ACADEMY COMPLETE
Nutley’s junior cadets spend week learning ins and outs of being a cop
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
The Nutley Police Department welcomed more than 60 students in fifth- through eighth-grade to its 13th-annual Junior Police Academy at Spring Garden School.
Led by Lt. Michael Padilla, the free week-long program gave participants hands-on experience in police fundamentals, including marching, defensive tactics and crime-scene processing. Students also had the opportunity to work alongside the Nutley Fire Department and EMS Squad, and they took part in a special trip to American Dream Mall.
At the graduation ceremony, Public Safety Director Commissioner Alphonse Petracco praised the department, along with Chief Thomas Strumolo, Deputy Chief Gerald Green, Padilla, Sgt. Paul
Carnicella, and the officers who helped make the program possible. He also thanked the Nutley Fire Department, American Dream Mall, and the parents for their support.
“I want to thank the Nutley Police Department because they go above and beyond with this program,” Petracco said. “Nutley is a family-oriented town, and we really care about each other. The Junior Police program is an example of this. Take this experience and remember to continue to make Nutley the great town that it’s always been because the future is in your hands. Don’t let this end today. Pay it forward and keep this going on. I want to congratulate all of you and I hope you enjoyed the experience.”
Padilla, who founded the program, continues to be impressed with the response of the attendees.
See ACADEMY, Page 14
Area hit hard by 4th of July week storms & temperatures
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
Well, that sure was a Fourth of July week to remember locally. From sweltering heat to numerous power outages, there
were few who were spared the wrath of Mother Nature as the nation celebrated its 250th birthday.
Temperature-wise, the mercury climbed to 106º Fahrenheit July 2 at around 4:15 p.m., in Harrison, the Harrison Weather Center’s Founder and Di-
rector Tony Mondaro, who you can see every Tuesday delivering the weather at 1:30 p.m., on The Observer Live, said. That was 1-degree short of the record for that day — 107º F, achieved July 22, 2011.
During the actual weekend, the highest temperature was recorded Saturday,
July 4 at 99º F.
Mondaro says he was expecting potential flooding from July 5 through July 7.
“Hats off to Kearny Mayor Carol
See 4TH, Page 11
LPD: Man blocks hydrant, cops recover drugs
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
ASouth Jersey man who was blocking a hydrant in Lyndhurst got himself into a lot more trouble than just blocking said hydrant, after police recovered a cache of drugs after speaking with him at the hydrant.
According to Deputy Police Chief Paul F. Haggerty:
On Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 4:11 a.m., Officer Glenn Flora was on patrol on the 400 Block of Roosevelt Avenue, when he observed a silver Volkswagen with Jersey plates parked illegally in front of a fire hydrant directly in front of 471 Roosevelt Ave..
A subsequent computer inquiry of the vehicle registration returned an active $1,000 warrant for the registered owner, Neil Patel, 41, of Sewell (South Jersey) out of Washington Township, Gloucester County for driving while suspended.
Additionally, a second criminal warrant was found out of the same jurisdiction for $1,500.00 for shoplifting.
Sgt. Matthew Giunta and Officers Anthony Giaquinto and Salvatore Wartel arrived as backup.
Patel was asked to exit the vehicle, and while Officer Flora was speaking
POLICE BEAT
with him, Giunta observed a white pill in plain view beneath the driver’s seat from his vantage point outside of the vehicle. The pill was later identified as a schedule II narcotic, Ritalin, a script or bottle for which Patel could not produce.
Patel was placed under arrest for the outstanding warrants, and a probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted, yielding 11 suspected amphetamine pills, 21 additional amphetamine pills, an orange suspected amphetamine pill in the center console and a plastic bag containing a white powder/crystalized substance believed to be ketamine.
Patel was charged with four counts of possession of a controlled-dangerous substance and was remanded to the Bergen County Jail, Hackensack, following
Criminal Justice Processing procedures and expected court hearings.
“This is another example of the proactive policing that is occurring in the township, where a blocked fire hydrant violation lead to much more,” Haggerty said. “Overnight, while our community sleeps, officers continue to ensure our streets remain safe and crime free.”
Patel
KPD: Woman’s stolen plates lead cops to drug cache
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
It’s never a good idea to sit in a vehicle without plates while there’s drugs in the car. And unfortunately for one Jersey City woman, that’s what she did and it led to her arrest.
According to Det. Lt. Mike Gontarczuk, the Kearny Police Department’s public information officer:
On June 30 at 2:30 a.m., Officers Andrew Mauricio and Jamier Kerr were patrolling in South Kearny when they came upon a black Acura with no registration, stopped on the side of
the road. When they investigated the vehicle, they found the vehicle to be owned by an LLC and the driver to be operating with a suspended driver’s license. The registration that was supposed to be affixed to the vehicle was also expired.
The vehicle was impounded and the driver was arrested for driving while suspended.
A search incident to arrest yielded narcotics in the form of pills with aliens and skulls imprinted on them. These were later found to be ecstasy.
Felicita Ayres, 34, of Jersey City, was charged with the narcotics-related offenses as well as driving while suspended,
Nutley police informationseeks on home invasion
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
The Nutley Police Department is seeking information on two suspects they believe broke into a home, stole the homeowner’s keys and then stole the homeowner’s vehicle, the department said.
Police say they responded to a residence on Carrie Court shortly before 1:30 a.m., June 23, on a report of a stolen motor vehicle.
Upon investigating further, police learned suspects gained entry to the victim's home through an unlocked door and stole the keys for a vehicle parked in the driveway.
The suspects then stole the vehicle from the driveway.
The suspects’ vehicle was captured by the homeowner's
surveillance cameras and appears to be a grey BMW X5 with LED lighting on the front grill and door handles.
The suspects captured on surveillance are described as a Black man wearing darkcolored-clothing with a hood, a facial covering, white gloves and white shoes and a Black male who was also wearing dark-colored clothing and a facial covering, with black gloves, black shoes and white socks.
The Nutley Police Department’s Detective Bureau is actively investigating the incident.
Police have increased patrols in the area. Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation is urged to contact police at (973) 2844940.
POLICE BEAT
failing to possess registration, failing to surrender a suspended driver’s license to the MVC, driving an unregistered vehicle, improper display of registration plates, failure to possess insurance, obstruction of windshield for vision and operating a motor vehicle while in possession of narcotics.
She was later released, pending court.
nnn
Meanwhile, a habitual bicycle thief who repeatedly cut chain
locks from bicycles and stole them near LA Fitness was captured by detectives after a brief surveillance June 29.
During the months of May and June, the suspect, on several occasions, was captured on video footage stealing gym-goers’ bicycles at LA Fitness. On June 29, at approximately 4 p.m., detectives were made aware of the individual entering the Town of Kearny, at which time they began a surveillance.
The suspect walked to the LA Fitness bike rack, retrieved tools from his backpack and attempted to steal another secured bicycle. He was detained
by detectives, found to be in possession of the stolen bicycle, as well as credit cards that did not belong to him.
Juan M. Claudio, 53, of Newark, was arrested and charged with unlawful possession/use of credit cards, theft of movable property, possession of burglar tools and criminal mischief.
The bike was returned to the victim, while Claudio was remanded to the Hudson County Jail, pending a court appearance the following day.
As of 9:30 a.m., June 30, Claudio, who incarceration records indicate did time for previous burglary and theft in 2011, remains in custody.
Hudson County will raise flag to mark Independence Hudson County Executive Craig Guy will raise a flag and read the Declaration of Independence Wednesday, July 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Brennan Courthouse, 583 Newark Ave., Jersey City. All county residents are invited to attend.
Kearny firefighter applications open
The NJ Civil Service Commission has opened the application for firefighters. All Kearny residents who are eligible are encouraged to apply by Aug. 31.
Requirements and an online application may be found at www.kearnynj.org.
Donations being accepted to aid those in Venezuela Area organizers are collecting items to send to Venezuela following the deadly earthquake that has claimed the lives of more than 1,000 people and that has destroyed so much. Items needed include face masks, syringes, disposable gloves, oxygen tanks, zinc cream, bandages, antiseptic solutions, first aid kits and canned food. Items may be dropped off at the Five Below Lucky Corner, 10 Kearny Ave. All items will then be sent to Union City and then onto Venezuela.
Knights hosting charity BBQ
The Queen of Peace Knights will host its annual benefit BBQ
Premier Car e TALK S
ACHALASIA
Achalasia is a rare swallowing disorder where the esophagus loses its ability to move food toward the stomach and the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, fails to relax properly. This happens because nerve cells that coordinate swallowing degenerate, causing food and liquid to back up in the esophagus. Common symptoms of achalasia include progressive difficulty in swallowing solids and liquids, regurgitation of undigested food, chest pain, heartburn, coughing, and unintended weight loss. Treatment for the condition focuses on relieving the blockage by relaxing or stretching the LES. While there’s no cure for achalasia and symptoms may persist, most people experience significant improvement. With regular follow
up care, many achieve long-term symptom relief and maintain nutritional health.
Researchers suspect that achalasia may be caused by a loss of nerve cells in the esophagus. There are theories about what causes this, but viral infection or autoimmune responses are possibilities. Although achalasia can affect people of all ages, it’s more common in people between 25 and 60 years of age. To schedule an appointment, please call PREMIER CARE ASSOCIATES OF WEST HUDSON at 201-998-7474, or visit us 7 days a week at 512 Kearny Ave., Suite B.
P.S. Research indicates that other possible causes of achalasia may be stress, bacterial infections, or genetic inheritance.
Email any questions or comments to: premiercare@gmail.com
Premier Care Associates of West Hudson is available on a walk-in or appointment basis for your primary healthcare needs.
NEWS BRIEFS
for Deborah Sunday, July 12, at 1 p.m., at the Hall. The cost is $25 per adult and $15 for kids aged 6 to 11.
All of the proceeds will go to support Deborah, the world renowned heart and lung Hospital. Reservations must be made by Wednesday, July 8, by calling (201) 988-0183.
The Knights ask those attending to donate a non-expired, non-perishable canned good for the “Food for Families” project.
Museum program will celebrate America’s 250th
The Kearny Museum hosts an event entitled “Ben & Betsy” on the main floor of the Kearny Library Friday, July 10 at 6:30 p.m.
Professional re-enactors will bring Ben Franklin and Betsy Ross to life right here in Kearny to help celebrate America 250. Admission is free; refreshments will be served.
East Newark hosting Riverfront Park concerts
The Borough of East Newark hosts several concerts in the coming months at Riverfront Park’s amphitheater on Passaic Avenue.
The next concert is an 80s Revolution show July 28.
And lastly, a local artists night Aug. 28
All events kick off at 7 p.m. Bring chairs, blankets and snacks.
Get help paying for food from NA
Health Department
The North Arlington Health Department hosts a presentation for residents of North Arlington and surrounding towns to learn how to apply for and receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Health Department, 10 Beaver Ave., on July 14, Aug. 11 and Sept. 8.
Appointments may be made by calling (201) 991-6060, ext. 123.
To make the application quicker, be prepared to present proof of income, proof of address, costs of rent and utilities, child- or adult-care expenses and medical expenses for those 60 and older or for those with a disability.
There is no fee to apply. If one is ever asked to pay to apply for such benefits, it is likely a scam.
nnn
News briefs are provided to readers as a public service and are published on a spacepermitting basis. Groups and organization who wish to have events, news, announcements, etc., published should send details in paragraph form (no fliers, posters) to editorial@ theobserver.com at least 10 days prior to required publication. Faxes and hand-written notices will not be accepted.
Dr. Prakash J. Doshi
Dr. Hector Aguilar
ANTHONY J. RIPOSTA, ESQ.
CORY ANNE CASSIDY,
OPINION
Sheldrick: Here’s a friendly World Cup reminder on proper flag display COMMENT
Please consider a contribution to uniform exchange, supply drive
It is true, the last school year just ended, but in the same light, it’s already time to focus on the next one and one of the most important things that happens annually in Kearny — the Public School Uniform Exchange and school supply drive. It was five years ago when Kearny’s Jenny Paz identified a serious issue parents here faced: the ability to afford to purchase required, new school uniforms. Her thought was simple: kids outgrow uniforms pretty quickly, so as they age, why not, instead of discarding unused uniforms, donate them to a central location, where they could be cleaned and turned around for use by other students? As long as the clothing wasn’t discolored, was there really anything wrong with passing no-longer-worn items along for others to use?
And so in 2021, she took her idea and ran with it, and in the first year alone, a good number of residents donated unused uniforms while taking home new sets of them as kids aged. It was an instant success that continued to grow, year by year, into an annual event that now boasts scores of volunteers from all walks of life. Many don’t even have school-aged children anymore.
After the first year, Paz extended her concept by asking for donations of school supplies — it, too, was beyond successful. And now, because of one person’s concept, it’s all grown into one of the most important things to happen in Kearny. And this is where you all come in.
The uniforms are already being collected. There are three drop-off locations. Bubbleland Laundromat on Kearny Avenue for charter-school students and The Soccer Post (256 Kearny Ave.) and Town Hall (402 Kearny Ave.) for public-school students. Similarly, through Aug. 20, school-supply donations may be dropped off at Police HQ, Fire Headquarters (109 Midland Ave.) and Town Hall. (Find a wish list at a.co/hBA87fW
If ever there was a time to be of service to others, it’s now. It is so very important to keep this incredible tradition alive and to help remove one of the many burdens Kearny residents face continually. Additionally, if there are any generous people out there who might be willing to help pay to launder the uniforms, we’re sure Paz would love to hear from you. Send an email to kc@theobserver.com and we will put you in touch with her.
Paz has worked diligently for the last half-decade to make this program work. Let us, once more, do what we can, to make that herculean task even the slightest bit easier.
— CANESSA
Lisa M. Feorenzo lisa@theobserver.com Co-owner/Advertising Dir.
Tina Feorenzo Co-owner/Advertising
Robert P. Pezzolla gm@theobserver.com General Manager
To the Editor:
It is lovely to see all of the beautiful and colorful flags being displayed throughout Kearny representing the foreign countries participating in the World Cup. We are all proud of our country of birth and the athletes who represent them. Flying those flags is a beautiful tradition and doing it side-byside with the U.S. flag is the perfect way to show civic pride and how Kearny has welcomed the world to our home turf.
usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace. Therefore, the flags should be of approximately equal size and flown from staffs of equal height.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
When displaying the American flag alongside flags of other nations, strict international protocol and the U.S. Flag Code dictate how they should be arranged.
Here are the key rules for displaying them together:
Equal height and size: International
The position of honor (the American Flag's place): When the flags are grouped or flown on adjacent staffs, the U.S. flag should always be positioned to its own right (which is the far left from the perspective of an observer facing the display).
Whether it’s a small American garden flag or a full-size display, let’s show our true colors and make this World Cup season one our community will never forget!
Arlene Sheldrick Kearny
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Letters that contain anything libelous will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Though rare, The Observer reserves the right to reject letters for any reason.
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Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com Editor/Broadcaster
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THE JIM HAGUE OBSERVER MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
CHANAME: WHO ELSE?
ABy Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com
sold out Lyndhurst High School gymnasium and tens of thousands of viewers on social media saw Johnny Chaname’s greatest moment — a 3-pointer at the buzzer that gave the Golden Bears their first sectional title in 44 years.
That viral moment made Chaname an instant star and local celebrity in a way few Bears have ever achieved.
Far fewer people have witnessed what made Chaname one of the best in Lyndhurst history even before “The Shot” and several other clutch baskets during that historic state tournament run.
They are the ones who saw Johnny the baseball player, begging for extra swings until coaches had to practically force him to stop. They saw Johnny the football player, who worked relentlessly to make up for years of lost time and earn a starting
spot at safety in his lone season.
“What separates him from a lot of people is his work ethic,” Lyndhurst baseball coach Pat Auteri, who also was Chaname’s position coach in football, said. “Obviously he didn’t concentrate on (baseball) like he did for basketball, but in season, he’s a kid that is the ultimate perfectionist. (He was like) ‘let me get five more swings in the cage. Let me hit off the tee 10 more times.’
It got to the point where we had to sometimes say to him ‘it’s too much.’”
A star with a flair for the dramatic when the spotlight shined brightest and a grinder up until the moment the lights were shut off, that combination makes Chaname an easy choice for The Jim Hague Observer Male Athlete of the Year for the 2025-2026 school year.
The annual award, which was named in Hague’s honor following his death in 2023, recognizes a male and female local senior athlete who excelled in multiple
sports. The awards were a staple of Hague’s 20-plus year tenure as The Observer’s sports writer.
Chaname continues what has become an incredible run for Lyndhurst boys as he becomes the sixth Bear in the last seven years — and third consecutive year — to be named Male Athlete of the Year. Overall, Chaname is the ninth Lyndhurst boy to win the award, a list that includes former teammate Anthony Pizzuti and Shawn Bellenger.
“I want to be perfect in every sport,” Chaname said. “I strive for that.”
True perfection in sports might be impossible, but Chaname’s basketball state tournament run was awfully close. In five playoff games, Chaname averaged an incredible 27 points and 5.6 assists per contest with 22 three-pointers.
If Chaname’s winning 3-pointer in the sectional final against Madison was his greatest moment, his greatest game came four days later in Group 2 semifi-
nals against Ramsey.
Facing Ramsey at a sold out Bloomfield High School, Chaname added to his buzzer-beating resume with 3-pointers that beat the horn in the first and second quarters. Chaname forced overtime with a layup with 3.1 seconds left in the fourth quarter that tied the game at 53. He then scored all nine of Lyndhurst’s points in the first overtime, including a late-second layup that forced a second overtime.
Despite finishing with a career-high 38 points, Lyndhurst fell 74-70 in double overtime, ending a historic run for the Bears and Chaname.
“He was the most confident kid on the court and you could see that and we just let him go and he just took us home,” boys basketball coach Perrin Mosca said. “It was just unreal to watch and it really didn’t even surprise me.
“He had this whole town going crazy.”
“It was amazing how the town
embraced us. We had the whole town with us during that run,” Chaname said. “It’s pretty nice knowing that we put Lyndhurst basketball back on the map.”
For the season, Chaname scored 720 points, third most in the entire state, while his average of 23.2 points per game put him among the state’s top 10. Chaname led the state in 3-pointers with 115.
Chaname became Lyndhurst’s all-time career scoring leader on Feb. 28 in the North 2, Group 2 quarterfinals against Hillside.
He finished with 1,431 points and several new fans, particularly among the younger players in Lyndhurst.
“It’s very, very cool seeing all the kids talk about the shot and how I made it,” Chaname said, recalling how many kids came up to him during recent summer camps led by Mosca and Auteri. “I was once that kid wanting to win a game like (the sectional
See ATHLETE, Page 8
Lyndhurst’s Johnny Chaname, center, accepts the Jim Hague Observer Male Athlete of the Year award from The Observer owner Lisa Feorenzo. With Chaname are his parents, at least, and Coach Rich Tuero, right.
Photo by Kevin A. Canessa Jr.
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Lyndhurst native DiGiovanni commits to wrestle at Sacred Heart
By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com
When it came to selecting a college, AJ DiGiovanni took a similar approach to the one he takes before every wrestling match — making sure everything off the mat was in a good place and that his mentality was right.
For DiGiovanni, that meant somewhere close to his home of Lyndhurst, a good relationship with his future coach and teammates as well as a quality education and safe campus.
On April 30, DiGiovanni, a standout wrestler at Bergen Catholic, made his verbal commitment to continue his career at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut.
“Everything off the mat is as important as on the mat or your mentality will not be right,” DiGiovanni said. “Going into the match, if you’re not clear-minded, have a good kind of mindset, You won’t be able to wrestle to the best of your abilities. So it’s definitely very important that I’m close to home and for people that I started with on my wrestling journey, see me towards the end of it.”
While DiGiovanni never wrestled for Lyndhurst High School — he started at St. Joseph Regional before transferring to Bergen Catholic after his sophomore year — his wrestling journey started with Lyndhurst
Recreation, where his father, Alex, was one of the coaches, when he was in kindergarten.
One of his first coaches, Darius Hughes, is who DiGiovanni credits for teaching him, “the more gritty, Lyndhurst wrestling style,” that has stayed with him, even through extensive training at Bitetto Trained Wrestling Club and Ruthless Wrestling Club over the years, as well a nationally acclaimed jiu jitsu career before high school.
“Lyndhurst Recreation is where it all started,” DiGiovanni, who added he’s nothing without his father and mother, Gina, said. “I have a good mix of technique and grittiness. But what makes my technique work, my kind of style is that grittiness and it came from Lyndhurst Rec.
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“I remember where I came from because without them, I don’t think I would be here where I am today.”
DiGiovanni was a two-sport athlete when he first arrived at St. Joseph, also playing football for the Green Knights. He quickly focused solely on wrestling, where he made an immediate impact for one of the country’s best teams.
Wrestling primarily at 157 pounds, DiGiovanni was a starter on a St. Joseph team that, led by Kearny native and New Jersey wrestling legend Jimmy Mullen, upset Delbarton in the NJSIAA Non-Public A final for its first state title in 25 years.
After a rough sophomore season in which he bumped up multiple weight classes and out of a loaded Green Knights lineup, DiGiovanni transferred to Bergen Catholic before the start of his junior year.
Now wrestling primarily at 165 pounds, DiGiovanni won a Region 1 championship that season
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final).
ATHLETE
Continued from Page 8
IDEAS WORTH PRINTING
win because I
“They all know who he is. It’s really, really awesome,” head football coach Rich Tuero said. “Johnny’s one of a kind. The best part about it for me is to watch him enjoy it because he has no ego. He’s just such a loyal, great kid. It’s awesome to see.”
Unlike Auteri and Mosca, Tuero only got to coach Chaname for one year.
Chaname quickly took to both basketball and baseball. His father, Johnny Sr., was a standout soccer player at Emerson High School in Union City, but Chaname’s career in the sport was short-lived.
straight up, ‘You got to work, you’re going to have to figure this out.’”
Chaname did figure it out enough to earn a starting spot at safety for Lyndhurst.
He recorded 24 tackles in eight games with two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. His play earned him All-NJIC Colonial Division Honorable Mention.
career-best .352 (31-for-88) with 29 runs scored and 17 stolen bases.
“Basketball and baseball, my two main sports — I loved both of them the same,” Chaname said. “Going into my senior year, I knew that I had to pick one that I wanted to go into college and pursue and I was like, I love basketball more. I want to pursue that in college.”
This spring, Chaname made that official when he committed to continue his basketball career at Rutgers-Newark.
Chaname long had an interest in football, but despite that never followed through with playing the game.
“I saw how much energy he had and how serious he really took it,” Auteri, who worked with Chaname extensively as Lyndhurst’s defensive backs coach, said. “He’s just one of those kids who doesn’t want to embarrass himself. He always asked the question, he always worked hard. He wanted the extra reps just to show that he could master it. And at the end, he did.”
“It was an amazing experience. There’s nothing like it,” Chaname said. “I definitely would’ve wanted to play earlier. I felt like I would’ve been a lot better and I would’ve had more success.”
“I was going to play my freshman year. I went to the practice and everything and I was going to ask Coach Tuero to play, but I backed out at the last minute,” Chaname said. “I was at the field and then I backed out. It made me ask a lot of ‘what if’ questions.”
“It’s an amazing feeling,” Chaname said. “I want to thank Coach (Joe) Loughran for giving me the opportunity. It’s definitely something special because I’m the first in my family to be playing college sports. It’s definitely nothing to take for granted and it’s a great moment for my family because I wouldn’t be there without them.”
Chaname grew up in North Bergen, but his family made the decision to move to Lyndhurst during COVID before Johnny was set to begin seventh-grade.
Last summer was when Chaname decided he had to get an answer to those questions and finally decided to go out for football. His decision came with no guarantees of a role and no promises.
According to Tuero, “Johnny would’ve definitely been able to be a college football player if that was what he chose to be his path.”
Auteri echoed a similar sentiment about Chaname’s potential in baseball, where his speed made him a stellar defensive centerfielder for three seasons and Lyndhurst’s leadoff hitter.
“When you first come (to a new place), you want to make a name for yourself because nobody really knows you,” Chaname said. “Nobody really knows what you bring to the table. My dad always told me to make a name for yourself. Your name is your most prized possession.”
“He had no gimmies. He didn’t come in with a (promise) like ‘Hey, Johnny, you come play for me, you’re going to get on the field,’” Tuero said. “I told him
DiGIOVANNI
Continued from Page 7
and made it to the “blood round” at Atlantic City, falling one victory short of a state medal.
As a senior at 175 pounds, DiGiovanni won his first career district title when he won three-straight matches by pin fall to take home the District 7 crown. He then added another regional championship to his resume when he won the title at Region 2.
After getting off to an understandably slow 3-for-15 start to the season, Chaname soon caught fire and went on to hit a
Six years later, Johnny Chaname made sure his name is one that won’t be forgotten anytime soon in Lyndhurst.
Despite being limited by injury, DiGiovanni again made it to the “blood round,” ultimately falling a win short of a medal again.
At Sacred Heart, the early expectation is he will again bump up a weight class or two.
For DiGiovanni, who in high school wrestled at 144 in his first match and at times sparred in the wrestling room with state champion heavyweights, the potential move up in weight class is not a concern.
He says he feels his experience at so many different weights has allowed him to develop a unique style that gives him an edge no matter the size of his opponent.
“I feel I can wrestle heavier and kind of change the style where I can see where I want to be,” DiGiovanni, who recently turned 18, said. “I have that lighter agility and all that kind of built into me and as I got heavier, slowly over time, I was able to kind of adapt that to the heavier style.”
Schuyler School honors announced
Schuyler School in Kearny has announced the school’s fourth-quarter honor roll.
Principal’s Honors
Grade 4 – Owen Bayer, Martin Perez Jurado, Suzie Chabla Pulla, Norah Diaz Hernandez, Lahcen Ouali, Olivia Walsh, Izabella Beltran, Vada Haight, Christopher Lopez, Carlos Lopez Tinoco, Quinn Walters
Grade 5 – Lorena Alcantara Gama, Olivia McNally, Shayla Soriano, Alexa Ciudad Real, Clarabelle Cook, Sophia Lepore
Grade 6 – Luisa Abarca, Pahola Delgado Barranco, Rebecca Fernandes, Palesa Rojas, Hadi Syed, David Cacares, Lucas Desa, Sophia Fermaint, Lucas Canales, Pedro Ribeiro, Jace Solis, Aiden Varilias.
Honors
Grade 4 – Emily Amador, Liam Bravo, Dylan Devries, Luciana Garcia Valencia, Anna Clara Guimaraes, Carleigh
Tighe, Lorenzo Casaretto, Saia Diaz, Isabella Gomes Espinosa, Gia Gomez, Jasiyah Mitchell, Angelica Montero Henriquez, Deborah Rocha, Jaxson Walters, Clark Fenimore, Freya Hollowell, Jackson Leszau, Michael Lopez, Camila Pillot, Leah Rosenbloom, Gael Tipantuna, Madelyn Weeks. Grade 5 – Hecmy Araque Dugarte, Sophia Capurro Rendon, Jeremiah Espinoza, Zoe Hernandez, Eliana Inoa, Jasmine Moran, Luciano Refosco Medina, Aiden Silvestre, Khedira Solano Calderon, Francisco Chang Cardenas, Ashleen Hora, Stefanno Orellana, Sabali Roberts, Zaylani Robinson.
Grade 6 – Gabriela Dudek, Julian Flores, Jose Hernandez, Zachary McCarthy, Ethan Solis, Wilson Silvera, Octavius Wojcik, Yamilet Chumbiriza, Nayely Ortiz, Jake Perez, Andrew Real-Tice, Lyla Soto, John Zabala, Africa Acevedo Taboada, Hannah Cosmeus, Nathan Guimaraes, Jacobo
Osorio.
Citizenship
Grade 4 – Emily Amador, Hector Avellan Matamoros, Owen Bayer, Liam Bravo, Maria Castro DaSilva, Dylan Devries, Luciana Garcia Valencia, AnnaClara Guimaraes, Ariah Henriquez, Leah Henriquez, Amelia Paredes, Martin Perez Jurado, Liam Tavarez, Carleigh Tighe, Lorenzo Casaretto, Suzie Chabla Pulla, Norah Diaz Hernandez, Saia Diaz, Isabella Gomes Espinosa, Gia Gomez, Lyla Lamas Sabino, Jasiyah Mitchell, Angelica Montero Henriquez, Lahcen Ouali, Isabelle Perez, Deborah Rocha, Olivia Walsh, Jaxson Walters, Clark Fenimore, Izabella Beltran, Vada Haight, James Hernandez, Jackson Leszau, Christopher Lopez, Michael Lopez, Carlos Lopez Tinoco, Olivia Pato, Liam Perez, Camila Pillot, Leah Rosenbloom, Andrew Taylor, Gael Tipantuna, Quinn Walters, Madelyn Weeks.
Grade 5– Lorena Alcantara
Gama, Hecmy Araque Dugarte, MillieJo Buchanan, Sophia Capurro Rendon, Jacob DaSilva, Jeremiah Espinoza, Zoe Hernandez, Eliana Inoa, Ivan Martinez, Olivia McNally, Jasmine Moran, Luciano Refosco Medina, Aiden Silvestre, Khedira Solano Calderon, Shayla Soriano, Vincent Avitable, Francisco Chang Cardenas, Alexa Ciudad Real, Clarabelle Cook, Ashleen Hora, Sophia Lepore, Brianna Lopez, Alianny Lora, Sarah Murgueitio Padillo, Stefanno Orellana, Sabali Roberts, Zaylani Robinson.
Grade 6 – Africa Acevedo Taboada, Ava Astorga, Joao Claver Cogo, William Cook, Hannah Cosmeus, Lucas
Canales, Nathan Guimaraes, Paul Luna, Jacobo Osorio, Adrian Pego, Pedro Ribeiro, Jace Solis, Aiden Varilias, Olivia Vaz, Ian Alava, David Cacares, Yamilet Chumbiriza, Jaritza Cruz, Lucas Desa, Gerardo Dimatteo, Sophia Fermaint, Sofia Macias, Vittoria Neto, Nicolas Pato, Jake Perez, Liam Ranilla, Andrew Real-Tice, Lyla Soto, John Zabala, Luisa Abarca, Daniel Cabrera Polanco, Pahola Delgado Barranco, Gabriela Dudek, Rebecca Fernandes, Julian Flores, Jose Hernandez, Quentin Jefferson, Zachary McCarthy, Palesa Rojas, Ethan Solis, Wilson Silvera, Hadi Syed, Aiden Wasilewski, Octavius Wojcik.
OPTIC NEURITIS
Optic neuritis is an eye condition that results from swelling in the optic nerve. The optic nerve contains nerve fibers that transmit information from the eyes to the brain. Optic neuritis usually affects only one eye and causes pain behind the eye that gets worse with eye movement. It may cause a person to see flashing lights or experience loss of color vision. It can also cause vision loss in the affected eye and reduced visual field. The vision loss develops quickly over hours or days and is often temporary, but it can also last for weeks or even months. Optic neuritis may indicate the early stages of multiple sclerosis and can occur with infections and autoimmune disorders like lupus.
Besides MS, optic nerve inflammation can occur with other conditions, including infections or immune diseases, such as lupus. Most people who have a single episode of optic neuritis eventually recover their vision without treatment. Sometimes steroid medications may speed the recovery of vision after optic neuritis. If you need eye care or an eye exam, please call 201-896-0007. We are located at 20 Park Avenue, Lyndhurst. To contact our optical shop, call 201-896-0007. We accept most insurance.
P.S. Optic neuritis is associated with several autoimmune disorders and may occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin, the optic nerve’s protective coating.
Joseph Zenevitch
Joseph Zenevitch died at home June 30, 2026. He was 90.
OBITUARIES
All obituaries must be submitted by email by 10 a.m., Mondays, to obituaries@ theobserver.com. Payment is due at submission.
Born in New York City, he lived in Bayonne before moving to Kearny 60 years ago.
Visiting was at the Armitage
& Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny. Cremation was private. Joe served in the United States Army and was a retired
electrical engineer.
Husband of the late Kathryn (nee Grodecki), he is survived by his sons Joseph (Lisa) and
Jonathan (Kristin). He was also the grandfather of Victoria, Peter and Brandon and greatgrandfather of Laurence.
Follow safeguards to ensure your medications are safe and effective
(StatePoint) Many people live longer and with better quality today because of the medications they take. But medications can also be dangerous if not taken correctly. That’s especially true for older adults, according to experts.
Grant Tarbox, a senior executive medical director at HealthSpring, said the following are some issues older adults
could face with their medications, along with some important safeguards.
Adverse drug interactions. According to research published in JAMA Internal Medicine, about four out of every 10 older adults take five or more medications, which has tripled from two decades ago. Two of every 10 seniors take 10 or more prescription drugs. Tak-
Mulligan Funeral Home
331 Cleveland Avenue, Harrison
Arrangements may be made in Spanish, Portuguese or Polish Frank X. Mulligan III, Manager, NJ Lic. 4221
Frank X. Mulligan, Jr. Inactive Private Parking at 10 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. North 973-481-4333 visit us at: www.mulliganfh.com
WILFRED ARMITAGE & WIGGINS FUNERAL HOME
Mark G. Wiggins, Manager N.J. Lic. #3916
You will feel as if friends of family have taken over when you entrust funeral arrangements to the Wilfred Armitage Funeral Home. The family-owned firm has been in business for 100 years, serving generations in West Hudson and South Bergen. Its beautiful facilities, in a setting reminiscent of a colonial mansion, reflect the graciousness and tact of its understanding personnel.
Wilfred Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home 596 Belgrove Dr. • Kearny, NJ 07032 (201) 991-0657
ing so many prescriptions can lead to adverse drug reactions or even unintentional overdose.
Safeguard: Meet with a doctor or pharmacist to ensure all your prescriptions are clinically necessary. When reviewing your medicines, make sure to include any over-the-counter medications or herbal supplements you’re taking.
Neglecting needed prescriptions. When you take multiple medications, tracking them all can be difficult. Your doctor has prescribed your drugs for a reason and it’s important to take them as prescribed, particularly maintenance medications, such as blood pressure or cholesterol drugs.
Safeguard: If you are having trouble remembering to take
your prescriptions, a pill box or digital reminder could help. If cost is an issue, there are prescription drug plans and patient assistance programs available to help.
Taking potentially risky drugs. As you get older, your body may process medications differently. As a result, some drug classes, such as benzodiazepines, certain antidepressants and some NSAIDs, may pose risks that outweigh their benefits. One potential risk, for instance, is the risk of a dangerous fall.
Safeguard: Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about identifying appropriate prescriptions for you, given your age. Options could include a lower dosage or shorter prescription dura -
tion. Of course, it’s also always a good idea to fall-proof your home.
Navigating changing care settings. Adverse drug events often occur following hospitalization. Many of these events could be avoided.
Safeguard: Always meet with your doctor or pharmacist shortly after a hospital discharge to conduct a “medication reconciliation” in which any newly prescribed medications are reconciled with existing prescriptions. This will help prevent medication errors, such as omissions, duplications, dosing errors or drug interactions.
A final note: Even if you have a trusted physician leading your care team, it’s important to educate yourself. If you don’t understand your medication regimen, ask questions. If you are having side effects, tell your doctor about them. Also, bring a friend or family member to your appointments to help you remember key instructions.
“We are fortunate to live in a time when we have a multitude of medications available to help us live healthier lives by controlling our blood sugar, lowering our blood pressure or curing infections,” Tarbox said. “However, it’s important we stay engaged with our prescriptions and don’t lose sight of any potential risk factors.”
The information contained in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen.
4TH
Continued from Page 1
Jean Doyle, Recreation Director Ralph Cattafi, OEM’s Rich Poplaski and the Kearny Fire Department,” Mondaro, who advised the town on its fireworks celebration, said. “It was a close call — but they made it through.”
Mondaro says as the fireworks were going off, Clifton was experiencing some showers.
Mondaro had advised Kearny to begin shooting the fireworks
off a little earlier than usual — the town obliged — and by the time rain got to the town, folks were already en route home.
PSE&G was quite busy
Meanwhile, residents were hardly spared from having to deal with power outages.
In the evening of Friday, July 3, thousands of Kearny residents lost power and there were significant issues and damages in North Arlington, Belleville and Nutley.
Kearny Deputy Mayor Melanie Ryan coordinated with Doyle and Police Chief Scott
• NJ 07031
Macfie to open up Kearny High School as a temporary shelter for those who had lost power. However, by around 1:30 a.m., July 4, power had been restored to most of the town, though not everywhere.
“Within 60 minutes, things were up and running and people were able to go the high school,” Ryan said. “It was extraordinary to see it fall into place in that short amount of time. From the first call made to opening the doors — one hour. It’s times like these we just come together to do what it takes to get things done.”
By noon, Sunday, July 5, power had been completely restored in Kearny, according to PSE&G’s outage maps.
In Nutley, damage was significant, leading to the cancelation of fireworks and a major cleanup effort. The township opened up a cooling center at the recreation building. Commissioner Joseph Scarpelli took to social media to issue a statement to residents.
“Prayers for all of those affected by the last night storms.
Kudos to our parks and rec crews that worked throughout the night dealing with the many trees that fell during the storm,” Scarpelli said. “DPW crews are out assisting with the cleanup, making sure our roads are free of as many limbs, branches and leaves. Catch basins are being cleaned in anticipation of more storms this evening. Streets are being swept. Please stay away from all down wires. Cable wire can be electrified if in contact with an electrical wire. Please be safe as all of our town workers look to get us back to normal.”
As all of this was happening, township officials say PSE&G crews were on the job day and night working to restore power to all residents. As of noon, Sunday, July 5, there were around 100 households still without power in Nutley.
In Belleville, Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator and former Mayor Michael A. Melham took to social media Sunday to offer an alert on what was happening in the township.
“The township’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is aware that areas of the township remain without
power. We are in continual coordination with PSE&G regarding these outages,” Melham said. “At this time, PSE&G is aware of all reported outages and continues to prioritize restoration efforts. In some locations, crews are dealing with multiple broken utility poles and significant tree damage. Those areas require infrastructure reconstruction before power can be safely restored, which unfortunately takes additional time.
“At this point, we have not been provided with a formal restoration timeline. If your home is still without power, I strongly encourage you to contact PSE&G directly to confirm that your outage has been reported and to obtain an outage confirmation number. I know this is frustrating for everyone affected, and I sincerely appreciate your patience as crews continue working to restore service as quickly and safely as possible.
“And yes, I’m still one of the township’s two deputy OEM coordinators, and as always, I’ll continue doing the work to keep our residents informed and assist however I can.”
Paz is Girl Scouts’ Woman of Year
Kearny’s Jenny Paz was chosen as the Kearny Girl Scouts’ Woman of the Year. Leader Marybeth Kennedy gave a remarkable speech in recognizing Paz’s dedication to the town, the many ways she volunteers, her family and more. Paz is seen here accepting.
Photo by Kevin A. Canessa Jr.
BELLEVILLE 1 Bedroom , located on Garden Avenue, laundry facilities on site, heat and hot water included, 1 parking space, no dogs, great for single person or couple, $1,500.00 per month, 1 1/2 month security.
Call Joanne 973-6993146 08W03
E. NEWARK
Harrison/E.Newark
2nd floor in new home
3 BR’s, 2 baths. LR, DR and kitchen. Hardwood Floors, Central AC and parking for one car. Utilities Separate. No Pets. Available 08/01 (201)725-1212 09W01
OBSERVER CLASSIFIEDS
HARRISON Newly renovated 112 Passaic Ave. 1st floor. 3 BR’s, Kitchen, LR, Bathroom, $2500 + 1.5 months security, Utilities separate. No Pets/Smoking Available July 1st (973)7044246 06W03
HARRISON 2nd & 3rd floor apartments newly renovated 1 & 2 BR’s, Open concept EIK,Hardwood floors throughout, C/A & Heat $1900 - $2100 + 1 months security Utilities separate No smoking, Pets limited Available July 1st Text for inquiries (201)780-1892 07W03
HARRISON Renovated Modern 2 BR, Kitchen, LR, $2200 + 1.5 month security. Utilities separate. Washer/Dryer. No pets/smoking Avl. August 1st (201) 6186984 after 11am. 07W03
HARRISON Newly renovated 112 Passaic Ave. 1st floor. 3 BR’s, Kitchen, LR, Bathroom, $2500 + 1.5 months security, Utilities separate. No Pets/Smoking Available Now or August 1st (973)704-4246 09W03
KEARNY 1st floor 3 BR’s, LR, EIK $2000 + 1.5 months security Includes 1 Parking space, Laundry optional No Dogs/Smoking Available August 1st (201)702-9981 06W05
KEARNY 2nd floor
Good location Large 2 bedroom 1 bathroom , Living room, dining area $2150 + 1 Months security Heat and hot water included. No Pets/Smoking Available July 1st contact Raj (973)405-4364 07W03
KEARNY 1 Bedroom Apt. Newly renovated $1700 + 1M Security Utilities separate 3nd Fl Safe building cameras Avail 7/1 201-9550001 07W03
KEARNY 1 BR From $1500 2 BR $1,795 + 1.5 Months security. HT/HW included . See Super 6 Woodland Ave. Apt. 1 (201)892-8035 for appointment. 07W03
KEARNY 2nd Floor, Newly renovated LR, DR, EIK, Large 1 bedroom, use of backyard. 1.5 months security. Separate utilities. Near Schools/Transportation Available July 15th. (551)362-0243 07W03
KEARNY Elevated building 1 BR APT 2 Room Studios HT/HW included. $1250 - $1,575 + 1.5 Months Security. See Super, 654 Elm St, Kearny. Laundry facility on premises Call Sofia after 3pm (201)998-3516 for appointment. 07W03
KEARNY Large 1 BR, LR, EIK , $1750 + 1.5 months security, Utilities separate. NYC view, Available August 1st (973)508-4209 08W03
KEARNY Newly renovated 2nd Floor 2 BR, LR & EIK $2050 + 1 months security Utilities not included, No Pets/Smoking Available Now (908)675-2549 08W03
KEARNY 3 BR’s, $2050 + 1.5 months security Utilities Separate, No Pets/Smoking Available Now (201)772-9965 08W03
KEARNY 2 BR’s, LR, EIK $1850 + 1.5 months security Utilities Separate. No Pets/Smoking, Access to Yard Available Now (201)7729965 08W03
KEARNY 3rd Floor 2 BR’s, LR, EIK 1.5 months security, Utilities separate, credit required No Pets/Smoking Available Now (201)998-0509 08W03
KEARNY 3rd fl. 2 BR, LR,EIK $1400 + 1 months security Utilities Separate . No pets/ Smoking Avl. Now. (973) 583-7670 09W03
KEARNY 1st floor, 2 BR, EIK, LR, full bath, HW floors, quiet street, heat supplied, No pets/ No smoking $1950 + 1 months security, 1 year lease, available August 1st (347)978-5882 09W03
KEARNY Renovated 2nd floor 2 BR’s, Kitchen and Bath. New floors. Walk-in-Closet. $2000 + 1.5 months security Utilities separate. No Pets One Parking Space Available Now (201)8894490 09W03
KEARNY Studio Arlington section, Small Kitchen, bathroom, Single or couple , Close to bus stop $1000 + 1 months security Utilities included No Pets/ Smoking Available August 1st Call: (551)5801116 09W03
KEARNY $875/Month Private room in a quiet, clean home. Shared bathroom and kitchen. Available ASAP Seeking working, mature, respectful woman. No smoking. Call/Text: 201-428-7000
KEARNY $875/mes — Cuarto privada en una casa tranquila y limpia. Baño y cocina compartidos. Disponible de inmediato. Se busca mujer trabajadora, madura y respetuosa. No fumar. Llamar o enviar mensaje: 201-428-7000 09W03
KEARNY 2nd floor. Large 2 BR’s + Computer room LR, DR, EIK & Pantry, Hardwood floors. Walk in Closet. $2250 + 1.5 months security. Utilities not included. No Pets/Smoking. By appointment only Avail Now (973) 309-5773 09W03
KEARNY 3rd Floor. 1 BR, EIK, $1650 + 1.5 months security. Utilities not included. No pets/smoking. Avl. Now. By appointment only (973) 309-5773 09W03
NUTLEY 2nd Fl. 2 BR’S , 4 room apt for rent. Move In condition Large EIK, LR , HW floors, AC provided $1,900 + 1.5 months security, 1 Cat, No smoking, Close to NY transportation. Call Tom 973-517-7517
Available 08/01 Credit check a must Leave a verbal message 09W03
N.NEWARK Forest Hill section. $500 + 1 months security. Utilities included. Shared Bath, No Kitchen. Perfect for single, responsible person. No smoking (862) 352-0385 07W03
LYNDHURST Large 1 bedroom. 1.5 months security. No Smoking No Pets. Call (201)9319212 08W02
N.ARLINGTON 2nd floor 1 BR, LR, EIK, BATH, 3 Big closets $1750 + 1.5 months security, Utilities separate, Close to Transportation No Pets/Smoking, Couple or single person Preferred Available now Hablamos español (201)889-3110 07W03
N.ARLINGTON
Studio apartment with kitchen in apartment complex. $1650.00 per month with heat and hot water supplied. Parking available. Laundry room on premises. Close to buses and shopping. No pets or smoking. Call 201-997-2341 between 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. 09W03
KEARNY Vintage Furniture, China Sets, Crystals, KItchen ware, Lenox & much more Saturday July 11 11Am - 3PM 94 Maple Street Kearny 09W01
HARRISON 2 Single Car garage for rent, 3 Parking spaces (862)571-4823 08W03
HARRISON 3000 Sq ft commercial building for Office or Warehouse lease or Partial (862)571-4823 08W03
LYNDHURST
KEARNY
KEARNY
HARRISON
N. ARLINGTON
OBSERVER CLASSIFIEDS
IMPROVEMENT
LEGAL NOTICES
Gutters Window Repairs (973) 343-1167 (800) 322-1019
www.erickconstructioninc.net Free estimates
PAYLESS ROOFING
*Roofing *Siding *Repairs *Coatings Tired of high Estimates? Call Bruno (973) 906-8404 (908) 486-0866
Estimates on the spot
25 Years of experience
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438-3991 07W04
Jean’s grass hedges and tree trimmings On the spot will get it done! Our prices and service will be the best. Senior Discount (201)565-6393 04W06
•Paint • Powerwash and more •Interior • Exterior •Free Estimates Fully Insured 973-759-8869 973-930-5002 30W52
DUST-BUSTERS
Services Complete Janitorial Services & Products Joe Scrozati Bonded &
Nick Alfieri Construction Servicing area 32 years Kitchen bathrooms, Roofing, Siding, Decks and more. Complete home
The deadline for print legal ads is at 2 p.m., every Thursday. For web, there is no deadline. If you do not receive a written response from us within 24 hours, please call our office to confirm. (201) 991-1600
Washington School in Kearny names May & June Students of the Month
JF-004505-26
OUR FILE NUMBER: 26-004962-1
NOTICE TO ABSENT DEFENDANTS
STATE OF NEW JERSEY TO: Talya S. Smith-Evans; Mark McLean
YOU ARE HERBY summoned and required to serve upon Padgett Law Group, plaintiff’s attorneys, whose address is 1055 E. Baltimore Pike, Suite 201, Media, PA 19063, telephone (850) 422-2520 an answer to the Foreclosure Complaint in a civil action in which Planet Home Lending, LLC is the plaintiff and Talya S. Smith-Evans and Mark McLean are defendant(s) pending in the Superior Court of New Jersey within 35 days after July 8, 2026 exclusive of said date. If you fail to do so, judgment by default may be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. You shall file your answer and proof of service in duplicate with the Clerk of the Superior Court, Hughes Justice Complex, CN-971, Trenton, NJ 08625, in accordance with the rules governing the courts. You are further advised that if you are unable to obtain an attorney, you may communicate with the New Jersey State Bar Association or Lawyer Referral Service of the county of venue and that if you cannot afford an attorney, you may communicate with the Legal Services Office of the county of venue. A directory with contact information for local Legal Services Offices and Lawyer Referral Services is available in the Civil Division Management Office in the county listed above and online at: https://www.njcourts.gov/public/directories/court-services/clerks-legal-offices. You may also call the Legal Services of New Jersey Statewide Hotline at 1-888-LSNJ-Law (1-888-576-5529).
THIS ACTION has been instituted for the purpose of foreclosing the following Mortgage:
Dated: August 25, 2021
In the Amount of:
$231,990.00
Made by: Mark McLean and Talya S. Smith-Evans To: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Amerisave Mortgage Corporation
Recorded: July 20, 2022, as Instrument No. 2022068517 Covers real estate located at: 165 Dodd Street, East Orange, NJ 07017
Also known as: Block 612 Lot 9.01, in the city of East Orange, County of Essex and State of New Jersey.
You, Talya S. Smith-Evans; Mark McLean, have been made a Defendant in the above action because you have or may claim to have some right, title, lien, or other interest affected the real estate being foreclosed by virtue of ownership, inheritance, descent, intestacy, devise, dower, courtesy, mortgage, deed or conveyance, entry of judgment, or other legal or lawful right. The nature of which and the reason that you and each of you are joined as defendants is set forth with particularity in the Complaint, a copy of which will be furnished to you on request, addressed to the attorneys of the plaintiff at the above-mentioned address.
Dated: July 1, 2026
Michelle M. Smith, Esquire CLERK OF THE SUPERIOR COURT ($388.00)
ohn Adamski, principal of Washington School, Kearny, announces the school’s May and June, 2026, Students of the Month: May: Mehily Abrahamzon Martinez, Genevieve Antal, Ailiyani Bonilla Martinez, Alexander Brand, Asher Cabrera Adames, Joel Cardenas Argudo, Valentina Carrion, Daniela Chavez Prado, Jacob Chiriboga, Valentina Costa, Vincent Diaz, Jose Dos Santos, Aeryn Duryea, Kenneth Garcia Estrada, Kayleb Giron, Daryl Gonzales, Jacob Gutierrez-Lopez, Viviana Hempel, Rose Holloman, Luke Jimenez-Macias, Nadeen Lakehal, Aiden Lin, Louis Lucero Penaranda, Izayah Manzanares, Jessialys Marrero Velez, Hinata Martinez Cohetero, Aniel Medina-Diaz, Allen Mendoza, Janvie Miranda, Zahir Molina-Zayas, Sebastian Morales Guzman, Matthew Pastuizaca, Caleb Pelaez-Tiburcio, Thiago Ramirez Murillo, Ruby Rodriguez, Karen Rojas, Zoe Romero Alvarez, Jefferson Rosario, Julieta Salazar Vargas, Lia Santana Elsevyf, Gustavo Sarango Umana, Kaelyn Seminario
Urrutia, Ariana Shimabukuro, Jinsei Shimabukuro, Skender Sosa Hernandez, Alejandro Tavarez, Haniel Valdez, Alius Valle, Nafissa Vasquez, Edwin Villavicencio Haro, Mia Wagner-Martinez, Jadiel Zambrano and Helen Zuluaga Munoz.
June: Malak Ahniche, Edwin Alao Rivera, Genevieve Antal, Jeremiah Biet, Isabella Bocanegra Espinoza, Brysen Bonilla Martienz, Youssef Bouferdou, Valentina Castro, Jordynn Chipelo, Saad Dabaji, Maya DaFonseca, Davi De Freitas Gabriel, Kendrick De Paula Taveras, Miguel Denadai, Anthony Diaz, Camila Estrada, Bruce Falconi Rosado, Ethan FredZayas, Jacob Gallegos, Daryl Gonzales, Savannah Guerra, Ean Gutierrez Estrella, Leena Heddaj, Isaac Live Silva, Hinata Martinez Cohetero, Isabella Martinez, Rodnier Medina-Diaz, Jacquelyn Moore, Christopher Ortega, Ezekiel Perez Mejia, Ainara Perez, Domenica Pinos Gonzalez, Emmanuel Rivera, Sarai Sundar, Jeremy Tejeda, Alana Torres, Landon Wagner Martinez and Gavin Zambrano.
ACADEMY
Continued from Page 1
“It’s amazing to see the transformation in the kids over five short days,” he said, speaking to the parents at the graduation. “That’s the change from Monday to Friday. But it doesn’t have to end today. That’s something that you can reinforce as parents. Remind your children about being present and mindful in the moment. As somebody who does part of the hiring at our department, that’s one of the most important things that I’m seeing — kids aren’t continuing to develop skill sets the same way that we might have had the opportunity to develop pre-social media. If
you continue to reinforce some of the things we covered during this week, continue to teach them to be present in the moment, great things can happen.”
Students and squad leaders also shared their appreciation for the experience.
Matthew Loeser, a squad leader and fourth-year academy participant, said the program helped him build leadership skills while also having fun and getting to know the younger students.
Mia Sessoms, in her third year at the academy, said each year becomes even more meaningful and called it a special experience to learn from and work with the officers.
Meanwhile, Padilla also spoke about the importance of
strong connections between police officers and young people in the community. He said community policing is central to everything the department does and stressed the value of building trust before a crisis occurs.
“We want your kids to come to us when they have an issue, not run from us,” he said.
“We’re a very young police force, but we’re creating opportunities to have your kids come and meet us in an environment where they’re comfortable. So that when they see us when they’re not comfortable, they come to us and feel secure asking for help.”
Padilla was assisted during the week by numerous officers and a departmental dispatcher.
Through the Junior Police Academy, the department works to create a welcoming environment where children can meet officers, feel comfortable reaching out, and see police as trusted community partners.
“Every year, the program gets better and better,” Petracco said. “I can’t say enough about the officers and the kids. It’s something the entire township is proud of.”
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.
Public Safety Commissioner Al Petracco high-fives cadets at the 13th-annual Nutley Junior Police Academy.
-Rami Alrabaa
