as I’ve ever been in high school,” Negron said. “Every match, it keeps growing bigger and bigger.”

While Negron continues to rack up the wins in the lower weights, Toranzo continues to dominate in his first season at Nutley after transferring home from St. Joseph Regional.

Toranzo, the top seed at 285 pounds, also earned a double bye, then got a forfeit win to advance to the quarterfinals. Once he took the mat, Toranzo showed once again why he is one of the state’s breakout stars, pinning Glen Ridge’s Joshua Schumann in just 27 seconds. Then, after defeating Jack Tierney by a 10-4 decision in the semifinals, Toranzo dominated his final, taking down Verona’s John Stockelberg four times before getting

In front of the Golden Bears boys basketball team is a potential NJIC - National Division title if it defeats Weehawken on Monday, Jan. 30 and Rutherford on Thursday. One day later, Lyndhurst plays a St. Peter’s Prep team ranked No. 5 in the state by NJ.com Top 20 in the Metro Classic at Kean University.

“That was my speech after the game. Don’t worry about this game now, the game on Monday (at Weehawken) is what our real goal is,” Mosca said. “It would have been great to get a county win and we would have then played Teaneck, which would have been a great experience. But our main goal is to win this league. That was our first goal and when we started the season that’s what we talked about. “

While Mosca was quick to have his team forget about Thursday, the night was one that proved telling about Lyndhurst’s potential.

For this young roster, Thursday’s Jamboree game, its first since 2018, was the biggest game of their short varsity careers. Rather than be overwhelmed by the environment and packed gym, Lyndhurst (12-5, 7-1 in

Anthony Pizzuti continued his brilliant junior season with 23 points and 11 rebounds for his 12th double-double of the season. Jake Mayer had 11 points with six assists and CJ Baillie added 10 points.

Lyndhurst, which has qualified for the Jamboree just five times in the last 30 years, was seeking its first win in the tournament since 2005.

“I did tell the kids you’re gonna learn from this. Demarest is a really good team and you were beating them and hanging in with them,” said Mosca. “You got to play like that, but you gotta play four quarters. You can’t let up against good teams.

“I told them to keep their heads up, they played a heck of a game. They did a lot, I thought they did enough to win that game, but it just didn’t happen for them.”

Lyndhurst wasn’t the only area team to see its county tournament time come to an end this past week.

In the Essex County Boys Basketball Tournament, Nutley, seeded 31st in the 39team field, played some of its best basketball of the season, defeating Cedar Grove, 47-35, in the first preliminary round before upsetting Montclair, 59-45, in the second preliminary round. The Maroon Raiders’ run ended with a

Rocco Negron and Brandon Toranzo

CHAMPS

Continued from Page 9

the pin at 1:42.

“He’s a big, strong boy who happens to be an excellent wrestler as well,” said Nutley head coach Mike DiPiano about Toranzo who continues to improve as he’s further removed from a torn ACL that sidelined him last season. “He’s very confident in his abilities right now and the coaches are very confident in his ability. He’s on a mission right now.”

“When I heard my name get called as (Outstanding Wrestler), I was definitely super excited,” said Toranzo, who felt he struggled a bit in the semifinals. “It’s something really cool to add to my resume.”

It is the third OW award that Toranzo (26-0) has earned this season. He also received OW honors at the Kearny and Rahway Tournaments in December.

“I’ve just been going out there, telling myself that

there’s no way I can lose,” Toranzo said. “I know right now, I’m definitely one of the top kids in the state, even though I’m not ranked yet. It’s going to happen soon, and I just want to keep this streak going and to keep going out there and keep dominating.”

Toranzo wasn’t the only Nutley wrestler to earn a medal, which is awarded to the top five finishers in each weight class.

Senior Franco Graffeo took second place at 126 pounds as he continued an impressive turnaround after a rough start to the season.

“He’s starting to peak at the right time. I don’t know if it’s the sense that your career is coming to an end soon, but he’s very at peace with wrestling right now,” said DiPaiano. “He’s focused, he’s not letting anything get into his head. He’s very focused on the task at hand and he had some really nice wins this week.”

In total, eight Maroon Raiders finished in the top eight in their weight classes,

allowing Nutley to take seventh place out of 22 schools in the team standings, a dramatic turnaround from last year’s tournament when it had just one top eight finisher and placed 18th as a team.

“That’s really what it’s about,” DiPiano said. “The progression has been nice, the hard work that my staff has put in and the wrestlers have put in, it’s been rewarding.”

Belleville, despite having just eight participants due to a host of injuries, took ninth place as a team. The Buccaneers had a pair of third place finishers in Leo Tiankee (120 pounds) and Fernando Collado (165). Senior Sterling Fernandez finished fourth at 215 pounds.

Bloomfield took eighth place, and was led by a trio of fourth place finishers in Rahjohn Plummer (132 pounds), Michael Marzano (144) and Damian Torres (165). Anthony Lizama (113 pounds) and Leandro Brito finished in fifth for the Bengals, which had seven wrestlers place among the top eight.

LYNDHURST

Continued from Page 9

77-63 loss at North Star Academy in the third preliminary round on Thursday. Senior guard Donte Dubose-Carter averaged 20.7 points in the ECT, making 13 3-pointers in the three games.

Belleville, seeded 25th,, defeated University of Newark, 64-61 in the second preliminary round before falling to ninth-seeded West Essex, 77-63, in the third preliminary round. Bloomfield, the 20th seed, lost 66-52 to Eagle Academy in the second preliminary

round.

In the Essex County Girls Basketball Tournament, 14th-seeded Nutley defeated Montclair in the third preliminary round, 45-33, but was eliminated in the first round by third-seeded West Orange, 51-31, on Friday. Belleville, seeded 23rd in the 33-team field, defeated Orange in the second preliminary round before falling to Mount St. Dominic. Bloomfield, the 13th seed, defeated North Star Academy in the third preliminary round, but was knocked out in the first round by fourth-seeded Newark Academy, 51-25, on Saturday.

Premier Car e TALK S

LONGHAUL COVID

Although most COVID-19 patients completely recover within a few weeks, some experience lingering symptoms. Known as “COVID long-haulers,” some patients endure continued symptoms including brain fog, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Longhaul COVID affects bodily organ systems causing patients disorientation and cognitive impairment along with fatigue, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), intense headaches, and shortness of breath (this often requires ongoing oxygen treatment due to permanent lung damage). The cardiac system endures chest pain or tightness and shortness of breath. According to the CDC, patients may experience persistent kidney dysfunction, newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes or worsened existing diabetes, rapid heartbeat, a tingling pins-and-needles sensation,

diarrhea, sleep disturbances, mood swings, irregular behavior patterns, and unusual, unexplained rashes. While people with certain risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity and other conditions are more likely to have a serious bout of COVID-19, there isn’t a clear link between these risk factors and long-term problems. Long COVID can happen in people who have mild symptoms. To schedule an appointment, please call PREMIER CARE ASSOCIATES OF WEST HUDSON at 201-998-7474, or visit us 7 days a week at 512 Kearny Ave., Suite B, where walk-in patients are always welcome 7 days a week.

P. S. Globally, the estimated prevalence of longhaul COVID was 37% one month after diagnosis, 25% at two months, 32% at three months, and 49% at four months.

Photo by Jason Bernstein

Dr. Prakash J. Doshi

Dr. Hector Aguilar

Nutley’s Kojic makes history with Essex swim title

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

Few people know about Nutley High School’s swimming program, let alone the fact that it is home of one of Essex County’s top swimmers. Nead Kojic is trying to change that

On January 16, Kojic not only made history, but hopes he helped create more

For his performance Kojic is almost certainly the first Nutley swimmer ever to be named The Observer Athlete of the Week.

“I really hope it pushes more (people to try swimming). To see that there are good swimmers on the team, people who are succeeding in their events,” said Kojic, a 6-foot-3, 195 pound senior.

far short of the amount needed to field a formal team and compete in dual meets alongside other schools.

For Kojic and others, that means there are only two times during the high school season where they represent Nutley in competition: at the Essex County Championships and, if they record a qualifying time, at the NJSIAA Meet of Champions at the end of the year.

As a result, the majority of Kojic’s swimming during the

winter - as well as the rest of the year - is done with his club team, the Montclair YMCA. Kojic said being with his club instead of a high school team during the season isn’t that bad because plenty of other swimmers throughout the state are in similar situations.

Kojic said he practices at the Montclair YMCA six days a week, usually for two hours a day. While it certainly prepares him physically, the lack of a traditional high school team and season

doesn’t make it difficult to prepare for the opposition at a meet like the Essex County Championships.

In fact, it wasn’t until the pre-meet sheet with times and lane assignments were handed out that day that Kojic knew he was the top seed in the 100 Breaststroke.

“Before the meet started they released site sheets which are almost like rankings of who is in what spot and who is the top

awareness and participation for the sport within Nutley.

Kojic became Nutley’s first Essex County Champion in swimming when he took first place in the 100 Yard Breaststroke at the SEC/ECADA Swimming Championships held at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

His time of 58.77, a personal best, was nearly a half-second faster than second place finisher Colin Ko of West Essex.

“It could push people to try it on their own because swimming is a great sport for all kinds of exercise, it’s one of the best workouts you can get. For more people to join it and create a bigger Nutley team that has a full season with dual meets. It would be great if I could help do that.”

As one of just three students to sign up for swimming in the school, Nutley’s participation numbers are

Photo courtesy of Nutley’s Luann Zullo Nead Kojic

ATHLETE

Continued from Page 11

minute last year, I had not been able to go under 59 seconds until that meet.

myself to be better and achieve what I want.”

Sure enough, Kojic did just that. For nearly a year, he had been trying to get his time in the event under 59 seconds. His previous best in the event this season for Montclair YMCA was 59.47 seconds, which ranked 12th in the state this season on the club circuit according to swimmingrank.com.

“Results wise, the time was my best yet,” Kojic said. “Since going under a

“I was very excited because I put pressure on myself to win it and I went out there and I got what I wanted. I put all the effort in and I got the result that I came for. It was exhilarating. There was a feeling that you get when you finally achieve it that’s like relief. A ‘I made it!’ type of feeling.”

Kojic already has submitted a time good enough to qualify for the NJSIAA Meet of Champions, which is set for March 4-5 at Gloucester County Institute of Technology, which is the next time he’ll be representing Nutley in the pool.

Other goals Kojic has include placing in the top eight at the YMCA Nationals later this year and swimming in college.

Timestillremainsforresidentstoapply for ANCHORrebate,Melhamsays

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

State officials say many eligible taxpayers have not yet applied for a tax rebate through the ANCHOR program, with an already-extended deadline set for Feb. 28.

According to the latest state figures, postcards were mailed to 8,287 homeowners in Belleville the state believes may be eligible for the program. Only 3,815 homeowners filed as of Jan. 18, leaving a potential pool of 4,472 Belleville homeowners — or 54% of all eligible homeowners — who are entitled to a rebate of up to $1,500, but have yet to register.

PROFESSIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, Ltd.

including PwC before launching her own accounting, tax management and investment firm. The company’s mission is to provide its clients with comprehensive financial planning that will enable them to build a solid fiscal foundation and achieve their individual, family and business goals.

Meanwhile, the state mailed postcards to 6,057 tenants in Belleville, of which 1,800 have filed for benefits so far. That leaves approximately 4,257 eligible tenants from Belleville who could be losing a $450 rebate, under assumptions from the state Treasury Department.

Belleville Mayor Michael Melham is working with Assemblyman Ralph Caputo, D-28, to spread the word about the impending deadline. They are hosting a joint event Thursday, Feb. 9, at the Belleville Senior Citizens Recreation Center, 125 Franklin Ave., from 2-6:30 p.m., to guide residents through the process.

If you owned or rented your main residence in New Jersey on Oct. 1, 2019 and met the income requirements, you qualify for property tax relief under the ANCHOR program. But

you need to apply by the Feb. 28 deadline.

“As so many Belleville residents have yet to register, it is critical you share this information with your friends and neighbors,” Melham said. “Every single eligible Belleville household should receive this rebate; we all just need to apply.”

Homeowners with income of $150,000 or less will receive $1,500, while homeowners with income of more than $150,000 and up to $250,000 will receive $1,000. Renters with income of $150,000 or less will receive $450.

The state is planning to pay ANCHOR benefits in late spring in the form of direct deposit or check to eligible applicants. ANCHOR replaced the state’s Homestead rebate program.

Learn more at anchor. nj.gov.

CARE

Vision Consultants

Presented by Joseph A. DeLuca, M.D., F.A.C.S.

PREVENTING COMMON EYE PROBLEMS

Some eye conditions lead to vision loss while others can simply cause a lot of discomfort. There are some easy steps you can take to prevent common eye problems and help preserve your eye health at the same time. Dry eyes are due to low tear production and can cause vision impairment, eye infections, and permanent damage. Allergic conjunctivitis can cause similar problems when the eye reacts to allergens like pollen, dander, and mold. If you suffer from either of these problems, you may want to carry artificial tear drops, wear sunglasses or goggles when outdoors, and take frequent breaks from the computer (or just blink more to encourage tear production). Warm compresses can ease discomfort and encourage tear production. When it comes to scheduling

preventive health appointments, eye exams are often overlooked. Comprehensive eye exams include a vision screening in addition to a series of tests to evaluate the health of your eyes. During an exam, each eye is examined for signs of serious eye issues such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and detached retinas, among other conditions. Please call our eye center today at 201-896-0096. We are located at 20 Park Avenue, Lyndhurst. Call 201-896-0007 for our optical shop. We accept most insurance.

P.S. Artificial tears (common eyedrops) are an easy and affordable solution to treating and preventing dry eyes and allergic conjunctivitis; however, research shows that vitamin A and cyclosporine drops have even better results.

www.delucavision.com

Bernadette M. McGrath

Bernadette M. McGrath of Harrison died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023.

She was 94.

Funeral services were under the direction of Mulligan Funeral Home, Harrison. A funeral Mass was celebrated at Holy Cross Church, Harrison. Her interment took place in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.

Born in Harrison, Bernadette was a lifelong resident. As a dedicated parishioner of Holy Cross Church, Harrison, for many years, she was a CCD teacher and a member of the Rosary Altar Society.

Predeceased by her husband Joseph Edward “Buddy” McGrath in 1983, Bernadette is survived by her loving children, Joseph (MaryRose), Teresa, Mary (Mark) Van Koy, John (Susan) and Gerard “Jerry” McGrath, 13 cherished grandchildren and seven dear great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Bernadette was predeceased by her siblings, Thomas Mansfield, Ann Mae Harrison and John Mansfield.

To send a condolence message to her family, please visit www.mulliganfh.com.

OBITUARIES

Jenna M. Cruz

Jenna M. Cruz, of North Arlington, died peacefully at home on Jan. 26, 2023.

She was 29.

Visiting was at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny. Her service was at the funeral home and burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.

Jenna was the beloved daughter of Charlene (nee Minniti) and the late Joseph Cruz. Cherished granddaughter of Marie Cruz and the late Joseph and Paul Minniti and the late Mary. She is also survived by many loving friends and family who supported her during her brave struggle for life.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to John Theurer Cancer Center, 92 Second St. Hackensack, N.J. 07601

Jacinto Almeida Silva

Jacinto Almeida Silva died at home Jan. 26, 2023.

He was 86.

Born in Porto, Portugal, he has lived most of his life in Kearny.

Visiting will be Tuesday,

Jan. 31, 2023 from 4 until 8 p.m. at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. His funeral Mass will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Church, Kearny. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. Jacinto was a retired welder from Dye Specialties in Jersey City and enjoyed his second career as a school crossing guard in Kearny.

He was the husband of Marilyn (nee Cichino) and father of Jose Almeida (his wife Michele), Fatima Santiago and the late John Almeida. Brother of Jose Silva, he is also survived by his grandchildren Jonathan, Jasmine, Christian, Sofia, Jessie, Meadow, John and Ryan along with his great-grandchildren Joziah and Lyla Jo.

Donald E. DeRogatis Sr. Donald E. DeRogatis Sr., currently of Whiting, died at home Jan. 26, 2023.

He was 81.

Born in Newark, he lived many years in North Arlington before retiring to the Jersey Shore.

Visiting was at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny. His funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, Jan. 31, at 9:45 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in North Arlington.

Burial will be in Arlington Cemetery in Kearny.

Don was a retired firefighter from the Hackensack Fire Department. He was also the past chief and volunteer firefighter as well as the construction code official, both in North Arlington. He was past president of the Sonata Bay Community and was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Bayville.

He is survived by his loving wife Margaret (nee Thompson) “Marge” and was the father of Donna Perlee (the late Jan Meyer),

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

Barbra Cama (Michael), Donald E. DeRogatis Jr. (Christine) and Elizabeth DeRogatis. Father-in-law of Donald Perlee, he was brother of Antonia Mason, Gina Marshall and the late JoAnn Carnasciole and brother-inlaw to Jack Thompson. Also surviving are his grandchildren Emily, William, John, Jennifer, Christina, Jamie, Juliet, Kayleigh, Andrew, Matthew, Lauren, Robert and Maggie and his “bonus” grandchildren Payton and Josh. He is survived by his lifelong family friends, the Hedenberg family.

Shaw-Buyus

Home for Services

Mario Teixeria, IV, Manager, NJ Lic. #3757

Mario Teixeira, Jr. Director, NJ Lic. #2542 • Monique Teixeira, Director, NJ Lic. #4048

Newly renovated family owned and operated funeral home with multiple locations.

Fluent in Portuguese and Spanish. Handicapped Accessible.

138 DAVIS AVE. • KEARNY, NJ 07032 (201) 991-2265 www.buyusfuneralhome.com

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 us at: www.mulliganfh.com

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 Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home 596 Belgrove Dr. • Kearny, NJ 07032 (201) 991-0657

OBSERVER CLASSIFIEDS

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

Pathways to Independence, Inc., A day program supporting adultswith intellectual & developmental disabilities

M-F 8:30AM - 4:30PM Career opportunities for:

Program Supervisor F/T salary $42-$45K per year. Oversees the Adult Training Program; this position is a hand on supervisory position which works/supports the direct support staff and the adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

BA Degree or 2 year Associate Degree

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 ($17.25/hr.) working within our adult training program, providing individualized supports to one adult with disabilities.

Direct Support Professionals FT & PT ($16.07-16.75/hr.)

Providing supports to adults with disabilities with our Adult Training Program.

Van Drivers PT $16.06/hr. - Van Aides PT $15.50/hr. (split shift for drivers/aides 6:45AM-9AM and return again 2:45PM-5PM)

OPPORTUNITIES FOR CAREER GROWTHExcellent time off benefits (FT & PT) and excellent medical benefits for FTMust have HS Dip/GED all positions must have a clean driving record (license not required for Van Aides) 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 37W03

Campbell Foundry Company in business since 1921 is seeking an Experienced Shipping Clerk. Responsible for scheduling & planning outgoing shipments, reviewing shipment schedules, provides customer service by handling issues arising in shipping & inventory handling, & trouble shoots shipping issues. Experience working in a fast paced environment while maintaining attention to detail. Forklift experience a plus. Ability to problem solve quickly and prioritize daily tasks according to importance. Salary is competitive, we offer Medical, Vision, Dental & 401k. Experience applicants only. Please send your resume to HR@campbellfoundry.com or visit our Harrison location at 800 Bergen Street to fill out an application. 38W03

The Town of Kearny is seeking a highly organized and energetic individual to assume the position of Kearny Urban Enterprise Zone (KUEZ) Coordinator. The KUEZ office manages the day-to-day operations of programs that promote economic and community development. Working closely with the KUEZ Board, the Kearny governing body and the State of New Jersey, the KUEZ Coordinator needs to maximize resources, expand program activities and promote Kearny as a destination for living, working and investment. See https://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/ for application and job description.

Application deadline is 2/28/23

38W04

FULL TIME

Billing/insurance related issues for Ophthalmologist office. Coding experience a plus.

Please Fax resume to Natalie Tavares 201-896-0062 or call 201-896-0096 39W03

Local Polish Caregiver specialized in Senior care only, non medical. Live in live out, Hardworking, Honest, Quality Work. Speaks English. References available. Call Marlena 201-991-1024 or Leave Message. 38W04

HARRISON 1st fl, 1 bed room, kitchen, bath and living room. $1450. 1 year lease required. 1.5 month security, utilities separate, no pets no smoking . 973437-6799 for appointment 38W03

FT Mechanic position available. Salary range $43,205 – 67,242. Three years exp. in maintenance and repair of various vehicles including trucks & equipment. Welding experience a plus. Valid NJ drivers license with CDL, class B, air brake end. required. https://info.csc.state.nj.us/jobspec/02434.htm

For application go to Town of Kearny Website at https://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/application

Deadline 2/17/23

38W04

HIGH QUALITY, AIR CONDITIONED SHOP, WITH GREAT PAY AND BENEFITS!!! $5,000 signing bonus.

We are looking an A-level repair technician than can do quarter panels, rear body panels, rocker sections, frame rails, door skins, etc. Full time position with an average of 10 hours overtime paid at time and a half. Must have own tools.

$80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year. Please call 973-763-1149 or email info@modernautobodynj.com

37W03

Tax Assessor The Town of Kearny is seeking an individual to assume the full-time position of Tax Assessor to perform all duties and responsibilities as required by applicable statutes of the State of New Jersey and regulations of appropriate officials of the State of New Jersey and the County of Hudson.

The Kearny Tax Assessor shall hold a tax assessor certificate provided for in P.L.1967, c.44 (C. 54:1-35.25 et seq.) and will ensure that all properties in the Town of Kearny are assessed for the purpose of real property taxation.

The successful candidate shall attend Mayor and Council meetings and be proficient in the use of various related computer programs (MODIV, CAMA, etc.). The ideal candidate shall be professional, team oriented, responsible, reliable and have a strong motivation to undertake challenging work. Salary is negotiable and shall be commensurate with experience.

Please see application and job description on https://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/ application deadline is 2/28/23

38W04

KEARNY 2nd floor 1 BR, Great location $1600 + 1 months security. Utilities separate. Parking available. No smoking/ Pets. Available 2/15 Call between 10 Am - 7Pm Single or couple preferred (201)997-2341 37W03

KEARNY Renovated 1 BR , 3rd fl. apartment in 3 family home, 145 Maple St – central location, $ 1,500 per month & $2,250 deposit. Available Now. Heat/hot water included Laundry and storage in Basement Must have excellent credit No Smoking & No pets. Call (201)749-2299 between 9 AM to 6 PM. 38W03

KEARNY 2nd FL, 3 bedrooms, 1.5 months security. utilities separate. No smoking/No pets call or text (201)543 1382 39W03

KEARNY Arlington Section 3 Modern rooms, Seperate Utilities, No Pets/Smoking, Off Street Parking for 1 car. Close to transportation. $1,250/ mth plus 1.5 mth security. Available March 1st (201)991-8240 39W03

A new job at 50: more common than ever!

There are many reasons why you might find yourself looking for a new job in middle age— the restructuring or closure of the company you work for; moving to a new city; yearning for a new challenge. Whether you do it out of necessity or desire, your job search at 50 or older must be well planned and carefully thought out.

• You act wisely. Exploit your skills and assets. Be positive and remember that anything is possible. After all, you have a well-stocked toolbox.

• Hone your CV. Update it; don’t forget anything important, but don’t tell your life story either. An interested employer will ask the right questions.

• You are ready to sell your skills. Experience is a gold mine and you are a worthy opponent for all the young people who apply for the same job.

Above all, keep in mind that over your career you have developed qualities that are highly valued by employers, such as diligence, maturity, confidence in your abilities, a sense of responsibility and a job well done, availability to help less experienced colleagues, and team-building skills. Believe in your chances of achieving the goals you have set for yourself. Of course, retirement is just around the corner and time is running somewhat short. So this is no time to mess around; you must act now.

• Get family and friends involved

KEARNY Available March 1st. 2nd Floor. 2 bedrooms LR, DR and kitchen. $1,800/mth plus Utilities. 1.5 mth security. No Pets/ Smoking. Laundry hook up (973)670-5726

• Consult local newspapers regularly

• Read the bulletin boards

• Use social networks

• Contact companies that interest you

• Be available for any job interviews

HUMAN

Continued from Page 1

enforcement agencies, anonymized data that will be used to develop research and strategic initiatives developed by the GCHT and HSINewark’s Center for Combating Human Trafficking.

The goal is for the application and website to become a national model that may be used to develop similar resources in other states. Development of the resources will be launched this spring and the initiative is slated to be piloted in the fall.

New Jersey is considered a hub for human trafficking based on its location near several major metropolitan areas including New York, Baltimore and Philadelphia. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, both sex and labor trafficking occur in New Jersey.

“We are so pleased to partner with HSI-Newark and to have their expertise as the leading federal law enforcement agency charged with addressing human trafficking,” Boak said. “Sadly, traffickers largely operate with impunity as the vast majority of trafficking cases are not investigated or prosecuted. This initiative will equip law enforcement with an app that can be run on their tablet or Smartphone, putting human trafficking training, education,

SRO

Continued from Page 1

police department.”

Jarvis was in full agreement.

“Our SROs handle a multitude of functions throughout the day at our schools and their presence is something we feel will be a deterrent to the potential for harm while at the same time, it will allow the officers to expand on our ability to build a positive relationship with the kids.”

And Det. Lt. Vincent Auteri, meanwhile, was appreciative of the chief and mayor following through on their promises.

“Mayor Giangeruso and Chief

resources and important contact information at their fingertips”.

“Human trafficking is a heinous and unthinkable crime, involving investigative challenges which are extremely difficult to navigate in today’s world,” Patel said.

“HSI Newark is proud to join the Montclair State University Global Center on Human Trafficking in this initiative to provide law enforcement agencies that may encounter victims of human trafficking, with available victim services and additional human trafficking information throughout the State of New Jersey. Collaboration is the best way to achieve our goals to investigate traffickers and connect survivors of trafficking to the services they deserve.”

Meanwhile, Suarez, who attended as a representative of all 21 county prosecutors, spoke very highly of the new program and offered it broad support.

“Human trafficking is a heinous crime of exploitation that knows no boundaries, and far too often goes unrecognized or unreported,” Suarez told The Observer. “On behalf of the 21 county prosecutors of New Jersey, we thank Homeland Security Investigations Newark and the Global Center on Human Trafficking at Montclair State University for developing this tool to better assist law enforcement in the fight against human trafficking and we are prepared support this initiative in all ways necessary.”

Jarvis have once again made good on their promise of making sure the safety of our students and the school community are at the top of their priorities,” he said

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.

PARKING

Continued from Page 5

person, would take charge of issuing/ selling resident parking permits via an “online customer portal;” gather and maintain permit records; provide the option of mobile meter payments at meters; staff and train parking enforcement officers who would deploy hand-held electronic ticketing devices and ticket printers, together with License Plate Recognition technology to cover more ground with fewer personnel; and, for civilians assigned to the KPU, a computer and printer to review enforcement reports.

As part of the town’s new approach to solving its parking issues, Council President Carol Jean Doyle said the town needs to clarify the definition of commercial vehicles so they can be properly regulated.

APPS agreed that because “an abundance of vans, pickup trucks, buses and box trucks parking on the street,” the town should consider assigning “rentable parking spaces in certain lots” for those vehicles used by residents only for transportation, while those conducting business “should only be permitted (to park) from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.,” at least for now.

To offer residents more options of paying for parking along business

districts, APPS advised the town to provide for “paying with a credit or debit card or clicking on an app and paying with a mobile device” rather than just putting coins in a meter.

The firm also suggested combining those options with angled parking along designated sections of Kearny Avenue.

APPS suggested Davis Avenue by Kearny High School might be wide enough to support angled parking as a means to ease the crunch of teacher parking in that area.

Two-hour visitor parking in the business district ranked as the most favored option among residents surveyed by APPS.

To accommodate out-of-towners who

work in Kearny, the KPA could issue a “business permit,” allowing them to park on the streets during working hours, APPS advised.

An overwhelming majority of residents surveyed favored paying a fee of $15 for three years for a permit or for registering a vehicle owner’s license plate to help maintain the town’s parking program, APPS reported, with discounting for senior citizens, veterans or other groups a possibility.

At the same time, APPS noted, because “the data supports a higher fee, a logical compromise would be to leave the fee at $15 and have a 2-year expiration from the date of purchase. We are also recommending the town

be split into two zones allowing for revenue to support the (parking) unit to come in on a yearly basis with two zones renewing every other year.”

APPS felt the town should hold off “limiting the number of permits per household or building or charging a “graduated fee system” for households with more than one car, at least until after the first phase of the parking program is done to gauge the impact on curbside parking.

Residents told APPS they favored parking “stalls” (lines on the street marking out parking spaces and driveways) and, “with a new parking stall ordinance, people parking over the lines or saving spaces (would) be in violation,” the firm said.

APPS has projected the new parking program would cost about $1 million to begin operations, assuming a staff of one administrator, a supervisor and nine enforcement officers working different shifts, with some doing clerical work; four leased vehicles; computers and LPR cameras; and possibly 20 pay stations.

By year 2, APPS anticipates it will be taking in a profit of more than $300,000.

“This will be a six-month process to set up,” Santos said. “So for those that want permit parking tomorrow, that’s not going to happen…. We will do it in phases, probably going with two zones.”

Community Investment Loans

Community Fir st Loans

Photo by Barbara B. Goldberg

Advanced Parking Planning Systems is headed by Robert Baselice, who also serves as executive director of the North Bergen Parking Authority. Here, Baselice is seen addressing Kearny’s governing body last week.