e-Newspaper for March 8, 2023

Don’t forget to move clocks ahead an hour on Sunday from 2 to 3 a.m.

HONORING VINNIE’S LEGACY

Latefirefighter’smemorywillberecalledinupcomingHarrison5Krun/walkfundraiser

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

They say a man’s true mark is made not necessarily by what people say about him or the company he keeps in life, but much more so in what is said of him in death. And in the case of the-late Harrison Firefighter Vinnie Doffont, who left this world a little less than a year ago at the all-too-young age

of 37, there is no question he was not just a special firefighter. He wasn’t just a great Harrisonian.

He was an all-around wonderful human being, who to this very day and perhaps forever more will be fondly remembered by generations of folks who knew him and loved him.

And among the many posthumous accolades he’s received and will continue to receive, the latest is the Vinnie Doffont Memorial 5K run/

walk, which will take place in Harrison later this month.

That event is the combined brainchild of three people who had a special role in Doffont’s time on earth Harrison Fire Chief Henry Richard, Firefighter Hector Londono and Councilwoman Ellen Mendoza.

Londono held a special place for Doffont, the chief said, because they both served on the Harrison FD and both served in the military.

For the triumvirate, the memorial event, Sunday, March 26, at 9 a.m., the proceeds of which will benefit Doffont’s widow, Brighid, daughter Leighton and son Liam, was only natural.

The official walk/run has been specially planned and will make its way from West Hudson Park, through Harrison with a pass by Harrison Fire Quarters and will end right back

See DOFFONT, Page 19

Revised assessments forthcoming for Lyndhurst homes, businesses

By Ron Leir ronleir423@gmail.com

Lyndhurst property owners can expect to see revised assessments on their homes and businesses, beginning this year.

That’s because the state Division of Taxa-

tion and Bergen County Tax Board have mandated Lyndhurst and several other municipalities to undertake a reassessment of properties over the next five years, through 2028.

In a letter to residents, James Anzevino, the township tax assessor, said the program “will ensure uniform and equitable assessments through-

out the municipality, account for the recent changes in the real estate market and significantly reduce the costly tax appeals experienced in the past.”

As of last year, township properties were found

See LYNDHURST, Page 18

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

Photo courtesy of the Harrison Fire Dept. Group 2 of the Harrison Fire Department displays the late Vinnie Doffont’s turnout gear at headquarters in his honor. The firefighters are, from left, FF Anthony Colegrove. FF Cristina Sanchez, Capt. Joseph Cavanagh, Capt. Kevin DeGaetano, FF Matthew Nicastro, Battalion Chief John Dwyer, Capt. Bill Faulkner, FF Paul Nyatome, FF Hector Londono and FF Brian Alicia.

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

The Borough of North Arlington is increasing the pay of contract laborers within the Department of Public

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

The Borough of North Arlington has made arrangements with an income-tax agent to

With the Borough Council’s adopted resolution, each laborer, and all future laborers, will move up one step on the 10-step salary guide, resulting in annual salary increases between

$3,000-$4,000 per employee.

“Our DPW workers are an integral part of our municipal operations. We ask a lot of them and depend on them for snow and leaf removal, as well as road

repair, tree maintenance and other key services that keep our community attractive and safe,” North Arlington Mayor Daniel H. Pronti said. “This salary adjustment ensures our trusted DPW crew is fairly

compensated for its superb service to North Arlington.

“This resolution brings the salary guide to competitive levels with surrounding communities, thus ensuring a more stable workforce within the department.”

Salaries rising for NA’s contract laborers, Pronti says Qualified seniors will get free tax return preparation

prepare federal and state income tax returns and property tax rebate forms for qualified senior citizens at no charge.

The IRS and the State of New Jersey require all

preparers to e-file tax returns. There is a small $10 e-filing fee. To qualify for this service, North Arlington residents must be 65 or older with earned income of less than $14,000 (not including

pensions, Social Security or retirement income) and less than $2,000 in investment income (bank interest and dividends). Renters or single-family home owners man qualify.

Appointments and questions of eligibility and e-file costs may be made by calling (973) 953-7547. Residents are requested not to call Borough Hall for qualifications or appointments.

Learn a new language for free at NA Public Library

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

The North Arlington Public Library now offers Mango Languages on its website, an online service that offers courses in more than 70 languages, from Arabic to Yiddish, free to borough library card holders. The focus is on conversation and real-world skills, with special emphasis on pronunciation. Users may learn a new tongue, or brush up on English, well enough to greet, express gratitude, make small talk, order a meal, call an am-

bulance and build community with native speakers.

To access Mango, the user should visit www.northarlington.bccls.org, click the button and set up an account using their library card number. Once the account has been created, they may download an app to a smart phone.

The program adjusts itself to the user’s speed of learning, and provides a placement test to assess fluency in a desired language. Mango is the cutting edge of language courses.

Registration underway for Kearny recreation baseball

Registration for Kearny Little League, Minor League and tee-ball baseball is underway through March 17 in person at the Kearny Recreation Department, 402 Kearny Ave., from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The fee is $35 per child. Little League is for kids aged 9 to 12.

A child must turn 9 before Aug. 31 and the child may turn 13 as late as Aug. 31. Payment, a birth certificate and proof of residency must be shown at registration. For other leagues, a child must be at least 5 by Aug. 31. There are no exception to these rules.

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Mid-Realty sells Kearny’s first-ever $1M+ home on Stewart Avenue

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

For the first time in Kearny’s history, a home has sold for more than $1 million — and it all happened under Mid-Realty and Bobby Ciecwisz.

Mid’s longtime owner Jarlynn Hyde told The Observer last week a newly built property at 56 Stewart Ave., Kearny, listed for $996,838, but the owner ultimately paid $1.12 million for the beautiful new home that had been knocked down and replaced just months earlier.

When the new home (seen in the photograph at the topright) went on the market in June 2022, it took around two months from the deal to close.

Hyde says while it was not her agency’s first residential million-dollar sale, it was a significant first for Kearny, nonetheless, which is seeing an influx of residents bidding adieu to New York City, Jersey City, Hoboken and other higher-priced locations for a more desirable Kearny, which offers a hybrid urban/suburban feeling & setting.

“Families are heading west from New York City,” Hyde said. “They come here for city living. However, Kearny really is a beautiful destination. The neighborhoods are great. The parks and recreation are all tremendous. It’s a wonderful place to live ”

Hyde says much of this has come to fruition because of an aggressive and strategic marketing plan she devised — her agency is multifaceted in not only successfully operating a brick and mortar, but is successful in operating in the virtual real estate market as well. This allows her agents to operate across the entire state.

But because of her vast

coverage area, she’s been able to pull it all together brilliantly — and thus, Kearny becomes a much more favorable and desired destination.

“I have 55 agents all over the state of New Jersey,” she said. “From Sussex County to Atlantic County.”

The virtual office isn’t new either — it’s been ongoing for 15 years, Hyde says.

“We are very fortunate,” she said. “We take great pride in what we’ve been able to do and what we will be able to continue to do down the line.”

That pride extends to listing agent Bobby Ciecwisz, who listed and sold the previous home on the 56 Stewart property and then re-listed and again sold the property once the home was knocked down and rebuilt.

“Bobby saw to it from start to finish,” Hyde said. “I am very proud of his accomplishments.”

Ciecwisz

HONORING LAWLESS, KENNEDY AND

By Kevin

The United Irish Associations of West Hudson’s 2023 St. Patrick’s Day

Parade steps off Sunday, March 12, at 1 p.m. in Harrison, and winds its way north through East Newark and Kearny — with James Lawless as Grand Marshall with Marybeth Kennedy and Lisa Ann Shalago as Deputy Grand Marshalls.

Here are biographies on the three honorees.

Grand Marshall James Lawless

Lawless has lived in West Hudson for more than 60 years, the last 20 in Kearny. He and his wife, Lori, have two children James and John Lawless.

James attended Holy Cross Grammar School and is a Harrison High School graduate. He is a member of the Harrison HS Sports Hall of Fame. Lawless studied further at Farleigh Dickinson University on an

athletic scholarship, where he continued to play soccer. He was a team captain and at one point, was ranked in the top 20 nationally, having received all Metro Conference honors.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. After graduation, he worked at St. James Hospital as a finan-

cial officer. However, in 1986, he says he was thrilled when he was appointed a Harrison firefighter.

In his time as a firefighter, he was also EMT-D certified and earned numerous commendations and was several times named Firefighter of the Year over his career. He ultimately

ascended to the rank of captain and is currently president of the Harrison Firemen’s Relief and Firemen’s Exempts Association.

He retired circa 2011 after 25 years of service and now serves as a vice president of the Harrison Police and Firemen’s Federal Credit Union.

Over the years, he served many charitable organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, the Harrison-East Newark Elks, the Harrison Lion’s Club, the Holy Cross Finance Committee, the Holy Cross Guard of Honor, the Harrison Education Foundation, the Kearny Irish-American Club and the Ironbound Irish Association.

Deputy Grand Marshall

Lisa Ann Shalago

Shalago is a past president of the Kearny High School Parent-Teacher Association and Past President of the Franklin School PTA. She’s worked for Dr. Joseph Maggio for over 20 years.

She served as a secretary for the Kearny Board of Education. She was previously an elected member.

She’s the mother of Dylan, a Kearny fireman; Mark, a teacher at Garfield School; Christine a secretary at Garfield school;

Continued on the next page

Real Estate Let’s Talk

Buying a historic home provides the opportunity of owning a piece of history, particularly if it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places or in a historic district. Selling a landmark home can have its own set of issues. You’ll want an experienced agent who knows how to sell historic real estate and understands the unique buying market that loves them. They should be passionate about older homes. Look for an agent with such a history and ask questions about his or her specific strategy for pricing and preparing historic homes to put on the market. Pricing is essential and cannot be done by simply comparing one property to another, as there probably

aren’t similar properties on the market. Historic homes often require repairs and renovations, which can be pricey. However, many buyers feel these will be offset by the charm, character, and craftsmanship of the house, not to mention potential tax incentives and benefits that often accompany the ownership of a historic property. Can we help you find the home of your dreams? We have extensive experience in discovering just what our buyers have been searching for as well as an impressive record of finding the sellers our buyers are looking for. We’ll help you too; just call us. “Our success has been built one satisfied customer at a time.”

A. Canessa Jr. with Melanie A. Ryan

Photo by Melanie A. Ryan

The 2023 parade honorees join Mayor Alberto Santos at an honoree dinner earlier this month. With Santos, second from left, are, from left, James Lawless, Lisa Ann Shalago and Marybeth Ruttler Kennedy.

SHALAGO AS 2023 PARADE DRAWS NEAR

and Kari who lives in Florida.

Shalago is a proud grandmother to Jesse and Carter and dog mommy to Dally and Harper.

Every year, she completes a Walkathon for Miracle Walk to support Cooperman Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the NJ Sharing Network and for Lupus Awareness.

She is a past member of the Kearny High School Project Graduation committee.

Deputy Grand Marshall

Marybeth Ruttler Kennedy

Kennedy has lived in Kearny

for the last 35, and is married to husband, Ed. They have a daughter, Fatih.

To say Kennedy is civic minded is a huge

understatement. Among other things, she has been a Junior Woman’s Club of Arlington member since 2001, a member of the Girl Scouts since 2006, was an Elks Auxiliary member from 2006 to 2009, a Boy Scout leader from 2012 to 2015 and was a member of the Harrison Cancer League from 2005 to 2008.

Outside organization volunteer activities include participation in/ at Kearny Elks’ food drives, Thanksgiving baskets and toy drives with the Juniors, she’s led cheer patrol for the JDRF Walk for Diabetes, a volunteer with the Valerie Fund, a

volunteer at Camp Happy Times and more.

She’s placed flags for Kearny veterans, took pet pics with Santa, participated in Flag

Day ceremonies, took part in the POW/MIA Recognition Day, assisted with the Kearny town wide cleanup, hosted blood drives, collected toiletries for the Ukraine, assembled sandwiches for NJ Food and Clothing Rescue, she’s donated more than 125 coats to the less fortunate, placed temporary tattoos for kids at the Kearny Pawrade, assembled birthday bags for the Kearny Food Pantry Network, collected food for the Kearny cat TNR program and collected used eyeglasses for the Harrison Lion’s Club. And this is what we were able to recall!

Shalago

The Kennedy Family

OPINION & VIEWPOINTS

EDITORIAL

again, we implore the U.S. House to join Senate in doing away with Standard Time

Come Sunday, we once again get to move our clocks ahead an hour at 2 a.m., forwarding immediately to 3 a.m. It’s the return to Daylight Saving Time and daily, the sun is out later and later through June 21.

As we have almost every year for the last decade+, we again say we hope, beyond hopes, DST is kept permanently and the United States of America does away with this silly clock-changing practice once and for all.

While every state has the ability to do away with clock changes, there is a bill in the House to do away, completely, with Standard Time and, therefore, ensure there is more daylight later on each day instead of early on. (The Senate has already approved a bill of a similar nature.)

While there is very little bipartisan unity to be found in Washington, D.C., ever, these days, it is our sincere hope those who represent us in the House do all they can to get these bills to the Capitol floor — and then get them to President Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s desk for a signature into law.

It’s time to bid adieu to 4:30 p.m. sunsets in December. It’s time to welcome more afternoon daylight, which is especially critical in the winter months when Seasonal Affective Disorder takes hold on so many Americans.

The time has come to say “goodbye” to early nights, more darkness and say “yes” to time with an hour more daylight in the latter part of each day.

Let’s get this done sooner than later.

Reps. Bill Pascrell Jr., Rob Menendez et al, we’re looking to you to lead here. So, please — lead and support year-round DST. nnn

The Observer welcomes and encourages Letters to the Editor from the public on topics relevant to local, national and/or global issues. We ask letters be kept to 250 words of fewer, though longer letters will be considered. Send letters by email to editorial@ theobserver.com.

Letters that contain anything libelous will not be accepted for publication. The Observer reserves the right to reject letters for any reason. Every letter must contain the writer’s full name and home town.

Fox 5’s Cervasio among Women’s History guests

Ahigh-profile sports broadcaster originally from Nutley and a combat veteran/military lawyer will be among the special guests participating in the township’s observance of Women’s History Month 2023.

This month’s program is sponsored by Township Commissioner John V. Kelly III and the Nutley Department of Public Affairs, in partnership with the Nutley Public Schools and the Women’s Networking Group.

“Together we recognize and celebrate the many successful roles that women have taken on over the years in our state and in our township through education, sports, entertainment and business entrepreneurship,” Kelly said.

To that end, Kelly said, “we have put together a wonderful calendar of events, featuring some very unique programs (which) will, no doubt, inspire, captivate, entertain and enlighten us all.”

Here’s a schedule of the upcoming events:

A kickoff reception is slated for March 8, at the Nutley Museum, 65 Church St., from 6 to 8 p.m., where residents may meet and greet invited guests. Before you go, check out the commissioner’s announcement about Women’s History Month and click on “Register Here.”

On March 17, there will be a “Dynamic Women’s History Month Panel,” at Nutley High School, 300 Franklin Ave., where ninthgraders are invited, from 9 to 10 a.m., to hear presentations by Tina Cervasio, a FOX 5 sports reporter; Betsy Montane, a wrestling referee at Montclair State University; and Lt. Col. Becky Lapidow, an attorney with the Army’s JAG (Judge Advocate General’s corps).

Cervasio, well-known to area sports enthusiasts, is a seven-time New York Emmy winner for her sports journalism. She’s served as half-time host for Fox’s “Red Bulls Insider”; lead sports anchor for “Good Day New York on Fox 5; host of Sports Xtra; and sideline reporter for N.Y. Knicks TV broadcasts.

Lt. Col. Lapidow, a magna cum laude alumna of Lehigh University with a degree in Earth & Environmental Sciences who graduated from Rutgers University School of Law in 2010, started her law career as an assistant prosecutor with the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office’s hi-tech crimes unit, serving there from May 2012 to January 2022. Meanwhile, she also pursued a career in the military, as a combat engineer/veteran, attaining certification as a jumpmaster and paratrooper and serving stints as commander of the 150th Engineering Co.; trial defense attorney for soldiers separating from the Army; and deploying to Kosovo as adviser to the brigade commander and to Puerto Rico during Hurricane Maria.

Next up is a “Women’s Health and Professional Career Panel,” slated for March 21, at Nutley High School, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., where all are invited to attend a discussion about select women’s health topics, as well as various careers, led by a group of many professional women who will talk about their lives as business owners.

The final event scheduled is “Sip and Shop— Women’s Networking Reception,” set for March 28, at 160 Franklin Ave., from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., where women’s business owners will introduce, promote and/or demonstrate their products and/or services.

— RON LEIR

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

Sales/Classifieds

Once

Juvenile at Walmart was armed, had hollow-point bullets, KPD says

By Capt. Timothy Wagner Kearny Police Department

On Feb. 23 at 2:50 p.m., Officers Alvaro Goncalves, Pedro Pina, Jonathan Lima, Mina Ekladious and Sgt. Jack Grimm were dispatched to Walmart to assist Newark police detectives in arresting a man armed with a gun.

Newark Detectives M. Aziz and N. Hargrove happened to be in the store’s loss-prevention office investigating an unrelated case from their city when a Walmart employee reported a male customer had repeatedly lifted his shirt to adjust the handle of a gun in his waistband.

The detectives confronted the male customer, who turned out to be a 16-yearold Newark boy. They seized from him a purple CPX-2 9 mm handgun, an extended ammunition magazine, eight

9 mm jacketed bullets and three 9 mm hollow point bullets.

Det. Anthony Nunez charged the youth under juvenile delinquency with unlawful possession of a firearm and two counts of possession of prohibited weapons (for hollow point ammunition and a highcapacity ammunition magazine). He was ordered held at a county juvenile detention center.

Nasir L. Davis, 18, of Newark, was accompanying the juvenile at the time of his gun arrest. Davis was wanted on $1,250 of Newark traffic warrants and on a $750 Lodi traffic warrant and was taken into custody. Both jurisdictions later granted Davis a release with a new court date.

On Feb. 20 at 5:10 p.m., Officers Darwin Paulino and Sean Podolski investigated a report by Walgreens

staff that a man at the 465 Kearny Ave. store was trying to load his CashAPP card using counterfeit currency. Officers learned a similar incident was reported earlier at a Walgreens in North Arlington, but it involved a different suspect. In the current case, it was reported Giancarlos Arauz, 29, of Manhattan, happened to be passing by Walgreens in an Uber and made a detour to the store to load up his cash card. The officers arrested Arauz and recovered $1,100 in allegedly counterfeit United States currency in both $100 and $20 denominations. Arauz was charged by summons with forgery and criminal attempt of theft by deception. He was later released.

On Feb. 21 at 7:27 p.m., Officer Ryan Wilson and several backup officers were dispatched to a domestic dispute at a private home. There, a 53-year-old resident alleged his 23-year-old son broke a $300 television, a $200 glass table, doors to a bedroom and closet and that he punched several holes in a wall. Officers arrested the son on a charge of criminal mischief. He was charged by summons and released to an area hospital for further assistance.

On Feb. 23 at 10:35 a.m., Officers John Fearon and Travis Witt were sent to Walgreens at 248 Kearny Ave. where a shoplifting had been reported. A store associate reported she observed Christopher D. Zapata, 25, of Belleville a man who is already banned from the store pocket $24.45 in merchandise and exit without paying.

Officer Jonathan Lima located the suspect in front of Dunkin’ and Officer Mina Ekladious furnished him with a littering summons after Zapata allegedly threw an empanada on the ground during his investigative detention.

After further investigation, the officers arrested Zapata and searched his person revealing deodorant and toothpaste allegedly stolen from Walgreens and 3.76 ounces of marijuana packaged in four sandwich bags.

Zapata was charged with shoplifting and defiant trespass, and he was booked into the county jail.

On Feb. 23, the Kearny Municipal Court contacted Officer Anthony Nunez to advise that defendant Steeve B. Benoit, 22, of Hillside, had been given a conditional

See KPD, Page 15

SPORTS & RECREATION

Kearny native Jimmy Mullen ends his HS career with a third state wrestling championship

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

The finale might have come with more drama than expected, but for the third time in his legendary high school career Kearny resident and St. Joseph Regional senior Jimmy Mullen is a state heavyweight champion.

Mullen defeated mat rival and longtime friend, Max Acciardi of Paramus Catholic, 5-3, in the 285-pound final on Saturday in Atlantic City. While most of Mullen’s matches are decided well before the final buzzer is sounded, this one proved different.

Mullen was down 3-2 after two periods, thanks to an earlier takedown by Acciardi. Choosing to start the third period on bottom, Mullen escaped to even the score at 3-3. Then, with just a couple of seconds left in the period, Mullen got the takedown he desperately wanted, bringing Acciardi down to the mat moments before the buzzer sounded to clinch the victory.

“I believed in myself,” Mullen told NJ.com following the win. “I was down 3-2 and I got up. I didn’t want it to go to overtime, but if I had to, I had to. I knew how much time was left because the scoreboard was right behind (Max). If it wasn’t, I wouldn’t have known.”

Mullen, the top-seed and defending champion, barely broke a sweat in his first two matches in Atlantic City on Thursday, pinning Jackson Youtz of Mount Olive in 25 seconds in the preliminary round, then taking down Delbarton’s Connor Martin in 1:17.

Friday’s quarterfinals saw Mullen defeat Phillipsburg’s John Wargo by a 6-1 deci-

Lyndhurst’s Julia Tozduman takes fifth in Long Jump at State MOC

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

Julia Tozduman turned some heads after impressive Meet of Champions performances as a sophomore. But as the Lyndhurst junior made her second appearance at the NJSIAA Indoor Track Meet of Champions at Ocean Breeze in Staten Island on Sunday, merely making it and doing well wasn’t good enough.

For Tozduman, a successful Meet of Champions required returning to New Jersey with a medal.

In hopes of having a better idea of the distance she would need to jump, Tozduman waited towards the end before taking her fourth and final attempt.

When she saw her last attempt was 17-04.25, there was a confidence that it would be good enough to medal. After what Tozduman called “the longest 25-30 minutes ever,” she got the official word that she finished in fifth.

sion, a rare Mullen match that went the full six minutes. Then in the semifinals, Mullen defeated Daniel Elyash of Paramus by tech fall at the 3:17 mark.

Mullen, who will wrestle and play football at Virginia Tech next year, concludes his legendary high school career with a record of 111-7, including 42-1 this season. None of his seven losses came against NJSIAA competition and he is a threetime state champion.

As a sophomore, Mullen elected to attend the United World Wrestling Cadet Nationals instead of the NJSIAA State Championships. At the Cadet Nationals, Mullen qualified for Pan-American Games and the World Cadet Championships. Representing Team USA, Mullen has won two gold medals at the Pan-American Games and was a world

silver medalist for freestyle wrestling at the World Cadet Championships.

While Mullen got the storybook ending he hoped for, for another Observer area star, it was an all too familiar feeling of heartbreak as Lyndhurst-North Arlington’s Damian Weaver fell one victory short of earning a medal for a top eight finish when he dropped a 5-1 decision to David Hussey of Middletown South in the “Blood Round” at 157 pounds.

Weaver, who went 2-2 in Atlantic City concluded his senior season with a 34-5 record. The two-time Bergen County champion won 108 matches for his career.

Lyndhurst-North Arlington’s Kieran McNeil (126 pounds), Kearny’s Joseph Rocco (138), Bloomfield heavyweight Gabriel McCulloch also competed in Atlantic City.

Thanks to a leap of 1704.25 on her final jump of the day, Tozduman did just that, finishing fifth in the Girls Long Jump Finals. Tozduman becomes the first Lyndhurst jumper to medal at the Meet of Champions.

Last year as a sophomore, Tozduman took 11th in the Long Jump at the Indoor Meet of Champions then, at the Outdoor MOC, she placed ninth in the event.

“I wasn’t going to let myself leave without a medal this time,” Tozduman said. “My first jumps were good for me, but I knew I needed those extra few inches to solidify that I placed. So far my final jump I just went for it. I need this medal and that’s what I did.

In each of her previous MOC appearances, Tozduman did not reach 17-feet on her jump, a mark she hit on her second attempt on Sunday. Despite that 17-0, she wasn’t sure if that would be good enough to medal.

“It was open pit (format) so I waited. I was the third or fourth to last jumper, so I knew I had to jump in the 17 or 18s,” said Tozduman. “I was keeping little mental tabs, but they don’t really tell you the list so it’s going a little bit blind.

“When I saw the jump, I was like ‘ok, this is going to be good.’ so I got a little bit excited.”

“It’s a big deal to be the first Lyndhurst jumper to medal. We get kids there, but they don’t always get a chance to take home hardware, and she did,” head coach Kim Hykey said. “She is a very dedicated kid that will sit there at the beginning of the schedule and (map everything out). This was definitely in her sights when we started in November. She got what she wanted.”

Tozduman also finished 16th in the Triple Jump with a distance of 34-2.5 on Sunday. Among The Observer coverage area, Bloomfield senior Albina Frangu took 20th in the Shot Put with a throw of 33-01.75

Photo courtesy of Anthony Ferrara Jimmy Mullen

After historic season, Lyndhurst-North Arlington’s Krzykalski has big goals in mind

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

Lyndhurst-North Arlington’s Ava Krzykalski didn’t feel like a “true wrestler” her freshman year when she first gave the sport a try for the first time after growing up as a jiu jitsu competitor While Krzykalski admits that the transformation is still a work in progress, there’s no denying that the sophomore is now one of state’s top girl wrestlers.

TOZDUMAN

Continued from Page 9

Tozduman now turns her attention to the New Balance Indoor Nationals, which take place from March 9-12 in Boston.

“This (performance) was

just what I needed to know that I’m meant to be there and that it’s going to be a good meet for me,” said Tozduman. “It shows to me that all of the hard work is paying off. The goal of the season was to get to nationals so when I get there it’s just doing what I know how to do.”

C ELEBRATING 25 Y EARS !

EYE CARE

DeLuca Vision Consultants

WHAT IS IRITIS?

Also called anterior uveitis, iritis is inflammation of the iris, or the ring around the colored part of the eye. The iris is in the front (anterior) part of the uvea (the middle layer of the eye). Untreated iritis can lead to cataracts, glaucoma, vision loss, and other complications, so it’s important to receive treatment if you have iritis symptoms. These can include irritation, red eye(s), pain, sensitivity to light, and vision problems. Iritis can come on suddenly over the course of hours or days (acute iritis). If the onset is gradual or it lasts longer than three months, it is considered chronic iritis. Iritis can be caused by an eye injury, an infection, another medical condition, or genetic factors.

If untreated, iritis could lead

to glaucoma or vision loss. See your doctor as soon as possible if you have symptoms of iritis. We offer comprehensive eye health evaluations and necessary followup care. A complete eye exam involves a series of tests designed to evaluate your vision and check for eye diseases. Patients then have a complete neurological assessment, binocular testing, color testing and then refraction. We always perform glaucoma testing.

If it’s been a while since you’ve had an eye exam, call 201-8960096. We are located at 20 Park Avenue, Lyndhurst. To reach our optical shop, call 201-896-0007. We accept most insurance.

P.S. Iritis, or anterior uveitis, is the most common form of uveitis (inflammation of part or all of the uvea).

Krzykalski affirmed that status and made some history in process, on Feb. 26 when she placed sixth place at 114 pounds in the NJSIAA Girls Wrestling Championships in Phillipsburg. She is the first Lyndhurst-North Arlington girl to ever earn a medal.

Krzykalski went 26-8 on the season, a marked improvement from the year prior. She credits Lyndhurst-North Arlington assistant coach Matt Fusco for the improvements as

the two have “put in the work since the end of my freshman season and then all the way through last week.”

“(Finishing in sixth), especially considering falling short my freshman year and not not making it to states to now, it really is just an accomplishment,” Krzykalski said. “I’m really proud of the progress I’ve made and I can’t wait for

the progress that’s going to come in the next two years of high school.”

“Ava has been an amazing, committed athlete for the past 13 months,” head coach Scot Weaver said. “To think, 13 months ago, she was placing third place in local small tournaments. To be standing on the New Jersey State podium is truly amazing.”

Krzykalski arrived at Lyndhurst with an accomplished jiu jitsu. In the last year-and-ahalf leading up to high school, Krzykalski went 35-3 in jiu jitsu, including a Pan-American championship.

Initially, Krzykalski didn’t intend to wrestle in high school, but decided to give it a shot after running cross country in the fall of her freshman year.

“It’s still an adjustment because I grew up doing jujitsu. I started when I was 3 and there’s some disadvantages

Photo is courtesy of Lyndhurst track coach Kim Hykey Julia Tozduman

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

Photo by Jason Bernstein Ava Krzykalski

See KRZYKALSKI, Page 11

KRZYKALSKI

Continued from Page 10

because they’re so different,” said Krzykalski. “There are advantages. I had mat awareness, which I think pushed me freshman year. My biggest adjustment going into my sophomore year was becoming a true wrestler.”

In Phillipsburg, Krzykalski won her first two matches, defeating Hailey Beck of Lenape by major decision, then pinned Ramsey’s Paige Kirk in the quarterfinals. The victory over Kirk was especially meaningful since she had defeated Krzykalski in the North 1 Regional final. The two Bergen County competitors squared off five times this season with

Krzykalski winning three of them, ensuring she will get First Team All-Bergen County honors.

Krzykalski’s run ended when she was pinned by eventual state champion Ava Rose of Princeton in the semifinals. Two losses followed in the wrestleback rounds.

Now Krzykalski has set her sights on continuing to

improve and eventually wrestle in college. A few schools have already reached out to her about that possibility. While Krzykalski’s spring and summer schedule is yet to be determined, she said she hopes to enter some freestyle tournaments as well.

Fusco and Krzykalski agreed to take a two week break after the conclusion of the state

tournament before returning to training and focusing on the next season. But Krzykalski already can’t wait.

“I’m trying to wrestle 12 months a year right now,” said Krzykalski. “Eventually, I want to get back into (jujitsu) and back on those mats. I had a long, successful career on the mats with jujitsu, but right now my focus is on wrestling.”

How to choose the best weight loss plan for you

(StatePoint) With the pandemic largely behind us, many Americans are once again focusing on losing weight and starting a healthier routine.

In fact, 64% of Americans are motivated to lose weight because they know it has an impact on their immunity, according to a recent poll of 2,000 U.S. adults aged 30 and above. And 61% also now realize that a healthy diet and lifestyle can better protect their long-term health.

So what should you look for when it comes to a weight loss plan? Courtney McCormick, MPH, RDN, LDN, corporate dietitian at Nutrisystem, offers these tips to help you

choose a program that’s right for you.

Keep it Simple: Let’s face it, in our crazy busy world, we have to make hundreds of decisions a day, often at lightning speed. You shouldn’t have to worry about counting points or measuring foods. Look for a plan that’s easy and convenient, and does the work for you.

Focus on Protein: Protein is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle and a key to weight loss. Protein helps with satiety, so it’s important to include some in each meal and snack. Look for plans with high-protein options, like Nutrisystem’s new premium meals,

Premier Car e TALK S

ANXIETY DISORDERS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Anxiety may be part of everyday life; however, anxiety disorders cause frequent intense, excessive and persistent irrational fear about commonplace situations. When anxiety and panic are uncontrollable, begin to interfere with daily activities, and are out of proportion to the actual danger, it is time to seek medical treatment. Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), phobias, and separation anxiety disorder. Symptoms include tension, panic, increased heart rate, hyperventilation, inability to concentrate, insomnia, and nausea. Causes vary, although traumatic events tend to trigger anxiety disorders in people susceptible to anxiety. Inherited traits can also be a factor. Excessive worry that’s

interfering with employment, relationships, or other parts of life are signs that treatment is necessary.

If you have symptoms of an anxiety disorder, talk to your healthcare provider. They’ll start with a complete medical history and physical exam. There are no lab tests or scans that can diagnose anxiety disorders. But your provider may run some of these tests to rule out physical conditions that may be causing symptoms. To schedule an appointment, please call PREMIER CARE ASSOCI-

ATES 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. Having a sense of impending danger, panic, or doom is a common sign of anxiety.

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

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

which include up to 30 grams in each meal and keep you full for up to five hours.

Look for Value: As prices continue to rise at grocery stores nationwide, many people are struggling to find affordable options that can help them eat healthier and lose weight. However, those options do exist. Look for plans that are cost-effective and deliver the majority of meals right to your door.

Don’t Give Up Your Favorite Meals: Look for a plan that lets you eat your favorite foods. Losing weight doesn’t

have to mean giving up the things you love. Weight loss plans like Nutrisystem offer comfort foods made healthier that are perfectly portioned so you can enjoy them without any guilt. Plus, the plan also offers dessert for those who have a sweet tooth.

Seek Support: Achieving the goals you’ve set for yourself is so much easier when you have a support system. The best people to have on your team when you’re trying to lose excess weight are those who sit down at daily meals with you. Even better, your chances

of reaching and maintaining your weight loss goal increase dramatically if another person in your household joins you on the journey. Look for plans that offer options for both you and your partner to get healthier together. For more great information and other ideas to help fuel your success, visit leaf.nutrisystem.com.

Remember, your weight loss goals will be more than achievable if you follow the right plan for you. Look for a program designed to help you succeed.

Dr. Prakash J. Doshi

Dr. Hector Aguilar

Essex OD rate among Black residents alarmingly high, NJDOH says

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

In response to growing racial disparities in overdose deaths, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is launching a new overdose hotspot outreach initiative, prioritizing areas of the state with high disparities and high rates of overdose among Black residents.

“While no corner of our state has been spared the devastating impact of the opioid overdose crisis, we know that this crisis is having a disproportionate impact on Black and brown communities right now,” Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said. “This administration has championed a harm-reduction approach to ending the opioid overdose crisis. Getting these critical tools into hardest hit areas will save lives.”

The counties with the highest rates of overdose deaths among Black residents are Essex, Passaic, Camden, Atlantic and Monmouth counties.

NJDOH analyzed EMS and law enforcement naloxone incident data to identify specific locations where suspected overdoses most frequently occur. The analysis revealed four key

location types: transportation centers, correctional facilities, hotel/motels and apartment complexes.

The department identified over 30 locations where there were nine or more suspected overdoses consistently from 2019-2022 and is prioritizing locations for outreach where racial disparities in overdoses are the highest.

In partnership with local community organizations, the NJDOH is distributing naloxone, fentanyl test strip kits, hygiene kits and other material resources for individuals at risk of overdose. Health educators and peers will provide engagement opportunities to people at risk of an overdose to connect them to harm reduction and treatment resources.

In addition, the NJDOH is providing hotspot locations (such as train stations, motels) with naloxone education and offering naloxone kits for establishments to store for bystander use in the event of an overdose.

While New Jersey overdose deaths have remained flat during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to rising rates in other states, racial and ethnic disparities in deaths have

increased. Black (non-Hispanic) residents currently have the highest rate of overdose deaths among all racial/ethnic groups in New Jersey.

Among Black (non-Hispanic) residents, the rate of overdose deaths rose from 54.6 per 100,000 persons in 2020 to 65.9 per 100,000 persons in 2021. Among Hispanic residents, the rate rose from 24.6 per 100,000 to 25.9 per 100,000. In contrast, the rate of overdose deaths among White (nonHispanic) residents decreased from 37.7 per 100,000 to 34.9 per 100,000.

The outreach initiative is supported by approximately $200,000 as part of a four-year, $27.9 million grant from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to the department that supports comprehensive prevention and surveillance strategies to address overdose in New Jersey, including

providing resources to communities.

The program runs now through August. Organizations interested in receiving supplies or learning more may contact Outreach Coordinator Mariah Smith at mariah.smith@doh. nj.gov

This initiative builds on ongoing Murphy Administration efforts to increase the accessibility of life-saving naloxone, including Naloxone365, which will provide free, anonymous, direct-to-consumer access at pharmacies.

In July, the state Department of Human Services launched a Naloxone Distribution Program in partnership with NJDOH and the Office of the Attorney General, which allows eligible agencies the opportunity to request direct shipments of naloxone online anytime they need it.

In a related effort, NJDOH is also supporting increased capacity for mail-based naloxone distribution and statewide fentanyl test strip distribution to community-based outreach groups, local health departments, treatment centers and other community-based partners that engage people who use drugs.

KPD

Continued from Page 7

discharge of charges proffered against him by the police department for which he had yet to be arrested or fingerprinted. Officer Nunez completed the booking and released Benoit back to the court.

The charges stemmed from a Nov. 3 report by the proprietor of Mira Sol Liquor and Deli alleging a man, later identified as Benoit, completed two transactions totaling $548.03 utilizing a stolen credit card. Det.

Kyle Plaugic completed a thorough investigation to identify the suspect, in which he identified Benoit’s car as being the getaway car and matched his image to Benoit’s driver’s license photo and photos from prior law enforcement encounters. At the conclusion of that investigation, on Nov. 11, Det. Plaugic charged Benoit by mailed summons with theft by deception and two counts of credit card theft.

On Feb. 23 at 7:46 p.m.,

a 24-year-old Kearny woman reported to Officer Bryan San Martin she had inadvertently left her debit card behind while shopping at BJ’s Wholesale Club and returned to find that it had gone missing. The victim’s banking app showed the card had just been used for transactions at the nearby ShopRite Liquors and Plaza Discount Liquors stores ($81.92 in total charges).

Officer San Martin reviewed surveillance camera footage from the liquor store transactions, which allowed him to identify the suspect as Frankie R. Crane, 48, a homeless man who frequents the area. After a short search, Officer San Martin, Det. Mike Andrews and Sgt. Sean Kelly found Crane at the BJ’s and arrested him.

Search incident to arrest revealed that Crane possessed a glass “crack” pipe, 11 vials containing crack cocaine residue, a metal rod used in preparing crack cocaine to be smoked, and empty heroin fold stamped “Dior” and a debit

card issued to a second woman. The current victim’s credit card had allegedly been discarded already.

When fingerprinted, Crane

was found to have been wanted under the alias “Jerry Lee Vandermark.”

Sussex County Superior Court issued a bench warrant for a prior charge of possession of heroin/ cocaine with intent to distribute; and Roxbury Township Court issued an arrest warrant for possession of drug paraphernalia, which carried a $2,500 bail. Crane was charged in Kearny with theft of property lost or mislaid, unlawful use of credit cards and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was remanded to the Hudson County Jail.

On Feb. 26 at 10:21 p.m., Officer Ruben Rivera responded to a purse snatching at Walmart. A 54-year-old Newark woman reported three teens snatched her purse out of her shopping cart and ran off with it. Moments later, Officer Michael Ore located three 14-year-old Newark boys at Wawa who matched

the description given by the victim.

After further investigation the three boys were taken into custody and charged under juvenile delinquency with theft, conspiracy to commit theft and credit-card theft. Additionally, two of the boys were also charged with theft of property lost or mislaid for possessing another’s driver’s license and the key fob to a Mercedes that did not belong to them.

One of the boys was issued a warning for a first-documented offense of underage possession of marijuana.

The boys were later released to a guardian.

The victim recovered her purse, which had been tossed by the suspects during their flight from Walmart, but the victim’s wallet and its contents were still missing. Surveillance footage showed the boys had been accompanied by two other persons who fled before police arrived.

Former Hudson Prosecutor DeFazio joins HCCC Board

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

Former Hudson County Prosecutor and former Superior Court Judge Edward DeFazio has joined the Hudson County Community College Board of Trustees, having been sworn in at the board’s meeting Feb. 21.

“On behalf of the entire HCCC community, we are very happy to welcome Edward DeFazio to the college’s board of trustees,” HCCC President Christopher Reber said. “Judge DeFazio has a long and outstanding record of public service and leadership in Hudson County and will be a great asset to the HCCC family.”

A Jersey City native, DeFazio is a lifelong Hudson resident who has more than 40 years’ experience in public service. He received his bachelor’s degree from Fordham University and his JD from Seton Hall University Law School.

DeFazio began his career as Assistant Hudson County Prosecutor and rose through the ranks to become Homicide Unit Chief. He then served as Chief Judge of the Jersey City Municipal Court before returning to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office as First Assistant Prosecutor. A decade later, he was appointed New Jersey Superior Court Judge.

DeFazio then left the bench in 2002 to serve as Hudson County Prosecutor for two, five-year terms.

In 2012, DeFazio was appointed to the Superior Court bench, where he served for seven years before entering private practice at the law firm

of Bruno and Ferraro. He is licensed to practice law in New Jersey, New York and before the United States Supreme Court.

DeFazio’s professional affiliations include the New Jersey State Bar Association; member, past officer and trustee of the Hudson County Bar Association; member and past president of the North Hudson Lawyer’s Club; member of the New Jersey Death Penalty Study Commission; and state director to the National District Attorney’s Association. He was named the 2006 “Lawyer of the Year” by the New Jersey Commission on Professionalism in the Law.

“We look forward to working with Judge DeFazio and utilizing his extraordinary knowledge of Hudson County and the law as we continue to provide our students – and our entire community – with the very best educational opportunities,” HCCC Board of Trustees Chairman William J. Netchert said.

The board is the governing body of Hudson County Community College and is responsible for leading, advocating

Athletic Hall induction set for April 7 at the Fiesta in Wood-Ridge

The Kearny High School

Athletic Hall of Fame will host its sixth team induction ceremony Friday, April 7, 2023. Being inducted to the Hall are the 1981 baseball team, the 1982 boys’ soccer team, the 1983 girls’ soccer team, the 1983 girls’ softball team, the 1985 boys’ varsity eight crew team, the 1987 boys’ soccer team, the 1991 softball team, the 1994 girls’ light-

and supporting the college’s mission, ensuring fiduciary responsibility, establishing overarching goals and policies and hiring, supporting and evaluating the president.

There are eight board members appointed by the Hudson County Board of Commissioners and two appointed by Gov. Philip D. Murphy.

The HCCC Board of Trust-

HUDSON COUNTY

ees is comprised of eight individuals appointed by the Hudson County Board of County Commissioners and at least two individuals appointed by the Governor. Trustees maintain their trustee status until they are reappointed or replaced by

the appointing authorities.

“I am honored to have been chosen as a Hudson County Community College trustee,” DeFazio said. “The college is a treasure, an incredible resource for our community and together with my fellow board members, Dr. Reber and the entire HCCC team, we will continue accomplishing great things here.”

weight four crew team and the 2010 boys’ bowling team.

The ceremony kicks off that day with a 6 p.m. cocktail hour with dinner and induction ceremony to follow at the Fiesta, P.O. Box 212, at 225 Route 17, Wood-Ridge. Tickets are $65 per person.

For more information or to reserve tickets, contact Zibbie Viscuso at (201) 998-5961 or (201) 881-9630.

DeFazio

Margaret ‘Peg’ Manning

Margaret

“Peg” Manning, (nee Laird), 87, died peacefully Thursday, March 2, 2023, at home in Kearny.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Monday, March 13, at noon at the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington, 663 Kearny Ave., Kearny.

Born in Jersey City, Mrs. Manning was a life-long resident of Kearny.

She earned her B.A. and M.A. in education from Montclair State University.

Margaret was a school teacher for the Kearny Board of Education for 35 years before retiring July 1, 1992. She began her career in Emerson School, and then taught at Franklin School and then Lincoln School before finishing at Kearny High School.

Mrs. Manning was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington in Kearny where she served on the Canterbury Guild, sang in the Chancel Choir and served as an Elder. She was a former volunteer at West Hudson Hospital in Kearny as well as a Literacy Volunteer and a member of Alpha Delta Kappa. She was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star and R.N.J.E.A.

She is survived by her son Dr. Donald Manning and his wife, Debra, four grandchildren, Christopher, Tyler and Harry Manning and Schuyler Brach and one son-in-law Brian Brach.

Margaret was predeceased by her husband, Donald Manning, in 1994 and her daughter,

OBITUARIES

Susan Brach in 2022.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Thiele-Reid Family Funeral Home, Kearny. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.thiele-reid.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington, 663 Kearny Ave., Kearny, N.J. 07032. In the memo please write “Peg Manning Fund.”

John Skorupa John (Big John, Hollywood) Skorupa lived an amazing life.

Raised in Harrison, John played one year of professional football with the AFL’s Newark Bears and worked as a lifeguard on the Jersey Shore, where he met the beautiful Grace O’Connor.

He and Grace moved to Amsterdam where they lived for over 10 years, traveled Europe and had their daughter, Nathasja. There, John started a chain of high-end shops, Wild Leather Pie, frequented by the likes of Johnny Cash, Keith Richards and more.

On one occasion, the big guy even worked as a body guard for Muhammad Ali. After coming back to the States, John worked as proud union member of Teamsters Local 641. In both the US and Europe, John also had a successful career as a model, actor and stuntman.

He starred in dozens of television shows, commercials, music videos and movies, working with the world-renowned Shah Rhuk Kahn, Ma-

jic Johnson and Arlo Guthrie and Jewel. John was also a proud member of the Polish National Home and spoke of The Polish Falcons often.

After retiring in Fort Lauderdale, he continued to work taking advantage of that charming smile and full head of hair with the duck-tail continuing to work in showbiz — his daughter said he’d become the king of infomercials. Soon, everyone in Fort Lauderdale came to know the entertaining Hollywood.

Throughout all of his life, John was a world traveler, devoted friend and loving family member. John was larger than life. To meet him once was to remember him forever. Several have referred to him as a legend. He was a truly devoted and loving father to his daughter.

John is survived by Nathasja Skorupa (daughter), Solomon Bey (son-in-law),Louise Mastrangelo (sister), Renato Mastrangelo,(brother-in-law), Basha Skorupa (aunt), and Stefano, Roberto and Enrico Mastrangelo (nephews) and Chiara, Matteo and Elena (great-nieces and nephew), aunt Josephine, cousins Tammy Serdio Battisti, Gregory Marchuck and many more.

Anthony J. Tretola

Anthony J. Tretola, 68, of Beach Lake, Pennsylvania, died Feb. 26, 2023.

Visitation for Anthony was at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny. A funeral service was celebrated in the funeral home. Interment was in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington0000.

Born in Newark, Anthony

Novena to St. Jude

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. Please grant my request. Say this prayer 9 times a day. By the 9th day your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised. Thank you Saint Jude.

lived in the Ironbound Section until moving to Keansburg. He enjoyed residing in Beach Lake for the past 20 years. Anthony owned and operated April Showers Carwash in Newark, and later Just Tires.

He was also a mechanic in the trucking industry for many years.

Anthony had a passion for racing cars, and was a talented painter and handyman. Above all, Anthony treasured time spent with his friends and family, and was never

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

afraid to celebrate life by having a drink or two.

The son of the late Rose Tretola, Anthony was predeceased by his wife Debbie. He is survived by his loving children Anthony Tretola, Lisa Tretola-Slegel and Daniel Hayes. He was the dear brother of Carol Carfagna (late Angelo) and Carmella Sanchez (Jesus), and devoted grandfather of Anthony, Nick, Lily, Griffin and Nathan. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

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.

K.

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

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

The TOWN OF KEARNY is accepting applications for the full-time position of Assistant Superintendent of Public Works. The town is seeking an experienced professional with technical knowledge and strong leadership skills to effectively assist the Superintendent with the Department of Public Works which consists of staff of 35. The position entails assistance of planning, supervising and directing all aspects of public works including, but not limited to: recycling center, roads, public buildings and grounds, parks, fleet maintenance, shade tree, snow removal, sanitary sewer system, and sidewalk permitting and inspection. Also includes contract administration for tree removals, landscaping and janitorial services.

The successful candidate should have at least four years’ experience in a supervisory and administrative leadership capacity. Certification in Public Works Management (CPWM) is required along with a Class B CDL License or the ability to acquire one within 6 months.

Salary negotiable based on qualifications and experience. Appropriate Candidate have opportunity for advancement Send application, resume and cover letter with desired salary to Paula Cavalier, Personnel, at 402 Kearny avenue Kearny, NJ 07032

Please go to https://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/ for application and job description.

All resumes must be received no later than March 31, 2023.

The Town of Kearny is an EOE 42W04

SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

The TOWN OF KEARNY is accepting applications for the full-time position of Superintendent of Public Works. The town is seeking an experienced professional with technical knowledge and strong leadership skills to effectively manage the Department of Public Works which consist of staff of 35. The position entails planning, supervising and directing all aspects of public works including, but not limited to: recycling center, roads, public buildings and grounds, parks, fleet maintenance, shade tree, snow removal, sanitary sewer system, and sidewalk permitting and inspection. Also includes contract administration for tree removals, landscaping and janitorial services. The successful candidate should have at least five years’ experience in a supervisory and administrative leadership capacity. Certification in Public Works Management (CPWM) is required along with a Class B CDL License. A Sewer Collection System Operator License (C3) is required or the ability to obtain within the required time. Salary negotiable based on qualifications and experience. Send application, resume and cover letter with desired salary to Paula Cavalier, Personnel, at 402 Kearny avenue Kearny, NJ 07032 Please go to https:// www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/

All resumes must be received no later than March 31, 2023.

The Town of Kearny is an EOE 42W04

GENERAL LABOR

L&R Manufacturing at 57 John Hay Avenue, Kearny is looking for 2 individuals to help in our facility. 1 for light assembly work and assisting wherever is needed – 40 hours/week and 1 part-time person for cleaning – 15 hours per week. We offer 2 weeks paid vacation after 1 year, company contributed 401K plan, company paid life insurance plan, healthcare and a great working environment.

MUST speak English.

Please fill out application at 57 John Hay Ave or 577 Elm Street, Kearny or call Irene Barutis at 201-991-5330 x212 for more information

44W03

LIFEGUARD

Lifeguards/Lifeguard supervisor needed for summer open swim program 6/26-8/25. Valid lifeguard training & CPR cert req. 35 hours per week.

starting rate is $15 per hour.

Application deadline 4/1 For Applications go to https://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/ 44W04

load in helicopter. Full/Part time position Retires welcome call (862) 849-2652 Location Kearny NJ Heliport 41W07

RECREATION PLAYLEADERS

Playground Play leaders needed for summer recreation program. 6/26 -8/18 Play leaders will supervise playground activities during our summer recreation program. 25-30 per week.

Starting Rate is $10.00 per hour.

Application deadline 4/1 For application Go to https://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/ 44W04

Part Time Public Information Officer

The Town of Kearny is currently accepting applications for the Part Time position of Public Information Officer (PIO). The PIO shall be responsible for press releases, emergency communications, public event promotion/ coordination, establishing good working relationships with the news media and general public, as well as monitoring and maintaining all social media platforms, and updating the Town’s website. Specifically, the PIO shall write short narratives and post photographs and other visual graphics as necessary on the Town’s internet website and related social media platforms. Candidates should have excellent written and verbal communications skills, experience updating internet webpages and posting on social media (i.e. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.). The PIO may also be expected to review and edit other public information materials (i.e. the annual Town calendar, newsletters, brochures, etc.) as necessary. The PIO shall work with the Mayor and Town Council, Business Administrator, and municipal department heads. The PIO shall use digital technologies for the purpose of reporting on resident and community issues, feedback and other data points. Must have basic video and graphic editing skills. Candidates should submit a resume, cover letter and portfolio of their work with their job application. A Bachelor’s degree in a related subject area is a plus (e.g. Communications, Journalism, English, Marketing, Graphic Design, etc.). The ability to work during off-hours is also necessary. A valid New Jersey driver’s license is required. Proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese is a plus. The salary is negotiable based upon experience and qualifications.

A complete list of requirements as well as an application for employment can be found at: https://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/ Applications should be submitted no later than March 27, 2023.

The Town of Kearny is an equal opportunity employer.

44W03

The Town of Kearny (Hudson County) is currently accepting applications for the position of Special Law Enforcement Officer (SLEO), Class III.

Under the command of the Chief of Police, the SLEO will be assigned to work within Kearny School District facilities as an added level of security.

An applicant must possess a NJPTC certification for SLEO III or Basic Course for Police Officers (Class A Certificate) with less than 3 years separation from a full-time New Jersey law enforcement agency. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, less than 65 years in age at the time of appointment and possess a valid New Jersey driver’s license. Applicants must be able to pass a background investigation, pre-employment medical examination, and NJ Attorney General drug screening.

Applicants must be physically capable of performing the functions of this position determined in accordance with the NJ Police Training Commission.

Applicants must be retired from a law enforcement agency and submit a letter of good standing issued by the agency from which the officer retired, listing the date and type of retirement. The starting salary for the position is $34.00 per hour. The anticipated work schedule will be 8 hours per day, 180 days per year, and shall coincide with the Kearny Public Schools calendar.

A complete list of requirements as well as an application for employment can be found at:

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

Applications should be submitted no later than March 27, 2023

44W03

BELLEVILLE Basement studio. closet space. $1050 + 1.5 months security. Utilities, AC. & Cable included. No pets/ smoking. Single woman preferred. Available March Now (862)2020581 44W01

KEARNY 2 BR’s, 1.5 Baths, LR, DR, Washer/Dryer, Assigned parking, Central Air, No Pets/Smoking. $2500 + 1.5 Months security. Available Now. Background Check. Call (509)987-6115 44W03

KEARNY 2nd floor. 1 BR, LR, EIK. $1400 + 1.5 months security.Utilities included. No pets. Available Now (201)428-7864

44W03

KEARNY Newly Remodeled 2 BR’S, LR, Kitchen $1380 + 1.5 months security. utilities separate. No pets. Available April

1st Dukes St. Front Hudson Park. (908)240-9302 (973)391- 3868 44W03

LYNDHURST 2 BR’s, single bath, LR, DR, Large EIK, All rooms are spacious. Stainless Steel Appliances. $2200 + 1.5 months security. Utilities separate.Laundry hookup. No Pets/Smoking. 2 parking spots.walk to train & shopping. Avl. March 1st (201)600-1211 42W03

N. NEWARK Goverment SECTION 8 preferred,6 room apartment. 4 BR, 2nd fl. Near all Transportation and Buses. Completely renovated. Call 973-202-8580 42W03

BLOOMFIELD 3rd floor.

1 BR, LR, EIK. $1650 + 1.5 months security. Utilities separate. No Pets/smoking. Close to Trans & all major highways. Available April 1st (201)563-8726

44W01

KEARNY 2 BR’s, LR, Kitchen, on Wilson Ave.

$1,500 + 1.5 months security.Separate utilities. Parking for 1 car No pets. Avl.

N.ARLINGTON

NUTLEY 2nd floor. 1 BR, LR, EIK, 1 Bath. $1500 + 1.5 months security. Utilities separate. Heat included. Parking for 1 car. No Pets/Smoking. Available March 15th (973)8686614 after 5PM 42W03

Barbara Gerbasio Real Estate (201)388-7821

KEARNY 726 Elm St Kearny 1 bed rm, hardwood fls, close to transportation, H/HW supplied $1,300.

KEARNY Lg. 1 bed hardwood fls, H/HW supplied, close to transportation $1,400. Call Chris (332) 202-5881

KEARNY 748 Devon St 1 bed H/HW supplied, hardwood fls. Close to transportation $1,300. Call Chris (201-370-8378 Credit ck & fee required. 42W03

KEARNY Newly renovated. 3rd floor. 2 BR’s, LR, EIK. appliances supplied. C/A. 1 Parking space.$1750 + 1 months security. Utilities separate. Close to Trans. No Pets/Smoking. Available April 1st (973)493-1021 Call after 5PM 43W03

KEARNY renovated 4 bedroom apartment, $2300 + 1.5 Months security , no pets , no smoking , separate utilities, call 201-772-9965 Available Now 43W03

KEARNY Large big room. Responsible person. Utilities included. No Smoking. Private entrance. Available March 1st(973)704-4186 42W03

4 questions to ask before pruning a tree

ROOFING/SIDING

Since pruning trees can be tricky and even dangerous, this job typically requires the expertise of a professional arborist. If you’re thinking about doing your own pruning, there are four questions you should ask yourself first.

1.Is it necessary?

There are several reasons to prune a tree, including to remove dead and damaged branches that are at risk of falling. Pruning a tree simply to improve its appearance should be avoided. After all, each cut you make is a wound that takes time to heal and puts the tree at risk of infection.

2.Is it safe?

Never prune a tree that’s within 10 feet of a power line. It’s best to leave this extremely hazardous work to a professional, and in some places it’s the law. Similarly, cutting large branches can lead to serious accidents and injuries if you don’t use the right tools and technique.

3.What equipment is needed?

To safely prune a tree, you need to use specialized tools. Pruning shears, loppers and saws may all be required. Make sure your tools are clean and sharp to facilitate the tree’s recovery. You’ll also need personal protective equipment including safety goggles, a helmet, work gloves and possibly a harness.

4.What’s the best way to proceed?

Before you start pruning a tree, analyze its structure and determine where you’ll make each cut. Most importantly, you should limit your alterations and respect the natural shape of the tree. This is the best way to keep your tree healthy and improve its appearance.

If you don’t feel comfortable pruning your own trees, contact an arborist in your area.

LYNDHURST

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to be rated at 79.79% of their true (or market) value, according to Anzevino.

To help correct that, new property values “will all be determined based on their estimated market value as of Oct. 1, 2022 (the statutory date required by law,” the assessor said. “All property owners will be notified by mail of their proposed assessed values and will have an opportunity to question/contest the values.”

Lyndhurst has contracted with Appraisal Systems, Inc., of Fair Lawn, to carry out the reassessments of the township’s 5,705 properties, including 5,133 residential (1- to 3-families), 58 apartment buildings (4-families and above), 317 commercial, 91 industrial, 106 vacant and one railroad.

“Following this initial assessment, 20% of the properties will be inspected each year,” Anzevino said, “to assure current valuations are maintained”—a process that, he said, “helps assure that drastic changes in value are avoided.”

In the coming years covered under the contract, Anzevino said his office will be guided in setting updated assessments by all local property sales that occur, including new construction, and inspections of 20% of properties on each street.

Since the firm was hired last year, Appraisal Systems has been sending its 10-member team, each equipped

with photo ID and nametags, to visit properties around the township, “measuring and photographing the exteriors of all buildings and inspecting the interiors.”

“Due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, contactless interior inspections using a video conference will be available at the request of the property owner,” Anzevino advised residents.

Starting last summer, Appraisal Systems assigned nine agents to handle residential inspections and one to tackle non-residential properties, according to Anzevino.

Local property owners with questions about the procedure are invited to call Appraisal Systems at (201) 493-8530 or to visit visit www. asinj.com.

Anzevino said although inspections for the current tax year are nearing an end, it was still too early to draw any conclusions on how property values and taxes on local properties would be impacted as a result of reassessments. Appraisal Systems has been retained to perform similar work by multiple communities in Bergen County, including Little Ferry, East Rutherford, Cresskill, Closter, Carlstadt and Waldwick. North Arlington hired the firm in 2016 to do a 5-year revaluation of the borough. Nutley engaged the firm to revalue properties in the township for 2023.

And several municipalities in Morris and Sussex counties have also contracted with the company for similar undertakings.

Washington School Q2 honor roll announced

Jon Zimmerman, principal of Washington School in Kearny, announces the following students who have achieved academic honors for the second marking period of the 2022-23 school year:

Grade 4 Principal’s Honors

Zayd Dabaji.

Honors

Salvatore Aleo, Jocelyn Aquino Sandoval, Elias Cabrera, Dylan Cano, John De Lara, Kayo Denadai, Santiago Deras, Angel Garcia, Dana Graciano Menjivar, Victoria Hempel, Kaici Huang, William Jibaja.

Also, Hiba Maliji, Jamill Mendoza, Arwa Ouchiba, D'Angelo Pascual, Nicole Sanchez, Nicolle Santos, Jaquawn Stewart, Eshal Tayyab, Ariana Valadez Medina, Lara Vilas Boas.

Grade 5

Principal’s Honors

Nali Juarez, Isabella Lyons, Jaden Nieves, Gabriel Olivos, Elizabeth Silva, Aliza Syeda.

Honors

Mayiarah Almeida, Sophia Almeida-Perez, Gina Alves, Joseph Baiz, Kimberly Blancas Guzman, Fabio Burga Suejiro, Adryanna Campos-Mercado, Mathias Campoverde, Juan Caycho Bernuy, Isabelle Crucinta Guzman, Isabella Duarte.

Also, Joel Mendez, Beatriz Mota, Nathanael Olivares, Justin Ortiz Ovando, Paul Oshiro, Muhammad Qadeer, Evan Rebelo Da Silva, Jessica Rojas, Katherine Santos Luciano, Gabriel Siqueira, Kevin Solano.

Grade 6

Principal’s Honors

Audrey Bradow, Syeda Eshal, Samantha Garcia, Fares Hegazy, Giuliana Janeira, Logan McDonald, Azaylie Rodriguez.

Honors

Luca Ferri Doti, Emmalee Govin, Josue Granados, Marti Guevara, Vishal Kathiravel, Danara Matos, Matthew Rivadeneira Zurita.

DOFFONT

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where it stepped off at the park.

“Having the event pass by the firehouse with what I hope is raised flags and more is such a great way to memorialize Vinnie,” Richard said. “It will be a timed race, as the entire course has been mapped out. So some will run while others will simply walk the course.”

The event is one of many ways Henry has remembered his colleague and friend, especially of late.

“I loved Vinnie,” the chief told The Observer. “He was such a welldecorated firefighter. From Day 1, he showed me such much respect, the kind of respect we all should have given him and hopefully did. He was colorful. He had a huge heart and he is missed.”

Henry also recalled a story of another firefighter who once made a most poignant remark about

Doffont.

“He said if he had one firefighter he could take with him forever, it was Vinnie Doffont,” Henry said.

“Vinnie was that kind of guy.”

And it wasn’t just at the fire house where Doffont was engaged.

He was the product of Harrison schools, went on to St. Mary’s High School, Rutherford, was a standout football player and wrestler and then went on to take college courses.

It just seemed everyone he met everyone who knew him was aware, clearly Vinnie Doffont was one of a kind.

Harrison Councilman Larry Bennett certainly is one who agrees with that sentiment.

“Vinnie Doffont was an amazing young man who gave so much to the Harrison FD and the town,” Bennett said of his friend. “He loved what he did for a living and because of that, everyone who knew him, whether on or off the job, loved him.

“When we lost him last year, it was very difficult for all of us, but especially for his beautiful wife, Brighid and his children Liam and Leighton. We miss him very much but I know I am so grateful his memory will always live on in town, at the department and now through this special 5K race-walk. He was and always be one of the good ones.”

The run/walk is open to the public, and not just for Harrison residents.

Register for it or find out more information by logging onto runsignup. com/Race/NJ/Harrison/ VincentDoffonts5kRunWalk.

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Doffont