May 10, 2023

Well, it’s been an interesting few weeks for all of us at The Observer. Lisa explains it all.

See Page 17

PLAINLY WITHIN SIGHT

On May 3, more than 200 parents and other adults attended the Hidden in Plain Sight assemby offered by the Kearny Prevention Coalition through Jack Corbett Sr. and Jen Collins and presented by DEA Supervisory Special Agent Timothy P. McMahon, seen at microphone, at Kearny High School. The program is designed to reveal to parents, guardians and other adults who have children or who work with children hiding spots of various kinds of illicit substances. McMahon sets up a faux bedroom and shows how easy it is for drugs to be hidden — and how often, adults overlook these things. This was the biggest crowd to assemble in Kearny since the program was first offered. Find out more at www.kearnypreventioncoalition.com. Photos courtesy of Jack Corbett Sr.

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

Reports: Kearny man accused of slamming dog arrested in Newark stabbing

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

T

Joel Perez, 43, of Kearny, was taken into custody by the Kearny Police Department May 4 at around 8 p.m. after an alert Police Officer Anthony Oliveira noticed Perez

driving along Kearny Avenue near Midland Avenue.

he Kearny man who was issued a summons for his involvement in throwing a defenseless dog to the ground on Elm Street in town several months ago finds himself on the wrong side of the law yet again, but this time, it’s significantly more serious and this time, it led to him being thrown in jail, police said.Oliveira had been aware an arrest warrant had been issued for Perez’s arrest in Newark on April 23 after police there say he allegedly stabbed a person in the back with a sharp object, causing the victim’s lung to collapse.

Oliveira had been on another vehicle pull-over when he reportedly saw Perez.

Oliveira and several backup officers pulled Perez over on the 600 block of Kearny Avenue and ultimately took him into custody. Police say Perez also had nearly $6,000 in cash

POLICE BEAT

on him for what he said was “bail.”

However, the state’s bail system is now cashless so it’s unclear whether that information was truthful. It was also unclear whether perhaps Perez was taking preemptive measures, knowing he was a wanted man.

Meanwhile, Perez was charged in the warrant with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes and unlawful

possession of a weapon. He was also issued a summons by the Kearny PD for having tinted windows which made it difficult to see the driver.

After he was processed in

The dog incident / YouTube

Kearny, Perez was then transferred to the custody of the Newark Police Department and was ultimately sent to the Essex County Jail, pending court.

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DA Bragg: Kearny man one of several indicted in Manhattan fraud case

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

Several individuals and companies including a man from Kearny were named in an indictment charging pervasive fraud and corruption within the construction industry, including schemes that defrauded New York City and state agencies and affected the development of numerous affordable housing projects in New York City and the tri-state areas, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. announced.

“The common factor in all of these alleged schemes is greed at all costs,” Bragg, who also recently indicted former President Donald J. Trump, said. “When the field is rigged, law-abiding companies and legitimate MWBEs are cheated out of much-needed contracts. And when executives care more about their bottom line than their employees and the law, hard-working New Yorkers suffer. These indictments

send the message that the Manhattan D.A.’s Office does not tolerate fraud in any form.”

The indictments including that of Marcus Pinhiero, 65, of Kearny, were the result of a long-term investigation by the Manhattan D.A.’s Office’s Rackets Bureau, which began when investigators identified a possible criminal enterprise after observing suspicious check-cashing activity. In turn, this led to separate investigations into recipients of bribes and the alleged Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/ WBE) fraud schemes.

One indictment charges JM3 Construction, its principal Lawrence Wecker, 82, Michael Speier, 46, Joseph Guinta, 57, Lisa Rossi, 52, and Pinheiro, as well as their companies (collectively referred to as the JM3 Construction Enterprise), with enterprise corruption, alleging they collectively engaged in multiple criminal schemes to increase their business and revenues to

Ken Davie

the detriment of their workers and fair competition within the industry.

This indictment charges the defendants with 60 total counts, including conspiracy, insurance fraud, grand larceny, money laundering, falsifying business records, commercial bribing, scheme to defraud and offering a false instrument for filing.

According to court documents and statements made on the record, Wecker owned and operated JM3, a large, non-union drywall and carpentry company that specialized in government-subsidized affordable housing projects in New York County and the greater New York City area. Wecker, with assistance

Manhattan DA Alvin L. Bragg Jr. See INDICTMENT, Page 18

Charowsky feted after being chosen NA CERT Volunteer of the Year

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

David Charowsky, of North Arlington, was recently honored with a Community Shields Award by the Knight of Columbus of Queen of Peace Council 3428 as CERT Volunteer of the Year, in front of his family, friends

and fellow CERT members. Charowsky has been a leader with the North Arlington Community Emergency Response Team for the past 12 years and chief for the past 10 years. Ang DeFranco, CERT deputy chief, announced his award by relating that Charowsky has trained the

North Arlington CERT Team to be one of the best in the state and that he has developed strong and well-respected relationships with town and county emergency services. In receiving his award, Charowsky said: “It is truly an honor to have been selected for this award. A leader

cannot excel or become great without a good following. I am blessed to have not only the best members from North Arlington, but members from surrounding towns and as far away as Wharton. That speaks volumes as to the type of team we have and the commitment these folks are willing to put in living that far away from our wonderful borough. For

it is in their selfless dedication that gives me the tools to make NA CERT the best team in Bergen County if not the entire state.”Other North Arlington honorees that night were Jennifer Applegate, Mary Swedeski Biro, Catrin Bown, Larry Crawford, John Cristiano, Tyler Kotchkowski, Robert Melofchik, Ventura Mendoza and Andrew Porporino.

Contributed photo

Charowsky, NA CERT chief, left, is seen here with Ang DeFranco, CERT deputy chief, when he was awarded a plaque for being North Arlington’s CERT Volunteer of the Year.

Lisa M. Feorenzo

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KPD: Man kicked officer after asking for cuffs to be loosened

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Lusitania SAVINGS BANK

By Capt. Timothy Wagner Kearny Police Department

On April 27 at 7:35 p.m., a concerned citizen called KPD reporting that a man was drinking alcohol (it turned out to be iced tea) and acting disorderly on a public bench near 148 Kearny Ave. Officer Chris Montes initiated contact with the man, later identified as Shawn J. Laroche, 30, of Kearny. When Sgt. Tim Castle recognized that Laroche was likely a wanted person, Laroche ran down Hoyt Street

to Chestnut Street.

Officers Montes, Lawrence Latka and Sgt. Castle caught up to the dasher on Chestnut Street. A warrant had indeed been issued for Laroche’s arrest. When officers tried to handcuff Laroche, he reportedly tensed his arms to resist handcuffing.

After transport to the police station, officers took off Laroche’s handcuffs in response to his complaint they were too tight. In a show of

Continued on the next page

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ingratitude, Laroche reportedly rolled up his sleeves, took up a fighting stance and made trite remarks about the officers’ badges and guns. Officers had to re-cuff Laroche at which time he allegedly kicked Sgt. Castle near the groin.

Officers charged Laroche with obstructing, resisting arrest, aggravated assault, disorderly conduct and failure to submit to fingerprinting.

The outstanding warrant that triggered Laroche’s arrest stemmed from an April 20 incident at King and Elm streets in which officers twice responded to reports of Laroche kicking a postal service mailbox and playing loud music. Each time officers arrived, Laroche allegedly retreated into his apartment, played loud music

and refused to answer the door.

On his second flight from the police, Sgt. Sean Kelly gave chase but could not catch up with Laroche before he reached “sanctuary.” Laroche allegedly yelled at officers to felate him. Instead, an officer wrote him a ticket for violating the town’s noise ordinance and he filed a criminal charge for obstructing the administration of law and resisting arrest.

Laroche was held at the Hudson County jail.

On April 21 at 2:07 p.m., Officer Jordan Miranda was at Walmart on another matter when a loss prevention associate reported to him that “customer” Angel J. Melendez, 25, of Belleville, had passed all points of sale with a shopping cart loaded with $323.30 worth of unpaid-for clothes and groceries.

Officer Miranda arrested Melendez. Search incident to arrest disclosed Melendez allegedly possessed credit cards and identification belonging to a different man, and a debit card embossed to a third man. A record check showed Melendez was wanted by the Essex County Sheriff, New Jersey State Police – Bridgeton, Newark Municipal Court and Sea Brook.

Officer Miranda charged Melendez with shoplifting and theft of property lost or mislaid. Melendez was held at the Hudson County Jail.

On April 21 at 2:58 p.m., Officer Damian Kolodziej was dispatched to the Target store on a shoplifting complaint. A loss prevention associate accused Nancy Y. Oliveras, 51, of Jersey City, of stealing $161.62 worth of merchandise by using a self-checkout register and

instead of scanning

the bar codes on the merchandise –scanning a bar code she held in her hand. Purportedly, this ruse made it appear Oliveras was properly scanning merchandise when, in fact, the prices of the items were not registering in the cash register.

Officer Kolodziej arrested Oliveras on a charge of shoplifting by underringing. She was later released with a summons.

On April 22 at 7:14 p.m., Officers Cort Montanino, Lawrence Latka and Chris Montes responded to a domestic dispute at a private residence. A 43-year-old husband with injury marks on his neck, showed officers a video of his 47-year-old wife putting her hands around his neck during an argument. Editor’s note: This week’s blotter had to be trimmed. It can be read in its entirety at www.theobserver.com.

SPORTS & RECREATION

Even

in defeat, Belleville

boys volleyball proves they can compete

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

Members of the Belleville boys volleyball team were understandably frustrated by a week which the Buccaneers lost twice and saw its run in the Essex County Tournament come to an end.

But while the results in the Essex quarterfinals against West Caldwell Tech and a regular season matchup vs. Livingston weren’t what Belleville was hoping for, head coach John Spina leaves the week more optimistic than he was before about the team’s outlook the rest of the way.

“The way they’re learning how to keep games tight with good teams is impressive,” said Spina, who earlier in the season played a Fair Lawn team ranked No. 5 in the state and at the Livingston Tournament, squared off with top-ranked Old Bridge. “We’re playing good volleyball. They learn from their mistakes and they continue to get better. I think these kids are up for any challenge on any given day.”

Against West Caldwell Tech, Belleville overcame a disastrous first set to take the second, before dropping the third by a heart-breaking 2927 margin last Tuesday. Two days later, against a Livingston team currently ranked No. 4 in the state, the Bucs took the Lancers to the brink, before ultimately falling in straight sets, 25-23, 28-26.

“I think this week was really meaningful because both of those games that we lost were

Despite tough schedule, Nutley softball remain up-beat heading into the playoffs

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

Due to a grueling Super Essex Conference - American Division schedule that features six games in total against state ranked and perennial title contenders Mount St. Dominic, Cedar Grove and Livingston, veteran Nutley softball coach Luann Zullo knows that she doesn’t always get a true gauge of how good of a team she has until the Raiders get the chance to play teams from other areas of the state.

that day in and day out, it’s hard to measure yourself.

“We’ve had some good days, we’ve had some bad days. But I think as the season is progressing, we’re getting better every day.”

The beginning of May has shown Zullo and Nutley that while there are still some rough days - most notably a blowout loss this past Saturday to Verona in the Essex County Tournament, there have been notable signs of progress as the Raiders have gone 3-2 this month.

down to the wire and they had a lot of pressure on them during those games,” said Spina. “Having been in moments like that where you can perform under pressure and you can perform in stressful situations is key to developing a player and making them a complete player.

“Of course, we want to win those games. Against West Caldwell Tech, we had four chances to win on match point, but they made some serves and we had a couple of bad plays. They’re a tough team and we had them on the ropes. In the Livingston game, it was the same thing. It was a very tough team and we had them on the ropes in both sets and just couldn’t finish the job. But just being in games like that will

go a long way for our younger kids.”

Leading the way for Belleville (9-5) has been one of North Jersey’s better setters in senior Jonriz Palmares. The 6-foot-0 Palmares, last week’s The Observer Athlete of the Week, has 272 assists, 98 digs, 28 kills and 10 blocks. His biggest strength has come in the way he has incorporated his teammates into the offense.

“That keeps everyone focused and ready to go. And I love it,” Spina said “Sometimes setters get locked in on one hitter and he won’t do that. When you lock in on one kid, the other kids (get frustrated).

Jonriz doesn’t play that game. Jonriz goes with whatever we can go with at any given time

See VOLLEYBALL, Page 10

It rings especially true this spring as Nutley has dealt with the American Division gauntlet with four sophomores in the starting lineup and the lack of a true yearround pitcher.

So while the Raiders’ record stands at an uncharacteristic 5-14, there is still an optimistic feeling surrounding the team as it approaches the closing stretch of the regular season and the upcoming state tournament in two weeks.

“I’ve said for years that getting into the state tournament and getting out of the American Division of the SEC is when you realize what else is out there and you measure yourself a little differently,” Zullo said. “I will argue with anyone that the American Division of the SEC is one of the best, if not the best divisions in the state. When you’re going

The biggest sign of that progress came last Thursday when Nutley traveled to Bayonne and defeated the reigning Hudson County champions, 4-1. In that game, the Raiders’ sophomores delivered in the biggest moments.

First baseman Lola Thompson matched her career-high with three RBI, in a 2-for-3 performance. Sianna Kantor scored two runs and played stellar center field defense. In the circle, Skye Stoeckel threw her first career no-hitter, allowing just one walk, one hit by pitcher while striking out four.

Stoeckel has had the incredibly unenviable position of trying to fill the void at pitcher left by the graduation of older sister and current Rider University standout Fallyn Stoeckel.

See NUTLEY, Page 10

Photo courtesy of Belleville assistant coach Ryan Sheridan

VOLLEYBALL

Continued from Page 9

and he feeds everybody. When everyone’s getting fed and no one’s starving, they’re all ready to go.”

The need to be diverse on offense was all the more important following the graduation of star outside hitter Richmond Casino. In Casino’s place, are senior Casey Maramot (11 kills, 74 digs), a power hitter, making the most of his chance after being hampered by injuries last year and sophomore Gabriel Campos (78 kills, 74 digs) has seized the other spot after transferring from Harrison.

Senior Ryan Banach (50

kills, 16 blocks) has emerged at middle hitter after playing JV a year ago. Junior Joshua Nodong, a reserve outside hitter last year, starts at the other middle hitter spot.

“Josh wanted to go into the middle,” Spina said. “He came into the season asking me to play middle and I said, ‘no, I want you outside.’ But then I saw what he brings to the middle. He brings a more athletic dynamic so I said alright, let’s roll with it.”

Senior Brandon Do (29 kills, 61 digs, 25 assists) starts at opposite as his all-around game allows him to stay on the court for all rotations and also create hitting opportunities for Palmares in certain situations.

“He’s got great hands and is probably, all-around one of my most dynamic players,” said Spina. “He’s a jack of all trades and I can put him anywhere.”

Junior Kevin Phan (123) starts at libero for Belleville. While there is not a set defensive specialist, sophomore Michael Hernandez can fill the role, as well as that of a serving specialist in a pinch. Junior Vincent Pan is another quality serving option off the bench. Belleville looked to build off the lessons from last week when it faced SEC American Division foe Millburn on May 8 before concluding the regular season with road games at West Essex, Newark East Side, Nutley and Westfield.

NUTLEY

Continued from Page 9

But despite being a natural infielder, Skye has accepted the challenge, while also being a key bat in the middle of the lineup with 10 runs and 10 RBI.

Senior Mia DiPiano and sophomore Gabriella Botti have

also seen time in the circle in relief of Stoeckel.

“This year, we knew pitching was going to be a situation for us. Skye is an infielder who is stepping into the circle for us and I am so proud of everything she is doing for us because it’s not easy,” said Zullo. “She is

See NUTLEY, Page 12

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Versatile Colon keeps hitting no matter the position

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

Kearny shortstop Alex Colon always knew that there was a distinct possibility that at some point her senior season would include a shift back to catcher.

But with a veteran Kardinals squad starting the season 1-6, those plans quickly accelerated.

“I still remember going up to her in the dugout and asking ‘do you have your catching equipment in the car?’ She was like ‘yeah’ so I said go get it,” said head coach Jim Pickel, recalling the conversation before Kearny’s April 19 game vs. Hudson Catholic.

She went and got it, I put her back behind the plate.”

“I wasn’t surprised, I kinda knew that down the line I

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was eventually going to start catching again. I just didn’t know it was going to be so soon, but I was fine with it,” Colon said. “Whatever position Coach tells me to play, I’m totally happy to do as long as it helps the team out.” Colon’s move was one of

multiple changes Kearny made and while it’s not the sole reason for the Kardinals’ turnaround, its impact has been undeniable.

Kearny has gone 7-2 since the moves and Colon’s play has been front and center in the team’s current hot streak.

Last week, Colon had consecutive three-hit games, five of the hits going for extra bases, in HCIAL American Division wins over Hoboken and North Bergen. Then on Senior Night on Saturday

See ATHLETE, Page 12

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Photo by Jason Bernstein Alex Colon

NUTLEY

Continued from Page 10

getting better every single day. She is an infielder, she plays second base, third base. I think it says a lot that these girls are selfless enough to get in the circle and do that. Skye knew that’s what we needed to be able to play this year.”

Behind Stoeckel is an experienced middle infield as DiPiano is a returning starter at second base and Gabriella Mariano is back at shortstop. Only a sophomore, Mariano has enjoyed a fine season at the plate, hitting .352 while leading the team in runs scored (16) and

RBI (14). Thompson (.341 average, 10 RBI) is at first base with senior Victoria Rutnik at third.

Senior Robin Niland is a returning starter in left field and has been a key cog at the top of the Raider lineup, hitting .365 with 12 runs scored. Kantor, the starting center fielder, has scored 14 runs so far. Senior Giuliana Fazio and sophomore Megan Spina have split the right field spot.

Junior Sasha Wanko has taken over as the primary catcher with Botti serving as the backup.

Gianna Haines is the regular designated player, while Gabrielle Mercado and Paige Gugliuzza are valuable

reserves that can be counted upon in key moments.

Thanks to its incredibly challenging schedule, Nutley is still in position to potentially earn a first round home game in the upcoming North 2, Group 3 tournament.

The Raiders play rival Bloomfield on May 8 followed by road contests at Caldwell and Lyndhurst that will be vital in determining if they will get a home game for the state playoffs.

“This is an outstanding group of girls. They come every day to play, every day to win,” Zullo said. “They’re not letting our record or those games affect them. I can’t say enough about them and the type of young ladies they are.”

ATHLETE

Continued from Page 11

against Rahway, Colon had two walks and scored two runs in the 10-5 victory.

Colon’s contributions, both behind the plate and in the No. 2 spot of the Kearny lineup, makes her The Observer Athlete of the Week.

“As soon as we had some position changes, everything started going up for us,” Colon said. “We were in a team slump, but as soon as we got that first win, second win there was just a spark in us. We like this feeling so let’s keep it up. That’s what we’ve done and it feels amazing.

“When I did go back to catching, it was sort of like riding a bicycle. You don’t forget how to do certain things that you need to do back there.”

Versatility and the ability to get on base at a high clip have always been Colon’s two calling cards dating back to her freshman year.

Colon was set to see action at catcher and third base as a freshman before the season was canceled due to Covid. As a sophomore, she hit .377 while spending time at catcher, shortstop and first base.

Last season, primarily at shortstop, Colon endured

a season-long slump, but despite hitting just .159, her 17 walks and 15 hit by pitches allowed her to remain among the team leaders in on-base percentage.

This spring has seen Colon elevate her offense to new heights. She is back to hitting over .340 with an on-base percentage approaching .500, but unlike those previous seasons, Colon’s on pace to smash her previous career bests in extra-base hits.

“She always had that. Even in the six days we had her as a freshman (before Covid), I always knew she had power,” Pickel said. “This year, she’s really exploded onto the scene with the power numbers.”

“This year I have a lot more confidence,” said Colon, who is set to walk on at Caldwell University next year. “I knew I had to up my game and there was a lot more weight put on my shoulders. I definitely have a lot more confidence and my eye positioning on the ball is a lot better.”

Thanks to its late surge, Kearny is expected to get a high seed in the Hudson County Tournament this week and is now projected to qualify for the North 1, Group 4 tournament later this month.

Michael Doherty

Michael Doherty , 69, of North Arlington died Saturday, May 6, 2023.

He worked as an internal auditor for New Jersey Transit in Newark for over 15 years before retiring in 2019.

He was an avid runner for the past 40 years. Michael enjoyed watching sports with his favorite teams being the New York Yankees and New York Giants. Most of all Michael loved going to the Meadowlands Race Track betting on the horses.

Michael was the beloved son of the late Felicia (nee Adamczyk) and Joseph Doherty; the dear brother of Joseph Doherty and Thomas Doherty and his wife Rosanne; the cherished uncle of Amanda Nelson and her husband Justin, and Robert Doherty; and the doting great-uncle of Matthew and Christopher Nelson.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at the Parow Funeral Home 185

OBITUARIES

Ridge Road, North Arlington, on Tuesday, May 9 from 4-8 p.m. with a religious service at 7:30 p.m. Cremation will be private .

Guy Gruttadauria

Guy Gruttadauria, 86, of Brick, died Monday morning at home with family. Originally from Dunmore, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Gaetano and Mary Gruttadauria. Guy grew up in Kearny and was a graduate of Kearny High School where he lettered in basketball, football and baseball.

After high school he joined the Marines where he served in Japan. Upon returning from service, he attended Newark College of Engineering and married his high school sweetheart Joan Stelmak. They had three children — Geri, Patty and

Michael.

Guy had a 40-year engineering career in the telecommunications industry.

He was an avid fisherman, golfer and bowler. Guy was also an avid Yankee fan.

After retirement, Guy loved to attend his grandchildren’s sporting events and rarely missed one. He lived in Kearny most of his life until moving to Brick in recent years where he enjoyed a golf course just outside his back door.

Guy is survived by his wife Joan, daughter Geri and son-inlaw Dr. Edward Gosselin and their four children, spouses and partners; Josh & Meg Gosselin, Mike & Sarah Gosselin, Candice & Mark Hurley and his great-grandson Kane, Kelly Gosselin & her partner Dom Rentas. He is also survived by his daughter Patty and son-inlaw Kevin Crawford and their two children Samantha and Kevin A. Crawford. He is also survived by his son Michael and his wife Young Ju and their

4 ways to maintain your self-esteem in retirement

While retirement has plenty of perks, it can also cause a decline in self-confidence. This change can be brought on by a shift in your social status, a decrease in your physical abilities or a feeling of no longer being beneficial to society. Here are four ways to help you regain your self-esteem and improve your psychological and physical health.

1. Have a positive view of old age. Society tends to put a negative spin on old age. Make sure you create your own positive view of aging.

2. Try new things. Instead of complaining about what you can no longer do, improve your

self-confidence by trying new things. You’re still capable of taking on exciting challenges.

3. Give back. Research

shows that social participation has a substantial impact on self-esteem. Developing relationships with others can give your life meaning and make you feel useful, recognized and valued.

4. Move your body daily. Being physically active helps you maintain your independence, which promotes self-esteem. Never stop learning and get out of your comfort zone whenever possible, as long as it’s safe to do so.

Have you developed a negative view of yourself since retiring and found it challenging to regain confidence? Talk to a healthcare professional.

two sons Max & Alec. Guy is survived by his sister Theresa DiGennaro and many nieces, nephews and cousins Services will be Thursday, May 11, at Armitage Wiggins

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

Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, from 3 to7 p.m. There will be a funeral Mass at the funeral home Friday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Holy Cross in North Arlington.

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

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

WILFRED ARMITAGE & WIGGINS FUNERAL HOME

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

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

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

MID-REALTY, INC.

Man jogging in park in Lyndhurst has cardiac event, had no ID on him

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

The Lyndhurst Police Department needs the public’s help identifying a man they say was jogging in Bergen County Park North this morning, collapsed to the ground, suffering some kind of cardiac incident and who was rushed to Clara Maass Medical Center for surgery afterward, Det. Lt. Vincent Auteri told The Observer this afternoon. According to Auteri:

The man in question is likely between 50 and 60 and at the time of his jog, he did not have ID on him. When police arrived on scene during the incident, Det. Tom McSweeney and Officers Angel and Steve Batista used an AED to revive the man.

The man was last known to be in surgery at Clara Maass. No other details

about his medical condition are known. And, unfortunately, there was no other description of the man aside from his likely age.

However, if someone you know between the ages of 50 and 60 hasn’t come home at a scheduled time, police encourage folks to call the Lyndhurst Police Department at (201) 939-2900.

Approximate location of the incident.

OBSERVER CLASSIFIEDS

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

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

MECHANIC (FULL TIME)

Full Time Mechanic position available for Kearny Police Department and Department of Public Works. Salary range $43,205 – 67,242.

Three years exp. in maintenance and repair of various vehicles including trucks & equipment. Welding experience a plus. Valid NJ drivers license with CDL, class B, air brake end. required.

For Application and job description go to https://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/Application

Deadline 5/26/23 51W03

Part Time/Full Time Driver.

Spanish speaking a plus. No nights or weekends.

Competitive Salary.

Call Monday thru Friday only between 10 AM to 4 PM Only.

Call 973-751-6000 or Fax resume to 973-751-1190.

518 Washington Ave., Belleville,NJ

51W03

PART TIME

Morning hours, helping with children in a Day Care Center in Kearny. Experience and HS diploma preferred. Please call after 3:00PM (201)991-5684 51W03

Instructor Wanted part time afternoons. Must be reliable.

Please email NJDRIVINGSCHOOL@ Hotmail.com or call (201)246-8000 52W03

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

KEARNY

included. 1 month security. No Pets/Smoking . Private entrance. Credit Check.

KEARNY Partially renovated 2nd floor 2 BR apartment. LR, eat in-kitchen. No pets/smoking, off street parking. Separate utilities. $1600 rent + 1 month deposit. Available June 1st. Call or text 201 889 2709. Showings Start May 2 51W03

N.ARLINGTON 10 Ridge rd. 2nd fl. 3 room apt. 1 Br, Modern. $1,500 + 1 month security. HT/HW included. No Pets. Close to transportation Avl. Now (201) 674-3995 51W03

Washer/Dry, Stove, Refrigerator, Clothes, Toys, Plants and much more! Call for appointment (201)988-7791 52W03

E.NEWARK

2 BR’s, 1 Bath. 1 parking. Backyard. $2200 + 1.5 months security. Utilities included. Available now (201)709-3828 51W03

KEARNY 2nd floor. 2 BR’s, LR, EIK. $1950 + 1.5 months security. Utilities separate. Washer/Dryer hook-up. No Pets/Smoking. credit check. Available June 1st (201)7361223 52W03

KEARNY 2nd FL, 3 bedrooms, 1.5 months security. utilities separate. No smoking/No pets call or text (201)543 1382 52W03

N.ARLINGTON 1st floor. 1 BR, LR, EIK. $1200 +1.5 months security. Utilities separate. Parking for 1 car. No Pets. Available May 15th Background check (201)997-1222 or (201)290-4861 51W03

N.ARLINGTON 2nd Floor. Newly renovated. 2 BR’s, 1 Bath. LR. EIK. $1950 + 1.5 months security. Utilities separate. No pets/smoking. Couples preferred Available Now (201)8890422 51W03

N.ARLINGTON 1 BR, EIK, Bath. $1200 + 1.5 Months security. Utilities included. No Pets/No Smoking. 1 person preferred. Available May 27 (201)4288815 52W03

The last few weeks at The Observer ...

Dear Readers & Advertisers:

Well, to say the very least, the last two-plus weeks have been challenging for all of us at The Observer. It started with a fire at the printing press we use, operated by Gannett Newspapers, in Rockaway (N.J.), continued with the challenge of finding a new printer (we did, thanks to the good people at NJ Advance Media and our dear friend Lou) and continued the following week when our newspaper was mis-sized, leading to our dimension being off.

Barring an unforeseen disaster, this week’s newspaper should be back to normal but with delivery.

We thank you for your patience and will keep you updated as much as we can. Please bear with us during this challenging time.

In thanks, Lisa, Bob, Kevin, Michelle & Jason

SCREEN

INDICTMENT

Continued from Page 3

from Speier, directed business operations and was responsible for:

 Reporting truthful information about JM3’s use of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/ WBE) subcontractors and suppliers to city and state agencies.

 Providing truthful payroll information for workers’ compensation insurance purposes.

 Giving accurate accounting information to clients

 Properly paying subcontractors.

From 2015 through 2021, the JM3 is alleged to have engaged in a multitude of criminal schemes, including falsifying the business records related to the large, multi-mil-

lion-dollar cash payrolls of JM3 and two subcontracting companies (JACG Construction and MGS Construction) led by two men on the JM3 payroll Guinata and Pinheiro.

Pinheiro, our local connection, was reportedly responsible for generating cash by using a series of shell companies to cash checks which were made to appear as payment for legitimate subcontractor

services. JM3, JACG and MGS allegedly used this cash to fund their payrolls.

During the course of the investigation, JM3’s cash payroll typically amounted to $150,000 a week, which also included the company making large, weekly cash payments to certain subcontractors, including Pinheiro and Guinta.

None of the cash was reported to the companies’ workers’ compensation insur-

ance providers or tax authorities. The companies and their owners also took steps to hide and cover up workers’ injuries so that clients and insurance providers would not discover the cash payroll, Bragg said.

Both MGS. and JACG reportedly had workers’ compensation insurance policies with the New York State Insurance Fund (“NYSIF”). Bragg said they made false statements to NYSIF about their companies’ workforce size and payroll amounts.

The indictment alleges MGS. defrauded NYSIF of more than $1.7 million and continued to work following the cancelation of its insurance policy, thereby putting its workers at risk. JACG is alleged to have defrauded NYSIF of more than $360,000 in premiums.

JM3 reportedly engaged in a pervasive and multi-faceted M/WBE fraud scheme to obtain lucrative, government-subsidized affordable housing contracts. This involved falsifying business records and offering false instruments for filing with governmental entities (the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development and the New York State Department of Homes and Community Renewal) to make it appear that M/WBE firms were providing goods and services on projects. In fact, JM3 and/or other non-M/WBE firms provided the goods and services.

Among the projects in which the JM3 engaged in M/ WBE fraud were:

 National Urban League, 126 West 126th Street, Manhattan

 The Fountains, 888 Fountain Avenue, Brooklyn

 Vital Brookdale, 535 East 98th Street, Brooklyn

 79 Avenue D, Manhattan

 Via Vyse, 1812 Vyse Avenue, Bronx

 Story Avenue East, 1520 Story Avenue, the Bronx.

"This is the best dental practice I've been to by far! Professional and friendly staff. Took me in right away. Very clean and new office. I was extremely impressed. Dr. Elfar and all his staff is personable and committed to providing the best care. Will be recommending to all my friends and family! 5/5!" -Rami Alrabaa