e-Newspaper for Dec. 13, 2023 by The Observer Newspaper

Wednesday, 13 December 2023 n www.TheObserver.com n Volume CXXXVI, Issue No. 32

UNDER THE COVER Coming next week — The Observer’s annual Christmas/holiday greetings. There’s still time to get one for your business or loved ones. Call (201) 991-1600

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

Kearny’s own ‘Fab 5’ choose candidate about whom little to nothing is known By Kevin A. Canessa Jr.

kc@theobserver.com

n what can only be described as a head-scratching act of utter incompetence, five members of the Kearny Town Council voted to send a man no one seems to know anything about onto the governing body on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023 — all on the heels of the very same people who were severely crushed in the voting booth just three weeks earlier having supported a mayoral candidate, Peter P. Santana, who was the lastplace finisher among the three

candidates. In fact, when he was asked by Fourth Ward Councilman Jerry Ficeto what was known about new Third Ward Councilman Renato DaSilva, Second Ward Councilman Richard Konopka, who nominated DaSilva, fell deadly silent and could or would not offer an answer for several moments. “I’ll have to Google it,” Konopka suggested, before failing to ever do so. And that was just the beginning. In an even more stunning admission, among most of the

people who voted in favor of DaSilva — “The Fab 5,” that includes Konopka, Eileen Eckel and freshmen representatives Stathis Theodoropoulos, George Zapata and Dennis Solano — the consensus statement was that most of them knew nothing about DaSilva nor so much had ever met him before that night. However, Eckel tersely listed DaSilva being a homeowner and a parent who raised his children in Kearny as principal rationales for choosing him. Some in the audience

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See COUNCIL, Page 19

Kearny’s newest Councilman is Renato DaSilva, who will represent the Third Ward. Very little is known about him, however.

Essex exec unveils plans for major Belleville ball field upgrades

PBA honors Cappelluti’s service

By Kevin A. Canessa Jr.

P The Kearny PBA’s Rich Carbone, left, and John Donovan, right, present Jim Cappelluti with a plaque thanking him for his support of the union’s annual Breakfast with Santa. Cappelluti, the longtime proprietor of Cappelluti’s Deli on the Belleville Pike in Kearny has played the role for many years.

kc@theobserver.com

lans to modernize two Little League baseball/softball fields and create a soccer field in Essex County Belleville Park were unveiled by County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. and various other dignitaries last week. The project is part of the county executive’s ongoing initiative to revitalize the Essex County Parks System and provide up-to-date recreation facilities to meet the needs of the community. “We are continually looking for ways to improve our recreation facilities and make visits

to our parks more enjoyable for the public. Our parks have become the focal points in the community and residents rely on our open spaces for recreation, respite and rejuvenation. The improvements we are making in Belleville Park will enhance playing conditions and meet the long-range athletic needs of the community,” DiVincenzo said. Belleville Mayor Michael A. Melham says he’s thrilled his town will be the beneficiaries of the project. “I grew up playing soccer in this park; it is where I scored my first goal,” Melham said. “Essex County has been great. When we asked See FIELDS, Page 18

The Observer n www.theobserver.com

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

North Arlington singer getting chance to perform at The Stone Pony By Kevin A. Canessa Jr.

NORTH ARLINGTON

kc@theobserver.com

hloe Medina grew up in North Arlington. She went to Roosevelt Elementary School, then North Arlington Middle School, wound up at St. Dominic Academy in Jersey

City and then went to the State University of New York Purchase, where she recently completed a degree in studio composition.

And now, the young woman who began to sing and play guitar when she was quite young will soon have something extraordinary to add to her resume — a performance at the legendary Stone Pony in Asbury Park Dec. 17.

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“My music career as a guitarist and singer started when I was 13 years old,” Medina says. “Throughout my career I’ve played live as a solo musician at local cafes, bars and restaurants, holiday events, podcasts and summer festivals, with my most recent and upcoming performance at the Stone Pony Dec. 17.” The gig at the Stone Pony is part of a special festival of sorts, called the Sunday Showcase, which features new and young bands and solo artists who, based on their performances, may be considered for larger-scale at the place that gave Bruce Springsteen his start decades ago. So what should attendees expect? Medina explains in her own words.

“My songs would be described as mellow, intimate ballads that discuss the topics of love, heartbreak, gratitude and friendships in life,” she says. The showcase kicks off that afternoon at 1 p.m. and lasts until 7 p.m. It’s not immediately clear exactly what time she’ll get on stage — but make no mistake about it — one of North Arlington’s own will be there singing at one of the most iconic small venues in America. Other performers include Turtles In Plaid, The Record Keeper, Jersey Calling, The Daybreakers, Laura’s Boys and Progression the Movie. The Stone Pony is located at 913 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park. Visit www.stoneponyonline.com or call (732) 5020600 for more information.

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KPD: Arrest of man once in $1M NYC fraud started with double parking By Kevin A. Canessa Jr.

kc@theobserver.com

former Staten Island man who has been involved in a slew of financial frauds in New York City dating back to 2017 — perhaps even earlier — with one involving over $1 million in improprieties, seems to be back at it yet again and this time there’s a deep connection to Kearny. The thing is, the Kearny Police Department was able to nab the guy for double parking and then on a warrant that turned out to yield crimes involving more than $100K in new fraudulently obtained cash, Det. Sgt. Michael Gontarczuk, the Kearny PD’s public-information officer said. On Nov. 3, Sgt. Michael Gonzalez conducted a motor vehicle stop on a New York-plated BMW. The owner, Oluwarotimi Oredugba, 29, recently of Kearny, formerly of Staten Island, was wanted out of Bergen County and was arrested and later transferred

to that agency for further processing. However, further investigation revealed Oredugba had been previously involved in multiple fraud rings, check-cashing schemes and other similar illegal financial schemes, most on the other side of the Hudson River. Town of Kearny cameras captured Oredugba conducting transactions at a local bank near the vehicle prior to the stop. The bank later reported Oredugba had deposited a check in excess of $100K into an account that was not his. Det. John Fabula coordinated with other agencies who had an interest in Oredugba, who was known to authorities a habitual financial criminal. Grand jury subpoenas were issued. Furthermore, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police were conducting a parallel investigation, thanks to a victim in Indiana. The scam commonplace here involves checks stolen in the mail or taken or subverted

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by other means, then they are altered and deposited into bank accounts, from which thieves such as Oredugba then withdraw the money in small increments, repeatedly at different banks, until the check finally bounces. By then it is too late, as the thief has withdrawn a significant amount of cash. Such scammers can often make hundreds of thousands per year committing such crimes

and announce their presence, Oredugba refused to open the door and briefly spoke to them, before jumping off of his balcony wearing nothing but his underwear. He reportedly landed in an area consisting of a tree, a bush and concrete with a curb. Despite the impact, he immediately sprinted away. See FRAUD, Page 18

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and many agencies do not have the manpower to investigate all of these frauds. Det. Fabula conducted an in-depth investigation and ultimately a search warrant for the Kearny residence of Oredugba was granted. On Dec. 4, at 5 a.m., the search warrant was executed at Oredugba’s residence, within an apartment complex in Kearny. When the entry team began to knock on the door

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IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION Opinion ��Page 6

Obituaries......................................................................................................................Page 12

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

Classifieds �� Pages 16-17

Health & Wellness Directory.......................................................................................Page 11

Business Directory.......................................................................................................Page 17

4 Passaic Valley responds to NA water maintenance concerns The Observer n www.theobserver.com

By Kevin A. Canessa Jr.

kc@theobserver.com

n response to inquiries about water quality in the Borough of North Arlington, Passaic Valley Water Commission (PVWC) is providing the latest information about ongoing maintenance. Residents should visit the PVWC website and Facebook page (www.pvwc.com). There is information on scheduled project work, as well as any potential water quality concerns, such as discoloration.

Residents are also encouraged to sign up for PVWC Alerts. They may elect to receive notifications via email, phone or text message. Customers

may also choose what types of notifications to receive, such as water main breaks, hydrant flushing, etc. “We understand the importance of clear communication regarding the quality and maintenance of our potable water supply,” North Arlington Mayor Daniel H. Pronti said. “We will continue working closely with Passaic Valley Water Commission, on behalf of our residents, to ensure they have access to timely and accurate information about their water.” Councilman Brian Fitzhen-

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NORTH ARLINGTON ry, a lifelong resident, stated: “Unfortunately, North Arlington no longer owns or controls our water utility. Many residents, including myself, were against selling off our utility back in 2004, but the administration at the time thought otherwise and now we must make do with what we have.” “We want our customers to know of any PVWC-related activity in their neighbor-

hoods, so we encourage them to sign up for PVWC Alerts,” PVWC Executive Director Jim Mueller said. “Mayor Pronti and his administration have been extremely helpful and supportive in PVWC’s communication efforts. We meet every three or four months to find solutions to issues that are brought up from both PVWC and North Arlington.” Residents are encouraged to reach out to PVWC directly at (973) 340-4300 or customerservice@pvwc.com with any specific inquiries.

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Police: Harrison dispatcher training to be special cop charged with child porn possession of this file, depicting child sexual abuse material and it further revealed his jobs in Harrison. On Dec. 7, members of the Secaucus police Detective Division, assisted by the New Jersey State Police I.C.A.C. Unit and Harrison Police Department Internal Affairs Unit, executed a court-authorized search of Lewis’ Cleveland Avenue residence in Harrison and during

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kc@theobserver.com

Harrison man training to become a special law-enforcement officer with the Harrison Police Department and who currently serves as a civilian public safety e advertising@theobserver.com 201-991-1600 dispatcher in town has been aper: Client: arrested and charged with the possession of more than 1,000 images depicting child pornography, the Secaucus Police Department said. Jason D. Lewis In 2022, detectives from viewed/uploaded to an account Secaucus joined the ranks of In- that was logged into via an IP ternet Crimes Against Children address that hit offphoto of a cellular Advertising: Here is the updated template with a new of Jarlynn Hyde: Task Force New Jersey, which is tower in Secaucus. led by the New Jersey State PoThe investigation spearheadlice. In October, the department ed by Detective Kristen Bronoreceived a tip a file depicting wich revealed Jason D. Lewis, child sexual abuse material was of Harrison, was the possessor

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POLICE BEAT the search, over 1,000 images depicting child sexual abuse material were located. Lewis, 39, was charged with endangering the welfare of a child and remanded to the Hudson County Jail in South

Kearny. “Crime knows no borders. Therefore, whether you commit a crime in Secaucus by crossing our border physically or by electronic means, the Secaucus Police Department will work tirelessly to bring you to justice and hold you accountable for See DISPATCHER, Page 14

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Wednesday, December 13, 2023

OPINION & VIEWPOINTS LETTER TO THE EDITOR

COMMENTARY

Rose: Enough with revisionist history; let’s focus on Civil War and World War II It wasn’t about the who, yet To the Editor: it is all about the how, with President Franklin D. Roosevelt said Dec. 7, 1941, new council choice the day the Japanese attacked

et this be abundantly clear from the top. The Kearny Town Council’s split (5-3) choice of Renato DaSilva to become the new Third Ward representative was not about the who, but is all about the how it all went down. To this very moment, we know little about Mr. DaSilva, and we most certainly know that will soon change, now that he is officially on the Town Council. What it just absolutely mind-blowing is how it all happened, the sheer reality how little is known about him and how there were five on the council who couldn’t have cared less about that truism. When job candidates are hired, anywhere in the world, but for our purposes, and especially, including the Town of Kearny for municipal jobs, there are applications, interviews, resumes, background checks, reference checks, sometimes credit checks and, all told, a most thorough vetting process. Everyone who accepts a job with the town has gone through this process. If the person is involved with athletics (or minors), the process is even more involved. And yet, by all indications, without members of the council so much as seeing a resume, without a single interview, without an iota of background checking, with some not even knowing his name or even meeting him in person, the “Fab 5” struck yet again and lectured the townsfolk as to why selecting Mr. DaSilva was the right move. Those reasons? He lives here, raised children here and bought a home here. We’re not kidding — that was the rationale! They did this without a shred of proof, with no evidence, nothing tangible at all to demonstrate “This is the right choice.” And if they did have such proof, we’ve yet to see it — and one might think they’d want the world to see it, really. And so, we can only conclude one of the nine people who have ultimate control over a budget that is closer to $100 million than it has ever been before got his job without an interview, without most knowing him, without a single action that anyone looking for a job would go through in the real world. Again, this is hardly to suggest Mr. DaSilva is not a good man; in fact, we’re sure he is. And we are hopeful he will be a great new leader in Kearny. But this process was an abhorrent sham and disgrace. It was flawed. It was just wrong. Yet it is one the Town Council demands of everyone else it hires — except, apparently, for those who sit on the dais with them. And that is unacceptable, inexcusable and irresponsible — beyond comprehension. However, the best thing for voters is to remember this the next time the names Eileen Eckel, Richard Konopka, George Zapata, Stat Theodoropoulos and Dennis Solano appear on an election ballot. We can only hope when those days come in two and three years, the people who go to the polls have done their homework about whom they’re voting far better than the “Fab 5” did when they voted blindly, without mental reservation, to appoint a new councilman.

our forces at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, would live in infamy. Evidently, by the almost total lack of print media coverage, that is no longer the case. It makes you wonder if our country’s role in the Second World War is even taught in school anymore? Perhaps our children should be taught less revisionist history, and more about our own Civil War, which freed four million slaves, and the Second World War, which freed the entire world. Armand Rose North Arlington

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Wednesday, December 13, 2023

KPD: As police arrest major fraudster, with many officers on scene, woman attempts to steal nearby car in same lot By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. with Det. Sgt. Mike Gontarczuk

www.theobserver.com

ell, you may recall we had a story of a man who was reported to have jumped out a window, got really banged up and then was arrested on a slew of fraud charges on Dec. 4? (Remember, he was also involved in a bunch of cases in New York City?) Well, get this — as all of this happened, in the same parking lot, at around 6:50 a.m., police got a call from a witness who told them they had been watching a woman trying to steal a BMW. Luckily for the caller, and whosever car it was, a large presence of police was 50 just yards away conducting that aforementioned case. Officer Ellesse Ogando and other officers encountered the woman, later ID’d as Domanique Cuerreri, 31, of Matawan, still standing next to the very same BMW the caller advised of. Police say the woman’s story didn’t add up and a check revealed a Keyport warrant for $1,500 and a Newark warrant also for $1,500. A search incident to arrest yielded the following three wax folds commonly used to store heroin stamped Blue Cheese, a small clear vial containing suspected crack/cocaine, a glass pipe commonly used to ingest CDS with residue and an empty clear vial. At KPD HQ, Cuerreri was charged with possession of controlled dangerous substances, and possession of drug paraphernalia. And, wouldn’t you know it, the Keyport PD took the journey up the Parkway to the Turnpike and took custody of Cuerreri. The attempted vehicle theft is being investigated using security cameras, etc., to determine if charges are appropriate. n

A Newark woman finds herself in trouble with the law after police nabbed her following a theft at Wawa and after she is alleged to have spit at

The Observer n www.theobserver.com

and cut an officer with a fingernail, causing him to bleed, Det. Sgt. Michal Gontarczuk, the Kearny Police Department’s public-information officer said. On Nov. 10, shortly before 1 a.m., Officer Ryan Wilson responded to Wawa after woman allegedly stole a gas attendant’s bag, wallet and other personal belongings, then fled the scene. This was all captured on security camera and the Wawa provided footage to Officer Wilson, who broadcast a description of the woman’s vehicle. Officer Travis Witt later observed the vehicle on the 200 block of Schuyler Avenue and initiated a stop. The Victim was taken to the scene and identified as the alleged the thief. Belongings were recovered and returned to victim. Lurzime Sakir, 42, of Newark, was arrested and charged with burglary, theft of moveable property, credit card theft, possession of CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia a weapons offense. The additional charges stem from a search that recovered drug paraphernalia, crack cocaine, IDs and credit cards not belonging to her, pepper spray, a phone which did not belong to her and other items. She was charged and asked to go to hospital. Officers had to take her for medical clearance. While there, she spit on one of the officers and used her fingernail to injure said officer, breaking skin and causing bleeding. Additional charges of throwing bodily fluid and aggravated assault were added. Once returned from the hospital to HQ, she had to complete the booking procedure; however, she refused to be digitally fingerprinted and so she caught yet another charge — refusal to submit to finger printing. And, surprisingly, she was then taken to the Hudson County Jail afterward. Editor's note: There are several more police blotter entries that may be found online at www.theobserver.com.

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Wednesday, December 13, 2023

NEWS BRIEFS

Kearny’s Ostanski completes advanced machinegun course

Upcoming events in Harrison The Town of Harrison lights its annual holiday tree with a ceremony Wednesday, Dec. 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Roosevelt (Library) Park on Harrison Avenue. Santa will be on hand and there will be time for festive Christmas caroling. Light refreshments will be served — and all are welcome to attend the event sponsored by Mayor James A. Fife and the Harrison Town Council. Also, the town sponsors a holiday party for senior citizens Monday, Dec. 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Harrison Senior Center, 221 Harrison Ave. All Harrison senior residents are welcome.

Contributed photo

Kyle Ostanski, Kearny High School Class of 2020, and a United States Marine stationed in California, far right,recently completed the Marines’ Advanced Machinegun Course to become an Advanced Machine Gunner. Ostanski is the son of Heather (of Kearny/The Greeks) and Chris Ostanski.

Kearny woman Guy’s inaugural guru A Kearny woman will direct Hudson County Executive-elect Craig Guy’s inauguration early next year. Sarah Almeida will serve as Guy’s inaugural director. A Ke-

arny resident, Almeida will head the celebratory event which Guy says will reflect the values that led him into public service. “I’m incredibly thankful to Sarah for agreeing to lead my inaugural event,” Guy said. “Sarah is a talented young woman who exemplifies the future of our Democratic party and the future of Hudson County.” Almeida joined Guy’s campaign team in 2023 as deputy finance director and she has over a decade of experience in issue advocacy and organizing. “I could not be more excited to take on this role and help ensure that Craig’s administration begins with an inaugural event that exemplifies the values that have always driven his commitment to public service,” Almeida said. “We look forward to announcing more details about the event soon and inviting the Hudson County community to celebrate this occasion with us.”

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SPORTS & HEALTH

Lyndhurst T&F star Tozduman signs with Sacred Heart, eyes big senior season

Lyndhurst girls basketball looks to progress with experienced core dominate the paint as much as we can.” Last season, the 6-foot-1 It would be easy for the Harper burst onto the scene, Lyndhurst girls basketball averaging 7.3 points and a team to think big and look team-best 9.2 rebounds and ahead when it returns five 3.2 blocks per game. She of the top six scorers from a closed the season with five team that went 16-11 a season double-doubles in the last ago. Instead, second year head seven games. coach Christian Boyce has “I think Brooke is more narrowed the focus as it tries of your traditional defender to improve upon that mark in where she protects the paint. a challenging NJIC National She doesn’t pick up fouls, she’s Division. excellent at rebounding,” said “Our goal and our theme Boyce. “She’s really worked this year is to get better every on ball handling and shooting rep we take. We’re trying to so I’m looking forward to her focus on each rep, not even stepping out a little more this the day or the game, focus year.” on the rep,” said Boyce. “Our Akar, at 5-foot-10, is Lyndexpectations are to be comhurst’s most versatile player petitive and to try to be in and a mismatch for opposing every game and try to win defense. Last season, she led every game. We know this is the team in scoring at 11.4 a tough league where a lot of points per game to go with 7.3 the teams have a lot of their rebounds per game. girls back so it’s going to be an “Asya, to me, is more of an interesting year.” athletic 3. She can cover the The key to reaching those one, she can defend the three, expectations lies in the paint she can cover a five. She’s just where the Golden Bears reunorthodox in how she plays. turn arguably the conference’s She’s excellent in the post, she best forward duo in junior can hit a mid range jump shot, Asya Akar and sophomore she can hit a 3-pointer. Brooke Harper. “Asya’s just a tough match“That’s going to be our up because she’s so athletic. strength is our post play and If you go small on her, we can height,” Boyce said. “We’re put her in the post where she’s going to try to feed the ball tough, she can jump and is inside and work off of that. It’s athletic. If you go big on her, definitely helpful having Asya then she can go outside and back and Brooke and hopefultake someone off the dribble.” ly Jolie (Paz-Garcia) is healthy Lyndhurst’s front court this year. That’s our core and should be further bolstered our goal is going to be trying to get the ball inside and try to See BASKETBALL, Page 10 By Jason Bernstein

jason@theobserver.com

Photo courtesy of Kimberly Hykey

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

Julia Tozduman saw most of the state’s top Track & Field athletes sign their national letters of intent (NLI) for college a month ago, but didn’t let it bother her as she remained uncommitted. Instead, she chose to remain patient with a recruiting process that has been more than a year in the making. For Tozduman, the patience has paid off as Lyndhurst’s star jumper was all smiles as she signed her NLI to compete at Sacred Heart University in a ceremony at Lyndhurst High School last week.

“I was staying patient, not letting it bother me,” said Tozduman. “When I saw that everyone was signing, I was thinking I probably should make my decision sooner. But I trusted my process and that everything was going to work out the way it was supposed to.” Tozduman made her verbal commitment to jump at Connecticut school on Nov. 22, the day before Thanksgiving. Prior to her commitment, she visited Sacred Heart’s campus twice. “I loved the campus so much. It was so beautiful and I loved the size of it,” Tozduman said. “I also loved the coaching staff,

they were really great. On both of the visits I went on, I felt like I belonged there. I met the team on my visit and they all were super nice to me. All of those factors played a role and I just loved the school.” Tozduman also cited the University offering a major in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing as a big factor in her decision. “Julia is definitely excited and looking forward to the next chapter,” Lyndhurst indoor track coach Kimberly Hykey said. “Sacred Heart has been at the top of her list because they had her major and a great track See TOZDUMAN, Page 10

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als. Tozduman also took 16th in the Triple Jump at the MOC. Continued from Page 9 A few months later at the Outdoor Meet of and field facility in addiChampions, Tozduman tion to her getting along took home ninth place well with the coach.” at the Long Jump for While Tozduman was the second year in a row patient with her recruitwith a leap of 17-04.25, ing process, she has felt more relaxed since mak- eight inches better than the year before, and took ing her commitment, 20th in the Triple Jump saying that she feels at 35-10.25. “more fluid and able to Earlier in the outdoor just focus,” on her trainseason, Tozduman set ing in recent weeks. a school record in the “I think it’s a huge Long Jump and then weight off her shoulbroke her new personders,” said outdoor al best with a leap of track coach Rich Tuero. 18-07.50 at the Gene “Having that comfort Littler Bergen County knowing exactly where your future is going to be Championships. She also had one of the best is a wonderful feeling.” As a junior, Tozduman individual performances in school history at the had one of the best seasons by an Observer-area North Jersey, Section 2, Group 2 Championships girls track athlete in rewhen she took gold in cent memory. Last winthe Long and Triple ter, she became the first Jumps, while also getLyndhurst girl to ever ting a medal in the High medal at the NJSIAA Indoor Meet of Champi- Jump. Since the conclusion of ons when she took fifth the spring season, she’s in the Long Jump with been refining her techa leap of 17-04.25 that nique at High Intensity helped her qualify for Track twice a week in the New Balance Nation-

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Wednesday, December 13, 2023 addition to her workouts at school in preparation for her senior year. “I’m just trying to stay consistent with my jumps and see the progress that I’ve been making,” Tozduman said. “I’ve been learning a new technique that I can’t wait to try and just put into the pit.” While Tozduman did not put specific goals on the upcoming seasons, her coaches feel that she’s poised to have an even bigger senior year thanks to all the work she’s put in. “Julia is one of the most dedicated and driven athletes I’ve ever coached,” Hykey said. “She is working on new technique in the long jump and I think the sky is truly the limit for her. She is always working and studying her craft so while she has already achieved much success, I do believe there is more she is capable of.” “Julia’s work ethic is second to none,” said Tuero. “It’s record breaking season for Jules!”

BASKETBALL Continued from Page 9 by the return of Paz-Garcia, who missed most of last year due to injury. Her return to health will allow the Bears to have at least two forwards on the court and the potential of playing a big lineup with all three on the floor at the same time. Akar and Harper expected to handle the ball more this season, though those duties will still be primarily held by junior Sam

Photo Jason Bernstein

Standing from left to right: Alexia Marmorato, Kyla Marino, Jolie Paz-Garcia, Mylah Campbell, Asya Akar, Sam Mayer, Brooke Harper, Kiera Docherty, Juliana Gonzalez. game. Mayer, who is a three“Sam’s just a bullyear starter at the point guard after leading the dog,” said Boyce. She’s team in assists (77) and averaging 7.0 points per See BASKETBALL, Page 14

11 Nutley boys basketball hopes to improve with several new pieces

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com

On an individual basis, Nutley boys basketball coach Bob Harbison can look all over the floor and see quite a few players, who have experienced success at the lower levels with the potential of doing good things on varsity. But with so few of those guys having varsity experience, there’s a sense of mystery with this year’s version of the Maroon Raiders heading into the start of preseason scrimmages. “You never know until they play varsity basketball,” said Harbison. “These are kids that have been successful JV kids and have shown that they can

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play on offense. But you don’t know for sure until you see them day in and day out on the varsity level.” While a lot of the rotation will be new, Nutley does return three starters from last season’s 7-17 team. Leading that group is 6-foot-4 senior small forward Erik Thompson, who after missing the first few weeks of the season, averaged 12 points per game and made 34 3-pointers in 16 contests. “Thompson is a scorer, he can put points up,” Harbison said. “Hopefully he’ll cause some matchup issues.” Another potential matchup nightmare and the biggest x-factor in Nutley’s season is power forward Ryan Ibrahim.

Photo Jason Bernstein

Nutley head coach Bob Harbison (center) is joined by seniors Josh Dick (left) and Erik Thompson (right).

The 6-foot-7 junior saw limited action last season, but gained plenty of valuable experience during the summer and has the potential to be a matchup nightmare with his ability to play on the perimeter. “He’s a 6-7 kid who can play away from the basket and a guy that I think will cause matchup problems if he can do what he does,” said Harbison. “He started to realize what he could do in spurts.” Sophomore Noah Smith and junior Nick Gallo are vying for the starting center job, which See NUTLEY, Page 14

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12 Opportunities abound for young Harrison boys basketball team The Observer n www.theobserver.com

play, they all want that starting job, so it makes practice more competitive.” It would be easy for Harrison In addition to the in-pracboys basketball coach Jose Catice competition, Camano has mano to lament the graduation noticed his younger players of seven seniors, including four have been pushed by the lone starters from last year. returning starter - senior point Instead, the big void they guard Reuben Stokes. have left has created a big The 6-foot-0 Stokes, a threeopportunity for several underyear starter, averaged more classmen and first year varsity than 10 points per game last players to make their mark this season and will be counted winter. The result has been a upon to play a much larger competitive preseason. scoring responsibility in addi“The other kids know there tion to his role as a distributor. are spots to be filled and they’re “He’s putting everyone on his competing with one another shoulders, you see it in pracwhich makes practice fun,” tice. He’s pushing kids to be said Camano, who enters his better, he’s pushing himself to fifth season as the Blue Tide’s be better,” Camano said. “At the head coach. “They all want to By Jason Bernstein

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end of the day, Reuben has to contribute not just with scoring, but also finding the open man, which he does a really good job at. “When you have a point guard like Reuben who can find the open man, it makes it easier for everybody to understand their role.” Starting beside Stokes is sophomore Angel Castellano, a 5-foot-8 sharpshooter, who is Harrison’s top perimeter threat. Two other shooters are competing for the third guard spot with juniors Jordan Downs and David Renderos, who could also see time at forward after growing from 5-foot-9 to 6-foot-1. Said Camano, “as of right now this is probably the best shooting team I’ve had since I

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Photo by Jason Bernstein

got here.” At one forward spot is 6-foot3 junior David Jimenez, a first-year player who has made significant strides since the summer. “David’s a big, physical kid

who was on the football team. He brings that old school mentality of trying to grab every single rebound. “Watching him in the summer, I saw the potential in See HARRISON, Page 19

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Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Jane Carol Sansone Jane Carol (Kelly) Sansone died peacefully in her sleep at 70 on Nov. 22, 2023. She spent the majority of her life in Kearny until her retirement from Jack’s Super FoodTown, after which she enjoyed her retirement in Worcester, Massachusetts. A proud alumna of Kearny High School and Kean University, Jane’s dedication to education and hard work shone throughout her life. Her most recent endeavor was making hats for local veterans in need. Daughter of the late Vincent and Martha Kelly, Jane was predeceased by her loving husband, Daniel Sansone Jr and brother Robert Kelly. She is survived by her daughter Danielle Shaver, son-in-law Patrick, and their children Charlie, Henry and Andrew. Jane’s warmth and love extended beyond her immediate family, touching the lives of numerous nieces, nephews,

OBITUARIES

a vast extended family and a multitude of lifelong friends. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. A celebration of Jane’s life will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dec. 16, 2023, at the American Legion Post 99 Hall, 314 Belgrove Drive in Kearny. In lieu of flowers, the family requests mourners to donate to a charity of one’s choosing or to bring new hats and gloves to the celebration for donation to local veterans. Victoria Mary Sikora Victoria Mary Sikora, 94, of Kearny, who was raised in Harrison died Dec. 5, 2023. The loving spouse of 68 years to the late John Sikora (2019), she was the devoted mother of Patricia Caruso and her husband Augie, Joanne Goffredo and her husband Michael, John Sikora and his spouse Elizabeth. Cherished grandmother of Christopher, Jackie and Matthew, she was the beloved great-grandmother of Oliver. Victoria belonged to the St. Stephen Rosary Society, St. Stephen Senior Club as well as an alter angel taking care of St. Stephen’s linens during the

holidays. She also belonged to the Polish American Women’s Club, Harmony and AARP clubs. Before retiring 31 years ago, Victoria worked for the Kearny Public Library as a supervisor. In her spare time, she loved spending time with her family, especially attending club meetings and bingo nights with the love of her life, John. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Victoria’s name may be made to the Dementia Society of New Jersey, www.dementiasociety.org or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org. The Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, was in charge. Emma Rainey Emma Rainey of Toms River, formerly of Kearny, the beloved wife of Ira “Wimpy” Kaywork, died peacefully Sunday Dec. 3, 2023. She was 88. Visiting was at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny. A service took place at the funeral home. Burial was in Arlington Cemetery, Kearny. Emma worked for the Bergen County Senior Center in Lyndhurst as a nutrition director from 1979 until 2006.

Wreaths Across America return to Belleville Dec. 16 The 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 action buried in the veterans circle.

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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 travelling 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.

Emma was predeceased by her sister Beatrice Tomeo and brothers Robert and James Rainey. She is survived by her husband Ira, his children, grand-

All obituaries must be submitted by email by 10 a.m., Mondays, to obituaries@ theobserver.com. Payment is due at submission. children and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Murial Elsmore along with loving nieces and nephews.

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has not served our community in this capacity. We are grateful for the investigation Continued from Page 5 and the efforts of the Seyour crimes,” Secaucus Police caucus Police Department Chief Dennis Miller said. “My and would like to assure the public our police department detectives have my unwavand the Town of Harrison ering support and I remain will respond to this investiproud of their investigative gation fully with the goal of work.” keeping our community safe. “Mr. Lewis has been We always hold our officers employed as a Harrison and staff to the highest emergency dispatcher since March 2019,” Harrison Police standards of professional integrity and the commission Chief David Strumolo said. of a crime is not tolerated. “He recently began training At this time, Mr. Lewis has for the position of Special been suspended immediately, Class I officer, but to date

pending the outcome of this investigation. “We encourage any residents with concerns regarding any of our personnel to report those concerns to the Harrison Police Department’s Internal Affairs Unit. The members of the Harrison Police Department are committed to protecting and serving our community. We have a dedicated and professional team of men and women who do an outstanding job in fulfilling their duties as public servants and I am proud to be their Chief.”

Sophomore Juliana Gonzalez gives the Golden Bears another ball handler as the first guard off the bench for the Bears. Boyce also has high hopes for Mylah Campbell, a sophomore with the length to be an impact defender and junior Alexia Maramorato, who is working her way back from injury. Lyndhurst opens the season on Thursday against Garfield before going on the road against Waldwick on Saturday and Harrison next Tuesday before hosting Group 2 finalist Secaucus on Dec. 21.

The schedule also includes showcase games against Bogota on Jan. 6 in the She Balls Too Showcase in Newark and against Passaic Tech in the Jarel Lowery Showcase on Jan. 15. “I think this is an important year for us because our team is predominantly juniors and sophomores,” Boyce said. “I don’t want to just go out and play a team that I think we can beat right away just to get a win. I want to be in competitive games that we’re going to get something out of playing.”

DISPATCHER

BASKETBALL Continued from Page 10

the toughest girl on the team, she’s a leader and I think she’s completely comfortable in whatever offense we throw at her.” Another returning starter at guard is junior Kyla Marino, who is often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best offensive player. Senior Kiera Docherty is set to start at the other guard spot after serving as the sixth man a year ago, and gives Lyndhurst a second point guard.

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further bolstered by sophomore Michael Misner, a talented shooter with big potential, Continued from Page 11 junior Giancarlo Duan and senior Josh Dick, who made is open after the graduation of 10 3-pointers off the bench last double-double threat Anthony season. Freshman Tim Gordon Pinal. is another promising player, At guard, Jordan Small, who who could work his way into was one of the surprises of last a key role as the season goes season, is a returning starter poised to take on a larger offen- along. Justin Figueroa and Noah Risive role following the graduley are athletic junior forwards, ation of leading scorer Donte who could see meaningful time Dubose-Carter. The 5-foot-11 off the bench as well as senior Small averaged 6.6 points per Nathan Arroyo, who didn’t play game last year. last season. “He’s just a great presence Nutley opens the season and he has a tendency to do the right things. I couldn’t take on Thursday, Dec. 14 at home (Jordan) off the floor,” said Har- against West Orange, in the first of four SEC Independence Dibison. “He’s just one of those vision games the Raiders have guys you want on the floor all in the first eight days. Nutley the time. He’s matured to the will also once again be in the point that he can be a leader.” Junior Will Llanza returns at Kearny Holiday Tournament, point guard after taking over as which will be held Dec. 27 and the starter midway through last 28 and also features Bard and Abundant Life. season. The guard rotation is

NUTLEY

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The Observer n www.theobserver.com

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FRAUD

Continued from Page 3 Three officers then gave chase — Officers Ryan Wilson, Sgt. Ben Wuelfing and the aforementioned Sgt. Gontarczuk — and a few parking lots and fences later, the suspect was too tired to keep his speed up and was caught. Of course he did so resisting arrest briefly, but was cooperative once forced into handcuffs. suspect sustained nu0The Points merous injuries associated with the balcony-jumping, including lacerations from tree branches and possibly later from fence jumping and he injured his neck from the fall, police said. He was immediately taken to hospital (an ambulance had already been preemptively staged for the search warrant). Additionally, one officer was injured during the foot pursuit, sustaining lacerations to both

of his hands and another officer sustained blood exposure from the suspect while arresting and handling him. Back at Oredugba’s residence, police said a trove of evidence was recovered, including receipts, digital devices, check blanks, credit/debit cards, cash-purchased gift cards, luxury goods from Chanel, Rolex, Louis Vuitton, etc., and over $170,000 in cash in a shoebox. (Forfeiture will be applied for). So far, Oredugba has been charged with resisting arrest and obstructing the administration of law, for refusing to comply with legal orders. Det. Fabula is continuing the investigation and additional charges will follow, likely from multiple agencies. A simple Google search revealed a trove of previous crimes Oredugba has been alleged to have been involved in, including counterfeit checks, debit-card fraud and more.

FIELDS

Continued from Page 1 for a concert to be staged here in the summer, they made it happen. And then when we asked for the fields to be upgraded, they agreed to do it. It is an honor to have such a great project happen in Belleville.” Deputy Mayor Vincent Cozzarelli and Councilman Steve Rovell were both on hand for the announcement. So, too, was one of Belleville’s most noted senior citizens. “A park is where children are supposed to be happy and safe and that’s what this is all about. Thank you for taking care of our children,” 95-year-old Belleville

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Wednesday, December 13, 2023 resident Eleanor Guarino, who has been a long-time advocate for the park, said. Two existing Little League fields will be modernized with an improved underground drainage system and synthetic playing surfaces on the on the infield portions of both fields. The outfields will remain natural grass. New fencing, covered dugouts, bleachers for spectators, pathways and landscaping will be installed. A third softball field will be replaced with a new synthetic surface soccer field that will also be lined for lacrosse. Pathways through the park and landscaping also will be updated. Neglia Engineering, of Lyndhurst, received a professional-services contract of $130,000 to design the field improvements. Turco Golf Inc. from Pompton Lakes was awarded a publicly bid contract of $2,759,890 to perform the construction work. The Essex County Department of Public Works will monitor the project to ensure delays are avoided. The project is being funded with grants from the Essex County Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund, New Jersey Green Acres Program and the American Rescue Fund.

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Wednesday, December 13, 2023

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COUNCIL

Continued from Page 1 chuckled at those comments. Voting against the move were Mayor Carol Jean Doyle, Ficeto and Councilwoman Marytrine DeCastro. The vote was along the same mathematical path the council used in choosing Santana, over the summer, to be the party’s mayoral nominee — and we know how well that all worked out. So, why not tempt fate and repeat failed history? Now, one might think since it was always used as a barometer for choosing replacement council candidates for seats, that a candidate’s resume would be paramount in the process last week. In fact, back in 2017, when Santana was appointed to a Second Ward council seat following the tragic death of Jonathan Giordano, some of the very same people who chose him based on his resume, now say it was wrong and unfair to use that very same criteria for picking a new councilman a mere 6½ years later. This, meanwhile, was all precipitated by yet another

Observer file photo

Despite only sharing that DaSilva was a homeowner and parent who raised his children here, Councilwoman Eileen Eckel voted to place Renato DaSilva on the town’s governing body, knowing nothing else about his involvement.

overt demonstration the governing body is not only deeply divided, but it is partially tone deaf. When Doyle nominated Fred Esteves to the take the seat (Esteves is the brother-inlaw of former Mayor Alberto G. Santos who, of the three potential candidates, had the most solid resume, including stints on the town’s Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Friends of the Kearny Public Library and, most recently, as the party’s vice-chairman), the Fab 5 voted against Esteves while offering absurdly flawed logic as to why they voted as they did — and

HARRISON Continued from Page 1

him. He was completely lost in the summer, but coming into tryouts and practices, he looks ready. He looks like he’s ready to learn the game and be a ballplayer.” Chaz Kurtentach, a junior who moved to the area from Nebraska during the summer, will start at the other forward spot. The 6-foot-0 Kurtentach can play on the perimeter and is strong near the rim. Camano is hopeful the forward rotation could be further bolstered as the season progresses by Rafael Bustamentes, a 6-foot-4 sophomore. “Raf’s going to bring the center presence we’ve been missing for a while,” Camano said. “A big center who can protect the basket would be huge for us.” Fellow sophomores Jariel Benavides and

that was no logic or reasoning. Furthermore, Eckel said she was upset Doyle suggested there was any kind of division since the county committee had, just a few weeks earlier, unanimously chosen the mayor as the Democratic Party’s chairwoman. For Fourth Ward resident Melanie Ryan, a frequent critic of the Fab 5, her angst is not about the candidate who was chosen — his professional resume indicates he has a master’s degree in history and he works for the New York City Department of Education. He

Nick Martin will be counted upon to provide key minutes off the bench at guard, while senior forward Ethan Johnson is a bigtime athlete, which allows him to play bigger than his listed height of 5-foot-10. Seniors Miguel Vilalpando and Anthony Campoverde as well as junior Jose Marte will also be vying for time. Harrison opens the season on Thursday night with a NJIC crossover at Hawthorne Christian before returning home on Saturday for a crossover against Midland Park. Division play begins on Dec. 19 at Lyndhurst. With such a young roster, Camano knows this group is sure to experience early-season growing pains, but is optimistic that they will grow from the experience. “We’re going to learn,” Camano said. “There’s going to be some growing pains with this team. We’re very young, none of these kids ever played varsity basketball so those first three or four weeks it may be rough. But we’ll get better from it.”

may very well be a wonderful human being. Instead, however, her issues lie squarely in the absolute reality — nothing is known about DaSilva’s civic involvement in Kearny (or anywhere for that matter.) “I would have liked the vote to be after the public-participation portion of the meeting so we could have asked questions,” Ryan said after the meeting. “By going out of order and voting before the public session, this was not an option open to residents. But truthfully, based on the response to public input in June, I am

not sure it would have made a difference. “During the meeting, I was admonished by the mayor for commenting from my seat, but the truth is it infuriated me when Councilman Theodoropoulos gave his reason for Mr. DaSilva and didn’t even give his name right (Theodoropoulos called him ‘Mr. Renato’ before apologizing for mistaking his first name with his surname.) It makes me wonder what the committee and council are thinking when they do things like this with what seems to be little to no information. I really hoped the last six months have highlighted why we, as residents, need to pay attention to what our elected officials are doing.” n Despite the division, Doyle once again took the high road — she often quotes former First Lady Michelle Obama by saying “When they go low, we go high” — and pledged to work with the new Third Ward rep. “As long as you keep the Third Ward first, that’s what I always did,” she said of DaSilva, who assumed the seat she once occupied.

Santa’s special visit to NA

Santa and the North Arlington Fire Department thank the folks of North Arlington for their generosity in these trying times. This year was the best year ever for the annual food drive. As the fire department brought me through the streets of North Arlington on Saturday, Nov. 25, seven pickup-truck-loads of food were collected for the Queen of Peace food bank, which provides food to any borough resident in need.

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Wednesday, December 13, 2023

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