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News from the Kearny Police blotter

Recent reports from the Kearny Police Department blotter included, but were not limited to, the following:

April 12

At 7 p.m., Vice Unit detectives spotted a vehicle double-parked on the 800 block of Devon St., the same car they had seen earlier that evening occupied by a known drug offender who was wanted on a warrant. When they approached the car at 7, however, they found it to be occupied by another individual — one who, police said, was observed trying to pop a pill. He reportedly was attempting to ingest Oxycodone. Charged with possession of a CDS, being under the influence of a CDS, and hindering apprehension by trying to hide evidence was Domingo J. Armental, 40, of Kearny. Motor vehicle summonses were issued for double-parking and possession of a CDS in a motor vehicle. The wanted person seen in the car earlier was no longer in it.

April 13

At 2 a.m., Sgt. John Becker stopped a vehicle for tailgating at Kearny Ave. and Dukes St. and observed a person in the back seat crouching low and apparently trying to conceal something. After an inquiry and their reported detection of a strong odor of marijuana, Becker and his backup, P.O. Ben Wuelfing, arrested 23-yearold West Washington, N.J., resident Richard Ferreira on charges of possession of marijuana and of paraphernalia and on an outstanding warrant from Washington Township.

At 6:30 p.m., P.O. Jose Resua stopped a vehicle on Devon Terrace after his mobile- computer inquiry found the owner to be wanted and suspended, police said. Jorge Guillen, 47, of Newark was arrested for driving while suspended and on a $400 outstanding Newark, warrant and his car was impounded for being unregistered.

April 14

P.O. Frank West responded to a 2:30 p.m. report of a man harassing people at Kearny and Laurel Aves. The man, a 32-year-old South Orange resident, denied harassing anyone, said he was down on his luck and was just looking for money for food and coffee, and wished the officer a “Happy Father’s Day.” Shortly thereafter, West observed the same man drinking a beer on Kearny Ave., suds he is thought to have purchased with his coffee money. He was cited for drinking in public and transported at his request to Penn Station.

April 15

In another case of locked-out and locked-up, P.O. Brian Wisely did come upon a vehicle blocking a driveway on the 200 block of Kearny Ave. at 6 p.m. and did approach a female who was standing alongside it. She claimed she had locked herself out of the car but had just regained access as the officer arrived. One of the windows was down, and Wisely reportedly detected a strong odor of marijuana.

Under questioning, the woman admitted she had just ingested the drug inside the car, police said. A search of the vehicle reportedly uncovered three bags of marijuana, 14 partially smoked marijuana cigars and an open bottle of alcohol. Kearny resident Idalina Fidalgo, 28, was charged with possession of pot and paraphernalia and was issued traffic summonses for blocking a driveway and open alcohol in a vehicle.

At 6:38 p.m., Officers Rich Pawlowski and Pat Becker were on patrol in the 590 tract off the Belleville Pike when they observed two men leaving a warehouse through a broken door and placing brand new packages of copier toner cartridges into a vehicle, police said. When questioned, the men claimed they had permission to take the items, but police said the distributor confirmed they were stealing the items, valued at an estimated $1,000. Arrested and charged with criminal trespass and receiving stolen property were Abdulla Barr, 38, of East Orange, and Howard Ruddock, 39, of Irvington, who was also found to have on outstanding warrant from Elizabeth.

April 17

At 1:10 p.m., Detective Mike Gonzalez and Sgt. Paul Bershefski arrested Scott Huaman, 22, of Kearny, on the 200 block of Chestnut St. on an outstanding warrant issued by Clifton. A search incident to that arrest found that Huaman was in possession of two marijuana cigarettes, police said, and he was additionally charged with possession of a CDS and paraphernalia.

At 2:06 p.m., P.O. John Fabula observed 27-year-old Sidnei Antunes (no known address) on the steps of the Kearny Library and arrested him on an outstanding warrant issued by the Kearny Municipal Court. He was transported to headquarters for processing.

P.O. Officer Ben Wuelfing was dispatched to a noise complaint on the 200 block of Maple St. at 11:30 p.m. and arrived to find a doubleparked vehicle obstructing traffic. When the occupant, Piero Duilio-Soto, 26, of Kearny, opened the window, there was a strong odor of marijuana and Wuelfing observed several partially smoked marijuana cigarettes / cigars in the interior, police said. Soto was charged criminally with possession of a CDS and paraphernalia and issued summonses for being double parked, having a CDS in a motor vehicle and failure to exhibit proof of insurance.

Shortly before 10 p.m., Kearny units were alerted to a hit-and-run accident on Liberty St. involving a silver Jeep and were notified that a concerned citizen was following the fleeing vehicle. The Jeep was located in a private driveway on Hillcrest Road by Officers Chris Medina and Giovanni Rodriguez and Capt. John Gouveia. Police said the woman behind the wheel, identified as 19-yearold Kearny resident Jenna Marino, took the keys from the ignition, threw them to her male passenger and told him to say he was driving, apparently not thinking that the cops would hear this.

Given the prior accident, the fact that she was not in her own driveway and that she gave off a heavy odor of alcohol, Marino was administered field sobriety tests and placed under arrest for DWI, police said. Transported to HQ, where she was administered an alcotest, Marino allegedly became hostile and combative, punched Medina in the stomach, kicked him in the leg and attempted to bite another officer. In addition to DWI, leaving the scene of an accident and reckless driving, she was also charged with aggravated assault on a police officer.

April 18

Officers Ben Wuelfing, Kevin Canaley and Chris Medina responded to the area of Oakwood Ave. and Devon St. at 3 a.m. on a report of suspicious persons tampering with parked cars. Shortly after arriving, they detained two individuals reportedly known to them from past police encounters. While interviewing the pair, the officers were informed by concerned citizens that the two had entered at least two vehicles, and a check of the area uncovered two GPS units that had apparently been dropped at the curb on the officers’ arrival, police said. The GPS units were activated by the officers and their respective owners were notified of the theft and recovery of their property.

Arrested were a 17-yearold Kearny male and 18-yearold Kearny resident Daniel Tammaro, who allegedly was in possession of two Vicodin pills. Both were charged with attempted burglary and conspiracy to commit burglary, and Tammaro was additionally charged with possession of a prescription-legend drug.

April 19

At 1:25 p.m., Officer Jack Grimm was on patrol at Bergen and Kearny Aves. when he observed an individual rush out of a bank and head toward Kearny Ave. However, when the man noticed the officer, he quickly reversed direction and appeared to conceal himself behind a parked van, police said. Grimm left the patrol car, searched the area on foot and located him a few moments later in the rear of an eating establishment. The 40-year-old Paterson resident, Daniel LaRock, reportedly admitted he had no business in the bank and was looking to get some money from passersby. Police said a warrant check found that LaRock was wanted by New Brunswick and Irvington. He was placed under arrest and later turned over to the New Brunswick police.

–Karen Zautyk

Spa opens

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Jasmine Foot Spa, 397 Kearny Ave., Kearny, celebrated its grand opening on April 9. At the event, from l., are: owners Sandy Sun and David Cheng flanking Mayor Alberto Santos, an unidentified well-wisher, and Town Council members Carol Jean Doyle, Eileen Eckel and Susan McCurrie.

Around Town

Belleville

Save Monday, May 20, for Clara Maass Medical Center Foundation’s annual golf invitational at the Montclair Golf Club. Proceeds from the links event benefit the programs and services of Clara Maass Medical Center. To register, or for more information, visit www.claramaassfoundation.org or contact the foundation at 973-450-2277.

East Newark

West Hudson Brave Women Fighting Breast Cancer meets on the last Friday of every month from 7 to 9 p.m. at the East Newark Senior Center, 37 President St. The group will provide an atmosphere of warmth and comfort for patients and family. For more information, call Emma at 201-998-6828, Rosa 201-246- 7750, Fatima 973-485-4236 or email emidura2@yahoo.com. Together we will fight this disease.

Harrison

Holy Cross Church announces last call for an eight-day cruise, Aug. 22-29 from New York City and an Atlantic City bus trip to Taj Mahal on May 5.

Call Joan for more information at 973-481-2434.

Family Music Studio is offering Suzuki Early Childhood Education classes for ages up through 3. These fun and educational classes provide active exposure to music and lay the foundation for future instrumental study. Classes are Tuesdays at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Czestochowa, 115 S. 3rd St., 4th floor, Harrison. The teacher, Lillian Bielinski, has an M.A. degree in music and teaching certification in the Suzuki Method. Contact Lillian at 913-645-9511 or e-mail her at lillianbielinski@gmail. com for more information.

Kearny

Kearny Public Library, 318 Kearny Ave., will present an afterschool Story Time with Stuart Little, sponsored by the West Hudson Arts and Theater Company on Tuesday, April 23, at 4:30 p.m. in the library’s Children’s Room. This program is free.

Stuart Little will be on hand for an afternoon of fun stories and surprises. It’s a preview of what’s ahead with a production of “Stuart Little” offered by the West Hudson Arts and Theater on the weekend of April 27–28 at the W.H.A.T. theater, 131 Midland Ave., Kearny. Free tickets will be available for children who attend this special Story Time event.

For more information on library programs, call the library at 201-998-2666 or visit www.kearnylibrary.org. For more information on upcoming W.H.A.T. performances, check out whatco.org.

Kearny Public Library will present a free program on the Jersey Devil on Wednesday, April 24, at 7 p.m., featuring a lecture by Brian Regal, assistant professor of the history of science at Kean University. Regal has lectured and presented papers at Columbia University, Princeton and the University of Oxford in England. More recently, his work has centered on cryptozoology and the study of monsters. His newest book is called “Searching for Sasquatch,” and he has published several articles on a range of interesting subjects, including sea serpents, werewolves and Bigfoot.

Snacks and beverages will be served. For more information on this or other programs, call 201-998-2666 or visit www.kearnylibrary.org.

The Kearny Public Library’s Book Discussion Group will host a Gift-a-Book Event in honor of William Shakespeare’s birthday on Wednesday, April 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. on the main floor of the Main Library. Come one, come all and choose from a vast selection of recent and past bestsellers in great condition. Any and all donations will be used to benefit the library’s Book Club fund.

The group, which meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. on the lower level of the Main Library, will next meet on May 8 to discuss Erik Larson’s nonfiction book, “In the Garden of Beasts,” a vivid portrait of Berlin during the first years of Hitler’s reign, as chronicled by American ambassador William Dodd. Copies of the book are available at the Main Library while supplies last.

Kearny Public Library will host a free film screening of “Gasland” about gas hydraulic fracturing, also known as “fracking,” on May 1 at 7 p.m. on the library’s lower level. Free organic popcorn and refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Matt Smith at msmith@fwwatch.org or call 201-321-1967.

The Kearny Police Department will be participating in the DEA Operation Take Back 2013 on April 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Kearny Police Department, 237 Laurel Ave.

Residents are encouraged to turn in unwanted, unused or expired medications, over the counter or prescription. This is an anonymous no questions asked program.

Kearny UNICO is sponsoring a 50-50 raffle as a fundraiser for its scholarship fund and other charities. Tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10. The raffle will be drawn at 8:30 p.m. at the chapter’s May 2 meeting at Siena Ristorante, Kearny and Quincy Aves. Tickets may be obtained from any Kearny UNICO member or by contacting Chapter President Lou Pandolfi at 201-368-2409.

Kearny UNICO is sponsoring a “Flapjack Fundraiser” at Kearny Applebee’s on Saturday, May 4, from 8 to 10 a.m. Tickets are $10 each and include pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, juice and coffee or tea. Tickets are available from any Kearny UNICO member.

Kearny UNICO is sponsoring a fund-raising spring bus trip to the Showboat Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City on Sunday, May 19. Cost is $30 per person with $25 in slot credit back from the casino. A bus will depart at 8:30 a.m. from the parking lot of Kearny Federal Savings on Kearny Ave. in Kearny. For more information or tickets, contact Pandolfi.

The Presbyterian Boys- Girls Club, 663 Kearny Ave., will hold a Tricky Tray on Saturday, April 27, at 6 p.m. Admission is $15. Buy tickets in advance.

Refreshments will be served. For tickets, call Vanessa Vieira at 201-334-8336 or email v_vieira28@yahoo.com.

Thistle FC United U 15 girls will hold open tryouts for the 2013-2014 season on May 6 and 13 at 8 p.m. at Harvey Field, 280 Schuyler Ave., Kearny.

The team will train in the fall for competition in highlevel tournaments. During the winter, the team will train and compete indoors and in the spring will play in an elite league and participate in highlevel tournaments.

To be eligible, players must have been born on or after Aug. 1, 1998.

For more information contact Coach Pepe Rodriguez at peprodriguez13@gmail.com.

St. Stephen’s School of Religious Education, 131 Midland Ave., Kearny, is holding registration for next year’s CCD classes. Forms are available at the school’s office or at St. Stephen’s rectory, 141 Washington Ave. Call 201-991-3271 or 201- 998-3314 for more information.

Lyndhurst

A flea market and swap meet will be held on Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Quality Inn, 10 Polito Ave., Lyndhurst. Collectibles, military, household and tropical fish-related items will be available.

North Jersey Aquarium Society will hold a tropical fish auction on Sunday, April 28, at the Quality Inn, Lyndhurst. The auction will include tropical fish, plants and related items and $5 bidder cards. Registration will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The auction starts at noon.

The Humane Society of Bergen County/Lost Pet, Inc., 221-223 Stuyvesant Ave., Lyndhurst, will hold its annual meeting on April 30. The public is welcome. Officers will be elected. For more information, call 201-896-9300. The Humane Society has a supply of dog food both canned and dry available to anyone who cannot afford it due to unemployment, disability or any other financial difficulty. Hours are: Monday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Lyndhurst Health Department, 601 Riverside Ave., will host a stroke, aneurysm, osteoporosis and vascular disease screening provided by Life Line Screening on Wednesday, May 8. The price varies with each screening. Pre-registration is required. Appointments can be made with Life Line at 1-800-324-1851 or receive a $10 discount off your package by signing up at www.lifelinescreening.com/community-partners.

The Woman’s Club of Lyndhurst is sponsoring a trip to Mt. Airy Casino and shopping at the Commons on Monday, June 3. A bus will leave from the New Jersey Transit Lot at 8:30 a.m. and return at 7 p.m. Cost of the trip is $30. Anyone interested call Janet Ritigliano at 201-935-1208.

The Polish American Citizens Club, 730 New Jersey Ave., Lyndhurst, will sponsor a trip to Nashville, Tenn. (seven days, six nights; six breakfasts and four dinners). The bus will leave on July 28 at 8 a.m. and return Aug. 3.

Cost is $625 with a $75 deposit at signing; final payment is due May 21. For more information, call Alice at 201- 935-3830.

The Township of Lyndhurst will host Lyndhurst Day, on Saturday, May 11. Admission is free. Events start at 9 a.m. with a 7th and 8th grade track meet at Lyndhurst High School track, “Kids On The Move” event for younger children (bouncy house, face painting, etc.), Swim-a-Thon at the community pool benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and a 5K Run/Fitness Walk benefiting Tomorrow’s Children Fund, beginning at Town Hall Park, followed by a Health, Safety, and Life Expo at Town Hall Park, Delafield and Court Aves., at 11 a.m. with over 100 informational booths, health screenings, a Police Department SWAT team demonstration, and appearances by Anthony Lagruth, maestro of the Garden State Philharmonic, and Kevin Rooney, winner of TV’s “Chopped.”

There will be giveaways, food and entertainment, including Soul Xpress and the Jersey Four (a tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons). For various registration forms and more information on all of these events, visit www.lyndhurstnj.org.

The Lyndhurst Health Department, 601 Riverside Ave., Suite 1, will hold its annual free eye screening on Wednesday, May 15, at 1:30 pm. This exam, performed by Dr. John Favetta, will check for vision acuity, visual field, and glaucoma. On Friday, May 17, Clara Maass Medical Center will sponsor a free breakfast and lecture on eye care at 10 a.m. at the Lyndhurst Health Department. Call 201-804- 2500 for an appointment.

The Lyndhurst Elks is running a bus trip to the Sands in Bethlehem, Pa., on May 19. Cost is $30 per person you get $20 back in slots and $5 for food. Bus will leave the Lyndhurst Elks, 247 Park Ave., at 9 a.m. and return at 6 p.m. For tickets, call Julie at 201-424-2659.

North Arlington

Dr. Richard Ekstein will donate free dental services on Saturday, April 27, with the help of Mellissa Porcile, Liz Gutierrez, Sharon Long, and staff. Free teeth cleaning, fillings, extractions and any other dental work which can be performed in one visit will be provided to those who are unemployed or who are the spouse or child of someone unemployed. Call 201-991-1228, ext. 2, for Stephanie, to reserve your appointment time. Appointments will be accepted between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The Senior Harmony Club of North Arlington has scheduled a trip to the Taj Mahal Casino on Tuesday, May 7. Cost is $25. Call Florence at 201-991-3173 for more information or reservations.

North Arlington Public Library, 210 Ridge Road, will host “How Mighty Adult of You for Listening to My Problems,” a teen poetry event on Saturday, April 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will feature Kearny children and teen author/poet Laurie Perrone (www.plaidflowers.com). Teens are invited to come and recite. The event will also feature poetry of high school students from Kearny and North Arlington. There will be refreshments and prizes.

Registration for the North Arlington’s summer recreation program has begun and will continue through May 24, Registration will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Youth Center, 1 Legion Pl. (behind Borough Hall, next to the firehouse). Space in the program is limited.

The recreation program runs from June 24 through August 16 for children ages 4 to 10.

For questions about the program, please call 201-997-7709.

Nutley

The Nutley Golden Age Club will sponsor its annual trip to Wildwood from June 3 to 6. The trip includes four days, three nights lodging, three breakfasts, lunch, two full-course dinners, tour of the Renault Wintery, dolphin watch sightseeing cruise and more. Cost is $375 per person double occupancy, which includes transportation, lodging, luggage handling, taxes and gratuities. Call Jo Ann Andriola at 973-418-5015 for reservations. Deposits will be accepted no later than May 20.

The Nutley-Belleville Columbus Day Parade Committee will host its fifth annual “Taste Of Italy” on Sunday, April 28, at the Nutley Parks and Recreation Building, 44 Park Ave. From 2 to 5 p.m. attendees will savor a wide assortment of dishes, desserts and coffee from more than 25 local Italian restaurants. Come enjoy the food, music, door prizes and support the area’s largest Columbus Day Parade. Tickets are $25. For more information, call 973-477-5072.

Join the Pen to Prose Writing Group at the Nutley Public Library, 93 Booth Drive, on May 20, at 6:30 p.m. as poet Maya Stein tells how she set out by bicycle from Amherst, Mass., and rode for 40 days and more than 1,200 miles to Milwaukee, Wis., toting a typewriter behind her, stopping in various communities and enlisting people in a collaborative writing experiment.

All writers are encouraged to bring their work to share with the group during the critique hour in which Stein will participate. Learn more about Stein at http://www.mayastein.com.

Nutley Health Department, in partnership with Department of Parks and Public Property, will host a “Shed Pounds with Hounds” event on Sunday, April 28, in Kingsland Park from 1 to 3 p.m. Residents are invited to walk with their dogs in designated areas throughout the park, and visit a number of caninerelated displays, workshops, and veterinarians. There will also be a meet and greet with “Daniel the Wonder Beagle.”

The event will begin at the Rutgers St. and Passaic Ave. entrance. The ASPCA has designated April as “Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Month.”

Kearny girls win Hudson County Relays championship

Members of the Kearny girls’ track and field team that won the Hudson County Interscholastic Athletic League Relay Championships get together on the track at the high school. Front row, from l., are Amber Crispin, Aislinn Sroczynski, Erika Alzamora, Bianca Torales, Maria Angulo and Omayma Saadani. Back row, from l., are assistant coach Jim Cifelli, assistant coach Vin Almeida, Mandie Lavelle, Wendy Carranza, Chelsea DaSilva, Mariah Davilla, Haley Durning, Anna Czykier, Justine Curtis, Noemi Campos, Lissette Villata, head coach Al Perez and assistant coach John Kryzanowski.

Photo by Al Perez Members of the Kearny girls’ track and field team that won the Hudson County Interscholastic Athletic League Relay Championships get together on the track at the high school. Front row, from l., are Amber Crispin, Aislinn Sroczynski, Erika Alzamora, Bianca Torales, Maria Angulo and Omayma Saadani. Back row, from l., are assistant coach Jim Cifelli, assistant coach Vin Almeida, Mandie Lavelle, Wendy Carranza, Chelsea DaSilva, Mariah Davilla, Haley Durning, Anna Czykier, Justine Curtis, Noemi Campos, Lissette Villata, head coach Al Perez and assistant coach John Kryzanowski.

 

 

 

By Jim Hague

Observer Sports Writer

Before the Hudson County Interscholastic Athletic League Relays Championships were held recently, Kearny head track and field coach Al Perez thought his girls’ squad had a solid chance to come away with the team title – even though Kearny had never won a league title in Hudson County before.

“I felt we had a good shot,” Perez said. “We were targeting it as one of our goals in the preseason. We lost by a few points in the indoor relays, so we were targeting the outdoor as our main goal. We felt we had a full team healthy and a stronger team.”

The HCIAL Relays was a two-day event at Jersey City’s Lincoln Park. To be able to have a chance to win the team crown, you have to do well in the first day of competition, with three field events on the slate.

“We won the javelin, came in second in the long jump and fourth in the discus,” Perez said. “That gave us 22 points and we were in the lead. We felt we had a lot of our stronger events coming up. To do well in the first three events was very promising.”

Lisette Villalta and Melanie Garcia combined to throw 160 feet, eight inches in the javelin to capture the gold. The long jump relay just missed coming away with first place by a combined distance of a foot and a half. The discus relay was a solid fourth.

But the 22 team points gave the Kardinals something to build on for the rest of the meet.

“The first event on Saturday was the 4×1,600-meter relay,” Perez said. “We won that and from that point, I felt pretty good.”

The quartet of Wendy Carranza, Noemi Campos, Aislinn Scrozynski and Erika Alzamora came home in 24:31, some 18 seconds ahead of runner-up Memorial, and the Kards were well on their way.

“Erika was able to cruise home in that race, so we were able to keep her strong for races later in the day,” Perez said. “Aislinn and Erika have emerged as leaders on the team and that’s really been a blessing. It gives us a foundation for every meet, to be able to rely on them. They’re a great 1-2 punch.”

The two junior leaders combined with Mariah Davilla and Anna Czkier to win the 4×800- meter relay as well in 10:49.7.

Not to be outdone, Scrozynski and Alzamora also led the Kards to victory in the 4×400-meter relay, running with Czkier and Justine Curtis, crossing the line in 4:32.3.

It meant that Scrozynski and Alzamora combined to give the Kards an astounding 30 team points.

Senior standout Haley Durning, who competed in the high jump, high hurdles, intermediate hurdles and high jump, collected four medals. She combined with Amber Crispin to win the high jump in 9-2, finished second in the long jump and was second in both hurdles relays.

“She was great,” Perez said of Durning, who contributed 34 team points. “She does everysports thing we ask of her.”

The end result was 102 points, compared to runnerup North Bergen, which had 80.

“To win a team title, you need to score in almost every event,” Perez said. “That’s what we did. We scored a lot.”

The Kardinals only failed to receive a medal in the 4×100- meter relay. The rest of the meet, the Kards were golden.

“It was a great day,” Perez said. “We never won before. We came close a couple times, but never won. This was something that we were going after to try to win.”

Perez gave credit to some of his unsung heroes, like Mariah Davilla.

“She was excellent,” Perez said. “She does a bunch of things for us, from the 200-meter to the 1,600, as well as the long jump and triple jump as well. She’s matured a lot and developed a lot of mental toughness.”

Sophomore Chelsea DaSilva was also impressive, competing in the hurdles for the first time and helping the Kards come away with two gold medals.

“It was nice to get the whole team involved,” Perez said. “A meet like this is truly a team effort. It was a bit of a challenge for the kids and the coaches, especially with the strategy involved, putting the right kids in the right places.”

Perez credited assistant coach Jim Cifelli for helping with the strategy.

“We went back and forth a couple times with it, over which kids to use,” Perez said. “Jim was a big help.”

And the Kardinals had a county championship to celebrate.

“It really is a nice feeling,” Perez said. “They all came together to get it done. It was a very good meet for us.”

Trying year for Belleville softball

Photo by Jim Hague Junior Jenna Lombardi has become the starting pitcher for the Belleville softball program after the injury to Sarah Guy.

Photo by Jim Hague
Junior Jenna Lombardi has become the starting pitcher for the Belleville softball program after the injury to Sarah Guy.

 

By Jim Hague

Observer Sports Writer

For the first six years of his tenure as the head coach of the Belleville High School softball program, Chris Cantarella saw his fair share of success.

“We won seven games the first year, then had 15 wins the next,” Cantarella said. “Then, we won 18 games three years in a row. We were ranked among the Top 20 in the state for a while.”

However, last year, Cantarella saw the bottom drop out. Fielding a very inexperienced and young team, the Buccaneers won only two games.

“It was tough,” Cantarella said.

Cantarella was hoping for better things in 2013, but that hasn’t been the case, as Belleville has struggled to a 1-9 record.

Last Friday afternoon, the Buccaneers played neighboring rival Bloomfield well for four innings, then suffered through one bad inning that led to another, resulting in yet another loss.

“Unfortunately, that’s been the case,” Cantarella said. “It just seems to be our M.O. We play well for three or four innings, then one thing leads to the next and at the end of the game, we’ve lost again.”

However, Cantarella can’t praise the collective attitude of his team enough.

“Even though we were losing, 11-0, you would think we were winning, by the way they were cheering and had each other’s back,” Cantarella said. “We keep trying hard, but we have that one bad inning that kills us.”

Last week, the Buccaneers dropped a 1-0 contest to Kearny, which has only one loss all season. That run came in the top of the seventh inning.

“It could be tougher than what it is, but the girls are the reason why I keep with it,” Cantarella said. “They’re coming to practice every day and working hard to get better. They are all working to get better and that’s a positive. I see the positive signs every day, a little thing here and there. I see improvements.”

In the game against Bloomfield last Friday, Cantarella said that his team had better at-bats.

“We had better swings on the ball and worked the count a little better,” Cantarella said. “I have to be able to take the little positive things that come out of every game. We come back the next day and practice hard again. I tell the girls that you might get knocked down, but you get back up and try again.”

Cantarella also knows that the losing can’t continue.

“It’s just one of those things where they’re learning to execute now,” Cantarella said. “It’s just a matter of time. If we keep playing hard, eventually, we’re going to break out of it, get some momentum going and win a few.”

It’s going to be harder now that sophomore right-hander Sarah Guy suffered two herniated discs in her back and might miss the rest of the season.

“Sarah was the one who held Kearny down in that game,” Cantarella said.

Luckily for the Bucs, junior Jenna Lombardi, a transfer from Immaculate Conception of Lodi, has returned home to Belleville to pitch for the Bucs.

“Jenna has pitched well,” Cantarella said of his lefty starter. “She mixes up her pitches well. She has a nice changeup. She’s a tough kid who works hard. We just have to make the plays behind her.”

The catcher is senior Frankieann Fontana.

“She’s a four-year starter who has done a little bit of everything for us,” Cantarella said. “She was first our designated player as a freshman, then she pitched a little. She played first base last year and now she’s our catcher. She’s our senior leader.”

Fontana will play college softball next fall at Neumann College in Pennsylvania, keeping a tradition of Belleville softball products moving on to the next level.

Senior Noelle Agosta is the team’s first baseman. Agosta was an outfielder last year.

Junior Keana Falcon is the second baseman. This is Falcon’s first year of varsity softball.

Senior Desiree Santiago is the shortstop. She played third base last year and second base as a sophomore.

“We’ve moved her all over,” Cantarella said.

Junior Amanda Vazquez is the team’s third baseman.

The Buccaneers have a pair of sisters manning the outfield. Sophomore Samantha Samaniego is the left fielder, with junior Alisson Samaniego in center. Erika Santiago (no relation to the shortstop) is the right fielder and Jaclyn Sales is the team’s designated player.

Cantarella is trying to keep a stiff upper lip. He doesn’t want to see the Belleville softball program to struggle.

“I see little things here and there and that keeps me going,” Cantarella said. “I can see the improvement from March 15 to March 30, from April 1 to April 15. We’re making strides. We’re getting there.”

It’s good to see someone as dedicated and devoted as Chris Cantarella keeping a positive approach, because the Belleville softball program needs him to remain on track. He’s good for high school sports and great for that program. The last two years have been hiccups. He’s better and the program will be better than what they’ve shown.

Harrison’s Dolaghan, NA’s Fego share honors after pitching gems

Photos by Jim Hague LEFT: Harrison junior right-handed pitcher Tom Dolaghan. RIGHT: North Arlington senior right-handed pitcher Ryan Fego.

Photos by Jim Hague
LEFT: Harrison junior right-handed pitcher Tom Dolaghan. RIGHT: North Arlington senior right-handed pitcher Ryan Fego.

 

By Jim Hague

Observer Sports Writer

It was a pitching matchup that will go down as one of the best showdowns in local high school baseball history.

“I’ve never seen anything like it in my coaching career,” North Arlington head coach Paul Marcantuono said. “That’s either one of my pitchers or an opposing pitcher. It was an incredible performance for both kids.”

“No, definitely not,” Harrison head coach Sean Dolaghan said. “The first nine innings were over in an hour and 20 minutes. They were mowing people down and moving along. And it was two different pitching styles.”

North Arlington had senior right-hander Ryan Fego on the hill. Harrison had junior righty Tom Dolaghan. Combined, they put on a pitching clinic that will last a lifetime.

Neither pitcher gained the victory. Neither suffered the loss. They both pitched lights out into the gloaming, into dusk.

Dolaghan pitched nine scoreless innings, allowing just four singles while striking out 10.

Fego pitched 10 scoreless frames, also allowing just four hits. But Fego fanned an astounding 19 batters while walking just one. Fego’s 19 strikeouts is the third highest single game mark in the state this season and set a new school record.

Harrison won the game, 1-0, in 11 innings, but everyone is still buzzing about the performances of the two starters who matched zeroes all afternoon.

“He threw 125 pitches in 10 innings with 90 for strikes,” Marcantuono said of his ace. “I think he has more talent than he thinks he has. He’s confident and he’s super talented with a live arm.”

“Tommy was throwing his curve for strikes,” said Dolaghan, who is the cousin of the player. “While Fego was coming right at us and blowing us away, Tommy was just pounding the strike zone. It was an all-around great game with two great pitching performances.”

For their efforts in the classic, both Fego and Dolaghan have been selected as the Observer Co-Athletes of the Week this week. It’s the first time that opposing players have been selected as Co-Athletes of the Week. But the game, the pitching performances, deserved recognition.

“I was just hoping that Ryan or Dolaghan didn’t get the loss,” Marcantuono said. “Because both pitchers deserved to win and both teams deserved to win. They both pitched their hearts out.” Fego has been a member of the North Arlington pitching staff for the last three years, but he has really showed his talents this season.

“I definitely feel like I’ve gotten bigger and stronger,” Fego said. “I can attack people now in the count. I definitely feel like I have more velocity and my breaking ball is better. I spent a lot of time in the weight room and did a lot more cardio workouts to help with my stamina.”

Fego said that the workouts helped his stamina as well.

“My velocity was the same from the first inning through the tenth,” Fego said. “I wanted to do whatever I could to keep us in the game. It was a once-in-a-lifetime game and it just happened at the same time for both of us.”

Dolaghan said that he felt a sense of importance since he was one of only four returning players.

“I had to step up and be a leader,” Dolaghan said. “I worked out a lot to get ready for the season. I built up my strength by lifting. I also grew a little more. I’ve been throwing strikes. A lot of what I do is location. I’m not afraid to throw my curve or changeup at any time.”

Dolaghan also developed a special pitch.

“He now has a knuckleball,” Sean Dolaghan said.

“I watched R.A. Dickey (the former Mets Cy Young Award winner) and started throwing it with my friends,” Tom Dolaghan said. “I just started throwing it and it works. I use it maybe five times a game in key situations.”

Tom Dolaghan is also a confident pitcher now.

“I have five different pitches I can throw for strikes,” Dolaghan said. “This was one of the most fantastic games I’ve ever been in. I’m trying not to let it get to my head. But this really helped my confidence.”

Fego is doing the same.

“My velocity was up and I was trying to blow it by them,” said Fego, who might continue his career at the County College of Morris or Lackawanna Junior College in the fall. “Both of us had great pitching performances. It is almost fitting that neither of us lost. I’m still in shock about the game. I always thought I was capable of this. Now, I’m confident. It reminds me again that I am capable of it.”

Marcantuono said that Fego has enjoyed a great season thus far.

“His record doesn’t show how good he’s been,” Marcantuono said. “He’s been so valuable to us as a hitter as well. He had three hits and three RBI against Lyndhurst. He’s been dominant. He just doesn’t have the wins to show for it.”

Coach Dolaghan thinks his cousin is making strides toward consistent stardom.

“He’s also a better hitter this season,” Sean Dolaghan said. “He’s our No. 2 hitter and has been making solid contact every at-bat. He plays shortstop when he’s not pitching and doing a great job. He’s been very surprising thus far and he could turn into an excellent player.”

And both can say that they had a major part in pitching and playing in a game of a lifetime.

Obituaries

Irene Almeida

Irene Almeida (nee Moraes) died on April 15in St. Barnabas Hospital. She was 81.

Born in Newark, she lived in Kearny before moving to North Arlington 15 years ago.

Arrangements were by the Armitage and Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Dr., Kearny. A funeral Mass was held at St. Stephen’s Church, Kearny, followed by a private cremation. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.armitagewiggins.com.

Irene was the wife of Eugene Almeida and is survived by her children and their spouses Bernadette and Frederick Trovato, Diane Almeida and Victor and Susan Almeida. Also surviving are her grandchildren Daniel, Sarah, Victor, Olivia, Alec and Sophia.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to St. Barnabas Hospice.

Eugene J. Coughlin

Eugene J. Coughlin died on April 14 in Clara Maass Hospital. He was 72.

Born in Jersey City, he lived in Keansburg before moving to Kearny eighteen years ago.

Arrangements were by the Armitage and Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Dr., Kearny. A funeral service was held at the funeral home, followed by a private cremation. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.armitagewiggins.com.

Eugene is survived by his wife Arlene Nice, his children Audra Phillips, Eugene, Donald, Matthew and Alan Coughlin and his stepdaughter Lori Nice. Brother of Edward, Joseph and Thomas Coughlin, he is also survived by his grandchildren Alexis, Michael, Chrissy, Olivia, Amanda, Allen and Stephanie. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the Lusgarten Foundation.

Calvin Dempsey

Graveside services for Calvin Dempsey, 61, was held on Saturday, April 20, at Holy Cross Cemetery at noon. Arrangements were by the Armitage and Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny.

Deborah Ann Ferriero

Deborah Ann Ferriero (nee Ferris), 58, died on April 19 at home, surrounded by her family after a two year battle with cancer.

Arrangements were by the Armitage and Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny.

Deborah lived in Kearny and Keansburg before returning to Kearny. She was a clerk at the Kearny Shop- Rite. She enjoyed traveling and visiting England and Venezuela.

She is the beloved daughter of Ann Sabestinas Ferris and the late John Ferris Jr. She is the mother of Michael (Georgina) Ferriero of Pennsylvania and Lisa Ferriero at home; sister of John (Annabelle) and Kenneth (Karolyn) Ferris and the late Kathleen Ferris; aunt of Timothy, Sean, Kenneth and Kaitlyn Ferris and Ozzie (Estella) Perez; cousin of Patricia, Elizabeth, Theresa and Charles Carpenter, Anthony Sabestinas and many other cousins. She is the former wife of Peter Ferriero whom she remained close to as they raised their children.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society would be appreciated.

Robert J. Frank

Robert J. Frank, 79, of Kearny, passed away on Friday, April 19, at Clara Maass Medical Center, Belleville. He was born in Newark and was a Kearny resident for 46 years.

He is retired from the Ace Termite Control, of Kearny. He was an exterminator for 30 years. He served three terms in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and was honorably discharged. He was a member of VFW Post 1302 of Kearny.

Devoted husband of Elizabeth M. (nee Riley), he was the loving father of Mrs. Patricia Louk and her husband George, Robert W. Frank and his wife Patricia and William Frank and his wife Jacqueline; dearest grandfather of eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are welcome to attend the funeral Mass on Tuesday, April 23, at 9 a.m., at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Kearny, from the Shaw-Buyus Home for Services, 138 Davis Ave., corner of Bergen Avenue. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.

In lieu of flowers, contribution to the “Wounded Warriors” would be appreciated. Visit www.buyusfuneralhome.com.

John C. Munley

John C. Munley died on April 16 at home. He was 62.

Born in Newark, he lived many years in Kearny.

Arrangements were by the Armitage and Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Dr., Kearny. A funeral service was held at the funeral home, followed by a private cremation. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.armitagewiggins.com.

John was a laborer for the Town of Kearny. He was in the Army from 1968 until 1970. He was a member of the V.F.W. and the American Legion and was a charter member of Club Heineken, all in Kearny.

He is survived by his siblings Joseph and Victoria Munley, Caroline Battisti, Ted Munley, Catherine Durr and Albie Munley, along with many nieces and nephews and their families.

In lieu of flowers, kindly make a donation to V.F.W. Post 1302 in Kearny.

Thomas A. Walsh

Thomas A. Walsh, 86, of North Arlington, died on April 18.

A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, April 23, at 11 a.m. at Queen of Peace Church, North Arlington, followed by interment in Holy Cross Cemetery. Mourners will meet at the church on Tuesday.

Mr. Walsh was an insurance agent for the John Hancock Insurance Company for 30 years, retiring in 1985. He was a 3rd Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus Queen of Peace Church. He was a CCD instructor and parishioner at Queen of Peace Church. Prior to his marriage he attended Most Holy Trinity Seminary, Silver Spring, Md.

He is the beloved husband of Carmen Beuvenutti Walsh for 50 years, father of Marie (Bill) Sevcik, Thomas, Jon and the late Mark Walsh and grandfather of four grandchildren.

Arrangements are by the Armitage and Wiggins Funeral Home, Kearny. To send condolences, please visit www.armitagewiggins.com.

Fraud charges are family affair

Photos courtesy of BCPO From l.: Adan L. Cueva, Adan R. Cueva and Angel Cueva-Castro

Photos courtesy of BCPO
From l.: Adan L. Cueva, Adan R. Cueva and Angel Cueva-Castro

LYNDHURST —

A Lyndhurst businessman and family members have been criminally charged in an alleged scheme to defraud homeowners.

In a statement released April 8, Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli announced the arrest of Adan R. Cueva, 31, along with his brother Angel C. Cueva-Castro, 26, and his father, Adan L. Cueva, 57, all of Lyndhurst, in connection with the plot to cheat homeowners.

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Can you spell ‘busted’?

Photos by Karen Zautyk John Donovan (top) and Deaglan Walsh and Martin Macedonio rid Elm St. of graffiti blight.

Graffiti_web3

Photos by Karen Zautyk
John Donovan (top) and Deaglan Walsh and Martin Macedonio rid Elm St. of graffiti blight.

SONY DSC

 

By Karen Zautyk
Observer Correspondent

KEARNY –

If you had occasion to drive or walk along Elm St. between Midland and Oakwood Aves. recently, you had to have noticed the illiterately obscene graffiti defacing multiple homes.

Siding, retaining walls, garage doors, etc., on both sides of the block had been spray-painted with meaningless scrawls and a specific sentiment: F–k KPD. Or, more accurately: F-k KPD. Read more »

Fire death ruled accidental

HFD

HFD

HARRISON –

The death of an elderly woman at a Harrison fire scene last Monday, April 8, has been characterized by fire and law enforcement officials as a tragic accident.

That was the conclusion reached by investigators from the state Division of Fire Safety, in consultation with the Harrison fire official and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.

Assistant Hudson County Prosector Gene Rubino identified the victim as Irene Fenton, 72.

Fenton was the lone occupant of a second-floor rear apartment at 209 N. Second St. where firefighters responded at about 12:30 p.m., following an emergency 911 call, and found Fenton lying on a landing just outside her apartment.

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