e-Newspaper for Aug. 23, 2023

8-foot statue at OLMC Nutley will be dedicated by retired bishop

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

If you’ve been in the area of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church anytime recently, you’ve no doubt noticed something spectacular.

It’s what the Rev. Alex Barbieto, pastor of the church, says may be the biggest statue to ever be erected in Nutley and in the surrounding towns and it is of Jesus the Christ.

Father Alex says the marble work of art stands at about 8 feet tall and was locally erected at the front corner of the church facing Harrison Street. It was created by Fines Gallery, in Bonita Springs, Florida, but was mostly made outside the country.

“It is historic because you’ll

never see a massive statue this size made of marble,”

Father Alex said. “The statue weighed about 2,324 pounds.”

Father Alex says the project was conceived more than a year ago for a parish rich in diversity.

“As everyone knows, the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Nutley, or this ‘Little Church on a Hill,’ as some of the old parishioners often referred to, is always a very welcoming church,”

Father Alex. said. “This used to be named a Polish church because it was primarily built and supported by Polish migrants since it was built in 1950.

“Now, of course, the demographics have changed. Our parishioners now are a

‘Tan mom’ running for U.S. Senate

composite of not just Polish people but of varied ethnic groups including Filipino, Vietnamese, Indian, Italian, Irish and Korean.”

The massive statue also happens to be arriving at a time where things in the parish are heading in the right

direction. Mass attendance during COVID was down all over. But not at OLMC and now, it’s even (Statue, p. 19)

Ferreira throws hat into Kearny mayoral race

Oncea Democrat, and independent, now he does so for the GOP

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

As if Kearny’s race for mayor wasn’t wild enough already … Lifelong Kearny resident and real estate professional Sydney J. Ferreira said last week he will run for Mayor of Kearny on the Republican ticket in the upcoming November election.

“I am humbled and honored by the amount of Kearny residents who have reached out in the past year asking me to run,” Ferreira said. “Kearny holds a special place in my heart, and I am dedicated to bringing forth the change Kearny deserves. I look forward to speaking

with so many great, hard-working people who love Kearny on the campaign trail.”

Earlier this month, the Kearny Republican Committee says it announced its official nomination of Ferreira as its candidate for mayor.

This Kearny Republican Party, heretofore nearly unrecognizable (at least in the last two decades,) says it sees this election as a major pick-up opportunity for Hudson County Republicans, as longtime former Mayor Alberto G. Santos relinquished his seat and from what it calls a “division among Democrats in the small town (that) grows deeper each day.”

If Ferreira were to pull off this upset — and make no mistake about it, it would be an upset

See FERREIRA, Page 19

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

Kearny Councilman Zapata takes helm as clerk to Hudson Commissioner See Page 2

‘Tan mom,’ known legally as Patricia Krentcil, is running for U.S. Senate as a Republican in the State of Florida, looking to unseat the incumbent Sen. Rick Scott. See the story on Page 5.

8 months after joining Kearny Council, Zapata hired as clerk to the Hudson County commissioners

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

At 25, George Zapata is without question and by far the youngest councilman in Kearny — and perhaps in all of Hudson County. Just a few years ago, at 19, he stunned the Kearny political world when he ran for and won a seat on the Board of Education. He is the first person in his family to attend and graduate college. So he is living proof the American Dream is alive and well. And now, the freshman coun-

cilman who has served in that position for the nearly the last eight months, can add one more thing to his already-budding resume — he’s the new clerk to the Hudson County Board of Commissioners, having officially replaced Alberto G. Santos, who left the position (as well as the mayoralty in Kearny) to become a Superior Court Judge last month.

Zapata will earn in excess of $109,000 for his work as a county employee and will also have access to a county-owned vehicle of his own.

We spoke with Zapata recently to learn what he’ll do and how he got to this point in his career.

“To start, this has all been very humbling,” Zapata said. “As clerk, I will do things like take minutes for every meeting, keeping an accurate record of what is discussed. I will prepare ordinances and resolutions.”

Zapata says he was immediately impressed by the diversity in his office when he first arrived and started to get settled in at the county admin building in Jersey City a few weeks ago.

“To be in this position and

to see the staff looks like me is wonderful,” he said. “I see people who speak the language who are my parents age. Again, humbling.”

Zapata says he was also humbled when Commissioner Al Cifelli, of Kearny, presented him to the rest of the commissioners, as a candidate for the job. Cifelli,

he said, spoke very highly of him and he came highly recommended from others, as well.

“They all knew my predecessor and I know I have big shoes to fill,” he said. “It is my goal to do the job as well as he did. I am grateful the commissioners have placed their trust in me to do the

Zapata in his seat on the Kearny Council dais.

See ZAPATA, Page 18

HCPO hosting candlelight vigil in West Hudson Park this week

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

The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office hosts a candlelight vigil in recognition of International Overdose Awareness

Month Thursday, Aug. 24, at 6 p.m. in West Hudson Park. The event is being organized in conjunction with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office Operation Helping Hand to end the stigma associated with overdose deaths, provide addiction and recovery resources to the community and increase awareness of the impacts of the opioid epidemic.

The event will take place in the area of Schuyler Avenue and Woodlawn Drive – with a speaking program by representatives of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, RWJ Barnabas Health Peer Recovery, North Jersey Health and Wellness, victim survivors and others.

The program will end with a candlelight vigil, moment of silence and short memorial walk.

For over two decades, International Overdose Awareness Day has been observed Aug. 31. This year’s theme is “Recognizing Those Who Go Unseen.”

“Substance abuse disorders do not discriminate and devastate not only those struggling with addiction, but also their families and loved ones,” Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. “Our greatest defense against the opioid epidemic is through education, prevention, and access to lifesaving resources. The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, in coordination with Operation Helping Hand, is proud to sponsor this program in an effort to make strides in ending the stigma and breaking the cycle of addiction.”

Following the vigil, attendees are encouraged to speak

201-997-2360 Michael

Symeonides

with the community groups that will have resource material available including representatives from the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office/Operation Helping Hand, Hudson Regional Health Commission, New Jersey Department of Health, Hudson County Department of Housing and Community Integration, New Pathway, Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and

HUDSON COUNTY

Drug Abuse, Kearny Department of Public Health, RWJBH Institute for Prevention and Recovery, Endeavor House, Division of Welfare Services, C-Line, Kearny Police Department, Kearny Fire Department, Harrison Police Department and Kearny Elks 1050.

Suarez

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

Just days after the fires decimated Maui, scammers are already going after people to steal money (masked as

ON

charitable donations) based on the tragedy and the New Jersey Attorney General is pleading with folks to be aware they could easily fall prey to one or more of these predators.

Attorney General Matthew

OVER HAWAII WILDFIRES

J. Platkin urges consumers to “Investigate Before You Donate” and avoid fraudulent charitable solicitations for donations to help those affected by the fires.

“Natural disasters such as the one in Hawaii bring out the best

in people, as we seek to help others in their time of need. But for the con artist, this tragedy is just another means to defraud the public,” Platkin said. “Donors need to be wary of potential scams that divert relief funds into the pockets of fraudsters.”

“New Jerseyans looking to help should seek out reputable and legitimate charities,” Cari Fais, acting director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, said in conjunction with the AG’s office. “Residents should always take the necessary steps to make sure their money is actually going to help those in need.”

The DCA offers the following tips for New Jerseyans who wish to donate for victims of the Hawaii fires:

 Give to charities you know and trust. Never give to a charity you know nothing about. If a charity is new, that doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t donate —instead, learn as much as possible before you decide to entrust the organization with your money.

 Learn about the charity’s stated mission, and find out how, exactly, it plans to use your money. Ask for literature and read it. Honest charities encourage you to ask questions.

 Contact Consumer Affairs’ Charities Hotline in Jersey at (973) 504-6215 or visit the Search For A Charity page to learn about specific charities and confirm that they are registered with the division, as required by law.

 The division’s website will also show the charity’s most recently reviewed financial information — including the amount of the charity’s annual expenses that went to actual charitable programs, as opposed to fundraising or management expenses.

 Don’t be fooled by a convincing name or professional-looking website. Dishonest charities may use impressive names or names that closely resemble those of respected, legitimate organizations.

 Don’t succumb to pressure. Don’t let yourself be pressured into giving, and don’t feel you have to contribute on the spot. No legitimate organization will ever expect you to contribute immediately, even if you have given in the past.

 Ask if the charity uses a professional fundraiser and, if so, what percentage of your contribution will actually go toward relief efforts and how much will be used to pay the fundraiser.

 Beware of unsolicited and phony email notices that claim to be from a charity asking for your credit card information. This scam is called “phishing” and could be used by thieves to commit identity theft. If the charity is unfamiliar to you, check whether the group is registered with Consumer Affairs’ Charities Section. If the organization is registered or you know the organization, call it directly to find out if the email notice is valid.

Via Youtube

A decade after infamous incident, Nutley’s ‘Tan Mom’ back in the news

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

Well this is tantastic news.

Tan Mom, 55, of Nutley, also known by her real name, Patricia Krentcil, is running for U.S. Senate against sitting Sen Rick Scott, of the great State of Florida, TMZ is reporting today.

We kid you not — she apparently filed the necessary paperwork in Washington, D.C., with the Federal Election Commission, TMZ says.

As reported in The Observer, in April 2012, Krentcil was charged with child endangerment for allegedly taking her 5-year-old daughter into a Nutley tanning salon where police say the girl suffered burns to one of her legs. She denied the charges.

Krentcil first appeared in The Observer’s police blotter on May 2, 2012, following her arrest on April 24 that year. In addition to the child neglect charges, at that time, she was also wanted on a Camden County warrant and was sent there after she posted $25,000 bail on the Nutley charges.

As you’ll soon read, she was never indicted on those charges — and now she appears to want to join the Senate and oust the former GOP governor of the Sunshine State. It is not immedi-

ately clear which party she’s running in, but she has been known to take up several progressive causes in the past.

It was all a decade ago

In March of 2013, The Observer’s

Karen Zautyk covered the case indepth.

Zautyk wrote:

Krentcil scored a victory with the American justice system that year when an Essex County grand jury declined to indict her on the aforementioned charge of child endangerment.

The then 44-year-old Nutley mom, who apparently spent an inordinate amount of time in tanning salons, was accused of having taken the child tanning with her, in violation of state law prohibiting use of such salons by children under 14.

Krentcil’s alarming appearance, her face appearing to be just slightly lighter than Secretariat’s, made the story fodder for headlines around the globe and late-night TV monologues. Someone even produced a “Tanning Mom” action figure.

Throughout her yearlong ordeal, Krentcil remained adamant the little girl had never artificially tanned, and the grand jury, sitting in Newark, ob-

See TAN, Page 18

Observer

Patricia Krentcil, originally of Nutley, and infamously known as ‘Tan Mom,’ is seeking a seat in Washington, D.C., in the United States Senate. She’s filed paperwork to run as a Republican in Florida against U.S. Sen. Rick Scott.

OPINION & VIEWPOINTS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

I see no benefits to a parking utility: Spence

To the Editor:

On Monday evening, Aug. 7, there was a special public meeting for the introduction of ordinances concerning establishing a parking utility, a residential permit parking program and amending Town Code concerning the parking of commercial vehicles.

The ordinance creating a parking utility has a lot of non-specific items that need further defining. This utility will take over all parkingrelated functions and the town would lose revenue from permits, from metered parking profits and would cause a loss for the town budget.

The Town of Kearny would be responsible for paying all the start-up costs to form the utility, including salaries of a supervisor and all other personnel including enforcement personnel, acquisition of office space, purchase of equipment (including license plate readers) and the issuance of permits.

This expense would be reimbursed from the profits from the utility.

The permits are expected to cost $15 for two years (proposed).

The $90,000 per year this might produce would not cover the anticipated expenses to maintain the utility, no less reimburse the town for startup costs.

The expert who presented the program at the meeting is the Executive Director of the North Bergen Parking Authority making a salary of $200,000 per year.

It was stated the authority would purchase additional properties in town to use for parking lots. Really? Where will they get the money for that? Where is this property?

The ‘benefits’ of a parking utility?

Person ally, I don’t see any!

A permit does not guarantee a parking spot on the street. There will be permit-enforcement personnel checking stickers and violations every night issuing violation tickets for $50 each (proposed) — additional expenses the residents certainly don’t need.

Temporary permits would be required for family or friends staying overnight, additional requirements the residents don’t need

When I married and moved to Kearny over 50 years ago, we lived on Davis Avenue between Quincy Avenue and King Street. For 10 years, whenever we went out at night, we would spend a lot of time searching for a parking spot when we returned home.

If anything, that situation is even worse now.

There was a study done several years ago by Neglia Engineering that determined there were too many cars in this town for the spaces available. Permits will not change that fact. It will only make life more stressful for many residents.

What is the real purpose of this proposal?

It’s certainly not to make life easier for residents.

Gloria Spence Kearny

Give Syd a race & he’ll run in any party: LaClair

To the Editor: Run for mayor as a Democrat, get clobbered. Run as an Independent, get clobbered. I have it: run as a Republican in a town that is majority Democratic, now there’s the formula for success.

Apparently, Mr. Ferreira is counting on division within the Democratic Party to “win” election. He knows that he cannot win in a head-to-head against any Democrat, so he runs “as a Republican” in hopes of bringing us minority misrule by winning 35% of the vote, while two Democrats

split the other 65%. That is not how to unite a community. Even if he won, he could not govern.

Furthermore, Mr. Ferreira’s characterization of the majority in Kearny as “leftwing” is gratuitous, insulting and divisive. A candidate seeking public office should present ideas and answers, not merely call people names. Mr. Ferreira made it obvious long ago that his only platform is whining and complaining and not being honest about it.

Paul LaClair Kearny

People need to learn to walk more: Abbott

To the Editor: Regarding the furor over proposals to introduce

parking permits perhaps we all need to take a long hard look at ourselves and accept an uncomfortable truth. Unless we have health or mobility issues, we have all grown far too reliant on the automobile.

Kearny is a small city in which over 60% of the housing stock was built before automobiles were common. As such, they were not built with garages or driveways. In addition, today many of these homes are now multifamily which, with 80% of American families now owning two cars, means the demand for parking far exceeds supply. While permits may or may not be a solution to the parking problems we face, we all could walk much more than we do. How many of us drive half a mile or less to take our kids to school? Or jump in the car to pick up a pizza, a coffee or a snack when we really could exercise our legs

See LETTERS, Page 15

Lisa M. Feorenzo lisa@theobserver.com

Co-owner/Advertising Dir.

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

Tina Feorenzo

Co-owner/Advertising

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

n Classifieds: 3 p.m., Monday

n Obituaries: 10 a.m., Monday

n Display/Real Estate: noon, Thursday

n Help Wanted: noon, Monday — all ads must be sent to classified@theobserver.com.

Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

Sports Writer

Robert P. Pezzolla

gm@theobserver.com

General Manager

Kimberley Pezzolla

kimpezzolla@theobserver.com

Sales/Classifieds

Police: Kearny’s no ‘Paradise City’ for one recent concert goer

Oh, oh, oh, oh, sweet child of mine, this one was interesting.

On Aug. 16, the Kearny Police Department received a call of an intoxicated man who was trying to start his car on the 500 block of Kearny Avenue. As units were driving to the scene, police got a second call noting the same driver now reportedly got the car started, drove off and struck a tree.

Officer Bryan San Martin & Tom Collins arrived and said they observed a red Mazda that crashed into a tree and a school crossing sign.

They approached and the driver, Sergio M. Torres, 38, of Kearny, who was standing outside his vehicle, unsolicited, advised Officer Collins, “there’s beer in the car, but I didn’t drink.” Outside the vehicle, meanwhile, officers say they observed a broken Miller Lite bottle.

Officers said Torres reeked of

alcohol, his eyes were bloodshot and watery and he then changed his story, this time saying he consumed “not many” alcoholic beverages. He reportedly spoke in a slurred and incoherent manner and swayed while standing.

Officer San Martin conducted field-sobriety tests and Torres didn’t do so well.

Torres was arrested, taken to KPD HQ and while being transported, he reportedly told the officers he

had earlier been at a Guns N’ Roses concert at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford.

Officer Jose Perez-Fonseca administered an Alcotest and Torres reportedly blew .21% BAC, nearly triple the legal limit. He was charged with drunken and reckless driving and was later released to responsible party.

On Aug. 10 at around 1 p.m., Officer Ellesse Ogando responded

to the area of Harrison and Sanford avenues on a report of crash. On arrival, Ogando says one of the drivers appeared impaired and could not provide a cohesive story of what led to the crash.

Swaying back and forth, slurring words, the man, Felix Y. Yung, 34, of Kearny, reportedly had drooping and glossy eyes. Sgt. Phil Finch arrived as backup and the two officers administered field-sobriety test. Yung reportedly performed poorly, was arrested and his vehicle was impounded.

At KPD Headquarters, Officer Andre Fernandes administered an Alcotest, which registered a result over three times the legal limit of .08% BAC.

Yung was charged with drunken and reckless driving and disregard of a stop or yield sign. He was later released to responsible party.

— CANESSA W/SGT. MIKE GONTARCZUK

Yvonne Cali, principal of Kearny’s Franklin School, presents the school’s fourth marking period honor students:

2022-2023 Presidential Award Winners: Michael Clark, Ester Glanzmann Cerqueira, Paul Torres

Perfect Attendance 20222023: Ayla Alves, Edison Azcona Duran, Maximiliano Delgado Vallejo, Gia Fucilli, Aaliyah Giraud, Pedro Grinan, Alexander Horruitiner Gonzalez, Matangi Jani, Javier Moreira Ferrin, Emma Orellana Cruz, Emma Polanco, Sophia San Martin, Vani Sharma, Leo

FRANKLIN SCHOOL HONOR ROLL

Valderrama, Jorge Valverde

6th Grade, Principal’s Honors: Isabella Barrantes, Michael Clark, Joselyn Espinoza Morquecho, Ester Glanzmann Cerqueira, Aditi

Jani, Joshua Konopka, Chloe

Lin, Noushin Mahmud, Katherine Marrero, Liza Savytska, Paul Torres, Joe Yang

6th Grade, Honors: Camila Cabrera Adames, Justin Canales, Emiliano Castellanos, Kate Cordova Velez, Lysander Di Lorenzo Nunez, Kal-El Espinoza, Christopher Fernandez, Samuel Garcia Ojeda, Pedro Grinan, Nathan Lara, Jessenia Reyes, Shirley Rojas Ullauri,

Janiya Salazar, Steven Speranza, Ryan Tenesaca, Angelo Ureta, Maria Zapata Calle

5th Grade, Principal’s Honors: Isabelle Almonte, Daniel Cooke, Jade Hernandez, Mason How Chung, Scarlet Jaramillo, Omayra Juarez, Dylan Marin Jimenez, Joseph Montoro, Gabriela Moreno Valdez, Daniel Ribeiro, Shannon Ryan, Jeremay Santos De Freitas, Mia Torres, Valeria Vargas

5th Grade, Honors: Gianni Abanto, Gabbriella Acevedo, Sophia Balseca, Laura Boni Do Vale, Zineb Boumia, Rayyan Bourquia, Adriana Cruz,

Mason Da Costa Rowling, Benjamin Davila Rivera, Jada

DeJesus, Jean Delanoe, Maria

De Oliveira Vieira, Camila

Dominguez, Nathan Gonzalez, Gabriela Goya Garcia, Camille

Kopp, Maliah Mataro, Brielle

Mora Pineda, Lismel Nunez

Diaz, Amayiah Oliva, Damian

Pagan Campos, Samir Pardo, Lucas Paz, Maria Peixoto Valada, Jillian Platero, Nicholas Platero, Anneliese Ramos, Isabelly Ribeiro De Paula, Kevin

Reis, Camilla Silva, Bryan Toledo, Emily Tom, Wilson Vega, Liliana Ventoso

4th Grade, Principal’s Honors: Mateo Alvarado Cedeno, Anthony Andrade, Marcus

Cerqueira Castromil Filho, Alexandra DaSilva, Leslie Fuentes Perez, Arthur Glanzmann

Cerqueira, Penelope Lewczuk, Brizydes Martinez Hernandez, Jazilyn Montilla, Myles Morales, Daniel Ribeiro, George Rosaly, Louis Silva, Samantha

Vazquez, Madison Velazquez, Yihuan Zhuang

4th Grade, Honors: Mia Acevedo, Victoria Alves Farias, Brian Brandao, Mackenzie Carrasco, Cataleya Castro Ruiz, Bryant Cirelli, Jorge Cortes, Kamila Criollo, Aiden Cruz, Brandon Delgado, Estefano Delgado Vallejo, Helen Escobar Acosta, Caroline Gonzalez, Olivia Hipolito, Julissa Huanacaya, Yanati Ixcoy Shivir, Kalel Izquierdo, Luna Lopes, Sophia Lopez, Aliyah Lorenzo, Audrey Lugo, Maria Clara Martins Laignier, Chloe Martinez, Luciano Mejia Ortega, Lucas Mercado, Reyna Montesinos, Ellena Neto, Andrew Oriondo, Isabella Osorio, Olivia Pacheco, Daniela Payano, Adriana Quila Quinde, Valentina Ribeiro, Ayden Rodriguez, Suzivette Rodriguez, Emmanuel Rubi Reyes, Alanis Sampaio, Alexander Sanchez-Morales, Jae Silva, Emma Traqueia, Lucas Zanandrea.

SPORTS & HEALTH

After historic 2022, North Arlington football isn’t satisfied

Helm takes the helm as head coach of Nutley High School’s football team

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

With the weight room and locker rooms at Nutley High School undergoing significant renovations this summer, the Maroon Raiders football team simply shrugged their shoulders and took the strength and conditioning program outside.

With weight machines under a tent behind the home sidelines at Tangora Field and several workstations on the field itself, all of Nutley’s sports teams made the most out of the unorthodox situation with at times over 100 athletes working at one time in what suddenly became perhaps the state’s only outdoor gym.

“It was something I think they all really enjoyed. It was actually really tremendous. It was great to see the kids come together like that,” head coach Chris Helm said. “That was the only adversity the kids had to overcome, not having a weight room to train in this summer, but we made it work.”

Over the course of their high

school careers, these players have dealt with more than their fair share of adversity - most notably rare instability at the head coaching position as Helm becomes the program’s fourth head coach in four seasons.

Helm, who graduated from Nutley and spent two different stints as an assistant coach on staff, feels there hasn’t been a major adjustment period with the latest change.

“It’s a Nutley thing,” said Helm, who served as the offensive coordinator under acting head coach and longtime athletic director Joe Piro when Nutley went 6-3. “People say it all the time, but as a Nutley graduate, Nutley kids are Nutley kids. Nutley people are Nutley people and it’s a special place.”

Helm brought back with him a multiple set offense that he learned during his time at Wayne Valley under longtime head coach Roger Kotlarz. It’s a scheme that, while flexible, expects to gear more towards the passing game this year thanks

to a strong group of receivers and one of Essex County’s most promising quarterbacks in Clark Mohrbutter.

Mohrbutter, a 6-1, 185 pound junior, saw extensive action last season. Thanks to his big arm, a year of experience under his belt and increased agility after playing lacrosse this spring. Mohrbutter appears primed for a breakout season.

“He’s got great arm strength and I think the kids know that,” said Helm. “You can see that they’re trusting him to be able to make plays. He has a big time arm, he can make throws on the run.”

Mohrbutter is sure to rely on senior Joe Volpe in the passing game. The 5-6, 160 pound Volpe moves from the slot to the outside, but should be a playmaker wherever he lines up.

“He’s not very big, but he runs great routes,” Helm said. “He finds a way to get open. His hard work hasn’t gone

See NUTLEY, Page 11

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

Last season marked a history-making campaign for the North Arlington football team as it qualified for the state tournament for just the second time in 25 years.

Now comes a new challenge - turning the unexpected into the norm.

“We went 2 out of 25, why can’t we go 2-for-2?” said Vikings head coach Joe Borkowski. “They’ve had a little taste of it, but they’re still hungry. We’re happy, we’re satisfied, but we’re not done yet and that’s what we’ve been preaching/”

With 10 starters back on defense, Borkowski and the Vikings firmly believe they will be able to make it 2-for2 this fall.

“I feel the culture change on the defensive side more so than anywhere else because even in the 7-on-7s it was not ‘let’s hope to get

a stop here,’ it was’ we’re going to get a stop here.’”

Borkowski said. “We have the same goal and everyone seems together. We’re communicating, we’re playing very fast. We’re not installing a whole lot, we’re taking what we have and we’re tweaking it, refining it and we’re getting better.”

That change starts on the defensive line where North Arlington has a trio of seniors entering their third or fourth season as a starter. Jason Gilbert (5-11, 225) is a four-year starter at one end spot with Ariel Williams (6-0, 210) at the other. Defensive tackle Jose Rodriguez (5-11, 275) enters his third season as a starter and juniors Ryan Demnati (6-4, 275) and Ivan Alvarez (6-3, 270) are also a part of a rotation on the interior giving the Vikings one of the biggest fronts in the NJIC.

See FOOTBALL, Page 10

Photo by Jason Bernstein

Left or Right: North Arlington head coach Joe Borkowski and senior football players Ian Crudele, Ariel Williams, Jose Rodriguez, Sean McGeehan and Jason Gilbert.

Nutley head coach Chris Helm (center with hat) poses for a photo with 12 of his seniors before practice on Aug. 11.

FOOTBALL

Continued from Page 9

“Our D-Line is big and fast and we’re looking at them to cause havoc up front,” Borkowski said. “We gotta stop the run and force them to throw the ball so they can create the pressure to make the quarterback uncomfortable in the pocket.”

The linebacker position has been bolstered with Isaiah Alvarado (6-0, 205) moving from defensive end to inside linebacker, alongside returning starter Bryan Louzada (510, 185). Sean McGeehan (6-0, 205), who is perhaps the most versatile player on the defense is set to start on the weak side and junior Felipe Carvalho (6-2, 200), a converted soccer player, has been one of the big surprises of the season and is likely to start on the strong side. Kevin Barone (5-9, 210)

is set to see plenty of snaps at linebacker as well and Andre Rincon (6-1, 170) provides some additional depth at the position.

Headlining the secondary is a pair of three-year starters at safety in Ian Crudele (6-1, 170) and Robert Carselda (5-11, 170).

“They love to hit, they come down hard in the box. They can tackle, they can stop the run and they can cover a lot of ground in the back. We’ll use that to our advantage,” said Borkowski. “We play a lot of teams that want to run the ball so we’re preaching that we want to stop the run first.”

Junior Julian Moya (5-10, 165) is back at cornerback after earning All-Division honors last season. Senior Nate Smith is the likely starter at the other corner spot, but fellow seniors Chris Rodriguez (5-9, 160) and Evan Edwards are vying for the position.

While the Vikings have many of the same pieces on defense, there is one big change on the offensive side as McGeehan moves from running back/slot receiver to quarterback following the graduation of All-County QB Devin Rivas.

McGeehan brings a different dimension to the position with his ability to scramble, while also displaying an impressive grasp of the offense.

“Our philosophy has changed a little bit, we’re probably not going to throw the ball 60-percent of the time like we did the last two years, but Sean has done a great job,” Borkowski said. “His football IQ is extremely high. It’s like having another football coach on the field. We do give him the freedom to audible and make checks. We have full confidence that he’ll be able to come in and do the job.”

Williams, a former offensive

lineman, takes over as the primary running back with Carvalho also set to receive plenty of carries.

At wide receiver, with Kyle Villani now at Southern Connecticut State, Crudele is the unquestioned top target after catching 36 passes for 583 yards and six touchdowns.

“I fully expect Ian to be the best player on the field in almost all of our games,” said Borkowski. “He’s our guy.”

Carselda (17-223-2) is also back at receiver with Moya, Smith and Rodriguez all set to see time as well. Alvarado, a three-year starter on the offensive line, shifts to tight end, a spot he’ll share with Nick Woehlemann (6-0, 215).

Rodriguez enters his third season as the starting center. Gilbert, a four-year starter, moves from left guard to right with Alvarez shifting from right guard to right tackle. Barone starts at left guard,

promising sophomore Jacob Soler (6-3, 265) is the left tackle and Luca Ziakos (6-3, 275) will also see time on the line.

North Arlington starts the season on Thursday, Aug. 31 at Hawthorne before having its home opener on Sept. 8 vs. Pompton Lakes.

One year removed from the playoffs, the Vikings have a new goal, having a home state playoff game in nearly four decades.

“They got a little taste of it last year when we were very happy to make it to the states. But at the same time, we want to move this program forward,” Borkowski said.

“We want a home state playoff game, we want to win a state playoff game. We haven’t had a home state game in 39 years and we haven’t won a playoff game in 29 years. Those are the two numbers I throw out at them.”

NUTLEY

Continued from Page 9

unnoticed.”

Multi-sport standout Erik Thompson (6-3, 180), who joined the team late last season as a kicker is thriving in his first year as a flex tight end. Another newcomer is sophomore Jalyn Caraballo, a transfer from Paramus Catholic with a big upside. Jordan Small, best known as the leading scorer on last year’s basketball team is also out there for the first time for football.

Senior Sean McAloon takes over as the primary ball-carrier at running back and is a powerful runner. Tommy Devlin, a converted guard, is the starting fullback, while Antonio Bonassisa and freshman

Aidan Rotbaum could also see carries in the backfield.

Junior right guard Damiano Farro is the lone returning starter on what is a young offensive line. Lucas Serritella, the lone senior of the quintet, is at right tackle. On the left side, junior Justin Bido is at tackle and Gerald Russo is at guard. Sophomore Sean Vilchez is likely to be at center.

The secondary should be the strength of the Raiders’ defense with Nate Arroyo and Volpe both returning starters at cornerback. Bonassisa and Small are the safeties, with Small growing into a potential safety/linebacker hybrid role.

“Jordan’s a super athlete and just has been phenomenal,” said Helm. “He’s reading his keys, getting to where he’s supposed to be, doing all the little

C ELEBRATING 25 Y EARS !

EYE CARE

THYROID EYE DISEASE

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things correctly. We’re very high on him.”

Thompson and Caraballo are other defensive backs vying for time on defense.

McAloon has starting experience at linebacker, an area that will also count on Devlin, Farro and sophomore Tyler Vonroth.

Bido, Serritella and Jayden Velez form a nice rotation at defensive tackle, with Russo serving as the veteran presence

on the edge and senior Rocco DeLitta providing added depth on the line.

Nutley kicks off the season on Friday, August 25 at 11 a.m. when it faces West Milford in the first game of the Jim Grasso Classic that will be played at Overpeck Park in Palisades Park at Vince Lombardi Field.

The Raiders follow it up with road games at rivals Bloomfield and Montclair before its home opener against

Millburn on Thursday, Sept. 14.

Despite its overall lack of experience, Helm sees a team that could surprise this season.

“Everybody seems to be playing for each other. They’re super-coachable, everybody’s doing what we ask of them, they really are buying in. If we stay healthy and continue to do things the right way and continue to get better each day, I think that we could shock some people.”

is also a common sign, especially when coupled with progressively worsening blurry vision, double vision, and color dullness.

Thyroid eye disease may be diagnosed at the same time as a thyroid condition. A CT or MRI scan of the eyes may be used to examine any swelling of the tissues behind the eye, in order to confirm the diagnosis. Call 201-896-0096 to schedule an appointment. Our office is located at 20 Park Avenue, Lyndhurst. Call 201-896-0007 if you need to reach our optical shop. We accept most insurance.

P.S. Thyroid eye disease is often misdiagnosed as conjunctivitis or hay-fever before being correctly diagnosed.

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Lyndhurst football’s on a mission to return to the state playoffs

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

Officially, the Lyndhurst football team begins the 2023 season on Thursday, Aug. 31 when it travels down Route 3 to longtime rival Secaucus. In reality, the Golden Bears’ work this season began nearly 10 months earlier just days after the conclusion of a disappointing 3-6 campaign.

“Nov. 7 we had a meeting and it was all about next year,” head coach Rich Tuero said. “We have been chomping at the bit. We got right after it and was in the weight room on Nov. 14. Teams were still playing, teams were still practicing that were in the

postseason and we were already in the weightroom getting ready for 2023.

“I truly believe that we have

the opportunity to return to glory. These guys are working their tails off.”

Lyndhurst returns eight

starters on offense, headlined by what should be one of the NJIC’s best tandems in junior quarterback Shawn Bellenger (6-2, 190) and junior running back Roddy Morinho (6-0, 190).

Bellenger, a three-sport athlete with a 4.2 GPA, threw for 1,011 yards and seven touchdowns, while also running for two scores last year. Meanwhile, Morinho, who ran for 724 yards and 10 touchdowns a season ago, is especially primed for a huge year after gaining 15-plus pounds of muscle and extensively training with running backs coach and Lyndhurst great Petey Guerriero.

“You already see a major difference between Roddy last season and Roddy what he looks like now in practice,” said Tuero. “It’s really not even close and that’s a testament to Roddy’s hard work and Petey being fully committed to the program as a

See LYNDHURST, Page 13

Premier Care TALKS

Risk reduction of cardiovascular disease focuses on major risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Since genetic factors cannot be changed, making lifestyle modifications is essential in preventing cardiovascular disease. Globally, lifestyle-related risk factors are the major causes of death and disability. Coronary heart disease, stroke, and arterial and aortic diseases are the top three causes of cardiovascular incidents, with hypertension as the top cardiovascular risk factor in the world, according to the World Health Organization. Heart-healthy diets, regular exercise, smoking cessation, and maintaining a healthy body weight are key components of cardiovascular disease risk reduction. The best ways of managing and treating cardiovascular disease are through controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and diet; being

active; and managing depression and diabetes.

If lifestyle changes alone don’t work, medications may be needed to control heart disease symptoms and to prevent complications. The type of medication used depends on the type of heart disease. If you don’t already have a provider, please call PREMIER CARE ASSOCIATES OF WEST HUDSON at 201-998-7474. Our vision is to partner with patients and families to achieve wellness and health from an office that is invested in their local community. We are located at 512 Kearny Ave., Suite B, where walk-in patients are always welcome 7 days a week.

P. S. There are now multiple apps available for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) to help patients track and improve cardiovascular health on smartphones.

Dr. Prakash J.Doshi

Dr. Hector Aguilar

Photo by Jason Bernstein

Left to Right: Lyndhurst football players Cameron Werner, Daniel Mabande, Michael Rizzo, Jake Herman, Roddy Morinho, Shawn Bellenger, Anthony Pizzuti, Matthew Jarvis, Connor Gill, and Shane Keeler.

Iwona Obrycki

Iwona Obrycki died Aug. 8, 2023.

She was 55.

Visiting was at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny. Mass was celebrated

LYNDHURST

Continued from Page 12

volunteer (coach).”

Senior Daniel Mabande (5-9, 180) brings impressive speed to the backfield and Viktor Kanjuk (5-8, 140) is carving out a role as a third down back who could make an impact in the passing game. Michael Rizzo (5-9, 175), a two-year starter on the offensive line, moves to fullback for his senior season

Lyndhurst received a big boost to the offense over the summer when Anthony Pizzuti, one of the area’s top basketball and baseball talents, elected to come out for football for the first time.

The 6-foot-4, 190-pound receiver brings rare size to the position and has the potential to be a game changer on offense.

“We’re really excited about Anthony,” Tuero said. “He’s one of the best athletes in the building. I am very excited to see because he has hopped right in and looks like he’s going to make some noise.”

Senior Cameron Werner (5-11, 160) returns at receiver after flashing potential as a deep threat a season ago.Senior Renzo Pelaez and junior Anthony Amaro (5-11, 170) will also see extensive action at the position. Sophomore Matthew Jarvis (511, 180) is the starter at tight end after seeing some time late last season.

The Golden Bears’ offensive line should be a strength as it returns four starters, headlined by senior left tackle Jake Herman

OBITUARIES

at Our Lady of Czestochowa Church in Harrison and burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington.

Iwona was the daughter of the late Dominik and Krystyna Frankowski. Beloved

(6-2, 220), a three-year starter.

“He’s just a leader. He knows what everyone’s gotta do,” said Tuero. “He knows what I expect of him. He never complains, he never questions, he never says boo. He just comes to work, checks in and kicks butt everyday.”

The interior of the Lyndhurst line is one of the biggest in the NJIC with senior left guard Nick Adamo (6-1, 290), junior center Mike Longo (5-10, 285) and senior right guard Shane Keeler (6-2, 225) all returning starters from a season ago. Keeler moves over from right tackle, a spot now held by senior Conor Gill (6-4, 215).

Abraham Martinez (5-9, 175) doesn’t have the size of the other five, but is pushing hard for a starting spot with Michael Cutola (6-1, 185) also providing versatility and depth on the line.

Gill and Herman are returning starters at defensive end, a position bolstered by the return of senior Robby Thomson (6-4, 180), who is back after missing last season.

Adamo returns to anchor the line at nose guard with Longo and Gill also rotating.

wife of Zdzslaw Obrycki and loving mother of Ashley and Nicole, she is also survived by her brother Zbigniew Frankowski (his wife Bozena) and sister Halina Czochanska (her husband

Morinho moves from outside linebacker to inside in Lyndhurst’s 3-4 defense where he’ll line up alongside Rizzo. Senior Isaiah Lopez is set to start outside on the strong side with Mabande on the weak side. Martinez and Cutola are also in the mix at linebacker.

A lot of the secondary is up in the air with Julian Guzman (5-11, 175), Nate Boyd (5-7, 140), Kamilo Torres (5-11, 170) and Werner all vying for starting spots at cornerback and safety. One spot that is solidified is Amaro, who is a returning starter at corner. Werner is the kicker and Pelaez is the punter.

Novena to St. Claire

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

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Eugeniusz) along with many dear nieces and nephews.

Iwona was born in Zambrow, Poland, and immigrated to the United States in 1980. Living in Harrison, she was a 1987 graduate of

Following the first game at Secaucus, Lyndhurst’s home opener is eight days later against New Milford.

For this group, the mission has been to return to the state playoffs for the first time since it won a sectional title in 2019. If so, it will be the desired destination of a journey that started during

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

Harrison High School. She also lived in North Arlington before moving to Parlin five years ago. Iwona worked as a customer service representative for General Glass International.

last year’s postseason.

“It’s really an expectation at Lyndhurst. I still can’t believe we didn’t make it last year,” said Tuero. “Obviously the main goal is to win it all, but we need to get back to the playoffs and get back to our ways in Lyndhurst. It’s not a hope, but an expectation to make the playoffs in Lyndhurst.”

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Police in Lyndhurst arrest man who shot off pellet gun: Auteri

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

A19-year-old Newark man was taken into custody after allegedly shooting gel bullets at a passerby in Lyndhurst, Det. Lt. Vincent Auteri tells The Observer.

While on patrol in the area of Valley Brook Avenue and Grant Avenue on Aug. 3, around 9:30 p.m., Auteri says Officer Vincent Dorio was approached by a man riding a bicycle.

The man advised Officer

Dorio that while riding his bike along Ridge Road he had been struck in the face by a pellet.

The victim, a 24-year-old resident of Lyndhurst, further informed Officer Dorio a man sitting in the passenger seat of a white commercial-style van had shot the pellets at him from a pellet gun.

The victim immediately pointed out the van to Officer Dorio.

Officer Dorio immediately sent out a description of the van and seconds later,

and within close proximity to where the incident occurred, Officer Dorio and Sgt. Charles Giangeruso observed it, which matched the description, park in front of house on a nearby residential street.

As both Officer Dorio and Sgt. Giangeruso approached the van, two men exited the vehicle.

One of them matched the description of the shooter and admitted to firing gel pellets upon the victim.

A search of the vehicle uncovered a “Gel Blaster” plas-

tic handgun and a package of water-based gel pellets.

Officer Dorio then placed Polanco under arrest.

The victim was evaluated by EMS and released.

Damian Polanco was charged with possession of a firearm for unlawful purposes, simple assault, disorderly conduct and released with an Aug. 23 court date.

The driver, meanwhile, was not charged.

2 NYC men arrested on shoplifting charges: LPD

Recently, officers responded to a business in the 400 block of Valley Brook Avenue on a report of a shoplifting in progress.

As officers arrived in the area, they immediately search the parking lot and surrounding area for two men.

A witness came forward who had observed one of the suspects enter a neighboring restaurant.

Officers entered the restaurant and immediately learned both suspects were

inside the restaurant. They approached the suspects who were then placed under arrest.

A consent search of the car was conducted at which time proceeds from the shoplifting were uncovered.

The total retail value of the stolen items was $971.51 and the items ranged from toiletries to food products.

Both men — Renaldo Mason, 24, of Queens and Davon Getten, 28, of the Bronx, were charged with shoplifting and released.

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Polanco

and

LETTERS

Continued from Page 6

walk?

From North Arlington to Harrison along Kearny Avenue is a little over 3.5 miles with most places on the main drag no more than half a mile or so apart. If we all stopped to ask if our journey was really necessary and chose to pound the pavement, we could make a big difference in the need for space. What’s more, it is good for our health, our community, and our planet or we could “pave paradise and put up a parking lot.”

Jason Abbott Kearny

Plans to fight off lanternflies from the state are laughable: Rose

To the Editor:

After reading the Murphy Administration in partnership with the Department of Agriculture is providing $15,000 grants to municipalities who apply for them to fight the detested spotted lanternflies, it gave me a chuckle.

I’ll explain why.

In 2021, I became concerned with the amount of flies I was seeing around my property, and notified my local health department. Their advice was to squash them.

So my wife and I did just that and killed more than 300 by the end of the season.

In 2022 early on, we became overrun with them, so I contacted my local health department who told me to contact the county, who told me to contact the state.

The only advice I received was to squash them. I said that was hard to do when they were four feet up on our house and flying in our hair.

Eventually, I brought containers that contained hundreds we had killed to the health department, and sent pictures to The Observer. The total we killed for 2022 was 4,220. Our weapon of choice fly swatters.

So here we are in 2023, and as of this day, we have already killed five. Being aware how at times our government can be wasteful in spending our tax dollars, I’m wondering just how that $15,000 is going to be spent to combat the detested Lanternfly?

For all the help I received from government agencies to deal with the problem, I would suggest they spend it on fly swatters.

Armand Rose North Arlington

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soon, I will be priced out of living in West Hudson: Crawford

To the Editor:

Most factories around Kearny and Harrison are long gone and replaced with luxury apartments. Residents like I can’t afford to pay $1,795+ a month to live in luxury. With these changes happening in our area, homeowners and apartment owners are raising the rents. And if you can’t afford the raises, lawyers will be happy to send you an eviction notice through the mail and force you to leave your home.

Chances are you will have to go to another municipality and you won’t be welcome back here. This bad situation is happening to a lot of lifelong residents. It’s even happening in East Newark where the old Clark factory will be replaced by what else — another luxury building.

Do we really need more of these? East Newark is small as it is and this may add up to 600 new residents. Having that many people in a .13-square-mile town doesn’t sound all that wise.

What our towns really need is affordable housing, senior citizen housing, places blue-collar workers can afford. We also need stricter rent control, for the sake of the residents who have lived here all of their lives, like me, and who will no longer be able to afford to be a part of this great community.

Bobby Crawford Kearny

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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

Public Health Nurse Supervisor

The Town of Kearny is currently accepting applications for the full time position of PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE SUPERVISOR (NJ CSC Title Code 02915) The application may be found here: https:// www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/ Applicants must possess a current, valid registration as a Professional Nurse in the State of New Jersey. Salary dependent upon qualifications. The Application Deadline is 9/22/23.The Town reserves the right to hire a candidate before the due date.

13W06

Mechanic wanted

Looking for a mechanic around Newark to repair coffee espresso machines. Part/full time, flexible timings. Call 408-768-7466 for details

14W03

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

Pathways to Independence

Social Service agency located in Kearny New Jersey

Teacher’s Aide

To work with children in a Day Care Center in Kearny.

Experience and HS diploma preferred. Please call after 3:00 pm 201-991-5684

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Belleville Pharmacy is looking for a dependable, team players to fill positions. Pharmacy Technician with 2 years experience minimum Monday - Friday 10am - 6pm Sales Associate, afternoon shift, Monday through Friday 3PM - 8:30PM Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 3pm Apply in person at 338 Washington Ave. Belleville, NJ 07109 or email resume to bellevillepharmacy338@gmail.com

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Provides support to Adults with disabilities referred by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services and The Division of Developmental Disabilities is currently looking to fill the following positions: HR Supervisor: Person will be responsible for directly reporting to the agency’s Executive Director. Responsibilities include recruitment, benefits administration, training, legal issues, conflict resolution, HRgeneralist duties, etc. FT Position, Mon–Fri (40 hours per week). Valid Driver’s License, Bachelor’s Degree & at least 3 years of HR experience REQUIRED. Salary range is $55k-$60k Candidates can email their resumes to pti450@aol.com or complete application at 60 Kingsland Ave. Kearny, NJ. ATC Program Supervisor FT Position, Mon–Fri (40 hours per week). Salary Range $45-$48K per year. Oversees the Adult Training Program; this position is a hand on supervisory position which works/supports the direct support staff and the adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Valid Driver’s License, High School Diploma and 3 years’ experience working with adults with disabilities. Candidates can email their resumes to pti450@aol.com or complete application at 60 Kingsland Ave. Kearny, NJ. 15W03

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

HARRISON

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LYNDHURST Large 1 bedroom. 1.5 months security. No Smoking No Pets. Call (201)9319212 16W01

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(973)668-8305 15W03

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N. ARLINGTON Beautiful just renovated large rooms. 2 BR. EIK. LR/DR combo. In a desired location and plenty of public parking. $2200 + 1.5 months security. Hot water paid by owner. Electric & heat paid by tenant. Close to transportation. No Pets/Smoking. Available Now. (201) 693777114W03

N.ARLINGTON 1st floor, 2 bedrooms, Large LR & DR combination. HW floors throughout, Easy access to public transit. Off Street Parking available $1,750+ 1.5 months security. No Pets (908)310-9068

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APARTMENTS FOR RENT

LYNDHURST NEWARK

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HT/HW included. both are Avl. September 5th (862) 888-8487 16W03

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LYNDHURST Female roommate in their 30’s or older. non-smoker, Background check required. Please call for details (201)988-0708

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ROOM FOR RENT

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PARKING SPACE FOR RENT

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TAN

Continued from Page 5

viously agreed. She dodged a potential 10-year jail sentence.

Several hours after her vindication, Krentcil met with (a.k.a. confronted) the press outside her Nutley home. Krentcil, more

than a few shades lighter than when she was first thrust into the collective consciousness, summed up the ordeal thusly: “The whole thing was ridiculous.”

What the world did this past year, she said, “made a mockery of me.”

However, it seems the future

is somewhat brighter.

“There’s gonna be a movie out, which is gonna be exciting,” Krentcil said.

She also indicated a move as well as a movie may be in the offing.

“I’m gonna probably go to London and get a flat because I have a lot of modeling jobs,” she

said.

When one newsperson mentioned her daughter, she exhibited a flash of temper, ordering the questioner off her property.

“My daughter does not tan!” she declared.

In its Feb. 24, 2013, edition, two days before the grand jury handed up its decision, The Sun

tabloid in London published an interview with Krentcil, in which she is quoted as saying, “I have been accused of something I didn’t do and now my family and I cannot even go out in public as the taunts are just too much to bear.”

Putting her “freckle-faced angel on a tanning bed” would be “like putting a chicken in a frying pan,” she told The Sun.

As for a move across the pond, Krentcil explained, “To me, London is the perfect place. Nobody will know us and, unlike in New Jersey, I think people are more educated and less small-minded.”

(It appears she really meant to name Florida as a possible relocation spot, where the sun is a plenty, almost year-round — albeit this is now 10 years after that fact.)

In 2013, when one of the local press asked her what she had learned from her experience, she answered, “People suck.”

ZAPATA

Continued from Page 2 job.”

Zapata says he is a first-generation American. His family, therefore, were thrilled when they learned was getting this position.

“My family was filled with joy,” he said. “After it became official, I had a Facetime call with my mom and I showed her the office and the photo I have framed. It was an emotional moment.”

That frame he noted contains a photo of his sister and his late grandmother. And no matter where he’s worked — he was most recently a paralegal prior to becoming the commissioners’ clerk — he’s taken that frame with him as a reminder.

“I saw how devoted my grandmother was,” Zapata said. “She always told me she thought I would have some sort of office job, at a desk, and that has been true. That photo keeps reminding me I have work to do and I have to do it well.”

STATUE

Continued from Page 1

further on the upswing to Father Alex’s delight.

“Since I became pastor of this church more than five years ago, I have seen the gradual influx of Mass attendance,” he said. “In the beginning of my pastorate in this parish, we were averaging about 10 to 15 people in our daily Mass attendance. Now we average about 40 to 60 people in our daily Masses.

“Even with the fear and onslaught of the pandemic three years ago, we were one of the few churches in the area which did not close or cut masses. Every week, I see new faces of people attending our church Masses. I think this is a good sign, considering that some people nowadays are indifferent and even hateful with the church.”

With all this mind, when Father Alex presented the idea of the statue to his flock, it was, to them, a no-brainer.

“When this project of putting up a big, welcoming statue was presented to the parishioners a year ago, I easily got

their approval and financial support was overwhelming,” he said. “I think this stands as a testament of what the parish of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel is. True indeed, our parish welcomes everyone to our church without any discrimination whether old and young, the migrants or strangers, even those whom we often consider as ‘people who have no voice,’ including those who come from different cultures and orientations they are all welcome to attend our parish services.

“

And, of course, it reiterates in a very visible way our parish mission statement which says: ‘Our mission as a holy parish is to communicate and to celebrate the life and spirit of Jesus by our words and actions in order to build a dynamic, loving, caring and outreaching community of faith.’ The statue stands as a historic testament of this mission statement.

A special dedication will take place Saturday, Aug. 26, when the most Rev. John Flesey, retired auxiliary bishop of Newark, will bless the statue, at a concelebrated Mass. The public is welcome to attend. OLMC is located in Nutley at 120 Prospect St.

FERREIRA

Continued from Page 1

since Kearny last had a Republican mayor in 1997 in Leo R. Vartan — he would become the only GOP member of the Kearny Council and only GOP mayor in Hudson County, the first since Bret Schundler ran Jersey City.

“The circumstances around this November’s election provide a wonderful opportunity for Republicans in Kearny. While there is deep left-wing division in the town, our Republican Party stands strong and united. Sydney’s unique background as the son of Portuguese immigrants exemplifies the American Dream, embodying the values of hard work, determination and unity.

“His deep connection to the town and its residents fuels his commitment to preserving the heritage and vitality of Kearny. As a seasoned real estate professional, Ferreira brings a wealth of experience in managing growth and advancement while maintaining the town’s character, history, and charm,” Hudson County Republican Party Chairman Jose Arango said.

This is the fourth run for office for Ferreira in just over two years. In 2021, he ran unsuccessfully as a Democrat against Santos for a full term. In 2022, he ran as a non-affiliated candidate for Kearny council in the FourthWard and lost. Earlier this year, he won the nomination to run for State Assembly as a Republican, but will likely have to withdraw from that race to run for mayor since in New Jersey, candidates may only seek and hold one office.

In Kearny, the mayor’s position is different than it is elsewhere. Kearny has a weak mayor-council form of government so its mayor is, in essence, the equivalent of a councilperson-at-large who presides over meetings and who performs ceremonies, ribbon cuttings, weddings and the like. The mayor’s vote is equal to 1/9th of all votes at council meetings and holds no extra significance as a vote from other members of the council.

In reality and by law, the role is considered part-time, though it hardly ever turns out that way.

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