e-Newspaper for March 22, 2023

Street renamed for Belleville native, & first Black Smithsonian secretary

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

Lonnie G. Bunch III, the first Black secretary of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., certainly has his share of accolades to celebrate.

But one accolade, the newest of them all, was added to his resume Monday, March 20, when Bunch returned to Belleville, where he spent the first nearly 20 years of his life, as the intersection of Beech Street and Heller Parkway was renamed “Lonnie Bunch Way” in his honor. Bunch’s childhood home was at

125 Beech St.

The street renaming was made possible by an act Mayor Michael A. Melham, Councilman Rovell and the Belleville Township Council. Melham had hoped to rename the street as part of February’s Black History Month, but scheduling made that an impossibility. So it had to wait until March.

Rovell and Melham said they were delighted to be able to offer the honor to the secretary, especially given Bunch’s achievements over a remarkable career.

Continued on the next page

MAIN: Lonnie G. Bunch III right, with mayor Michael Melham, left, and Bunch’s mom, at the street renaming March 20, 2023. INSET: Bunch as a toddler.

“Thank you, once again, for bringing your family home and of course, you mom,” a beaming Melham said in front of a crowd of at least 200 well-wishers and Bunch and his family. “As we talked in my office (that day) Belleville is not the same Belleville it was in the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s when you left. Belleville, I always say, is a town in transition and a township that historically, has been a very welcoming place. It’s unfortunate there were times, portions of his time, Belleville wasn’t so welcoming. But it is part of what has made his character. So once again, sir, I thank you and your lovely family for being here today.”

Bunch, who grew up and is a dear friend of Rovell, was introduced by the councilman and in addressing the crowd, infused humor and seriousness in his speech to those assembled.

“This is the first time I got a police into the part instead of out of the park,” he joked. “I love how Belleville has changed. I am honored in a way because when I was 17, all I wanted to do was get out of Beech Street. And (now) at 70, all I want to do is come back.

“...I have gotten awards from all around the world, but nothing, nothing matters as much as this today. I want to thank you for giving me something I will always remember. I will always see myself as a kid from Beech Street and

a guy from Belleville. That’s always the way I have defined myself.”

Bunch also took some time to remember his late dad and grandfather.

“You’re honoring all the Lonnie Bunches,” he said of the two aforementioned who shared the same name. “This means a lot to me. You’re honoring my grandfather, Doc Bunch who actually bought a house on Beech Street, 100 years ago today (on March 20, 1923.) This man who began life as a sharecropper finished as a dentist on Beech Street.

“And you honor my dad, who was one of the best educators I knew. He probably tutored every kid in the neighborhood at some point. He was actually born in this house on Beech Street.”

Taking a look at Bunch, his history and achievements

The Observer first profiled Bunch exactly one year ago to the day — it was March 22, 2022. His words were profound then and bear repeating.

When one thinks of Belleville, and well-known people who have once called the township home, you can understand that often, people mention the likes of Frankie Valli and Joe Pesci among many others. But there’s one man who has made his mark on this nation’s history and who continues to do so today in Washington, D.C., and that is Bunch.

His meteoric ascension to the top post at the Smithsonian wasn’t always an easy ride, including the first 17 years of his life, which were spent in Belleville. Still, the secretary says the lessons he learned as a young child and then, as a young man, have stuck with him throughout his life and his career.

Three years ago, we first encountered Bunch when CBS Sunday Morning interviewed him, following his taking over the Smithsonian. Then the pandemic hit. But just a little over a year ago, the communications director at the Smithsonian responded to a request for an interview and said Bunch was willing to grant an interview The Observer, even though we didn’t cover Belleville when he lived here.

That day, March 13, 2022, sitting in my home office, I was expecting to hear someone else’s voice on the other end when I saw the 202 D.C. area code show up on my phone. But, unlike any expectation, it was the secretary himself immediately on the other end of the call straightaway.

“Hey, it’s Lonnie Bunch,” he says after my introductory salutation on the call. Immediately it was clear — this man is someone special. He’s a historian. He’s a scholar. He’s the head of the nation’s museum. But that down-to-earth Belleville style was still there. There was nothing pretentious about him. We got right into a discussion of

his life and career and how Belleville helped to shape the man he is today. And the man who is a 1970 graduate of Belleville High School and 1966 graduate of School No. 5, says being the only Black family in his neighborhood was a challenge, at times intolerably so.

And it all brought Bunch back to a lesson he learned while playing baseball during his elementary school days. Though the game was not organized by or played at School No. 5, it’s where he was going to school at the time.

“We were on DeWitt Avenue,” he says. “I was a good ball player. And I was the only Black kid in the school. And I don’t know what happened. All of a sudden, it went from a friendly ball game to everybody sort of attacking me. They started chasing me down DeWitt Avenue and I’m just running and running and I’m exhausted because they keep chasing me.”

After this long chase, finally, Bunch says, he gave up and accepted this group of youngsters was probably going to attack him. He collapsed on the driveway of a home on Bell Street where a young girl was standing nearby.

“There was this little girl and I will never forget, she said, ‘Get off of the property.’ I thought she was talking to me. And instead, she was talking to the people chasing me. And she basically

See BUNCH, Page 15

The Early Intervention System (EIS), under the Department of Health & Senior Services, implements New Jersey’s statewide system of services for infants and toddlers, birth to age three, with developmental delays or disabilities, and their families.

To make a referral to the NJEIS Call the Statewide Toll Free Referral Number At 888-653-4463. This number will connect you to a regional system point of entry (SPOE) for the NJEIS.

For children, birth to age 21 with special health care needs Referrals can be made through 21 county Special Child Health Case Management Units. Additional information is available at http://www.nj.gov/health/fbs/sch/sccase.shtm

A rápida intervenção System (EIS), no âmbito do departamento de saúde & serviços da senior, implementa o sistema statewide da New Jersey de serviços para crianças e bebês, nascimento à idade três, com atrasos de desenvolvimento ou deficiência e suas famílias. Para tornar uma referência para a campanha de NJEIS a statewide n° Free referência número no 888-653-4463 este número irá conectar você a um ponto do sistema regional de entrada (SPOE) para o NJEIS. Para as crianças, nascimento à idade 21 com necessidades de cuidados de saúde especiais referências pode ser feito através de 21 especial do Condado de criança saúde Case Management unidades. Informações adicionais estão disponíveis em http://www.nj.gov/health/fbs/sch/sccase.shtm

El sistema de intervención temprana (EIS), bajo el departamento de salud y servicios de Senior, implementa el sistema estatal de Nueva Jersey de servicios para bebés y niños pequeños, desde el nacimiento hasta la edad de tres, con retrasos en el desarrollo o la discapacidad y a sus familias. Para hacer una remisión a la llamada de NJEIS la estatal Toll Free referencia número al 888-653-4463 este número le conectará a un sistema regional de punto de entrada (SPOE) para el NJEIS. Para los niños, desde el nacimiento hasta la edad de 21 años, con necesidades de salud especiales referencias puede hacerse a través de 21 condado especial infantil salud Case Management unidades. Información adicional está disponible en http://www.nj.gov/health/fbs/sch/sccase.shtm

Any further information, please call the Kearny School District/Office of Special Services at 201-955-5082

Remains of Nutley veteran, missing since 1944, finally recovered and he will finally get a proper burial stateside

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

AWorld War II veteran from Nutley, who was killed in action and missing for decades, was officially accounted for Jan. 3, 2023, the military says. The Defense Department POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced the remains of U.S. Navy Aviation Ordnanceman First Class Anthony DiPetta, killed in combat in the Pacific theater during World War II 78+ years ago, were located and recovered off Malakal Island in the Republic of Palau, a sovereign island nation in the Pacific, located about 800 miles southwest of Guam.

He was just 24 when he died.

The recovery of remains was due to ongoing research, search and recovery efforts by Project Recover, a non-profit that works to recover American service members worldwide who never made it home from battle.

“Project Recover is proud of the incredible efforts that went into locating and repatriating Anthony DiPetta. We remain committed to our nation’s lost service members and the millions of Gold Star MIA family members across the country that are still anxiously waiting to learn what happened to their loved ones,” Derek Abbey, president/CEO of Project Recover, said.

Project Recover and partners at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California and the University of Delaware use advanced technology and historic records to locate crash sites, carefully explore and document them and when possible, repatriate the

n Navy Aviation Ordnanceman First Class Anthony DiPetta, aged 24

n WENT MISSING: Sept. 10, 1944

n DECLARED UNRECOVERABLE: July 16, 1949

n REMAINS IDENTIFIED: Jan.3, 2023 — 78+ years after his disappearance in the Pacific

remains of the fallen.

DiPetta’s crash site was located in 2015 after several years of Project Recover search missions. Multiple underwater-recovery missions with contributions by Legion Undersea Services, were executed following the location of the crash site.

To identify DiPetta’s remains, the Department of Defense says scientists used dental analysis while scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA analysis.

The Avenger, containing DiPetta and two other crew members, took off from the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier on Sept. 10, 1944. The crew was a part of Torpedo Squadron 20 (VT-20) on a bombing mission targeting antiaircraft positions and transport ships near Malakal Harbor.

Searches for DiPetta ended

in 1947 — and he was declared “unrecoverable” July 16, 1949.

The Avenger was struck by enemy anti-aircraft fire and crashed into water near Malakal Island.

See DIPETTA, Page 18

LPD: Abriojofiorentini charged with shoplifting ... try saying that 3 times in a row

A Kearny woman was arrested and charged in Lyndhurst late last month after a reported shoplifting, Det. Lt. Vincent Auteri, of the Lyndhurst Police Department, said.

That day, Officers Brian Kapp, Nicollette Villani and Michael Clifford responded to a business on the 400 block of Valley Brook Avenue — and prior to their arrival, it was reported a female suspect had entered the passenger seat of a white-colored SUV that promptly fled the area.

Upon their approach to the area, police said they observed the vehicle in the vicinity of the business and executed a motor-vehicle stop.

Inside the vehicle, officers

NEWS BRIEFS

located the stolen merchandise Karla Abriojofiorentini, 37, had allegedly stolen from the store.

The merchandise was valued at approximately $73 and she was later charged with shoplifting. Additionally, she had an outstanding warrant out of Kearny and with the NJSP, according to Auteri.

Kearny PBA hosting cigar & bournon fundraiser to benefit Tour de Force ’23.

The Kearny PBA hosts a bourbon and cigar fundraiser Thursday, April 20, from 5 to 10:30 p.m. at Casa de Montecristo Cigar Lounge, 301 Rt. 10 E., Wippany.

The $150 donation, where all proceeds will benefit the 2023 Tour de Force, includes a buffet dinner, three, 1-oz. bourbon pours, a cigar and cutter at entry, a 50/50 raffle and more.

To purchase tickets, see an PBA member in person or send an email to Officer Rich Poplaski Jr. at rpoplaskijr@ kearnynjpd.org.

Donations may also be sent by Venmo the PBA.

Petry giving talk at NAPL

The North Arlington Public Library Will host a talk on paranormal investigation by Karl Petry Saturday, April 1, at 1 p.m. Petry is a clairvoyant who is known for retrocognition (viewing the past) and psychometry (“reading” objects and photographs). This proficiency has led him to work with many ghost-hunting teams and well-known psychics and mediums to investigate haunted locations. Besides being a sought-after speaker on the occult, Petry is an independent film producer. A reality TV series showcasing his psychic ability was in the works, although the production was put on hold when one of the principal actors died of COVID. His books, “Absent Witness” and “Somewhere the Dead are Singing,” will be on sale at the program.

Space is limited. Please register at the reference desk.

Kearny man 1 of 2 accused of kidnapping, beating and stealing $20K from Queens

Uber driver: report

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

AKearny man is one of two from a Queensbased “crew” who stand accused of kidnapping, beating up and stealing $20,000 in cash from an Uber driver in New York City in October 2022, published reports say.

Sam Carrasco, 20, of Kearny and Jeffrey Tavares, 23, of Queens, were both arrested and charged in connection to those crimes on Friday, March 17, in Brooklyn Federal Court, reports obtained by The Observer reveal.

In a memorandum issued by the feds, reports indicate Carrasco was hauled in from a home on Wilson Avenue in Kearny, where police recovered a loaded firearm in Carrasco’s mattress.

That same memo also alleges Carrasco attempted to order thousands of dollars in jewelry from an online retailer to be delivered to another, albeit nearby, Wilson Avenue address.

Reports also said the duo were responsible for numerous armed robberies and carjackings in Queens from October 2022 through this month.

In the aforementioned Oct. 24, 2022 incident, reports say the pair and one other man

allegedly approached a Murray Hill, Queens, Uber driver, put an opaque bag over his head, tied his hands together, stole his keys, wallet and iPhone 13 and then one of them demanded money.

With a gun to his head, the victim reportedly told suspects he had cash at his home and gave up his home address. They all then went to the house and stole $20,000 in cash, later releasing the suspect on the eastern end of Long Island but not before reminding him not to call the police or “we will kill you and your family.”

Carrasco and Tavares were first arrested late in December by the NYPD after they were nabbed driving a stolen Jeep, reports said. Authorities then were able to connect to the suspects to the robberies.

Bail information for Carrasco and Tavares was not immediately available, but the feds are asking both be detained for the duration of their trial(s) because they are, according to reports, “a significant flight risk” with “significant means to flee the area.”

If convicted, both men face between 12-15 years behind bars.

The NYPD and ATF were involved with the case.

McKeon steps down from Kearny Municipal Court bench after 30+ years of service

By Ron Leir ronleir423@gmail.com

He’s banged the gavel for the last time.

After 30+ years on the bench over two stints, Thomas D. McKeon has bade farewell as municipal judge of Kearny. His letter of resignation, which took effect Feb. 27, was formally accepted by the mayor and Town Council Tuesday, March 14.

A mandate issued by the state Administrative Office of the Courts prompted his decision to leave, McKeon said. That directive forbids municipal magistrates from also performing legal work for the county going after

deadbeat welfare dads due to a potential conflict of interest situation.

McKeon said he’s been holding down the county post for the past four decades but he’s decided to quit that job, too, and take his pension. He was just reappointed to a new 3-year term in November 2022.

Mayor Alberto G. Santos, reportedly in line to become a Superior Court judge, said: “Tom has always demonstrated the utmost professionalism and fairness in performing his duties as municipal judge — he has done so in an exemplary manner. He is a lifelong resident of Kearny who has sought to serve his

community and we are very fortunate he has been our community for over two decades.”

“I loved being a judge, helping people, and I’ll really miss working for the town,” McKeon said, “but I had to let it go.”

And, he insisted, “I’m not going to do weddings.”

Nor does he have plans to re-enter the political arena.

After a short time as a member of the Kearny Zoning Board, he ran successfully on the Democratic ticket for a Second Ward seat on the Town Council in 1980 and, after receiving his law degree from Seton Hall University and getting

married, he sought reelection but was defeated.

Still, while building his law practice, he maintained a foothold in public service, hired as Kearny’s municipal prosecutor and as assistant Hudson County counsel in 1983. He was named municipal judge of Kearny in 1990 and continued to be reappointed by Democratic and Republic mayors alike.

He took a break from 2004 to 2013 when Norman A. Doyle Jr. became the town judge — and then McKeon rejoined the bench from 2013 until last month.

Since he claims he has “no hobbies,” what he will do, instead, is stick to his private law practice, still working out of his Kearny

See McKEON, Page 18

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 201-9911600.

Contributed photo of McKeon

Kearny Cop of the Year award named in John P. Dowie’s honor

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

For nearly 20 years, John P. Dowie served as Kearny’s police chief with great distinction. And over those years, he spent a lot of time heaping praise. Never was that praise for himself. It was always for his people, the women and men who served under him. But now, seven years after he retired, the praise and adulation will be coming his way in perpetuity.

That’s because the Kearny Policemen’s Benevolent Association voted in 2023 create the John P. Dowie Police Officer of the Year award. While it is not the first time the award has been given out that’s been happening for ages this year marked the first time the award, given to Police Officer Ryan Stickno, was issued in Dowie’s honor.

And it will be forever more.

When the PBA had its annual awards banquet earlier this year, Dowie was feted as were Stickno and numerous others who were cited for their dedicated service. We will tell you Stickno’s story in an upcoming edition of The Observer, but for now, we focus on Dowie.

Just to give you an idea of the kind of man Dowie is, while he agreed to this story, he wanted it to be clear that we’d give Stickno the credit he deserves and we most certainly will.

We spoke with Dowie last week about the award and took a look back at career that was his. It should come as a surprise to absolutely no one he was moved by having the award named in his honor. And he never saw it coming.

“Yes, to say I was a little surprised and humbled would be an understatement. I never had a problem putting my troops

in the spotlight and singing their well-deserved praises, but for myself not so much,” Dowie said. “I just always wanted to be that guy who held up his end and could be counted on out there. That was good enough for me.

“I actually quipped that I did a lot of investigations back in the day, sorted through lots of clues and worked them through to their conclusion, but I didn’t have a clue why I was selected for such an honor.

“It is a bit more special when it was given by my own department than by another agency or organization, I guess, because here, the people giving the award know you both as an officer and personally as an individual. I’ve been given valor awards by the County 200 Club and inducted into the State Honor Legion and while those were very much appreciated recognitions, there is definitely something special when it comes from your peers.”

One of those peers is Dowie’s son, Jonathan, who is now a detective in Kearny. He’s had a meteoric rise from patrolman to detective, and that’s a source of incredible pride for the retired chief.

“Having my son become a police officer is very special,” he said. “Not only to see him as a member of the Kearny Police Department as both I and my father before me were, but he genuinely loves what he is doing and has made wonderful friends. Jon devotes much of his own time to the KPD Honor Guard, PBA fundraisers and the Valor, Golf and Picnic committees. We are very proud.”

That pride extends to Dowie’s community, too. When he retired, he could have moved away with wife, Ann, and chosen a new life. But that wasn’t in the card for the chief.

“I am glad we stayed

in Kearny, a good place to live, in my opinion,” Dowie said. “Even with all the new development, we have stable taxes and a sound government and administration. I had a very pleasant experience working with our Mayor and Council and other department heads and still see them working for the good of the people of Kearny.

“In addition to that, it is time for ‘This Old House, Part 2’ for our 100+-yearold house and as much as I loved being a cop, I do like playing carpenter, plumber, electrician and car mechanic, to catch up on all the years and hours I spent playing cop, to update the home we have lived in for the past 40 years.”

Can you tell Dowie hasn’t come close to losing his sharp sense of humor?

Despite his new-found calling as Kearny’s version of Bob Vila, Dowie says he still misses being in blue.

“I dearly miss being a cop. Much more being a street cop than being chief,” Dowie said, humbly. “There is no greater honor or more exciting job as far as I’m concerned the ‘greatest show on earth’ as they say. As a street cop, you get an opportunity every day to help somebody or impact their life in a positive way. But yeah, I’m still that ‘watching your surroundings and looking for who may be up to no good’ when I’m out. My wife says I still drive like a cop.”

Dowie was known, at all hours of the day, on the clock or otherwise, to pull people over when there were infractions. As the old saying goes, you can take the man out of being a cop, but never

a cop from the man. And despite all the changes that have occurred in policing over the last decade+, Dowie still sees the value and importance law enforcement has to this very day.

“It’s true that a lot of the faces have changed in the department and no doubt the job and the law have, too,” the chief said. “Every generation of cops go through a lot of change in tactics, training and technology, but what doesn’t change is that somebody has to put on all that gear, get in that car 24/7/365 and respond, many times alone, into who knows what and sort out the mayhem and face the danger without regard to themselves for people they don’t know. Currently there are over 23,000

See DOWIE, Page 15

General Manager

Observer file photo

John P. Dowie at his retirement as chief of the Kearny Police Department in 2017.

KPD: Mom, 50, threw keys, charged at and nearly slashed face of son, 23, with broken glass after dispute

By Capt. Timothy Wagner Kearny Police Department

On March 10 at 3:40 p.m., a 23-year-old Kearny man walked in to police headquarters and reported a domestic-violence incident to Officer Sean King. The victim alleged he had an argument at home with his 50-year-old mother about using their car to buy groceries.

During the course of the argument, the mother allegedly threw car keys at the victim, striking him in the head. She then allegedly charged at the victim, pushing him and throwing haymakers, some of which landed on the victim’s arm.

During the affray, a glass bottle fell and broke. It is alleged the victim’s mother picked up a shard of glass and threatened to cut the victim’s face with it. The victim fled when his

sister broke up the affair.

Officers King and Mat Lopez went to the mother’s residence and arrested her without incident. She was charged with terroristic threats, simple assault and weapon possession offenses and held at the Hudson County Jail.

On March 7 at 2:51 p.m., Officer Paul Duran and several backup officers responded to a private residence for a domestic dispute. There they learned a couple had an argument over the rearing of their child and in the course of the argument, the 30-year-old mother scratched the 33-year-old father on his face, causing a laceration. Officers arrested the female half of the couple on a charge of simple assault. She was later released with a summons.

On March 7 at 10:15 p.m., Officer Angel Martinez was dispatched to

a domestic dispute in a home. He learned a 31-year-old man was alleged to have strangled and hit his 30-yearold wife in front of their 5-year-old son, leaving her with a bruised face. Officer Martinez arrested the aggressor for aggravated assault (domestic strangulation). He was later held at the Hudson County Jail, South Kearny.

On March 8 at 6:37 p.m., Officers Taylor Latka, Jose Castillo and Sgt. Sean Kelly were dispatched to a residential trespassing complaint. The resident advised them Douglas J. Welfl, 37, of Kearny, came to his home, though barred by a restraining order, and yelled at him. Welfl was arrested for a similar complaint at the same residence a week earlier. After confirming the final restraining order was active, the officers arrested Welfl on a charge of contempt. He was held at the county jail.

On March 10 at 3:59 p.m., Officers Damian Kolodziej and Sgt. Pat Becker responded to Walmart on a report

POLICE BEAT

of a shoplifting in progress. Store personnel reported they observed Wiley C. Mayfield, 36, and Carissa M. Huggins, 31, both of East Orange, switching price tags on items for lessexpensive price tags and scanning the cheaper price tags at a self-checkout register.

The duo exited the store with the merchandise when police arrived, but upon seeing the cops, they allegedly ditched their three shopping carts of loot and hopped into a Hyundai. Officers Nicole Cain and Alan Stickno pulled over the Hyundai on Harrison Avenue and arrested the occupants.

Walmart staff tallied the total loss for the under-ringing at $939.96. Both defendants were charged with shoplifting and conspiracy and later released on summonses.

See KPD, Page 8

Banner display will honor NA vets this summer

The Borough of North Arlington will display military tribute banners along Ridge Road for the fourth consecutive year.

Residents or businesses may honor a veteran or active-duty service member with a military tribute banner. Since August 2020, more than 100 banners have been purchased and displayed along Ridge Road.

Banners are 24”x 48” and cost $150. They feature a photo of a military hero, his or her service information and each sponsor’s family or business name.

Councilwoman Donna Bocchino launched the program in 2020 as an innovative way to celebrate the service and sacrifice of local residents.

“The banner program is a wonderful initiative to pay respect and show appreciation for our veterans,” Bocchino said. “My dream is to see

KPD

Continued from Page 7

On March 11 at 9:53 p.m., Officers Kevin Matos and Michael Ore responded to ShopRite where an alleged shoplifter was being detained. A store manager reported Ketty L. Henriquez, 40, of Newark, concealed Tide Pods, meats, candies and soaps in her backpack, and placed diapers into a shopping cart, then carried the merchandise passed all registers without paying the $333.22 retail value.

nalia. She was later held at the county.

On March 12 at 1:44 a.m., Officer Lawrence Latka and backup officers responded to a report a man parked his car at Quick Chek and then began aggressively panhandling and harassing store customers. Dispatch had received a similar complaint earlier at Wawa, but the man left before police arrived.

dispute at a residence. The 50-year-old mother alleged her 31-year-old daughter pushed her during an argument, causing her to bang her left arm and leg against an object. The mother had signs of soft tissue injury to her arm and leg.

Officers arrested the daughter on a charge of simple assault. She was later released with a summons.

banners displayed throughout the borough each and every year.”

Residents may purchase banners at www.militarytributebanners.org. The deadline for purchase is March 20 for banners to be displayed on Ridge Road from May through August.

For more information, contact Bocchino at dbocchino@ northarlington.com.

Officers arrested Henriquez. Their search incident to her arrest uncovered a crack pipe, two wax folds containing heroin residue, a vial containing crack-cocaine residue, tin foil, metal rods, a plastic container of crack cocaine and a wax fold of heroin. A record check showed Henriquez was wanted on two warrants issued by Newark Municipal Court for defiant trespass.

Officers charged Henriquez with shoplifting, possession of crack cocaine and heroin and possession of drug parapher-

Again, the man drove off before police arrived, but they pulled him over at Kearny Avenue and Dukes Street. Driver Devon Matos had no driving credentials on him, but Officer Latka recognized Matos and confirmed his driver’s license was suspended. Officer Latka arrested Matos and found a vial on him that is commonly used to store cocaine.

Officers charged Matos by summons with possession of drug paraphernalia, driving with a suspended license and failure to produce registration and insurance documents. He was later released.

On March 12 at 9:58 p.m., Officer Peter Jahera and several backup officers responded to a mother-daughter

On March 13 at 11:19 p.m., Officer Ruben Rivera and several backup officers were dispatched to a report of a man breaking a glass door at Lava Smoke Shop, 502 Kearny Ave. A smoke shop employee reported he saw a man later identified as Greg A. Golomb, 50, of North Arlington, walking in the street. He told the man to be careful after a passing car nearly hit him. Golomb allegedly then advanced on the shopkeeper who took refuge inside his store. At that, Golomb allegedly kicked the shop’s glass door, shattering it.

Officers arrested Golomb and charged him with criminal mischief.

He was later transferred to the Hudson County Jail.

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Kearny’s Cardenas becomes an All-American at NCAA Wrestling Championships

By Jason Bernstein

There’s little that Kearny native and Cornell University junior Jacob Cardenas hasn’t accomplished on the wrestling mat. After this past weekend, Cardenas can add another line to an already long list of accolades - NCAA All-American.

Cardenas took home eighth place at 197 pounds during the 2023 NCAA Wrestling Championships held in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

During the three day event, Cardenas, who entered as the 10th seed in the 32 man field, went 4-3 in his matches.

Cardenas’ tournament run began with a 3-1 win by decision over Princeton’s Luke Stout, but was sent to the consolation bracket after being defeated by Tanner Sloan of South Dakota State, by decision, 4-0, in the second round on Thursday.

Despite the setback, Cardenas responded in a big way on Friday, winning three consecutive matches, defeating Levi Hopkins of Campbell (Major Decision, 13-4), Oklahoma State’s Luke Surber (Decision, 12-5) and Zac Braunagel of Illinois (Decision, 6-4). The victory over Braunagel in the fourth consolation round ensured a spot on the podium for Cardenas and gave him All-American status.

Cardenas’s Friday ended with a decision loss (4-2) to Iowa’s Jacob Warner. Then in Saturday’s Seventh Place Match, Penn State’s Max Dean, earned a 4-2 decision over Cardenas.

With the eighth place finish, Cardenas became one of four Cornell wrestlers to earn All-American honors this weekend. As a team, Cornell earned 76.5 team points, to finish in third place, trailing

Harrison’s

Jayden Vega gets selected

for Phil Simms

North-South Game

By Jason Bernstein

Jayden Vega didn’t have the senior season that he and his Harrison teammates envisioned for themselves this past fall. But despite that lack of team success, Vega will have the chance to show that he belongs among the state’s best players.

Vega, Harrison’s standout two-way lineman is one of 90 players selected to compete in the 2023 Phil Simms NJ North/ South All Star Football Classic on June 11 at Kean University.

On Sunday, the game’s selections were introduced as part of the event’s annual Media Day and Symposium held at Kean.

coach and representing what I do the best.”

Vega first started playing when he was 5, playing for Harrison Pop Warner all the way through middle school before starting his high school career at DePaul Catholic in Wayne.

Before his senior season, Vega decided to return home and transferred back to Harrison. Despite being limited by injuries during the preseason, Vega earned All-NJIC Union Division, First Team honors for the Blue Tide.

only Penn State (137.5) and Iowa (82.5).

Cardenas was one of seven New Jersey wrestlers to earn All-American status. Incredibly, he was one of three from Bergen Catholic to reach that incredible status, joining Chris Foca of Cornell (third place, 174 pounds) and Shane Griffith (fifth place, 165 pounds) on the podium in their respective weight classes.

Cardenas closes the season with a stellar 20-6 record. He is now 43-14 over the past two seasons, qualifying for the NCAA Tournament both times.

Two weeks prior, Cardenas

earned his first EIWA championship when he defeated Lehigh’s Michael Beard in the final, using a takedown in the final 20 seconds to earn a 10-9 victory over decision.

In October, Cardenas represented Team USA at the U23 World Championships in Spain, winning the silver medal at 92 kg freestyle.

Cardenas’ wrestling career started with the famed Kearny Recreation program, eventually winning a state title in the 14-and-under 152-pound weight class as an eighth grader. He then went on to Bergen Catholic where he was a two-time state champion at 195 pounds in 2018 and 2019.

Vega, a 6-foot-2, 290 pound defensive tackle, is the first Blue Tide player selected to the game - now in its 45th year in recent memory. He was the only Observer area player to make the 45-man North Team roster. Harrison head coach Ray Lucas will serve as the North’s quarterbacks coach. Former New York Giants offensive tackle and Super Bowl champion Roman Oben will serve as the North Team’s head coach.

“I was proud to be selected. I worked my butt off the whole season,” said Vega. “I didn’t have the best season, but I’m very proud of everything, very proud to be selected and very proud to have one more chance.

“It means the world to me. I’m representing my town, representing my people, representing my

“I would have done anything to put this helmet on one more time, put the pads on. I’d do anything to get back on the field,” Vega said. “Ever since the last minute of the last game I was ready to get back onto the field and work again. I’m ready to work and show my talent.”

While most of the players selected for the North/South Game have their college commitments lined up already, Vega is one of the few uncommitted prospects. With limited film and the nature of the United Divisioncomprising the NJIC’s smallest schools, Lucas believes Vega has not gotten the attention he deserves from college coaches.

Overall, Vega is one of just three players from NJIC in the game and the only one from the United Division.

“When you play in the conference we play in, these kids don’t get enough credit,” Lucas said. “We’re in a conference where we can be competitive and not

Photo Courtesy of Cordobatrained

LEFT TO RIGHT: David Cordoba, Jacob Cardenas, Misty Hill.

See VEGA, Page 10

jason@theobserver.com

jason@theobserver.com

VEGA

Continued from Page 9

get our heads beat in, but that doesn’t mean our kids aren’t good enough to play in a game like this.

“We still have great kids and this is an opportunity for him to showcase his talent. Nobody’s coming and knocking on his door, which is a sin if you ask me because he’s that good.

“He’s tailor made (for the line) he has the whole skill set, his football IQ is through the roof. This kid has all the intangibles. Just because we come from a one square mile town, doesn’t mean the kid can’t play.”

Lucas, who played in the 1991 edition of the game is one of 64 players to have participated in the game, who went on to play in the NFL.

While the game is still nearly 12 weeks away, Vegas knows

With less time to get ready, spring sports teams begin practice

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

As Nutley softball coach Luann Zullo prepares for another season, there’s perhaps a greater sense of urgency. Due to changes made by the NJSIAA, practices for this year’s spring sports season began late last week, leaving coaches like Zullo nearly two fewer weeks to be prepared for opening day.

he has something to prove when he gets there.

“I have everything to prove and not just for myself, but for everyone, for the town of Harrison,” said Vega. “It’s a small town and I’m just a kid there trying to get and put the town on the map.”

Catch The Observer Live! every Monday at 7 p.m. on Facebook, Twitch, Twitter & YouTube

C ELEBRATING 25 Y EARS !

EYE CARE

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In previous years, the first day of practice was March 7. This season full team practices were not allowed to start until March 16. For baseball and softball, pitchers and catchers were able to start on March 13.

With opening day set for Monday, April 3, coaches find themselves looking at their watches, trying to figure how to do all that needs to be done before games begin in earnest.

“It is absolutely a challenge. I don’t think we’ll re-

ally fully understand it or be able to speak on it until we have a full season under our belts. All I can say is that I keep thinking ‘we only have two weeks, we only have two weeks! I gotta do this, I gotta do that,’” said Zullo. “I’m trying to cram stuff in faster than we have in the past. Usually we have a lot more time for tryouts and things happen organically.”

“It’s tough,” Harrison

softball coach Keith Mair said. “I’m rolling right into my season starting Friday. We have preseason games Friday, Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. It’s getting the girls up to speed. Luckily I had a young team last year, so most of my starters have returned so they know the deal. You have to extend practice as

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

Photo by Jason Bernstein Jayden Vega

Continued on the next page

Photo by Jason Bernstein

The 2022 Lyndhurst Baseball Team with Jim Walker.

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

long as you can to get stuff done.”

For Mair, no one on his team is a year-round softball player, which makes the shorter preseason a more daunting challenge as he tries to push practices as long as he can in the March elements.

A few hundred feet away in the gym, Blue Tide volleyball coach Nick Landy is largely removed from that concern as he returns a veteran group, many of whom play volleyball throughout the year.

“In the past, we’ve had players who swam or did other sports, which we encourage since it keeps them in shape. But we don’t really have those kids this year,” Landy said. “Our kids do a lot of work in the offseason whether it’s our summer league and summer workouts. A lot of the kids are doing club and the rec program helps us out with some open gyms. We’re not too concerned with court rust.”

Landy and other volleyball coaches don’t have to deal with concerns over the fickle March weather. As a way to try to catch up, some teams like Nutley softball and Lyndhurst baseball organize and

fundraise for their players to go to Florida or another warm weather venue. The advantage of those days in the sun could prove especially valuable.

“This could play into our advantage because we’re going to be able to get down there and we’re going to be able to get a lot of work in, in very good weather. Maybe that helps us,” Lyndhurst baseball coach Pat Autieri said. “In the past years that’s helped us when we’ve seen bad March weather. When we got back, we often found ourselves ahead of the game.”

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For Autieri and other baseball coaches, the shorter preseason looms even larger due to the time needed for pitchers to build up arm strength before the start of the season. Most of his players used the extra time between the end of winter and start of spring to start building up for April and while he appreciates the enthusiasm, there is the concern of kids doing this without the proper supervision of coaches.

“Our kids are into it and obviously they want to get their arms in shape, but if we’re there as a coaching staff to supervise and not overdo it,” said Autieri. “I think the tendency is that the kids are so excited that they might overdo it a little bit and throw too much because you don’t have that coach in their ear to tell them you’ve done enough.

“I think the two weeks were good in certain aspects, giving the kids the chance to get a

little rest and then two weeks to get rejuvenated.”

When the NJSIAA announced its schedule changes, they were done with the intention of giving student-athletes a period to rest, recover and recharge their batteries between seasons.

Zullo, who at one point was the head girls basketball and softball coach at West Essex certainly appreciates the added break the new schedule provides, even if it means more stress for herself and other coaches.

“It’s nice to not have the crossover where basketball is still going on and you still have those players that play both and you’re putting them in a bit of a jam,” Zullo said, recalling her days when she coached both at the same time. “For those athletes and I am a strong, strong proponent of multi-sport athletes, I think this is great for those athletes that play multiple sports.

“I just think it puts a little more pressure on us as coaches to prepare a team. Two weeks, that’s tough.”

Photo by Jason Bernstein

The Nutley girls softball team.

Dr. Prakash J. Doshi

Dr. Hector Aguilar

By JoAnn Barton Special to The Observer

Ilove New Jersey. I’m born and bred and most likely will never leave.

My mother always said Jersey is the best place to live — catastrophe wise, at least — no Hurricanes, no tornados, no earthquakes and depending on where you live, little flooding. So far, for me, she was right, knock on wood.

I’m proud to broadcast Applause Radio Show (ARS) from New Jersey. It’s not only exciting for me to have been an entertainer in the majority of time but to also broadcast the show from home. Both dreams came true here for me.

ARS is getting exciting just as the state is. We don’t truly appreciate all the beauty and fantastic things there are to

do in our state. We need to open our eyes more to take in what’s going on around us.

My favorite part of the state is the entertainment all over Jersey, including the guests on ARS.

We just had Butch Patrick/ Eddie Munster on the show. What a thrill for me as I loved “The Munsters” growing up. It’s sometimes difficult speaking to classic guests because I want to avoid the nonsensical questions they have probably been asked over and over again. I guess with longevity comes repetitiveness.

One thing I stumbled on was that Patrick had a very short career as a singer in the 70s. I didn’t know he tried to grab onto the bubble gum, teen idol niche. He said he had a great time doing it, but he couldn’t sing a lick.

You could have fooled me.

“I Want Sugar All the Time” was as timeless as bubblegum could be and his remake of the Bee Gee’s “I.O.I.O.” was, too. I actually liked Patrick’s version better. Even with one of the best bands behind him, Sugar Loaf, it just didn’t get off the ground. Had he been a true vocal virtuoso, we may have had another David Cassidy on our hands.

If you get a chance, check out both songs. Patrick will be appearing at Classic Car Show events in upstate New York soon and he is a staple on the autograph circuit at events such as Chiller. Check out his website to find out more at www.eddiemunster. com

Another blast from the past was having Rock/Blues bassist Pat DeSalvo from Savoy Brown on the show. They have a new album out — “Blues All Around,” the last recordings of lead singer Kim Simmonds, who died in December. I think

they’re one of the best rock/ blues bands out there and they have never stopped touring. Check out the new album and tour dates at www. savoybrown.com.

This week we swing back into the oldies with Joey Dee from Joey Dee and the Starliters, Doo Wop master, Kenny Vance, newcomer blues musician Clay Melton and Christine Wiltshire from Musique. We’ll be playing their music and chatting. Check out our calendar for the best guests on ARS at www.applauseradioshow. com.

That’s the exciting news from this part of Jersey, but on March 13, Gov. Philip D. Murphy and the mayors of Newark, Asbury Park and Atlantic City announced New Jersey would be doing its version of SXSW this year and hope to make it an annual event. They’re calling it North 2 Shore (N2S). Texas has its SXSW and now Jersey has N2S. What is N2S? It’s the

first-of-its-kind New Jersey arts festival taking place throughout June. There are over 100 acts already and tickets are available now. These shows will take place at indoor venues and outdoor locations in Newark, Asbury Park and Atlantic City. The guests so far I’m aware of Carlos Santana, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, the Smithereens with Marshall Crenshaw, Halsey, Demi Lovato and others. They even have comedians scheduled to partake in this celebration like Steven Colbert and Jim Gaffigan. N2S kicks off in Atlantic City from June 7 to June 11; then Asbury Park from June 14 to June 18; and the final destination, Newark, from June 21 to June 25. To get a full list of the entertainers, locations and tickets go to www.northtoshore.com.

Let’s hope N2S becomes an annual affair and gives me another reason, not to leave New Jersey!

HCPO: teacher had explicit chat with minor

A Jersey City schoolteacher was arrested March 1 following an investigation into a sexually explicit conversation he reportedly had with a minor, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said.

Eric Schau, 32, is charged with two counts of thirddegree endangering the welfare of a child. He was arrested outside of his residence and transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility, pending his first court appearance.

The state has filed a detention motion — which would keep him behind bars for the duration of his trial — which is tentatively set for Tuesday, March 7.

Suarez said the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office

Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received information that an individual, who identified himself as a teacher, had engaged in a sexually explicit dialogue with a minor on the social media platform Discord.

The investigation revealed Schau shared an explicit image and received child sex-abuse material from a 14-year-old female from out of state. Schau was reportedly employed as a teacher at Elysian Charter School in Hoboken, when the crimes were alleged to have occurred.

He has since been fired, Suarez said.

Suarez credited the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and In-Court Units with the arrest and investigation.

Take these 6 steps to manage your blood pressure

(StatePoint) High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects nearly half of adults in the United States, and only about 1 in 4 with this condition have it under control, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hypertension can be dangerous and in many cases, fatal. In 2020, it was a primary or contributing cause of more than 670,000 deaths nationwide. Medical experts say that controlling your blood pressure is possible and it starts with having the right information.

“Nearly half of all American adults have high blood pressure, and many don’t even know it. High blood pressure is a ‘silent killer,’ often having no overt symptoms, but increases the

likelihood of heart attack, stroke and other serious health risks. I urge you to know your numbers and make the simple lifestyle changes that can help you control your blood pressure and live a long and healthy life,” says Jack Resneck Jr., M.D., president of the American Medical Association (AMA).

To get on the right track, consider these tips and insights from the AMA:

1. Know your numbers. Hypertension is diagnosed when your systolic blood pressure is greater than 130 mmHg or your average diastolic blood pressure is greater than 80 mmHg. Visit ManageYourBP.org to better understand your numbers.

2. Monitor blood pressure. Once you learn your blood

pressure numbers, take and keep regular records using an at-home blood pressure monitor. For an accurate reading, the CDC says to sit with your back supported for 5 minutes before starting and wait at least 30 minutes after drinking or eating a meal. You should also avoid stimulants for at least 30 minutes beforehand, as the CDC says that smoking and drinking alcohol or caffeine can elevate your blood pressure. If you take medication for hypertension, measure your blood pressure before your dose. Share your numbers with your health care provider.

3. Eat right. Reduce your intake of processed foods, especially those with added sodium and sugar. Eat less red meat and processed

meats, and add more plantbased foods, such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and olive oil to your diet. Also, reduce your consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and drink more water instead. Drinking sugary beverages, even 100% fruit juices, is associated with a higher all-cause mortality risk, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open.

4. Drink alcohol only in moderation. If consuming alcohol, do so in moderation as defined by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans -- up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, and only by adults of legal drinking age.

5. Be more physically active. Do at least 150 minutes

OBITUARIES

Fay O Baggett

Graveside services for Fay O Baggett took place at Baggett Chapel Cemetery in Cunningham, Tennessee. Fay was born to the late Maurice and Eva Baggett on Jan. 4, 1934 in Clarkesville, Tennessee, and died Jan. 2, 2023, in Palm Beach, Florida. Fay lived in Loxahatchee, Florida, for the past several years with his daughter and her family. Prior to that he lived in Harrison, where he and his wife Lola raised their family for over 50 years. He worked for Worthington Pump, Otis Elevator and retired from Holy Cross Cemeteries.

In addition to his parents, Fay was preceded in death by the love of his life Lola (Antalek), his son Jonathan,

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and six brothers and sisters. He is survived by his daughter Lora Welsh and her husband Albert; daughter-in-law Deborah Baggett; grandchildren, Michael (Anita), Cmdr USN John (Nellie), Catherine, Brittany, Tiffany and Albert.

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.

J.V.M.

He also leaves great-grandchildren Turner, Julia, Elias, Sara, Deacon, Theodore and Rory and sister-in-law Marie Antalek.

Online condolences to the family may be left at www. NaveFuneralHome.com.

Miracle Prayer

Dear Sacred Heart Of Jesus, in the past I have asked for many favors, this time I ask you this special one favor. Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it in your own broken heart where our Father sees it, then in his merciful eyes it will become your favour, not mine. AMEN. Say this prayer for 3 days and promise publication and favor will be granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. E.R.

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a week of moderate-intensity activity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity. Be sure to include a mix of cardiovascular exercise, strength training and flexibility. Obtain guidance from your doctor if you aren’t sure if it is safe for you to exercise.

6. Maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, losing as little as 5 to 10 pounds may help lower your blood pressure. Consult your doctor about safe ways to maintain a healthy weight.

“Unmanaged hypertension can have life-altering consequences,” says Dr. Resneck. “The good news is that there are many ways you can take control of your blood pressure and your health.”

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

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Multiple arrests made in sim-swap fraud, Fabula says

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

Multiple arrests have been made in a SIMswap investigation in which suspects fraudulently gained access to victims’ cell phone accounts

and stole their identities, Kearny Police Department Chief George King said March 13.

The Kearny PD’s Detective Bureau worked closely with the Jersey City Police Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland

Security Investigations to make the arrests.

Domonye Kelly, 23, and unemployed, was arrested in Jersey City March 10 and charged with theft and identity theft. Kelly was remanded to the Hudson County Jail, South Kearny,

pending his first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court, Jersey City.

Denzel C. Long, 26, also unemployed, was arrested in Jersey City the same day and charged with second-degree trafficking in personalidentifying information. Long was issued a summons and released on his own recognizance.

Nicole Ramirez, 20, a student, was charged by warrant with theft and conspiracy. She has not yet been apprehended.

During the investigation, authorities conducted a search that recovered evidence of 100+ stolen identities from around the country, altered checks, evidence of mail theft, a cache of prepaid phones and criminal proceeds including cash and other valuables totaling over $290,000.

King thanked the Jersey City Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the NJ Real Time Crime Center in Newark and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office and Regional SWAT Team for their collaboration and hard work in this investigation.

“Their expertise and dedication were instrumental in bringing these suspects to justice,” the chief said.

The Kearny PD is committed to holding accountable those who commit these types of crimes. Anyone with information related to this case is urged to call Det. John Fabula at (201) 998-1313, ext. 2833, or to send him an email to jfabula@ kearnynjpd.org.

“SIM swapping is a form

of identity theft in which criminals convince cell phone providers to switch a victim’s phone number to a new SIM card in their possession, giving them access to the victim’s accounts, such as email, banking and social media,” Fabula said. “The suspects in this case used this method to steal sensitive information from multiple victims. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are expected.”

To protect yourself from SIM swaps and identity theft, the Kearny PD and Fabula offer the following tips:

• Add a PIN or password to your cell phone account that’s separate from other passwords.

• Be wary of unsolicited calls or messages from unknown numbers, especially if they ask for personal information or payment.

• Regularly monitor your accounts for any unusual activity, such as unrecognized logins or transactions.

• Use two-factor authentication whenever possible to add an extra layer of security to your accounts. Select an authenticator application instead of text message whenever possible.

• Keep your phone’s software up to date to ensure any security vulnerabilities are patched.

The Kearny PD urges anyone who suspects they may be a victim of SIM swapping or identity theft to contact them or their local law-enforcement agency and to take immediate steps to secure accounts.

BUNCH

Continued from Page 2

chased them away. And saved me. I never forgot that because the lesson was that as angry as I was about issues of race, it taught me never to generalize. That there are always good people.”

Most Black families back then, he says, lived in the Valley, though his didn’t. Instead, they lived on Beech Street in a home his grandfather Lonnie G. Bunch I, built, in 1925. His grandpa and father, Lonnie G. Bunch II, also attended No. 5 school.

“Yes, the ‘N-word’ was used frequently,” he says. “And yet, there were other people who were just wonderful. I used to walk up Beech Street to No. 5. And about four blocks away, there was this little girl, younger than me, and she would sit on the porch, and she’d see me and she’d point and yell things like, ‘God left you in the oven too long! That’s how come you’re so Black. And it was just this little girl, but I just remember hating I had to walk past that. But on the other side, there were amazing people who treated me wonderfully. There were some families that didn’t want me coming into their house, but there were others who were wonderful who would invite me in to have dinner. So I will never say it was all good, but it was never all bad.”

One man, many accomplishments

Not only is Bunch the secretary of the Smithsonian, he was also tasked in 2003 with creating the National Museum of African American History and Culture, where he served as the founding director from 2005 until his appointment to the Smithsonian in 2019.

President George W. Bush gave him the freedom to make the museum what it should be — and did he ever come through. When Bush’s term was up, President Barack H. Obama kept Bunch on board for

those eight years. President Donald J. Trump did the same when he became president and took over the White House in 2017. And now, Bunch continues to serve under President Joseph R. Biden Jr.

When the museum, located on Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C., opened in September 2016, both Bush and Obama spoke and the Biden was in attendance. Also there, President William J. Clinton, the-late Gen. Colin Powell, the-late U.S. Rep. John Lewis, three First Ladies, Michelle Obama, Jill Biden, and Laura Bush and scores of others.

And to think, this all started in Belleville.

“Belleville taught me how to straddle many worlds,” the secretary said.

“But I had to learn, because I still cursed in Sicilian. That ability made me think about how I bring people together. How does the work I do help people grapple with race, but how do I bring people together? That day, the opening of the museum, was America at its best. Suddenly you have Republicans, Democrats, African American and non-African Americans, all kinds of people coming together to celebrate the Smithsonian, the opening of a (new) museum. That, to me, is what always gives me hope about America. … And that comes out of Belleville. You either despair or find hope — and I always want to find hope.”

DOWIE

Continued from Page 6

names engraved on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.”

In wrapping things up, Dowie took time to laud the man who received his award for the first time.

“My personal and professional congratulations to Ryan Stickno on his well-deserved selection as KPD Cop of the Year,” Dowie said. “In my opinion, Ryan embodies everything that the KPD, his peers and the public deserve in an officer. Ryan is a credit to the police profession in general and the KPD in particular and comes from a law enforcement family.

“As I told the department when I left five years ago, I don’t know if I was a good chief or not, but I do know I was the chief of a great department. They still are and have my deep gratitude and respect for this honor.”

And we’ll help Dowie with the answer to his last musing. There were few who ever did it better, anywhere.

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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

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

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

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

Part Time Person needed to inspect properties in Essex and Passaic County. Inspections consist of reporting exterior and interior conditions for cleanliness and safety. Call Patrician Associates at 973-284-0904

46W03

Bookkeeper needed Part Time in North Arlington. Flexible hours. Have knowledge of Quick books preferred. Call (201)538-1319

46W03

FULL TIME Looking for am experienced bench jeweler. Experience in solder / assembly / jewelry cleaning for all metal. Can work with laser machine and fix porosity. Sign O`n Bonus and pay based on experience (917)544-1496

46W03

FULL TIME

Rhodium /Steam Jewelry washing. Looking for an experienced person who can do rhodium of metal, multi color, steam and washing jewelry (917)544-1496

46W03

Mid-Realty, inc. is looking for a part time admin. Light Clerical work. Monday -Friday from 9-1 PM Call (201)991-5719

46W03

Basslines Sportfishing Charters

Book your Trip Now! Striped Bass, Tuna & Mahi Mahi USCG Contact Captain Willy Abbott (201)-906-6847 Licensed & insured https://basslinessportfishing.com/

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

KEARNY Spacious room for rent in a brand new house for single person (female preferred).Shared kitchen and bathroom. Utilities and internet included. Call (201)7724573 45W03

N.ARLINGTON

1 BR, LR, DR, EIK With yard. 2nd Fl. Quiet Building. Near Transportation. $1450 + Plus utilities. 1.5 months security. No Dogs/Smoking Credit check. Available April 1st (973)838-1662 44W06

BELLEVILLE 3 Bedrooms, LR, DR EIK w/ Granite. 2nd floor. H/ HW included. No Pets. $2,500+ 1 mth security. Available April 1st (973)885-4433 44W03

Care for your child at your home or mine. References available. Will clean home if needed (862)347-2043 45W03

HARRISON 1 BR, 1 Bath, Full Kitchen, LR, DR. No Pets/Smoking. Avail. May 1st. Street Parking. $1400 + 1 1/2 months security. Laundry off site (973)5175333 46W03

Take notice that in accordance with N.J.S.A. 39:4-56.6, application has been made to the Chief Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission, Trenton, New Jersey, to receive title papers authorizing the sale for, Make Kia, Year 2019, VIN/Hull Identification Number 3KPF24ADIKE096597.

Objections, if any, should be made in writing, immediately in writing to the Chief Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission, Special Title Unit, P.O. Box 017, Trenton, New Jersey, 08666-0017

45W02

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

Storage for Rent locked storage space available in Kearny, various sizes, 24 hour access, reasonable rates, Text 917-371-3548 45W03

ReadySpaces 1000 Sq.ft unit, all amenities included. Call for further information (551)278-8776

46W03

3 yard ice away Salter runs

KEARNY 2nd floor. 1 BR, LR, EIK. $1400 + 1.5 months security.Utilities included. No pets. Available Now (201)428-7864 44W03

Synthetic grass balconies are all the rage

ROOFING/SIDING

Many luxurious apartments in high-profile metropolitan cities around the world have a magnificent green corner in their yards or on their balconies. Synthetic grass terraces are becoming a coveted trend among homeowners with an eye for modern design. Not convinced? Once you’ve had the chance to admire the latest examples of synthetic grass available on the market, you’ll surely have a more favorable opinion!

Forget about those tacky artificial grass carpets characteristic of the 70s and 80s. Today, the resemblance between real and synthetic varieties is uncanny. In fact, the resemblance is so strong that many homeowners willingly install synthetic turf elsewhere in their yard. Boasting a rich green hue that never yellows, artificial grass looks beautiful around spas and pools. Highly resistant, hypoallergenic and very easy to maintain, it’s also perfect for those tight spaces or areas cast in shade.

Furthermore, synthetic grass complements any type of décor. Adding a lush green carpet to delineate your dining or relaxation area is the perfect way to achieve a warm and inviting design. Are you the proud owner of a rooftop terrace? You’ll be thrilled to know that synthetic grass is impervious to rising urban temperatures. Don’t be afraid to kick off those sandals! Your feet will be on cloud nine.

Lastly, in case of rain, have no fear! Made up of a porous material, synthetic grass drains and dries quicker than natural varieties. Thanks to its aesthetic and practical properties, it’s the perfect choice of flooring to embellish patios made of wood or concrete. Now, it’s up to you to take advantage!

McKEON

Continued from Page 5

law office at 570 Kearny Ave., with a specialty in bankruptcy issues. Looking back at his time on the bench, McKeon said his “toughest” cases involved defendants who got parking tickets and who tended to “take them personally, very seriously…. A lot of them would say they parked 11 feet — not 10 (the allowable) feet from a hydrant, for example.”

To try and get them to relax a bit, “I’d say from the bench, ‘Breathe in, breathe out.’”

Parking cases were reserved for one night each month, typically on Mondays, and “we’d do about 30 on average” per session,” he said.

Most other cases were heard Thursdays when, McKeon recalled, “we’d do well over 100 cases” each morning.

McKeon credited “a great staff,” led by court administrator Ana Maria Matos and prosecutor Terry McGuire, with keeping things on course — particularly since the COVID-19 struck, prompting the disruption of in-person court sessions except

for those requiring trials where a defendant could lose a driver’s license or go to jail.

Court proceedings conducted over Zoom have led to what McKeon called “a lot of strange viewings” of defendants who appear a bit too relaxed.

“We’ve seen people in pajamas, in bed, in boxers or shorts, or driving a car,” he said, while dealing with the disposition of the complaint they’re facing.

Town Council President Carol Jean Doyle, the governing body’s most senior member and a personal friend of McKeon and his wife, feels “disappointed” about the town losing a valuable civil servant.

“He was a very good judge, fair, he made a difference in our court system where people had respect for the position as well as the man,” Doyle said. “I’ve known Tom and his wife personally for 30 years-plus and I absolutely found him to be dignified on the bench. He’ll be missed. Those are not easy shoes to fill.”

Asked about a replacement, Santos said: “I expect Betsy McNamara, the judge in Harrison and also a West Hudson native, will perform the duties of Kearny municipal judge.”

DIPETTA

Continued from Page 3

The DOD says DiPetta’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, an American Battle Monuments Commission site in the Philippines, along with others still missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he’s been accounted for.

DiPetta’s burial date and location have yet to be determined. Family and funeral information may be found by contacting the Navy Service Casualty office at (800) 443-9298. For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving America, visit www.dpaa.mil, www.facebook.com/dodpaa or www. linkedin.com/company/defense-pow-mia-accounting-agency.

For three decades, Project Recover has been working to bring closure to the families of the missing.

To date, Project Recover has conducted dozens of missions in more than 20 countries to locate and document more than 200 associated MIAs. Hundreds of future missions have been identified with the goal of bringing closure to the families of the tens of thousands who remain missing.

“We continue to work diligently on thousands of additional MIA cases and strive to provide the same healing and closure to these deserving families,” Abbey said.

The missions of Project Recover to locate America’s Missing in Action are possible through public and private support.

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.

So, 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.