Paterson Village

19/09/2025

Paterson Teen Abena Owusu Dies After Cancer Battle

Abena Owusu, 18, of Paterson, on Wednesday, September 10, after a cancer battle, according to those who knew her and her obituary on the Festa Memorial Funeral Home.

Born in Livingston, Abena grew up in East Orange and Paterson. She graduated from Passaic County Technical Institute in Wayne, where she was a member of the National Honor Society, the Christian Health Association, and the Health Occupation Student Association. She also belonged to Calvary International Church in Wayne, her obituary says.

In June, at Abena's graduation ceremony, Mayor Andre Sayegh honored her resilience after she was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer.

“SHE INSPIRES ME!" the mayor wrote. "Abena Owusu was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and many people didn't think she would live to graduate today but God is in control! In fact, she plans to attend Rutgers University in the fall and major in Biochemistry. Her courage and her smile are contagious! To God be the glory!”

Abena is survived by her parents, George Owusu and Monica Anderson, her stepfather Paul Brown, her siblings Brent, Brian, Junior, Jabari, Jamai, and Safua, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and relatives, her obituary says.

Visitation will be held Friday, Sept. 26, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd., Totowa. A Celebration of Life will take place the following day at Calvary Temple International, 1111 Preakness Ave., Wayne, beginning with a viewing from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., followed by services from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Burial will follow at Laurel Grove Memorial Park in Totowa.

09/09/2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6Wv2f2CO84

Anthony Johnson reports from Paterson, New Jersey.https://abc7ny.com/post/local-heroes-recognized-assistance-during-paterson-water-crisis-main-break/17773715...

06/09/2025

Paterson, New Jersey is struggling to staff all its classrooms with teachers.

Currently, there are 79 vacancies. Superintendent Laurie Newell said Thursday - the first day back for students - that the district has been hosting job fairs this summer, and will continue outreach this fall.

"So, we're doing a lot of initiatives to try to highlight and spotlight that, you know, Paterson Public Schools is an amazing place to come and work and to have a career," Newell said.

Chronic absenteeism in Paterson is high, about 35%. That's more than double the statewide average. Officials say, however, absenteeism numbers in the district are improving, dropping nearly 4% last school year.

Meeting the students' social and emotional needs is key
Despite the challenges, school officials, parents, and grandparents said Thursday they're excited for the year ahead.

"It's exciting. She was ready to go to school. She was ready," grandfather Tavis Hunt said.

With the first day in the books, there was a storybook moment in Ms. Luna's class at Charles J. Riley Elementary that reminded students that every day is a fresh start. There was excitement mixed with first-day jitters.

"I was scared," a fourth grader named Reign said, "because [the school] was really big. When I went to the bathroom, I couldn't find my classroom when I came back."

According to Principal Domenic Carriero, getting to know the school and the people in it is part of the process over the first few days.

"So the first thing is getting to know your child, getting to know each individual child's needs, and making sure that their social and emotional needs are met, because without that, we cannot teach the children," Carriero said.

Jersey City schools get started with cellphone ban in place
New Jersey has a staggered back-to-school schedule. The Jersey City district was among those welcoming thousands of students to the classroom on Thursday.

A celebration was held for pre-K through fifth grade students at Dr. Maya Angelou Elementary School. CBS News New York toured a couple of schools in the district, where there was a mix of nerves and excitement, as kids, parents and teachers marked the first day back.

At P.S. 26 on Laidlaw Avenue, elementary students bravely arrived for the new year. There were high-fives and excited reunions with friends following a long summer, as students looked ahead to classroom favorites.

For parents, the day was bittersweet. Some said they were relieved to have kids back in class.

"I'm so happy. I'm so glad she's coming back to school. She's so busy," one parent said.

Others couldn't hold back tears.

"It's a big day. I always tear up. It's a happy day and it's a sad day. Summer is over but falls here," parent Bernie Manning said.

To ensure fewer distractions, a new cellphone policy called "Less is Best" is in place.

"Each school has their own way to do it and put it in pouches. Some put in a card in exchange for a laptop, or leave it in a book bag. They just cannot be out," Superintendent Dr. Norma Fernandez said.

And, of course, security remains a top priority.

"We do threat assessments. We practice. We stay vigilant, making sure schools are locked," Fernandez said.

Superintendent Laurie Newell said Thursday the district has been hosting job fairs this summer, and will continue outreach this fall.

06/09/2025

Senator Wimberly Welcomes Gubernatorial Candidate Mikie Sherrill to the Great Falls Festival

Photo Credit: Dr. Vincent Arrington

Paterson, NJ – The historic Great Falls Festival was filled with energy, unity, and purpose as Senator Benjie E. Wimberly welcomed Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill to the city of Paterson. The festival, which drew a large and enthusiastic crowd, provided the perfect backdrop for Senator Wimberly to demonstrate his strong support for Sherrill’s vision for New Jersey's future.

During the event, Sherrill spent time listening to residents as they shared their concerns about Paterson’s ongoing water crisis and the urgent need to address infrastructure issues before another emergency arises. Her willingness to hear directly from the community reinforced her commitment to tackling real challenges with practical solutions.

Wimberly emphasized Sherrill’s leadership and her dedication to addressing the needs of working families, improving education, and strengthening communities across the state. He also expressed excitement about both their upcoming campaigns and the important election this November.

The partnership between Wimberly and Sherrill reflects a shared dedication to building stronger communities and ensuring that the voices of North Jersey residents are represented at the highest levels. By standing side by side at one of Paterson’s most cherished events, Senator Wimberly made clear that he sees Sherrill not only as a strong candidate but as the right choice to lead New Jersey into the future.

Festival attendees responded with enthusiasm, showing their appreciation for both leaders. The event highlighted the unity and momentum building behind Sherrill’s campaign, strengthened by trusted leaders like Senator Wimberly, who continue to champion Paterson’s place at the center of New Jersey’s progress.

Paterson, NJ – The historic Great Falls Festival was filled with energy, unity, and purpose as Senator Benjie E. Wimberly welcomed Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill to the city of...

06/09/2025

https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/paterson-press/2025/09/04/paterson-nj-group-play-paul-robeson-arts-scene/85963021007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z116428p119250c119250e001100v116428b0046xxd004665&gca-ft=143&gca-ds=sophi

What holds back the Paterson arts scene? A lack of funding and performance space, too little support from officials and poor communications, some say.

05/09/2025

Student Veteran Support
Today's veterans can face any number of obstacles while furthering their education. Taking advantage of all the benefits you've earned and DESERVE shouldn't be one of them! This is why we have teamed up with Student Veterans of America and Sport Clips Haircuts to provide the assistance you need.



Scholarships
The VFW's "Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship" provides service members and veterans with the financial assistance they need to complete their educational goals without incurring excessive student loan debt. It’s just another way for us to say “thank you” to those who fought for our freedoms.

Scholarship Details:
Scholarships of up to $5,000 will be awarded to qualified applicants.

Awarded scholarships are limited to one per family per semester.
Applications for the fall semester will be accepted Jan. 1 through April 30.

Applications for the spring semester will be accepted Aug. 1 through Nov. 15.

Fall semester scholarships will be awarded in August, and spring semester scholarships will be awarded in January.

Scholarships must be used by the end of the school semester for which the veteran is applying or they will become null and void.

Scholarships are restricted for tuition and fees only and will be paid directly to accredited schools.

Eligible Applicants Must:

Be a citizen of the United States.

Be retired, honorably discharged, active duty, or a member of the National Guard or Reserve.

Have completed Basic Training and follow-on training (Advanced Individual Training, technical school, etc.).

Separated with or currently hold a military rank of E-5 or below.
Demonstrate a need for financial assistance.

Participate in, be accepted to or currently enrolled in a VA-approved program or school at an accredited post-secondary institution.

1 Student Veteran offers direct assistance to student veterans who have questions or are experiencing problems accessing their VA benefits. Our direct access to VA Regional Offices means we can work quickly to provide our student veterans with timely and accurate answers regarding the complex claims...

02/09/2025

Click Link https://amzn.to/2Tu57LZ to Order or Review Phillppe Petit Man on Wire

September 2, 1974 at the Great Falls Festival in Paterson, NJ, 30,000 spectators held their breath as Philippe Petit crossed a cable strung 100 feet above the swirling waters of the Paterson Great Falls NHP. The walk lasted eight and a half minutes, each step a dizzying one on the 280-foot wire. In the background, the Great Falls itself and a sign reading "Paterson" suspended on the bridge were flashed around the world. Petit told then-Paterson mayor Lawrence F. Kramer that he was an artist and not a circus entertainer.

Philippe Petit (born August 13 1949) is a French high-wire artist who gained fame in 1974 for his high-wire walk (a quarter mile above the ground) between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, on the morning of August 7, 1974. For his unauthorized feat (which he referred to as "le coup") 1,350-feet above the ground, he rigged a 450-pound cable and used a custom-made 26-foot long, 55-pound balancing pole.

He performed for 45 minutes, making eight passes along the wire, during which he walked, danced, lay down on the wire, and saluted watchers from a kneeling position. Office workers, construction crews and policemen cheered him on.

The next week, he celebrated his 25th birthday. All charges were dismissed in exchange for his doing a performance in Central Park for children.

Click https://amzn.to/4goGLw5 To Order or View Paterson Great Falls: From Local Landmark to National Historical Park

02/09/2025

Rev. Rafael A. Ciro
Obituary
October 29, 1979 – August 27, 2025

Rev. Rafael A. Ciro, 45, of Paterson, Pastor of Saint Stephen R.C. Church, Paterson, passed away on August 27, 2025.

Born on October 29, 1979, in Colombia to the late Rafael Angel Ciro-Rios and Aura Elena Guarín.

He attended elementary and high school at Liceo de Alejandría in Alejandría from 1995 to 2000. He earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana in Medellín, Colombia, in 2006. He continued his theological studies at Universidad Intercontinental in Mexico City (2007–2009), Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut (2011–2012), and Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland (2012–2013).

Before joining the Diocese of Paterson as a seminarian in January 2011, Father Ciro dedicated nearly three years to missionary work in Medellín and another three years in Mexico City, serving in some of the most impoverished communities. He also ministered to Hispanic migrants in Alabama and New Jersey.

He was ordained to the priesthood on May 25, 2013, at St. Philip the Apostle in Clifton. Following his ordination, he served the parish communities of the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, Saint Mary's Assumption (Passaic), Saint Nicholas (Passaic), and Sacred Heart and Holy Rosary (Dover), before being appointed Pastor of Saint Stephen R.C. Church in Paterson.

Father Ciro is survived by his beloved mother Doña Elena Guarin, his siblings, and many cousins, friends and brother priests.

Services
Reception of the Body will take place at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, followed by visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Saint Stephen R.C. Church, Paterson, New Jersey.

A Vigil Mass will be celebrated at 7:00 p.m.

The Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Paterson, celebrated by Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney.

Burial will take place in Colombia.

Condolences may be sent to:
Office of Clergy Personnel
c/o Saint Paul Inside the Walls
205 Madison Avenue
Madison, New Jersey 07940

30/08/2025

Passaic County Fair draws more than 15,000 visitors

The 2025 Passaic County Fair welcomed more than 15,000 visitors during its four-day celebration, county officials said. With 3,642 cars parked and 96 vendors and community organizations participating, the event highlighted local culture while raising funds that support parks, historic sites, open spaces and programs through the Friends of Passaic County Parks, Inc.

The nonprofit has used past proceeds to fund the amphitheater at Rifle Camp Park, playground and ballfield renovations at Highlands Preserve, restoration of Lambert Tower, upgrades to the Rea Avenue Ballfield at Goffle Brook Park, and historic projects at Dey Mansion Washington’s Headquarters.

Funds also sustain free, year-round community programs including the Summer Concert Series, Passaic County Book Festival, Art in the Park, Kids to Parks Day and the Fourth of July Picnic at Dey Mansion.

“The Fair is more than just a summer tradition, it’s an investment in our community,” Commissioner Director Pat Lepore said.

County officials thanked residents, vendors, organizations and sponsors for making the Fair a success.

The 2025 Passaic County Fair welcomed more than 15,000 visitors during its four-day celebration, county officials said. With 3,642 cars parked and 96 vendors and community organizations participating, the event highlighted local culture while raising funds that support parks, historic sites, open sp

28/08/2025

The Atlanta Falcons Sign Carter Warren from Paterson, NJ

The Atlanta Falcons got some offensive tackle help from a former member of the Pitt Panthers.
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PITTSBURGH — The Atlanta Falcons needed some help on their offensive line, as they signed a former Pitt Panthers offensive tackle ahead of the 2025 season.

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported that the Falcons signed offensive tackle Carter Warren to their practice squad.

Warren spent the past two seasons with the New York Jets, who took him with the 120th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Pitt.

He saw playing time with the Jets over the past two seasons, with five starts in eight appearances as a rookie in 2023 and one start in six appearances in 2024.

The Jets had Warren third on their depth chart at left tackle, behind backup Max Mitchell and starter Olu Fashanu. They made made him one of their cuts to get the roster to just 53 players on Aug. 26.

Atlanta lost right tackle Kaleb McGary with a season-ending injury, left tackle Storm Norton underwent ankle surgery last week and likely won't be back until October, giving Warren a shot to earn some playing time this season.

Warren hails from Paterson, N.J. and played for Passaic County Technical Institute. He started at left tackle and served as an import piece in his team's 2,229 rushing yards as a senior in 2016.

ESPN ranked him as a four-star in the Class of 2017, and both 247sports and Rivals had him as a three-star, and he committed to Pitt over Power 5 offers from Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Miami, North Carolina, Penn State, Rutgers, South Carolina, Syracuse, Tennessee and Virginia Tech.

Warren redshirted as a true freshman in 2017 and didn't play in any games in 2018, before winning the left tackle starting spot as a redshirt sophomore in 2019, starting all 13 games.

Warren started all 14 games for Pitt in that 2021 season, earning All-ACC Second Team honors, as the offense averaged 41.4 points and 486.6 yards per game, both school records.

He had a plethora of playmakers that he helped through that season, including Heisman finalist in quarterback Kenny Pickett, Biletnikoff winner in wide receiver Jordan Addison, plus running back Israel Abanikanda.

Pitt won their first ACC Championship that season, taking down Wake Forest 45-24 and also played in the Peach Bowl.

25/08/2025