e-Newspaper Nov. 29, 2023

Wednesday, 29 November 2023 n www.TheObserver.com n Volume CXXXVI, Issue No. 30

UNDER THE COVER The statistics for human trafficking in America are rather alarming. We bring you what we learned in the second part of our series.

See Page 5

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

EXTRAORDINARYTHANKS

Photos by Laura Comppen.

Students in Kim Madalena’s class at Washington Middle School, Harrison, seen here with Mayor James A. Fife, left, Supt. of Schools Maureen Kroog and mayoral aide and Board of Education trustee Maria Vila, back center, did something that started out rather ordinary — and then turned into something beyond extraordinary — this Thanksgiving. We bring you this incredible story inside, starting on Page 2.

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Wednesday, November 29, 2023

HARRISON MIDDLE SCHOOLERS GIVE SO

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

‘N

ever doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Those are words once proclaimed by noted anthropologist Margaret Mead.

In due course, a small group of thoughtful, committed students in Kim Madalena’s Community Collaborators class at Washington Middle School in Harrison

Students at Harrison’s Washington Middle School joined faculty and Mayor James A. Fife last week to distribute food donated by students and families at the school. It was all part of Kim Madalena’s students’ project to collect donations.

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did just that. Earlier this school year, they brainstormed the idea of a schoolwide food drive to benefit Harrison families over the Thanksgiving holiday, and it surpassed everyone’s expectations — including their own.

The class — a new offering this year at WMS — encourages students to “become empowered to use their voices to develop, create, organize, facilitate and carry out a community service project … utilizing research skills, collaboration, reading, writing, speaking

and listening skills to work with community members and organizations through field trips, assemblies and multimedia projects.”

Students wasted no time in developing their schoolwide Thanksgiving project and to sweeten the pot, offered an over-the-top dessert party to the winning classroom with the most donations.

And donate they did.

The initial goal was 200 non-perishable food items suitable for Thanksgiving, but students at WMS contributed nearly 1,000 items, or, five times the original goal.

But this didn’t happen overnight. The thoughtful students composed an introductory letter of request to Harrison Public Schools Superintendent Maureen Kroog, followed by the creation of posters advertising the endeavor, and special collection bins for each and every homeroom in the school.

At the start of the drive, students personally visited Mayor James A. Fife’s office to present their idea and discuss the logistics of the endeavor. Just think about Continued on the next page

Ken Davie “Your Family’s Lawyer” • Family and Municipal Courts • Home and Business Sales & Buys • Wills and Estates • Criminal and Civil Courts

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Wednesday, November 29, 2023

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MUCH MORE THAN THANKS THIS YEAR Continued from previous page

that for a moment — it’s not every day the average 13-yearolds keep company with a mayor, so yeah, this was a big deal.

Students then collected the items as they came in and upped the ante by offering double bonus points for select items — think instant mashed potatoes and gravy — in the final weeks of the competition.

Joshua Paguay, an eighth-grader, was one of the participants.

“It was so cool to meet with Mayor Fife and it feels really good to help families during this holiday,” he said.

As distribution day neared, state Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz paired with Assemblywoman Eliana Pinto Marin and con-

‘It was so cool to meet with Mayor Fife and it feels really good to help families during this holiday.’

tributed 30 turkeys and full gift bags, loaded with additional holiday-oriented food items.

It’s important to note you don’t move 1,000+ food items, countless turkeys and gift bags around without a little help.

The Harrison Department of Public Works played a big role in making that happen.

And, as 100+ grateful fam-

ilies gathered their items on distribution day, students took it all in.

“I loved everything about the food drive. This project showed me how to create something truly important for the community. I wish I could take this class for the entire year,” eighth-grader Shilah Olsen said.

In reflecting on the student-driven project, it was perhaps Madalena who said it best.

“It shows that one tiny idea — such as the food drive — can produce significant results in our community … and in our students.”

You can say that again.

n Joshua Paguay

Eighth-grader Washington MS Harrison

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IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Opinion ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Page 6

Obituaries......................................................................................................................Page 13

Sports...............................................................................................................................Page 9

Classifieds ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ Pages 16-17

Health & Wellness Directory.......................................................................................Page 10

Business Directory.......................................................................................................Page 18

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Harrison Elks make big food pantry donation

Woman’s Club of Arlington donate items for overseas troops

T The Harrison-East Newark Elks Lodge 2326 donated $2,500 to the Just Harrison Food Pantry. The lodge used grants from the Elks National Foundation to make the donation. The Just Harrison Food Pantry helps over 200 families bi-weekly and is hosted by the lodge. The lodge also donated $ 4,000 in ShopRite gift cards to needy families. Seen here are Elk Larry Kelly, Exalted Ruler Justine Saar, Harrison Mayor James A. Fife and Elk/Councilman Larry Bennett.

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he Woman’s Club of Arlington participated in the 2023 New Jersey State Federation of Woman’s Clubs (NJSFWC) holiday stocking program for military personnel. Stockings are shared with two organizations that ship them overseas to military men and women serving there. l Operation Yellow Ribbon consists of all volunteers who show support for United States Military Forces serving in the Middle East.

One of Operation Yellow Ribbon’s major focuses is organizing and collecting donated U.S. Troop supplies and goodies to send to the Middle East. l Operation Jersey Cares is comprised of American veterans. It aims to honor

troops who provide the blanket of freedom. OJC continues to support those who are currently deployed, proud veterans, as well as loyal military families. One of their projects is to organize and send care packages to troops serving overseas.

Local JWCA members donated items to fill 15 stockings (nine for men and six for woman soldiers), including tooth brushes, tooth paste, deodorant, tissues, hand sanitizer, shampoo, conditioner, coffee, nuts, chewing gum and much more.

The event was co-chaired

by JoAnn Carratura and Carol Puchyr, with the assistance of the remainder of the committee and other members who contributed.

The Observer’s correction policy

The Observer strives to bring our readers the best and the most accurate news. However, from time to time, there may be mistakes in what we report. As such, we take our obligation to report errors seriously.

If you believe we’ve made an error, please send an e-mail to editorial@theobserver.com, indicating what is to be corrected.

We will ensure a correction is noted (if necessary) in a future print edition — and online. If access to e-mail is not possible, please call us at 201-991-1600.

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Human trafficking numbers in America are simply stunning

By Kevin A. Canessa Jr.

L

kc@theobserver.com

ast week, we first brought you the story of how human trafficking is the equivalent of modern-day slavery — and how the State of New Jersey is requiring many businesses to conspicuously hang signs alerting patrons to the dangers of the situation.

What we found was disturbing, to say the very last.

But what we didn’t bring you last week were many statistics about this worldwide problem, bearing in mind New Jersey is one of

the most highly trafficked locations in the world given its proximity to three metropolises — New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore.

That changes today, thanks to a company called Polaris.

What is Polaris?

“Polaris is leading a data-driven, social justice movement to build a world where the powerful cannot exploit the vulnerable for profit,” the company says of itself. “We are working on solutions that mirror the scale of the problem — 25

million people worldwide deprived of the freedom to choose how they live and work.

“For more than a decade, Polaris has assisted thousands of victims and survivors through the U.S.

National Human Trafficking Hotline, helped ensure countless traffickers were held accountable and built the largest known U.S. data set on actual trafficking experiences. With the guidance of survivors, we

Township of Lyndhurst’s 18th Annual

HOLIDAY IN THE PARK Under the Direction of Mayor Robert B. Giangeruso

Saturday, December 9, 2023 5:30 - 8:30 PM at Lyndhurst Town Hall Park

Tree Lighting at 7PM

Holiday Costumed Character Review • The Belle Tones Song & Dance Review Holiday Victorian Carolers • Lyndhurst High School Chorale • Art of Dance Live Nativity • Toy Soldiers • Candy Cart Food & Beverages Available for Purchase Platinum Sponsorship by

REFRESHMENTS: Coffee (donated by Starbucks) Egg Nog, Cookies, Hot Apple Cider & Donuts (donated by Inserra Shoprite) Horse & Carriage Rides, Trackless Train, Photos with Santa (donated by BCB Bank)

Rain Date Sunday December 10, 2023 5:30 - 8:30

use that data to improve the way human trafficking is identified, how victims and survivors are assisted and how communities, businesses and governments can See HUMAN, Page 19

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Wednesday, November 29, 2023

OPINION & VIEWPOINTS LETTER TO THE EDITOR

SANTA’S 2023 GREETING

Miller: We learned in Kearny in 2023, this Remember to be good to country could truly elect a non ‘D’ or ‘R’ The results in this election independently.

Editor: each other this Christmas ToWethehear show that instead of voting In fact, she was put in the it every election against or holding one’s nose last possible column on the with more than two candiboys & girls for Column A or Column B, ballot, also known as “ballot dates running for the same

Hello children: Well, it is almost that time of year when I come to visit you with bundles of gifts. That time when you are all on your best behavior, when our hearts are lighter, we are more tolerant and inclined to forgive each other.

You know, no matter how different we may seem, we all have the same red blood. We all breathe the same air. We all see the same sun setting, the same stars in the night sky, the same moon and the same sun rising.

Regardless of how different we perceive each other, we are all members of the same human race.

Hindus take part in Diwali – the celebration of light. Christians celebrate Christmas, the birth of Christ, the Light to the world. The Jewish faith celebrates Hanukkah, the festival of lights. And I am sure all religions have similar beliefs and views.

With that in mind, there is something I would like you all to do during this season of love and faith. We can all be more tolerant and forgiving of each other and set an example for others.

So if someone says or does something negative to you, don’t let he or she ruin your good feelings. Instead, say or do something they don’t expect like: “Would you like to play with me anyway?” or “I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings.”

Be grateful that the holidays are coming. You can’t be mad or hateful when you’re grateful!

Love, Santa

office.

“They don’t stand a chance.”

“You’re throwing your vote away.”

“They’ll steal votes from this candidate and hand the election over to that candidate.”

Kearny told us different this past election. Since I’m not a Kearny resident, I had no dog in the fight. What I knew from perusing The Observer and seeing each candidate’s campaign ad, was there were three candidates running for mayor.

It included someone who served on town council as a Democrat but wasn’t the party machine’s handpicked candidate, leaving her to run

Siberia.”

I understand Carol Jean Doyle is well known throughout Kearny and served almost three decades on the town council, so she’s anything but a nobody. It also shows the voters went with their conscience while looking at proven records rather than whether a candidate is team A or team B. As much of a Democrat she is still said to be and truly has been, she didn’t need the party’s nomination, approval, endorsement or funding to succeed. That speaks volumes and should be a wake-up call to party loyalists — you need to do better than being the “lesser evil.”

In Memoriam Mary A. Tortoreti 1942-2016

Lisa M. Feorenzo lisa@theobserver.com Co-owner/Advertising Dir. Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com Editor/Broadcaster

Deadlines

See MILLER, Page 18

39 Seeley Avenue n Kearny, N.J. 07032 n (201) 991-1600 Fax: (201) 991-8941 n www.theobserver.com

Tina Feorenzo Co-owner/Advertising

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

the voters in Kearny voted for who they liked best regardless of column, label or conventional wisdom.

Not every local or statewide election has as many options and therefore it can be more justified to hold your nose to keep out the “greater evil.” But repeating that pattern over and over has proven to make the two options worse and worse.

Just look at the federal level. We all know about the hot water Bob Menendez put himself in. It’s also worth noting in 2018, his Republican opponent was the CEO of a pharmaceutical company that donated to previous Bob Menendez campaigns

Robert P. Pezzolla gm@theobserver.com General Manager

Kimberley Pezzolla Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com kimpezzolla@theobserver.com Sales/Classifieds Sports Writer

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Wednesday, November 29, 2023

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Legacy bricks unveiled at Nutley’s VFW

Scams continue to plague PSE&G customers

By Kevin A. Canessa Jr.

S

kc@theobserver.com

cams continue to cause irreparable harm, including locally. And PSE&G is again taking steps to remind local residents to use extreme caution, especially when it comes to getting “calls” from the utility — especially those that may well be impersonation calls demanding immediate payment.

On Utility Scam Awareness Day, Nov. 15, PSE&G reminded customers to be aware of scammers’ tactics and to know what to do if confronted with a demand for payment and a threat of imminent shutoff: Get the truth from the real PSE&G at (800) 436-7734.

“Scammers try to blindside you with an urgent problem in the hopes that you panic and miss all the clues that they’re not who they appear to be,” Dave Johnson, vice president PSE&G Customer Care & Chief Customer Officer, said.

“PSE&G wants customers to remember one simple thing — if someone calls threatening to shut off your power and demands immediate payment, hang up and call the number that’s printed on your bill to verify before acting.”

Callers should do this even when the Caller ID comes

from a legitimate PSE&G phone number since scammers are more and more using phone-number spoofers that make it seem like calls are coming in from legit sources.

Only thing is, that is all part of the scam.

PSE&G says recent phone scams reported demands for payment for past-due bills or priority meter installations.

Often, the scammers will threaten to disconnect electric service if payment is not made immediately. Many scammers ask by telephone or email for payment in pre-paid debit cards or fund transfer app, or to send money to an out-ofstate address.

PSE&G offers a variety of payment options — but gift cards are never one of those methods. Period.

Signs you may have be being scammed n Threat to disconnect: Scammers may aggressively tell the customer their utility bill is past due and service will be disconnected if a payment is not made — usually within an hour. n A request for immediate payment: Scammers may instruct the customer to purchase a prepaid card, a gift card or Continued on the next page

Nutley VFW Post 493 celebrated Veterans Day hosting its Legacy Brick dedication. Commander Maria Hamlin said: ‘We are here to celebrate all veterans and to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We are grateful for the American Veteran. Although our debt to our veterans can never be repaid, we can continue to honor them on Veterans Day. Today is a celebration of our Veterans for their service to our country.’

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Continued from previous page

even Bitcoin, and then to call them back to make a phone payment. Scammers may request that the customer use a payment app to make an online payment, or even give instructions for an in-person meeting.

Many times after the customer makes the first payment,

the scammer will call back to ask for the payment to be resubmitted due to an error with the amount. The scammer refers to a new amount and claims that the original payment will be refunded.

This is almost certainly going to be a scam. n In person-demands: Scammers may arrive at a home or business, flash a fake

ID and/or claim to be a utility collection representative. The impostors may wear “uniforms” or affix false company signs to their vehicles. The scammers generally ask for personal information or offer discounts, which a real PSE&G representative would not do.

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of a scam: someone asking by telephone or email for payment in pre-paid debit cards or a MoneyGram transfer, or to send money to an out-of-state address. n Never arrange payment or divulge account or personal information, including Social Security numbers or debit or credit card information, over the telephone, unless you are certain you are speaking to a PSE&G representative — even then, be weary. n Customers should also know what PSE&G will and won’t discuss over the phone.

A genuine PSE&G representative will ask to speak to the “Customer of Record.” If that person is available, the representative will explain why they are calling and the representative will provide the account name, address and current balance. If the person on the phone does not provide the correct information, it is likely not a PSE&G representative. n If the “Customer of Record” is not available, the PSE&G representative will not discuss the account at all and ask that a message be left for the “Customer of Record” to call (800) 436-PSEG (7734). n If a customer has doubts about the legitimacy of a call or an email — especially one in which payment is requested — hang up and call the company directly at (800) 436-

PSEG (7734).

PSE&G launches additional security measures In November, PSE&G is introducing a multi-factor authentication (MFA) process when you log in to your PSE&G My Account. MFA is an additional security measure that many banks, airlines and other businesses use to prevent unauthorized access to your account(s). Please review your My Profile to ensure your email address is up to date.

Here is a preview of the process n The first time you log into your online account, you will be prompted to reset your current password to meet new password requirements n Then, you’ll receive an email (to the email address currently on file) providing a one-time authentication code for validation. (Note: If you want to change your email address on file, you may do so in the My Profile section of My Account.) n Lastly, you’ll be required to enter a phone number where you will receive an authentication code.

Contact PSE&G’s internet support group in English or Spanish at (888) 234-9209 if you have trouble accessing your account.

Learn more online at pseg. com/ScamAlert.

The Observer accepts and encourages letters to the editor. Send them to editorial@theobserver.com. Keep them to a max of 250 words. Be sure to include a phone number for verification purposes. No anonymous letters. Longer letters may be considered for Op-Eds. Ownership & management reserves the right to reject letters that may be libelous or without a factual basis.

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

The Observer  www.theobserver.com

SPORTS & HEALTH

9

Kearny-North ArlingtonSecaucus hockey looks to make a name for itself

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

Photo by Jason Bernstein

The Nutley-Bloomfield-Columbia hockey team poses for a photo after a recent practice.

Nutley-ColumbiaBloomfield ice hockey set to make strides this year

By Jason Bernstein

couple of new additions that are going to really help us and everybody seems to be As Nutley-Bloomfieldjelling and we’re excited to Columbia hockey coach Dave get back on the ice and start Macri looks around the ice playing.” this preseason, the difference Highlighting the large a year makes is significant. group of returnees is one Last season, his Raiders of the NJIIHL’s top talents, team, which relied heavily junior forward Alex Benkert. on underclassmen, struggled As a sophomore, Benkert to keep afloat within the had a breakout season with competitive NJIIHL Kelly 33 goals and 25 assists, both Division. team highs, giving him 98 Now with the bulk of that career points. This season, roster back, a year older and Benkert has been named an wiser, Macri sees plenty to be alternate captain. optimistic about in the first “It’s a lot of pressure to put few days of the preseason. on one guy to carry a team, “The practices have been but if you are going to put great, the work ethic has pressure on a guy, Alex is the been great. That comes one to handle it,” Macri said. with maturing another year “He’s a super kid on and off and knowing what the the ice, he can handle the expectations are when they role. He knows his place set foot on the ice,” said on the team and he does a Macri, entering his fourth great job of carrying us and season as Nutley’s head motivating players to bring coach. “So we’ve kind of hit out their best game.” the ground running. We got a Also back for the Raiders is jason@theobserver.com

sophomore center Christian Sherman (15 goals, 22 assists) and sophomore wing Angelo Albanese (13 goals, 21 assists).

A season ago, the three largely played together on Nutley’s top line. This season could also see them split up at times in hopes of creating more scoring through the entire lineup.

“I’m looking for great things out of those guys,” said Macri. “We’re not sure what we’re going to do yet.

Obviously, they’re going to be leaned upon in basically every situation that we have so it’s more than likely to be a combination of the two.”

Further bolstering Nutley’s offense is junior Liam Madsen (three goals, 11 assists), who moves up to forward after playing on defense last year.

“He’s a very skilled player,” See HOCKEY, Page 10

Little went right for the Kearny-North ArlingtonSecaucus hockey team a year ago as injuries and inexperience made its oneyear stint in the NJIIHL Kelly Division a trying one.

Now, with several key members back and a return to the McMullen Division and another year of growth, optimism is high even without the depth it has had in past seasons.

“We’ve had our core of players now for a number of years,” Kearny coach Tim Firth said. “The bulk of our team is juniors and seniors now so at this point, my expectation is that they’ll be in top form now that they’re older and stronger and have more experience.”

Leading that core is defenseman Kevin Zidiak, who has logged major minutes on the blueline since arriving as a freshman.

In addition to being their best defender, Zidiak can also make an impact on the offensive end, posting four goals and 14 assists a season ago.

“He always pulls monster minutes for us,” said Firth.

“He was one of our captains last year. He can play the whole game if he’d like. He’s fantastic at moving the puck and transitioning and getting the puck out of our zone, whether it’s by a pass or

skating it up himself.”

Junior Sean Meaney is also set to return on defense and is capable of playing forward as well. Firth also has high hopes for junior Ian Fu, who had three goals and three assists last season.

“This is going to be a big year for Ian. His confidence is at an all-time high,” Firth said. “He will be one of the bigger and faster kids on the squad. I think he’s really going to blossom and show us what he can do this year.”

Sophomore Billy Worman is set to be the fourth defenseman for Kearny.

Up top, Kearny returns its top scorer in junior center Aiden Stamm, who led the team in both goals (17) and assists (17).

“The kid is fast, he’s incredibly skilled and he has a really good mind for the game,” said Firth. “He will be pulling No. 1 center minutes and we’re really looking forward to seeing him play this year because I know he’s very invested in the sport and the game and the team. We’re also looking forward to him being one of the leaders.”

The Kardinals also return their second leading scorer in Chris Crawford (12 goals, 14 assists). The senior is capable of playing on the wing alongside Stamm or center his own line if Kearny wants to balance its lines.

See CO-OP, Page 11

10

The Observer n www.theobserver.com

James Pecoraro and John Paul Poplawski.

On the blueline, captain Continued from Page 9 Tommy Devlin and alternate Macri said. “He’s going to be Mallory Albanese are four able to help us tremendous- year varsity players on defense. Junior Cameron ly. He can rotate in there.

Wright is another anchor Liam brings a lot to table, just as much as these guys.” on defense with junior Eric Sophomore Dominic Searls Antonsson also set for major minutes. Gavin Waldron, a is also poised for a big role at forward after a productive senior, and freshmen Trevor Romanowski and Ryan Coon offseason. are also set to see time on Others in the mix for defense. a potential top six spot Macri acknowledges that at forward are fellow sophomores Oliver Penalber Nutley can’t truly fill the skates of Victoria Rutnik, and Daniel Kopcha. who started in goal the Also vying for time are past two years and is now seniors Molly Mendoza and Benjamin Prudencio, juniors playing at Long Island University. The Raiders Max Bednarz and Daniel however did get a boost Legera, sophomore Reese with the arrival of junior McGowan and promising Zac Calveric, a transfer from freshmen William Jacquin,

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

HOCKEY

Photo by Jason Bernstein Nutley-Bloomfield-Columbia team captains Mallory Albanese, Tommy Devlin and Alex Benkert.

Seton Hall Prep. Senior George Dietrich, sophomore Aiden Rosamilia and

freshman Alex Madsden are also vying for time between the pipes.

Nutley opens the season on Friday, Dec. 8 against Verona at 8:30 p.m. at Codey Arena, then returns to action the next night vs. Mount Olive at 7:45 p.m.

While Macri won’t put a specific win total as a goal for this season, there’s definite confidence that they should finish better than its 4-14-4 record from last winter.

“The standing goal is to be a better team everyday,” Macri said. “Our kids are getting better all the time.

They’re working hard and they love playing hockey.

The goal is just to give the absolute best we can.

“I want the kids to get as much as they can out of this season both as a team and as individuals.”

View the entire issue online at www.TheObserver.com

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travel hockey experience.

Other forwards poised for big roles include senior Continued from Page 9 Anthony Leppin, who excels The biggest addition to on the penalty kill and felKearny is sophomore Arthur low senior Joseph Crawford.

Bor, who is primed for a big Junior Vanessa Salgado, who season after missing virtually is one of the team’s most imall of last year due to injury. proved players, and physical “He had a season-ending junior Jon Solinski will also injury about two weeks into see extensive time. the season last year so we Junior Sebastian Andaluz never got to actually see him and sophomore Braidan play in a high school hockey Logue are currently splitting game. But last year he was time in goal. impressive,” said Firth. “This “Both players have been year, he’s bigger and stronlearning and growing. ger, very confident on his They’ve had older teammates edge work and stick work, to watch and learn from,” he’s got very good speed Firth said. “We’re looking and we’re very excited to see forward to seeing what they what he can bring.” can do now that they have Freshmen Owen Golon the chance to take the reins.” and Connor Michalkovich are Kearny opens the season primed to make an instant at its home rink, Secaucus impact and have extensive

CO-OP

Ice Rink, on Friday, Dec. 8 against Hoboken-Weehawken at 4:15 p.m. The Kardinals follow with home games against Johnson on Dec. 12 and Fair Lawn on the 15th.

“Our goal this year is to have an impact. We want to be a known commodity in our towns. We want to make a name for ourselves,” said Firth. “We want people to know that Kearny, North Arlington and Secaucus have a high school hockey team.

You do that with wins, you do that with good publicity through social media and just general excitement.

“We want the towns that we live in to know that they

Photo is courtesy of Kimberly Hykey

Members of the Kearny-North Arlington-Secaucus hockey team after practice. Back Row (Left to Right): Anthony Leppin, Joseph Crawford, Kevin Zidiak, Arthur Bor, Billy Worman, Ian Fu, Aiden Stamm Front Row (Left to Right): Jonathan Solinski, Owen Golon, Braidan Logue, Sean Meaney, Sebastian Andaluz, Vanessa Salgado have a team and they have a competitive team, a suc-

cessful team and an exciting team.”

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Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Local bowlers set to hit the lanes as season is underway

By Jason Bernstein

North 2 sectional title with a 706 set and took home AllState, Third Team honors by The high school boys and NJ.com. Despite high expecgirls bowling seasons got tations, head coach Alan Corunderway on Monday, Nov. renti doesn’t see any nerves 27. And while the start of the from Valli. season feels sudden - teams “Really every match is just only had two or three days of another match to him. I’ve practice beforehand, it should seen him do it in the counonce again be a big season ties, I’ve seen him do it as for The Observer area teams a state sectional champion as Kearny and Nutley are set last year,” said Correnti about to defend their respective Valli, who rolled a high of titles.

299 last season. “I don’t think Kearny’s boys team, which he has a chip on his shoulder. went 16-1 and won last year’s He wants to be as successful Photo courtesy of Alan Correnti HCIAL title, returns nearly the as he can, he’s a senior, he’s Kearny’s Ryan Valli after winning entire core from a season ago. looking at possibly bowlthe North 2, sectional title last Leading the group is senior ing in college. Whatever he year.

Ryan Valli, who a season can accomplish this year is really just icing on the cake of ago, took home the NJSIAA everything that he’s done.

“I don’t think he comes in with any pressure on himELEBRATING EARS jason@theobserver.com

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self. He just likes to bowl, he knows he’s good and he stays even-keeled.”

Seniors Miguel Matso and Daniel Whitehead also return with varsity experience, as does sophomore Wesley Furbino.

Another team with championship aspirations is North Arlington’s boys team, which went 19-4 to finish second in the NJIC Meadowlands division. The Vikings should once again be vying for a title as junior Rohan Patel and sophomore Alexander Garcia are both back after earning All-Division honors a year ago.

Lyndhurst should also be in the mix for the Meadowlands title with a veteran group led by junior Mark Rigano and senior Shane Keeler. Senior

Thomas Vinacco is set to lead for Harrison this season.

In Essex County, Nutley (10-4 in the SEC American Division) returns its top bowler from a season ago in junior Jackson Cerniglia-Rapavi as well as sophomore Kaiden Cerniglia-Rapavi.

Belleville, which went 8-7, should also be in the mix as it returns junior Ayden Carrero, who had the best High Series in the division last year with a 703. Bloomfield should also be improved as it returns four of the top five bowlers from last season’s 5-9 team.

On the girls side, Nutley aims for a third consecutive Essex County title in 2024.

Senior Gabriella Lucivero, who went on a run to take See VALLI, Page 14

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OBITUARIES Sharon A. Baguchinsky Sharon A. Baguchinsky (nee Conlon) died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Monday, Nov. 21, 2023.

Born in Kearny, she lived in South Brunswick before moving full-time to Manahawkin in 2012. Visiting was at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny. Mass was celebrated at St. Stephen’s Church, Kearny. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.

Sharon was the beloved daughter of Vera and the late Edward Conlon. She was the cherished wife of Stanley J. Baguchinsky and devoted mother of Jessica Baguchinsky (Melissa), Elizabeth Bell (Spencer) and Stanley Baguchinsky Jr. (Michelle). Loving sister of Karen Evilsizor (Jerry), Edward Conlon, William Conlon, Thomas Conlon and Vera Allen (Thomas). Adored grandmother (“May”) to her beautiful grandchildren Emma, Ellie and James. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Sharon was an accomplished retired executive assistant of 46 years to Andy Baglivo, of A.V. Baglivo Public Relations in Metuchen.

Sharon lived for her family.

She was a loving and devoted wife and mother and nothing brought her more joy than spending her time with them.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

James T. Lyons James T. Lyons, 80, died peacefully at home on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, surrounded by his family.

Jim was predeceased by his beautiful and loving wife of more than 56 years, Pamela

(Baxter). He was also predeceased by sister Bernadette (Palmisano); brother Francis “Bobby”; and he is survived by sister Patricia Crumlish, daughter Tracey O’Neill (Frank), son James (Cathy), and his four cherished grandchildren, Nicole, Sean, Morgan and Matthew, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Jim was a lifelong resident of Kearny and he worked for Linden Motor Freight for 30 years.

Upon retirement, Jim began a second career with the Kearny Board of Education, where he worked for many years and befriended countless school employees from across the district.

Jim loved spending time with his family and was blessed to have many healthy and happy years cheering on his grandkids at various school and sporting events.

Mostly, Jim was profoundly proud and grateful to have Pam as his bride. Their love for one another was authentic and rare, and it was truly a gift to behold.

Relatives and friends visited at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny. A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Stephen’s Church, Kearny. Entombment was in Holy Cross Chapel Mausoleum, North Arlington.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation in Jim’s memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkinson.org.

Dennis J. Triano Dennis J. Triano died Nov. 22, 2023.

He was 72.

Born in Jersey City, he was a lifelong Kearny resident.

Visiting was at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny. Mass will be celebrated Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.

at St. Stephen’s Church and entombment will follow in Holy Cross cemetery North Arlington.

Dennis was a retired regional manager vice president from Arizona Ice Tea Company. He was active with the Little League and the Republican Party, both in Kearny. He was past president and a trustee of the Kearny Library Board and had been a member of the Recreation Commission.

He was the son of the late John and Josephine (nee Sanfilippo) Triano. He is survived by his loving wife Patty (nee Flynn) and daughters; Amy Triano and Rebecca Zuniga (her husband Jason). Brother of Robert Triano (his wife Diane), he is also survived by his grandson Justin Ryan and his brother in law, retired U.S. Gen. George Flynn (his wife Sally).

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the Friends of the Kearny Public Library. Please omit flowers.

Diáne P. Cifelli Diáne P. Cifelli, formerly of Harrison, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023.

The funeral will be conducted from the Mulligan Funeral Home, 331 Cleveland Ave., Harrison, on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023 at 9:15 a.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Cross Church, Harrison, at 10 a.m. Her entombment will follow in Holy Cross Chapel Mausoleum, North Arlington.

Friends and relatives may visit from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 1 and Saturday morning after 8:30 a.m.

Born in New York City to Philip and Diáne Gulder, Diáne was raised in Kearny before moving to Harrison when she was married. She later moved to Cranford, and then to Middletown two years

ago.

Diáne started her career as a teacher at St. Cecilia School in Kearny. She then worked for the Harrison Board of Education as a fifth-grade teacher for many years, as well as serving as a truancy officer for the Board. She attended high school at Mount Saint

Dominick’s, Caldwell College for Women and later Jersey City State College where she earned a master’s degree in reading.

She was a member of many organizations locally, including the Harrison Board of See OBITS, Page 14

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VALLI

Continued from Page 12 returns to lead the way for the Raiders after rolling a 231 High Game a season ago. The 231 as well as her 588 High Series were both the best in the SEC’s American Division.

“She’s taking on a leadership role,” Nutley head coach Frank Sasso said. “She would love to win the counties, she’s been in the final five two years in a row and she’s looking to maybe even make an impact on the state level.”

Junior Gabriella Botti (High Game of 202) is the other top returner from last season’s

13-0 team, which will also rely upon sophomore Brooklyn Robinson.

“When they need to perform, they seem to step up and I think those (Lucivero and Botti) will complement each other for sure,” said Sasso. “They motivate each other, they seem to get along really, really well. If we can pull together, it will be interesting to see how the season will unfold.”

Also looking to defend a championship is Kearny, which won its ninth consecutive HCIAL division title.

Correnti admits that adding to that streak might be a challenge after graduating three of

its top four bowlers from last year’s 12-2 team. But the Kardinals should remain competitive with seniors Guadalupe Rosas-Gregorio and Gesenea Arroyo and sophomore Madison Szymanski.

Juniors Isabella Bille and Leah Velasquez lead the way for a Bloomfield team, which went 4-8-1 last season, while Belleville (4-10) is set to return the entire lineup from a season ago.

North Arlington went 8-4 last season with an independent schedule as returns junior Mia Da Silva and sophomore Alexa Palacios, as well as seniors Yadhira Rodriguez and Eileen Zenon.

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fully at her home surrounded by her loving family Nov. 13, 2023.

Continued from Page 13 Beloved wife of 62 years to Robert Hallenbeck she was deEducation, Harrison Canvoted mother of Judi Hubner cer League, Harrison Lions and her husband Andrew, EuClub, the Arlington Players Club and was most proud of gene Hallenbeck and his wife serving in the Girls Scouts of Karin, Amy Doran and her husband Rick, Laura Brandao America in many capacities and her husband Tony. Loving for over 70 years. grandmother of Jonathan, In her own words, Diáne, Michael, Patrick, Kate, Kris“Loved nature, trees, sunsets, ta, Erika and Anna, she was birds, books, children, home, cherished great-grandmother family, lakes, playing tennis, swimming, her country house of Rose.

Louise had a creative mind and participating in anything and was 20 steps ahead of to do with the Girl Scouts.”

Diáne is survived by her lov- the game. She loved to travel, ing daughter Beth Cifelli-Lam- teach, volunteer at local food be, and son-in-law Louis Lam- pantries and enjoyed spending time with her family. Louise be, cherished grandchildren is also survived by her canine Gabrielle and Patrick, adored pets, Max and Sasha. She was companion “Betsy.”

Family and friends visited at predeceased by her husband the Armitage & Wiggins FunerThomas J. Cifelli in 2005 and al Home, Kearny. The funeral her parents, Philip and Diáne service was from the funeral Guldner. home. Cremation was private.

In lieu of flowers, the In lieu of flowers, memorial family requests donations to contributions may be made in the Harrison Lions Club in Louise’s name to the Frederick care of the funeral home, in loving memory of Diáne. Fond B. Cohen Cancer Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical memories and expressions of Center, www.newarkbethgivsympathy may be shared at ing.org or by mail Newark www.mulliganfh.com.

Beth Israel Medical Center Development Department-62, Louise I. Hallenbeck 201 Lyons Avenue Newark, Louise I. Hallenbeck, 82, of N.J. 07112.

North Arlington, died peace-

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Arrest made in car theft case: LPD

Required changes made at Town Hall

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

Sometimes, changes aren’t necessary. But in this case, a change was wholly needed. Recently, the door to the Kearny Mayor’s Office was updated to reflect the newly elected mayor’s name. In July, the interim mayor’s name was placed on the door even though it possibly was only going to be for a few weeks. And that’s how it all turned out. Fortunately, however, the town’s DPW knew just how to rectify it all in the end and Lynn, of Signs

By Lynn, was able to easily make the proper replacement.

A 25-year-old North Arlington man finds himself behind bars at the Bergen County Jail after residents were able to identify him to police after he allegedly attempted to break into numerous vehicles on Kingsland Avenue in Lyndhurst on Nov. 15, Det. Lt. Vincent Auteri, the Lynfhurst PD’s public-information officer said.

According to Auteri, that morning a little bit after midnight, neighbors say they saw Angel Santos attempt to break into and in some cases, gain access to, several vehicles that were parked on the street.

Officer Mike Scalese was in the area and was able to get a description of Santos from residents who reportedly saw the incidents go down.

A short while later, Officer Anthony Calabro noticed a

man who matched Santos’s description and took him into custody along with Sgt. Charles Giangeruso.

Police reportedly found coins, sunglasses and other personal items, proceeds from the burglaries, on Santos.

Santos, meanwhile, was charged with three counts of burglary before he was remanded to the county, pending court. Auteri said at least four more victims have come forward with statements, so further charges against Santos may be forthcoming.

“This is as good a time as any to remind residents to lock their cars, take all valuables out cars at night and to be sure never to leave keys or fobs inside vehicles,” Auteri said. “We don’t want to see things like this happening in Lyndhurst, but unfortunately, criminals often pounce on opportunities when doors are left unlocked.”

The Dining Directory KEARNY Curiosity by Intrinsic

161 Midland Ave. • 201-458-2225 Domingo’s Bakery & Restaurant 292 Kearny Ave. • 201-428-1904

HARRISON / E.NEWARK Pic-Nic 224 Grant Ave. • 973- 481-3646 Spanish Pavillion www.SpanishPavillion.com• 973-485-7750

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Wednesday, November 29, 2023

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.

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.

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KEARNY KEARNY Newly updated 3rd Floor floor. 3 BR. LR. EIK. Hardwood floors. $1900 + 1 1/2 months security. Utilities not included. No Pets/Smoking.

Avail January 1st (201)9219207 28W03

KEARNY 1st Floor. 2 BR, DR, LR, EIK. Laundry. No pets/smoking.

Available December 1st (551)580-0296 28W03

N. ARLINGTON 2nd fl. in 2 family house 3 BR, 1 Bathroom. Small deck, Laundry in apartment. Close to schools & Transportation. 1 parking space $2,600 + 1.5 months security.

Utilities Separate. No pets/Smoking. Call or text (917) 294-4024 or email sammy.bella66@ gmail.com 28W03

NUTLEY NUTLEY 2nd Fl. 2 BR’S , 4 room apt for rent. Move In condition Large EIK, LR , HW floors, AC provided $1,750 + 1.5 month security, No pets, No smoking, Close to NY transportation.

Call Tom 973-517-7517 Available 01/01 Credit check a must Leave a verbal message 30W03

ROOM FOR RENT BELLEVILLE $750 + 1 months security.

Everything included, internet and cable.

Shared kitchen and bathroom. No Smoking No Drinking Available Now. (862)888-7290

FURNISHED ROOM FOR RENT NEWARK (Ironbound Section) 1 Large furnished BR, Share Bathroom & Kitchen in private home. By the 5 corners. $850 + 1 months security. Utilities included (201)4283441 29W03

COMMERICAL REAL ESTATE KEARNY FOR SALE $895,000 2 Commercial & 2 Residential Units Income of $5000 a month For further information (551)655-1619 30W03

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT KEARNY 1,000 sq/ft perfect for office $2700 + 1.5 months security.

Utilities separate.

Available November 1st (201)889-3118 25W06

High Visibility Kearny Ave. Store fronts Available for Lease. Approx.1000 square feet of Prime Retail Space. Two units (858 Kearny Ave.) Zone C-3 Outdoor Rear Yard available for Daycare or Patio seating. Rent $1950. Call Owner 973-800-8582 27W06

N. ARLINGTON Prime , Dental , Medical , Office or Retail Space For Lease !!

Ridge Road location !!

Call (201)966-8095

Larger 2 car garage for rent. 26’ long x 19’ wide.

241 Kearny Ave. Garage on Bergen Ave. $900.00/Month.

Electric included (201) 218-3370 28W03

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

Part Time Plumbing Subcode Official $29.90-$39.00 per hour Open to NJ residents.

Must possess valid NJ DL and HHS license issued by the NJ Dept of Community Affairs Job Description 05056 http://info.csc.state.nj.us/jobspec/05056.htm Position is provisional and subject to the Civil Service exam process. Click here for online application http://www.kearnynj.org/JobOpportunities Deadline for application is 12/29/23 .

The Town of Kearny reserves the right to interview and hire before the deadline.

30W04

ITEMS FOR SALE Light Gray Couch very good condition, Firm cushions 95”length x 29” Width x 35” High (201)931-9212 30W01

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED Full time driving Instructor & Part time Driver Agent Wanted will train.

Must be reliable.

Please email NJDRIVINGSCHOOL@ Hotmail.com or call (201)246-8000 28W03

Local Daycare seeking Full time 8:30am - 3:30pm P-3 Teacher needed To join our Team (201)997-3569 28W03

WAREHOUSE WORKERS & OFFICE ASSISTANCE Must Speak English Apply in person : 260 Schuyler Ave Kearny, NJ 07032 29W03

PERSONALS

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Please remember to recycle this newspaper 25W06

GARAGE FOR RENT

Intelligent self sufficient independent Female. Seeking a 60 plus gentlemen which is a dying breed. For casual dinner out and quiet time with that special person. Kearny area.

Only those serious call or text (201)948-6559 28W03

Fire Prevention Specialist Part-time position, Under direction, inspects premises of buildings to detect and eliminate fire hazards and to enforce the provisions of relevant fire safety codes and related regulations; does other related duties.

Possession of a current valid Fire Inspector certification issued by the NJ Dept of Community Affairs required.

24.5 hours per week, $33.00 -$39.00 per hour.

Applications are available at: https://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/ Application Deadline is 12/29/23.

The Town of Kearny is an equal opportunity employer.

The Town of Kearny reserves the right to interview and hire before the deadline.

30W04

To place a classified ad, call 201-991-1600

LANDSCAPING & DESIGN

OBSERVER CLASSIFIEDS OBSERVER CLASSIFIEDS

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

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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.

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.

HANDYMAN

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

EligioHandyManPlus @gmail.com

Free estimates •Painting •Special Ceramic Tiles •Bath & Kitchen •Cracked Steps •Cement Water Leaks •Plaster Dry Wall •Carpentry •Shower Door Mirrors (201)283-7852 27W04

PAINTING & DECORATING Kevin’s affordable home improvements * Painting * Plastering * Sheet Rocking *Carpentry and more.

Very neat and clean.

Don’t miss out on our low prices and great service.

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• Concrete • Brick work • Steps • Stone Walls • Tiles • Painting • Sheetrock • Drywall • Plastering ALL types of Masonry For Free Estimates Call Edinson

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HVAC SERVICES

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ZACH’S GARAGE

(201)637-1775 30W06

“Your Best Choice for Auto Repair and Maintenance in Kearny”

The Observer’s office is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Please feel free to visit us during our regular hours of operation or call (201) 991-1600.

WE HAVE A FULL SERVICE DEPARTMENT

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201.206.4845 • 908.387.8150

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Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Wreaths Across America returning to Belleville

By Kevin A. Canessa Jr.

T

kc@theobserver.com

he Belleville Historical Society locally sponsors the annual Wreaths Across America Day event Saturday, Dec. 16, at St. Peter’s Church in Belleville at noon and at Glendale Cemetery in Bloomfield at 1:30 p.m. The society will join volunteers nationwide setting wreaths at veteran sites at more than 4,000 locations across the country.

The society expects to set almost 500 wreaths this year on graves of all of the veterans buried at St. Peter’s and at Glendale and will set wreaths on the graves of soldiers killed in ac-

tion buried in the veterans circle.

Earlier this year, the society identified and located the graves of all of the young men killed in action in the Glendale veteran circle. It will spend that weekend traveling to more than a dozen cemeteries in northern New Jersey to set wreaths at the graves of young men from Belleville and Nutley who lost their lives during the two World Wars, Korea and Vietnam. Anyone interested in sponsoring a wreath for $17 may email bellevillehisrtory@ gmail.com or call (201) 687-1431 or visit wreathsacrossamerica.org and specify the cemetery for which the wreath is being sponsored.

Senior Health Services

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MILLER

Continued from Page 6 on his watch.

“Big pharma” was going to win either way. We now have two highly unpopular candidates (despite what party loyalists or a certain cult of followers tell you) who are likely to get the Democrat and Republican nominations for the next presidential election.

One guy who is half dead and another facing 91 felony charges. It’s an embarrassment. How much worse are we going to keep allowing it to get? If in fact the “lesser evil” wins and still does evil, it’s nice to know you don’t have blood on your hands since you still voted, just not for them.

I already know there are people reading this who blame Ralph Nader for spoiling the 2000 election. That is lazy thinking. Deeper digging and critical thinking have proven it wrong. Since space is limited, I suggest searching “no Ralph Nader didn’t spoil the 2000 election” and you’ll find a YouTube video that breaks it down in detail — and a piece in Reason magazine that does so as well.

At least on the local levels, more people are waking up and voting for their true interests instead of falling in line with a party they despise slightly less than the other. Not just in Kearny, but across America, it is happening whether you hear about it or not.

In 2023 alone the Green Party ran or endorsed candidates in 82 races, 18 states, and achieved 40 victories.

You can learn more about the candidates and the party at gp.org. Meanwhile, the Libertarian Party won at least a half dozen races this year and about 30 last year while continuing to hold a couple hundred elected offices nationwide.

You can learn more about the candidates and the party at lp.org.

As with the result in Kearny, it shows the chance is still there. So never let anyone tell you otherwise!

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

HUMAN

Continued from Page 5 prevent human trafficking by transforming the underlying inequities and oppressions that make it possible.”

Is human trafficking really this bad?

Well, as hard as Polaris works — and as diligently as law-enforcement across the planet do the same — the statistics are truly staggering. And remember, this is what we’re aware of — there are likely countless cases that go unreported, unknown.

0 Points We’ll break them down as simplistically as possible now, but please keep in mind, these figures are as of 2020.

That year, Polaris was able to identify 10,583 instances of human trafficking, involving 16,658 victims. Now while it may be easy for one to believe trafficking is all about sex work — and a good chunk of it is — there is so much more to it than forced sex.

Of the nearly 11,000 cases reported three years ago, 7,648 involved some kind of sexual activity. But there were also 1,052 cases of forced labor, 334

cases of combined sex and labor and more than 1,500 that couldn’t be classified.

The human toll was even worse.

Almost 11,000 Americans reported being victims of sex trafficking. Nearly 3,600 people were victims of coerced labor. There were 631 people who were victims of forced labor and sex.

And more than 1,600 were involved in unclassified cases.

Now what does that entail?

According to Polaris, the most common “roles” or so-called “jobs” include escort services, pornography, illicit massage, residential and commercial sexual activity, personal sexual servitude, street solicitation, domestic work, bars, strip clubs, cantinas (Spanish-speaking pubs) and various other illicit activities.

How did COVID-19 affect trafficking?

Now, given these reports come from 2020 — the beginning of the global Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic — Polaris says adaptability was and is the name of the game when it comes to trafficking.

“Shut down one venue and traf-

Lusitania

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Hasn’t it been “just a dream” long enough?

Lock in a low mortgage rate for up to 5 years.

1yr ARM 3/1 ARM 5/1 ARM

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The Observer n www.theobserver.com

5.250 %Rate 0 Points 6.405 %APR 5.625 %Rate 0 Point s 6.321 %APR 5.750 %Rate 0 Points 6.228 %APR

fickers will find a new one. Wherever there are vulnerable people and communities, there will be someone who finds a way to exploit them,” the company said. “During the lockdowns, as the proportion of victims from common recruitment sites such as strip clubs (-46%), foster homes (-70%) and schools (-38%) went down drastically, the Internet was reported as the top recruitment location for all forms of trafficking.

“Most notably, the (Polaris) analysis found a significant increase in the proportion of potential victims for whom Facebook and Instagram were the sites for recruitment into trafficking (at 120%.) While that may not be as surprising, what is is that many victims are intimately familiar with their traffickers.

“Recruitment by family members and intimate partners was highly reported for all forms of trafficking. While this is the case year over year, it was particularly pronounced in 2020. In 2020, among all forms of trafficking whose recruitment relationships were known (4,142), the proportion of victims recruited by a family member or caregiver increased significantly — from 21%

of all victims in 2019 to 31% in 2020 — a 47% increase,” Polaris said.

There was also a 21% increase of victims of trafficking who were already intimately involved with their partner.

And, perhaps most importantly, there is absolutely no way to identify simply by looking at a person whether they’re being trafficked. In fact, it could be anyone, frankly.

However, the people who are most trafficked for sex are, according to Polaris, (top 5) those who are addicted to substances, runaway youth, those with unstable housing, people who are mentally ill and recent migrants.

The people who are most trafficked for sex are, according to Polaris, those (top 5) who recently migrated, people experiencing economic hardships, those with unstable housing, anyone with a previous criminal history or record and those who have had substance-abuse issues.

Editor’s note: This is the second in a multiple-part series on human trafficking. Are you the victim of human trafficking or do you know someone who is? Call (888) 373-7888 or text BEFREE to 233733 for immediate help.

Community Investment Loans Owner Occupied 5+ Multi-family Fixed Rate Mortgage

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Investment 5+ Multi-family Fixed Rate Mortgage

0 Points 7.280 % 15yr 7.125 % APR Rate Payment Example: $8.78 per $1,000 borrowed on a $100,000.00 15-year fixed rate mortgage at an interest rate of 6.625% will result in 180 payments of $877.99 on owner occupied 5+ multi-family. Payment Example: $9.06 per $1,000 borrowed on a $100,000.00 15-year fixed rate mortgage at an interest rate of 7.125% will result in 180 payments of $955.00 on investment 5+ multi-family. Actual monthly payment may be higher because example does not include applicable property taxes, fees, insurance premiums or other related costs. Annual percentage rate (APR) based on $100,000.00 loan with a 15-year amortization term.

Financing on properties located in Essex, Union, Hudson and Bergen Counties. Minimum finance charge of $955.00. New loans only. Rates and annual percentage rates are based on 75% loan to value with 25% equity or 25% down payment. Rates and annual percentages are effective as of the publication date of this ad and are subject to change. Please speak with our Mortgage Department for additional terms and conditions that may apply. Subject to credit approval. Other rates and programs are available.

Essex, Union, Hudson and now Bergen County

Community First Loans Owner Occupied Fixed Rate Mortgages

1 Yr. ARM Payment Example: 12 payments of $552.20, then 348 payments of $630.20 based on a fully indexed rate of 6.500%. 3 Yr. ARM Payment Example: 36 payments of $575.66, then 324 payments of $628.14 based on a fully indexed rate of 6.500%. 5 Yr. ARM Payment Example: 60 payments of $583.57, then 300 payments of $626.34 based on a fully indexed rate of 6.625%. APRs quoted are based on a $100,000 loan for a 1-family, owner occupied dwelling with a 20% down payment, a 30 yr. amortization term, and a minimum finance charge of $455.00. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages are variable rates and the annual percentage rate may increase or decrease after the initial fixed period. The renewal rate is based on an index plus a margin of 2.00%, 2.00% annual adjustment caps, a floor rate equal to the initial rate, and a 6.00% lifetime cap. Current Index is the 5 Yr. Treasury Security. Actual monthly payment may be higher, payment examples do not include applicable property taxes, fees, insurance premiums or other related costs. Rates and annual percentages are effective as of the publication date of this ad and are subject to change. Please speak with our Mortgage Department for additional terms and conditions that may apply. Subject to credit approval. Other rates and programs are available.

www.lusitaniabank.com/mortgages 107 Pulaski Street, Newark, NJ 07105 • (973) 344-5125 NMLS # 640892

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Payment Example: $8.64 per $1,000 borrowed on a $100,000.00 15-year fixed rate mortgage at an interest rate of 6.375% will result in 180 payments of $864.25. Payment Example: $6.65 per $1,000 borrowed on a $100,000.00 30-year fixed rate mortgage at an interest rate of 6.990% will result in 360 payments of 664.63. Actual monthly payment may be higher because example does not include applicable property taxes, fees, insurance premiums or other related costs. Annual percentage rate (APR) based on $100,000.00 loan with a 15-year or 30-year amortization term. Financing on owner occupied residential 1-4 family properties located in Essex, Union, Hudson and Bergen Counties. Minimum finance charge of $455.00. Owner occupied rate. New loans only. Rates and annual percentage rates are based on 80% loan to value with 20% equity or 20% down payment. Rates and annual percentages are effective as of the publication date of this ad and are subject to change. Please speak with our Mortgage Department for additional terms and conditions that may apply. Subject to credit approval. Other rates and programs are available.

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Wednesday, November 29, 2023

DENTISTRY DEDICATED

TO EXCELLENCE. With combined experience of 50 years, Dr. Elfar and his team of dental professionals, provide the highest quality of dentistry at affordable prices!

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