Kevin Canessa

1 week ago | theobserver.com | Jason Bernstein |Kevin Canessa

With four freshmen and three sophomores in the regular lineup, Belleville softball coach Chris Cantarella knows there’s going to be some rough innings and outcomes as this young group becomes acclimated to varsity softball. Injuries and rain, as well as a few really bad innings have created some adversity for the Buccaneers as they’ve started the season with a 1-3 record. “In our three losses, we’ve really only had one bad inning.

1 week ago | theobserver.com | Jason Bernstein |Kevin Canessa

Another season of high school flag football is underway and once again The Observer-area will be home to some of the state’s top players and teams. Here’s a closer look at the five local teams and how they’ve started their respective seasons. BELLEVILLE (3-1)After a season-opening loss to then-state ranked West Orange, Belleville reeled off three consecutive wins, defeating Memorial of West New York (25-6), Millburn (13-12) and Hoboken (28-7).

1 week ago | theobserver.com | Jason Bernstein |Kevin Canessa

The rise in popularity of high school girls flag football has been meteoric both in New Jersey and across the country. Belleville is the latest to become a part of what has quickly become arguably the hottest sport within The Observer area. The Buccaneers flag football team played its inaugural game on March 31, when it hosted state-ranked West Orange.

1 week ago | theobserver.com | Kevin Canessa

Judith Ann Albrecht Judith Ann Albrecht, cherished family member, friend and beacon of love and kindness, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2025. Her exceptional intelligence in mathematical analysis and a uniquely high attention to detail led to her successful career with New Jersey Blue Cross/Blue Shield. She then departed the workforce to become a homemaker following marriage to her one and only true love, husband, Dieter “Mike” Albrecht.

1 week ago | theobserver.com | Kevin Canessa

Alexandra Pereya may only be a sophomore at Kearny High School, but she already had the opportunity to connect with dozens of universities and career options Wednesday, April 2, as the school hosted its first ever College and Career Fair, allowing all students to explore diverse career and higher education options. “There are so many colleges and jobs here to help get students the information they need to succeed,” Pereya said.