North Arlington taxes will increase — by the slimmest of margins. Page 11
RWJBarnabas Health gives $400K to Kearny Health Department
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
RWJBarnabas Health
has awarded combined $1.7 million to support local organizations working to address barriers to care, food insecurity and economic stability among underserved communities in Hudson County, including a $400K commitment to the Town of Kearny’s Health Department.
The grants are fully funded through RWJBarnabas Health’s Our Healthy Communities initiative and supported by state appropriations to
address the social determinants of health to create stronger communities and improve health outcomes for residents.
This, importantly, means the program will not cost the Kearny taxpayer a dime.
“There are few better investments than the ones we can make in the communities we serve through the partners with whom we share common values,” Mark E. Manigan, president and chief executive officer of RWJBarnabas Health, said. “Whether it is combatting food insecurity or eliminating barriers to social services and healthcare,
See RWJ, Page 4
Lyndhurst promotes several to new police ranks
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
Mayor and Public Safety Commissioner Robert B. Giangeruso presided over a promotional ceremony at Township Park, formally swearing in officers within the
Lyndhurst Police Department who have advanced to new ranks, on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
Those promoted include Capt. Anthony Ricigliano, Lieutenant Geoffrey Rejent, Lieutenant Phillip Reina, Lieutenant Christopher Cuneo, Sergeant Matthew Giunta, Sergeant Joseph White, Sergeant
Michael Giangeruso, Detective Nolan James, Detective Michael LeStrange and Detective Elizabeth Hollenbeck.
“These promotions help maintain operational continuity, while ensuring that the Lyndhurst Police Department remains the renowned law enforcement agency our community and our counter-
parts have come to rely upon,” Deputy Police Chief Paul Haggery said. “We congratulate each of these officers and wish them continued success, safety, and health as they take on their new responsibilities in service to the residents to the community we so proudly serve.”
See photo at www.theobserver.com.
It was a week later than originally scheduled, but hundreds of Kearny seniors enjoyed the annual senior citizens picnic at Doyle Pavilion June 17. Clockwise from top left, first, it’s Fire Chief Joe Mastandrea serving hamburgers after grilling them. Next, it’s Kearny Police Officer Rich Poplaski Jr. grilling cheeseburgers. And finally, it’s many of the volunteers who made the picnic happen. From left, police Sgt. Jack Grimm, Councilman Jerry Ficeto, Hudson County Register Jeff Dublin, Councilmen George Zapata and Stathis Theodoropoulos (who coordinated the event for the third year in a row), Mayor Carol Jean Doyle, state Sen. Angela McKnight, Councilmembers Marytrine DeCastro and Fred Esteves and Officer Vanessa Sevillano.
Photos by Ron Smits
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
NEWS BRIEFS
Harrison hosting Independence Day barbecue for seniors
The Town of Harrison hosts an Independence Day BBQ for senior citizens Wednesday, July 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Harrison Senior Center, 221 Harrison Ave.
Lyndhurst celebrating 250th with concert, fireworks
The Township of Lyndhurst hosts its 250th birthday celebration Wednesday, July 1, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Township Park, Delafield Avenue. Patriotic music will be be performed by The Bell Tones, The New Orleans Renaissance Jazz Band. After the concerts, fireworks will go off at the Little League Field, Riverside Avenue. All are invited to attend.
Nutley Summer Festival upcoming
The Township of Nutley’s Summer Festival is set for Thursday, June 25, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Franklin Avenue between Chestnut and New streets. There will be food trucks, live music, a video game trailer, amusements for kids and plenty of local outdoor dining. The concert features The Guys — a Broadway Jersey Boys Experience.
Museum program will celebrate America’s 250th
The Kearny Museum hosts an America 250 event Friday, July 10, at 6:30 p.m. for a lecture on figures such as Betsy Ross and Ben Franklin. The program will take place in the air-conditioned main library, 318 Kearny Ave., since there is no AC in the museum.
Premier Car e TALK S
LEXAPRO
Lexapro is a medication used to treat depression and anxiety. It belongs to a group of drugs called SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. These medicines work by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural chemical in the brain that helps improve mood, sleep, and emotions. Lexapro is usually taken once a day, with or without food. Some people start feeling better within a week or two, but it may take several weeks to feel the full effect. Common side effects include nausea, dry mouth, trouble sleeping, and exhaustion. It’s essential not to stop taking Lexapro suddenly without a doctor’s help because it can cause withdrawal
symptoms. Always follow the doctor’s instructions and report concerns or side effects during treatment.
Lexapro should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking Lexapro, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins and minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using or have recently taken. Please call PREMIER CARE ASSOCIATES OF WEST HUDSON at 201-9987474 to schedule an appointment, or visit us 7 days a week at 512 Kearny Ave., Suite B. P.S. People should also avoid alcohol while taking Lexapro.
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.
Black bear rescued from Lyndhurst tree
Authorities rescued a black bear from a tree in Lyndhurst June 16. Deputy Police Chief Paul Haggerty says the bear was first spotted near the area of the 200 block of Webster Avenue. Officers were able to isolate the bear while placing an area daycare in a shelter in place out of an abundance of caution. State wildlife officials drove down from Sussex County and used a tranquilizer to get the bear, believed to be about a year old, out of the tree, safe from harm. Haggerty reports the bear is OK and was returned to its natural habitat somewhere in Sussex County.
Dr. Prakash
J. Doshi
Dr. Hector Aguilar
RWJ
Continued from Page 1
these investments are driven by a shared mission of building and sustaining a healthier Hudson County and New Jersey. I thank County Executive Guy and his team for their efforts in making this day possible.”
Specifically, the funding will support the Kearny Department of Public Health and Environmental Protection to improve resource navigation to connect residents of low socioeconomic status to preventative healthcare
and social services. The health department will also hire additional staff to promote community events and support seniors applying for Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP and other assistance programs.
Meanwhile, the Youth Foundation of Jersey City (YFOJC), North Hudson Community Action Corporation and Hudson Pride Center will receive the balance of the funding.
RWJBarnabas says through Our Healthy Communities, it’s partnering with local leaders, health care providers, clergy, civic and community-based organizations
to strengthen critical social and health care infrastructure and expand patient access to care, healthy foods, nutrition education, transportation, economic mobility and stable housing.
Through the community health resources from the State of New Jersey, RWJBarnabas Health has reinvested more than $151 million in community health initiatives beyond traditional medical care to build and sustain long-term
health for the residents and communities it serves.
Annie McNair, Kearny’s health officer, says she’s thrilled with what her department will be able to do thanks to this grant.
“The Kearny Department of Public Health is very excited and grateful to have received funds from Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health. Our core values are to improve health equity and quality of life for all of our residents as well as create a healthy environment in the Town of Kearny through community partnerships,” McNair, in her fifth year as Kearny’s top health official, said. “In order to provide resource navigation and connect Kearny residents to preventive healthcare services and resources, we plan to use the funds to implement a software-based message board
that will send emails or texts of health-related events to Kearny and East Newark residents who register for this service.
“During our recent Community Health Needs Assessment, conducted between October 2023 and January 2025, one of the top identified health barriers was lack of community communication. Therefore, we will be able to minimize communication gaps by sharing information and ultimately providing health equity by diminishing food insecurities and reducing barriers to social services and healthcare.”
And lastly, Mayor Carol Jean Doyle expressed her own gratitude.
“Thank you RWJBarnabas Health for understanding the needs of our residents for health care and social services,” Kearny Mayor Carol Jean Doyle said. “Your grant will benefit those who struggle trying to navigate and receive assistance. This grant will play a critical part to ensuring essential services.”
n
SPORTS
NCAA ROWING CHAMP! & HEALTH
By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com
When Erin Kirby moved from Florida to Nutley right before the start of high school she was disappointed to discover that her new school didn’t have a swim team. The realization left her looking for a new sport.
“It just ended up not working out to continue my swimming, so I was like ‘What am I going to do?’” recalled Kirby. “I did cross country and then, in the winter, my mom was like ‘Erin, they’re doing tryouts for the crew team at Nutley High. I had a roommate in college, who was really tall and on the rowing team. You’re tall so you should try out.”
Five years later, Kirby, now a freshman at the University of Texas, is a national champion.
On May 31, her Longhorns team won its fourth NCAA Championship in women’s rowing in the last six years, winning two of the three races and finishing with a school record 130 total points at Lake Lanier Olympic Park in Gainesville, GA.
“Winning in your first year is an awesome achievement. It was honestly surreal,” Kirby said. “It also was like okay, now I have three more years and I think it shows what needs to be done and what we’re capable of doing and how we can do this every year and get even better.”
WIth lineups reduced, Kirby did not row in any of three events during the NCAA Championships, but was one of three spares for Texas.
“In the moment (when we won the NCAA Championships) when I watched our first varsity
eight break a world record on the course for the fastest 2,000 meters I’m on land I was like I want to do that next year,” said Kirby, a 5-foot-11 Portside Rower. “This is something that can inspire me. This is a new goal to be attained. It’s awesome to see what they are doing under pressure and how much I want to be a part of that next year in a boat instead of being spares on the sidelines.”
During the season, in meets that had larger lineups, Kirby did compete after recovering from a rib injury that sidelined her for three months. In the SEC Championships where she was a part of II Four lineup that finished second on May 10 in Oak Ridge, Tenn.
Overall, Kirby believes she improved significantly her freshman year, thanks in large part to the competitive practices that
are the result of a 60-plus woman roster that includes several Olympic rowers.
“There’s always something in the back of mind where I need to do this much better because someone else is rowing by me in another boat or I’m racing them in practice,” Kirby said. “I think as a team and as a collective, we make each other better.”
“The pressure is on. Olympians and world champions are next to me. Whether that’s in our (practice) room or in front of me or behind me in the boat.”
Such a scenario might have seemed impossible when Kirby first started rowing five years ago, even if it didn’t take long for Kirby to realize she had a bright future in the sport.
As a freshman at Nutley, she broke into the senior four, rowing alongside three seniors.
As a sophomore, Kirby rowed a 2K in less than eight minutes. It was then when she realized she had a big future in the sport and started rowing with a club team called Nereid B.C., which is based out of Rutherford, instead of Nutley High School.
“In the fall season with Nutley of my junior year is when I started talking to colleges. I’m emailing these colleges and I’m like, I need to be faster, I need to be as good as the next girl,” said Kirby. “The only way I’m going to be able to do that is to be on a team surrounded by other fast people.”
Before returning to Texas in August, Kirby is planning to compete with one of her Longhorn teammates at the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta, which is from August 4-9 in St. Catharines, Ontario.
Photo courtesy of Erin Kirby
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Patience pays off as Lyndhurst’s Boyd commits to D1 Bloomsburg
By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com
It would have been understandable if Nate Boyd got frustrated with a college recruiting process that went slower than is the norm for most high-level wrestlers.
“I didn’t start (hearing from) schools until later than normal and I honestly wanted to wrestle in college so I was a little doubtful on if I’d be able to make that room come true,” said Boyd, a three-sport standout at Lyndhurst. “It was definitely stressful in the beginning stages of the school year.
“I knew that maybe I didn’t have as much exposure as all the other wrestlers, but I knew I was good enough. So whatever school took the chance on me is the school that’s going to have a good wrestler in whatever weight class I choose.”
While slower than Boyd may have hoped, that ultimate goal of wrestling in college was achieved when, in April, he committed to continue his career at Bloomsburg University, a Division 1 program out of Pennsylvania.
While Bloomsburg was a late entry into the recruiting process for Boyd, who wrestled primarily at 126 pounds, the school made a strong impression on him when he got to visit following the conclusion of the high school wrestling season.
“It was just the campus,
the coaches, the facilities, the rooms. It was all just a good fit for me,” said Boyd about Bloomsburg, which first reached out in late February, right before the start of the state individual tournament. “I took a liking to what I saw and the coaches were really nice and I could see a future with them.”
By Boyd’s own admission, his path to Division 1 wrestling is an unconventional one.
Boyd’s knowledge of wrestling was limited to pro wrestling until the sixth grade he was encouraged by his good friend and football teammate
AJ DiGiovanni to give wrestling a try.
“AJ was like, ‘you should try wrestling,’” Boyd said. “”I really just did it for fun to hang out with my friends and I ended up being not too shabby.”
According to Boyd, it wasn’t until eighth grade when he started having success in youth tournaments that he started to realize he might have a bright future in the sport.
After winning 17 matches as a freshman, Boyd broke out as a sophomore when he went 21-10, took fifth place at the George Jockish Bergen County Wrestling Tournament then qualified for Regions. The past two seasons, Boyd wrestled primarily at 126 pounds, where he went 49-25 and once again qualified for Regions both years.
For his career with the Lyndhurst-North Arlington co-op
team, Boyd went 87-49.
In addition to wrestling, Boyd was a two-year starter at both wide receiver and cornerback for the Golden Bears. As a junior, he led Lyndhurst with three interceptions. Boyd, who played earlier this month in the annual Bergen County All-Star Game, finished his career with 73 tackles and four total touchdowns to help lead the Bears to consecutive state tournament appearances.
In the spring, Boyd sprinted for Lyndhurst’s track team while still doing wrestling practices multiple days a week.
While Boyd’s multi-sport experience has resulted in him having less mat experience than some of his peers, he does feel
it has helped give him a more unique set of skills he takes with him when he wrestles.
“It’s a gift and a curse because obviously everyone that’s wrestling in the next level, they train and do tournaments all year round and I necessarily don’t get to train as much of them because I have other other sports,” said Boyd. “But I definitely learned things that correlate (to wrestling) like in both footwork and being light on my feet. It translates over, so in a way I’m training in a different way than wrestling. I feel like it helps.”
Unlike past summers when he was in New Jersey getting ready for football, Boyd will be reporting to Bloomsburg in the next two weeks for early workouts.
Photo by Jason Bernstein
By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com
As the Phil Simms NJ North/ South All-Star Flag Football Game continues to grow and evolve, one thing remains constant, The Observer-area’s representatives continue to shine.
Led by MVP Jaelynn Perez, a Belleville native who attends DePaul Catholic, the North team rolled to a 34-0 victory over the South in the annual game, which was held on Saturday night at TCNJ.
Perez, a running back/defensive back who caught a TD pass and also had an interception, led a strong local contingent, which included Harrison’s Mya De Jesus and North Arlington’s Lyndsay Gilbert.
Perez, who also was a stand-
SIGNS
out soccer player at DePaul after transferring from Belleville after her freshman year, becomes the second Observer-area player to earn MVP honors in three years, joining Harrison’s Rebecca Sardinha who won it in 2024.
“We had two different quarterbacks, so there were two different offenses. I stayed on the defense side, but it was just so cool how a lot of the girls were able to play so many different positions,” said De Jesus, who had a team-high nine flag pulls. “There were some girls that never played certain positions and they still were able to do it. So I thought it was amazing.”
Perez set the tone early for the North when she jumped a route for an interception and returned it 25 yards, deep into South territory.
Less than three minutes into the second half, Perez struck for
to help lead the Blue Tide to their second NJIC championship in three seasons. De Jesus was also the leading scorer for a Blue Tide basketball team that qualified for the state tournament for the first time in six years.
For both De Jesus and Perez, it was their second appearance in the North/South Game. This year’s version saw the game expanded to four 15-minute quarters and for the first time ever, the girls got to stay overnight on campus and have multiple practices as a team like their male counterparts.
OF INTRAOCULAR MELANOMA
Intraocular melanoma happens when malignant cancer cells grow inside the eye’s uvea. The uvea is the middle layer of the eye located between the sclera (the white-colored tissue) and retina (the light sensing layer). People with lighter skin and lighter-colored eyes are at higher risk of developing intraocular melanoma. Individuals who spend lots of time in the sun or tanning beds also have increased risk. An intraocular melanoma may not have symptoms in the earlier stages but can be detected through a dilated eye exam. When symptoms do appear, they can include blurry vision and other vision changes, flashes of light and floaters, dark spots in the iris, pupil size and shape changes, and migrating eyeball
position inside the socket.
Depending on your situation, you may have several options for treating this disease. If the cancer is very small, isn’t causing problems, or your healthcare provider isn’t sure it’s cancer, he or she may watch it very closely without starting treatment. If the tumor starts to grow, treatment can be started. If you need eye care or an eye exam, please call 201-8960007. We are located at 20 Park Avenue, Lyndhurst. To contact our optical shop, call 201-8960007. We accept most insurance.
P.S. Intraocular melanoma is also called uveal melanoma because it develops from overgrowth of cells called melanocytes (responsible for eye pigment) and occurs inside the uvea.
another monster play, when lining up out of the backfield, she went on a wheel route caught the pass thrown by Hoboken’s Jayla Johnson and, after breaking a tackle, raced to the end zone for a 51-yard touchdown that made it 27-0.
“(What Jaelynn did) was amazing,” De Jesus said. “I played with her before and she’s a phenomenal player, especially being able to do both sides of the ball. She didn’t come to our first ever practice, but she came when we had stayed over and he had put her on offense and then they were like, wait, she could play defense too. So they put her in as a corner and she was able to do well on both sides.”
Perez, who will be playing flag football at Montclair State, ran
for 700 yards with eight touchdowns while also catching 28 passes for 255 yards and three TDs. On defense, she recorded 89 tackles with 11 sacks and three interceptions. On the soccer field, she helped lead DePaul to three consecutive NJSIAA North Jersey, Non-Public B championships, scoring 17 goals and six assists. Perez had 13 goals and four assists as a freshman at Belleville before transferring.
De Jesus, who will be playing flag football at Manhattan University, had six interceptions, two returned for touchdowns, to go with 70 tackles on a dominant Harrison defense. She also rushed for 566 yards with five TDs and caught 21 passes for 228 yards and six TDs
“This year we got the full experience, staying over and having two practices in one day,” De Jesus said. “It was cool because we were with a bunch of different girls. I met a lot of different people and it’s just cool being around people that are at the same level and want the same things as you.”
Gilbert, a four-sport athlete at North Arlington, had a breakout season for the Vikings. Gilbert ran for 657 yards and seven touchdowns, while also catching 31 passes for 268 yards and a score. A safety on defense, Gilbert intercepted five passes, one for a TD. Gilbert was a starting guard on North Arlington’s division championship girls basketball team, while also being a multi-year starter in soccer and softball.
Photo courtesy of Dan Nankivell
Dan Nankivell, Mya De Jesus, Phil Simms and Harrison special teams coordinator Jenn Svec.
OBITUARIES
All obituaries must be submitted by email by 10 a.m., Mondays, to obituaries@ theobserver.com. Payment is due at submission.
Barbara Ann Condon
Barbara Ann Condon, sadly died Sunday, June 21, 2026 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany New York.
The Town of Kearny and especially St. Stephen’s Church has lost a dedicated and loving friend.
Visiting will be on Wednesday, June 24, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny. Mass will be Thursday at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Church, Kearny. She will be buried near her home at the Fish Mountain Cemetery in Lake Pleasant, New York.
Barbara was a member of the Kiwanis Club, the Arlington Woman’s Club and the Chamber of Commerce when she lived in Kearny. She was a very active parishioner and volunteer at St. Stephen’s Church. Currently, she was
Shaw-Buyus
Home for Services
Mario Teixeria, IV, Manager, NJ Lic. #3757
Mario Teixeira, Jr. Director, NJ Lic. #2542 • Monique Teixeira, Director, NJ Lic. #4048
Newly renovated family owned and operated funeral home with multiple locations. 138 DAVIS AVE. • KEARNY, NJ 07032 (201) 991-2265 www.buyusfuneralhome.com
WILFRED ARMITAGE & WIGGINS FUNERAL HOME
Mark G. Wiggins, Manager N.J. Lic. #3916
You will feel as if friends of family have taken over when you entrust funeral arrangements to the Wilfred Armitage Funeral Home. The family-owned firm has been in business for 100 years, serving generations in West Hudson and South Bergen. Its beautiful facilities, in a setting reminiscent of a colonial mansion, reflect the graciousness and tact of its understanding personnel.
Wilfred Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home 596 Belgrove Dr. • Kearny, NJ 07032 (201) 991-0657
a Lake Pleasant, New York, Library Book Club member and Chamber of Commerce member. She was a volunteer driver for the elderly of Hamilton County and was a volunteer for Twigs.
Many would know her from many years of ownership of the Condon Funeral Home in Kearny.
Barbara was the daughter of the late Raymond and Loretta Condon and beloved wife of Jim Svec. She was the loving mother to Christopher Svec (Glenys) and Andrew Svec (Kerri). Sister of Cathie LaVance, Mare Condon, PJ Condon and the late Patti and Ray Condon, she is also survived by her cherished grandchildren Carly, Madison, Lylah, Reagan, Leah and Andrew.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to St. Stephen’s Church in her memory.
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
visit us at: www.mulliganfh.com
In Loving Tribute of Gary Burns
were
devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, and the heart of our family.
I miss your voice, our talks, your guidance, and the quiet comfort of simply having you by my side. Your daughters miss you every day, and your love continues to live on through them, their husbands, and your four grandchildren, with another beautiful grandchild on the way.
We know you are watching over all of us, keeping us safe, and surrounding our family with your love from Heaven. We carry you in our hearts every day and find comfort in the memories, the laughter, the lessons, and the love you gave so freely.
You are forever loved, forever missed, and never forgotten.
North Arlington will see microscopic municipal tax increase
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
Rising health insurance costs and inflation across key sectors have been significant challenges for borough officials, who have adopted a $31.9 million municipal spending plan that uses “wise budgeting” to limit the impact on municipal taxpayers.
For example, health insurance premiums increased by $1.3 million for the 2026 budget, yet North Arlington officials were able to reduce the budgeted amount to $1.089 million.
How?
“Wise budgeting and wise spending,” Borough Administrator Stephen Lo Iacono said. “Over the years, we built a firewall of reserves in case we hit a year with elevated costs. And that firewall worked. We were able to tap into the reserves and significantly limit the municipal tax increase.”
Municipal auditors at Lerch, Vinci & Bliss in Fair Lawn determined the 2026 budget, which raises $20.9 million from local property owners, meets their expectations for structural strength and efficiency. The tax rate is 76¢ per $100 of assessed value.
Lo Iacono said the municipality faced steep increases in garbage and recycling collection, as well as snow removal from a particularly harsh winter. Pension contributions increased by $262,000, state-mandated library funding was up nearly $100,000, and utility costs also saw a significant increase, he said.
NORTH ARLINGTON
Meanwhile, North Arlington was fortunate to have paid off loans on capital expenditures over the past few years, driving down the debt service that had to be funded in the 2026 budget by nearly $1 million.
Instead of facing what some other local towns will face this year, municipal taxes will only increase by $13.91 a month for the average home, assessed at $546,800. The average municipal tax bill will be $4,150, up from $3,983 last year.
Compare those numbers to the cost of living increases, the increases in minimum wage and fuel costs.
“Through rigorous fiscal management, we have officially passed a budget that protects both our workforce and our residents,” Mayor Daniel H. Pronti said. “Even when confronted with sweeping cost increases across healthcare, bulk waste disposal and the general cost of living, this year’s budget features a lower rate increase than last year, defying local economic expectations.
“Most importantly, this was achieved with zero employee layoffs and absolutely no reductions in the high-quality services our residents rely on daily.”
“We’ve set up reserve accounts over the past seven or eight years to prepare for a tough budget,” Lo Iacono said. “It arrived this year. This is the first time we needed to use stop-gap measures to guard against excessive increases.”
“Like all of our residents, the borough has been facing rising costs over the last several years,” Council President Mario Karcic said.
“This year, we are facing a significant cost impact on employee health benefits. This is something that is impacting every municipality and Board of Education in the state. We remain focused on affordability and the real impact to our residents. Through sound financial management and disciplined budgeting, we minimize the tax burden while ensuring our community continues to receive the essential services it relies on every day.”
It is important to note the Mayor and Borough Council oversee only the municipal portion of the tax bill, which also comprises funding for the Board of Education and Bergen County.
Those are separate budgets, with their own tax rates, that are included in the property tax bill.
Robert Ciecwisz SILVER
Aldina Da Costa BRONZE
M Maria Gomes
Maureen Mulligan Paola Merzalde
E.NEWARK 2nd
2 BRs,LR, EIK
OBSERVER CLASSIFIEDS
HARRISON /E.NEW -
ARK 1st Floor, 3 BR’s , 1 Bath, LR, Kitchen, $2400 + 1 months security, Utilities separate Access to yard, Plus storage space No Pets/ Smoking Available Now Call or Text (917)2944024 05W03
HARRISON Newly Renovated, Ground Floor, 1 BR, LR, Kitchen $1500 + 1 months security Utilities Separate. No Pets/Smoking Close to Transportation Available July 1st (973)900-1852 05W03
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) 618-6984 after 11am. 07W03
KEARNY 2 BR’s, LR, EIK $2000 + 1.5 months security Utilities Separate. No Pets/Smoking, Access to Yard Available Now (201)772-9965 05W03
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 for single person Share Bath & Kitchen $750 + 1 months security , Utilities included No Pets/Smoking Available now (973)5738365 06W03
KEARNY 1st floor 2
BR’s, LR & DR Combo $2000 + 1 months security Utilities separate Close to Transportation & Stores No Pets/ Smoking Available now (973)941-2685 05W03
KEARNY 2nd floor, 2
BR’s, LR, Kitchen with Dining area Utilities separate. No pets/ smoking Available July 1st (704)773-6998 05W03
KEARNY 1 large bed
$1,900 Available Now 1.5 months security HT/ HW included, hardwood floors, pets allowed, parking, laundry Se habla español 201-5157078 05W03
KEARNY Newly constructed In the center of Kearny Multiple apartments available 4 BR’s. 2 Baths, Open space LR, DR & Kitchen, Separate utilities. Small Pets. Avl. Now. By Appt. only (201)674-1473 05W03
KEARNY Beautiful renovated. 2nd Floor. 2 BR. LR. DR. EIK. Bath. Hardwood Floors, Hook up in basement. No Pets/ smoking. $2200 + 1 months security. Utilities separate. Available Now (201)772-8401 or (551)274-1527 06W03
KEARNY 1 Bedroom Apt. Newly renovated $1700 + 1M Security Utilities separate 3nd Fl Safe building cameras Avail 7/1 201-9550001 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 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 1st.(201)991-3366 or (201)889-2495 07W03
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 1 BR
$1,695 H/HW included, and 2 BR $1995 + 1.5 months security,Utilities not included No Pets. 2nd floor 3 BR $2300 + 1.5 months security H/HW included No Pets Available Now (973)760-4877 05W03
N.ARLINGTON Excellent area. One min. walk to Bus Stop to NYC. Share kitchen. & Bath No Pets. No smoking. Furnished. Laundry available All utilities included. $900 monthly + One month security. Call (201) 9374861 after 3:15. 05W03
N.ARLINGTON Studio
$1350 + 1.5 Months security. Utilities included. No Pets/No Smoking. 1 person only. Available Now (201)428-8815 Leave text message 06W03
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
KEARNY Newly renovated, Your own sink and refrigerator, is available for single occupant. Located in lovely home, in desirable neighborhood, easy access to transportation No smoking/pets Gentlemen preferred Good credit and 4 weeks security required $155 per week text or call Pamela (973)830-7498 06W03
KEARNY 2 floors 2 BR. 1 Bath. kitchen.LR. $2,100 + 1.5 mth security. Utilities seperate. No Pets/Smoking. Available August 1st (201)232-9319 01W01
KEARNY
OBSERVER CLASSIFIEDS
The Observer is not responsible for typographical errors. Error credits will not be granted. Minimal changes for multiple-week ads are $10 per instance. Refunds are not granted under any circumstances. Help-wanted ad deadline is 2 p.m., Monday, and all ads must be sent by email to classified@theobserver.com. All other classifieds are due by 3 p.m. Monday. All classifieds are pre-paid — there is no billing. Call (201) 991-1600 to place an ad.
LEGAL NOTICES
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
Kearny School District is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided to all children without charge and are the same for all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identify and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service. Meals will be provided, at a first come, first serve basis, at the sites and times as follows:
Lincoln Middle School, 121 Beech Street
Bkfst: 7:45-8:45am/Lunch: 10:40am-11:40am
*Mon-Thu, beginning TUESDAY, June 30 thru July 30, 2026
Franklin Elementary, 100 Davis Avenue Bwwlot: 8-9am/Lunch: 11 :30am-1pm
*Mon-Thu, beginning MONDAY, June 29 thru July 30, 2026
Kearny High School, 336 Devon Street Bkfst: 8-9am/Lunch: llam-12:30pm
*Mon-Thu, beginning TUESDAY, June 30 thru July 30, 2026
*Lunch Only* August 3 thru August 27, 2026 at *Kearny High School*
Mon-Thu, 11:30am-1pm
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identify and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https:// www.usda.eov/oascr/tiline-procv ram-discFim complaint-usda-customer-Compliant-Form0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA.
($58.00 Online 06/17/26)
To Whom It May Concern:
The regular meeting of the Kearny Planning Board is scheduled for Wednesday, July 1st, 2026, at 7:30 pm in the Council Chambers at 402 Kearny Avenue, Kearny, NJ 07032. The extent of the agenda is as follows:
#608 Proeng Investments LLC 95, 97-101 Ivy Street Minor Subdivision application. #609 Princia Contin 80-84 Forest Street
Major Subdivision and variance applications. #610 Liana Investments LLC 24 Johnston Avenue Preliminary & Final Site Plan and Variance applications.
By: Jennifer Diaz, Board Secretary ($25.00 Online 06/17/26)
Public Information Center Meeting Notice Manhattan Avenue Retaining Wall, Union City, NJ
Members of the public are invited to attend a Public Information Center meeting to inform the public, property owners, officials, and local businesses about the proposed long-term repair plans for the retaining walls along Manhattan Avenue in Union City, NJ. More information is available on the Project Website at www.ManhattanAveWall.com.
The purpose of this meeting will be to provide an update on the Preliminary Preferred Alternative, explain refinements to the design, and solicit feedback from the public and stakeholders. There will be a brief presentation at approximately 6:30 PM, and project team members will be available to answer questions.
If you are unable to attend the Public Information Cetner in person, then you may attend via Microsoft Teams: https://bit.ly/44e9VIO Meeting ID# 218 820 464 766 933 Passcode: GA7sU6QJ
All are welcome.
Date: July 7th, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (presentation at 6:30 PM)
Place: William V. Musto Cultural Center Gallery, 420 15th Street, Union City, NJ 07087
Written comments will be accepted through August 7th, 2026. Comments may be mailed or emailed to:
Kieran Stratton
Public Involvement Specialist
Stokes Creative Group, Inc. 3223 NJ-38, Suite 201 Mt Laurel Township, NJ 08054 kstrattton@stokescg.com
Public Comments and suggestions can also be submitted online via the Project Website at: www. ManhattanAvenueWall.com/contact/ ($36.00 Online 06/19/26)
EMPLOYMENT/HELP WANTED
Job Opening
Building Subcode Official / Building Inspector Under direction of the Construction Official, has the subordinate administrative responsibility for administering the Building Subcode of the NJ State Uniform Construction Code, and inspects all buildings and construction projects to ensure that compliance with plans and specifications is achieved; does other related duties as needed. Applicants must possess a valid license as an HHS Building Subcode Official issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, wwwas well as a valid NJ driver’s license. Full job description can be found at https://info.csc.state. nj.us/jobspec/05048.htm Starting Salary $87,394. Full-time position, 35 hours per week, with full benefits package and PERS pension. Applications can be downloaded at https://www.kearnynj.org/ jobopportunities/Applications and resumes must be submitted to the Personnel Department at 410 Kearny Avenue, Kearny, NJ 07032.
The Town of Kearny is an equal opportunity employer 01W08
DRIVER needed for Newark based wholesale seafood company No CDL required. Must have current NJ Driver license Please Call 973-623-8989 05W03
Part Time Bookkeeper
Must have accounting background, flexible hours, must learn our bookkeeping system duties to include: financials which include balance sheet, income statements, reconciliation, if interested please call Tricia at 973-284-0900 or email at: tb@patricianassoc.com
06W03
Job Opening:
Summer Lifeguard Town of Kearny is seeking Lifeguards for summer open swim program. Valid Lifeguard training and CPR certification required. The program runs from June 23, 2026, through August 22,2026. $15 - $21/hr , 35 Hours per week, with mandatory Saturdays. Application can be downloaded at https://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/. Applications and resumes must be submitted to the Personnel Department at 410 Kearny Avenue, Kearny, NJ 07032. The Town of Kearny is an equal opportunity employer 05W03
PART-TIME FIRE PREVENTION SPECIALIST KEARNY FIRE DEPARTMENT
Seeking qualified applicant to perform fire inspections and code enforcement activities. Must possess a current NJ Fire Inspector License (Fire Official License accepted). Starting hourly rate: $33.00, up to 24 hours per week.
Full job description can be found at https://info.csc.nj.gov/jobspec/06356.htm
Applications can be downloaded at https://www.kearnynj.org/job-opportunities/ Resumes and applications should be submitted to the Personnel Department, 410 Kearny Avenue, Kearny, NJ 07032.
Position will remain open until filled.
The Town of Kearny is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
06W03
Operations Research Analysts (Newark, NJ), Research/analyze e-commerce, wholesale, trading info for smooth transition into new systm/procedure. MA in Bus. Admin, Mgmt, Finance, or rltd + 2 yrs of relevant exp. Resume to KIR International USA Inc, 17 New York Ave, Newark, NJ 07105
07W01
Senior Data Engineer/Analyst New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII) (Newark, NJ) - Salary Range: $77,272.00 to $105,000.00/year. Must have proof of legal authorization to work in U.S. Apply online at https://www.njii.com/careers (under Posting Number 990158984). To view full information about the job opportunities including the full job description, related occupation, education and experience requirements and benefits offered please refer to the internet posting at https://www. njii.com/careers under Posting Number above. 07W01
OBSERVER CLASSIFIEDS
Each West Hudson town receiving major Hudson Open Space Grants
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
HMaintenance
soil *Mulch Free Estimate (201) 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
udson County Executive Craig Guy revealed the 2026 Hudson County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund award recommendations, and West Hudson stands to benefit, again, significantly. The proposal represent more than $12.4 million in funding for projects that will create and improve parks, recreational facilities, and historic sites throughout Hudson County.
The announcement was delivered at an event in Secaucus, where Guy highlighted the town’s acquisition of 1.12 acres of new parkland. The site of the park will allow for a better connection from Meadow Lane to the Hackensack River, Secaucus Greenway and Farm Road Park.
Event attendees included Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners Anthony Romano, East Newark Parks Department Director Maguire Branigan and Harrison’s Principal Accountant Gregory Goode.
The 2026 Open Space Trust Fund award recommendations will be voted on for approval by the Hudson County Board of Commissioners later this year. The recommendations include 19 projects across Hudson County municipalities. Recommended funding includes two brand-new park developments, improvements to 13 parks, two recreation facilities, one land acquisition and one historic preservation project.
families to gather, and residents to enjoy the outdoors while strengthening the communities they call home.”
Locally, Kearny will receive $600,000 for phase II of the Crew House renovations on Passaic Avenue. This will include a second-floor expansion for lockers, restrooms, training rooms, multi-purpose meeting space for teams and community events, a new women’s locker room, ADA-compliant features, including accessible pathways and an elevator and a flood-resistant design. Last year, the town received $750,000 for phase I of the project.
“I am grateful to the county executive for funding phase II of the Kearny Crew Boathouse project,” Kearny Mayor Carol Jean Doyle said. “The additional space will allow us to host crew team and community meetings, it will create additional space for the four communities that use the crew house for rowing — and making the entire site ADA-compliant is exactly what we need.”
East Newark, meanwhile, will receive $300,000 for renovations to Veterans Playground and Water Park.
HUDSON COUNTY
A new spray park and rubber safety surfaces will be installed. Last year, the borough received $400,000 in funding.
Harrison, lastly, will receive $400,000 for the William Street Public Park project. The newly acquired land will transform into a modern ADA-compliant playground with new pathways, seating areas, landscaped greenery, decorative fencing and lighting
“The Hudson County Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund represents the county’s commitment to improving quality of life in every municipality we serve,” Guy said. “Even during challenging times, investing in parks, recreation, and open space remains essential. These projects create safe places for children to play,
Additional recommended projects for 2026 include new athletic fields, upgraded playgrounds, recreation facility improvements and historic preservation initiatives throughout Hudson County.
The program was created in 2003 by then-Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise with approval from the Hudson County Board of Commissioners.
-Rami Alrabaa
