Kearny Life lands exclusive with Kearny’s beloved Santa and Mrs. Claus

December 14, 20250Comments

Kearny Giving Tree answers growing holiday need

More Kearny families are facing hardship this holiday season than ever before, but the Kearny Giving Tree is helping ensure they still enjoy a merry Christmas—thanks to the generosity of residents, organizations, and businesses. For decades, the Kearny Giving Tree has matched Kearny families in need with local gift givers. The Kearny-Belleville Elks #1050…

December 9, 20250Comments

Facing every challenge: Kearny mother helps children with disabilities with strength and love

When Nell Santos learned in 2012 that she was expecting a long-awaited baby girl after giving birth to two boys, she was overjoyed. Nicolle arrived on Oct. 19, 2022, in an uncomplicated delivery, but doctors quickly discovered she had been born with Down syndrome. “On that day, I received the most precious gift God…

December 3, 20250Comments

Supportive Kearny English teacher named Educator of Distinction

Samantha Tyrka Sansone plays a pivotal role in her students’ education, inspiring them to develop their unique styles and critical thinking skills. KHS junior Sumaiya Ouali nominated Sansone for the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) Educator of Distinction for her impact. “She explains even the most confusing lesson in a way that…

November 18, 20250Comments

Running on faith, Kearny priest embraces the journey

Running is mostly a solitary exercise for Kearny Catholic priest Manuel Duenas. He begins at sunrise, heads south on Passaic Avenue, connects to Belgrove and Midland Avenues, turns left on Schuyler, and treks through North Arlington and Lyndhurst all the way to Route 3, turning left to take the scenic Riverside Avenue route back to…

Food and Dining Lifestyle People

Curiosity by Nest invites all to come and play

Jessica Barahona, 37, is a Guatemalan immigrant, mother of four, wife, entrepreneur, and advocate for Kearny youth. Her business, Curiosity by Nest – Asian Fusion, is a haven for teens after school, moms meeting up, laptop-carrying remote workers, and more. “Children come for ice cream or other desserts, make friends, and enjoy the lounge…

November 6, 20250Comments

November 5, 20250Comments

New pharmacy offers personalized service, homeopathic options

Walk into the independently owned City Pharmacy of Kearny, and the marbled floors, sleek shelves, couch seating, and streamlined counters reflect a modern twist on a classic physician’s office. Former barista and budding pharmacy tech Alan Sambrano checks the stock on a laptop. He says Mondays are usually busiest for pharmacies, coinciding with doctor…

November 5, 20250Comments

One Boystown boy reflects on his time in Kearny

If just one of Kenneth Renwick’s prayers could be answered, it would be to see his “brothers” again. John Barone, Robert Bethea, James Boyce, John Crastello, Bob Damiani, John Kent, and Richard King are their names. He has searched for them with no luck. All seven men, when teenagers, developed a bond with Renwick…

BySteve Sears

People

Teens learn urban farming, food distribution while giving back to the community

When teens Ester Fernandez and Zulema Vargas were looking for something to do this summer, they decided on something that would get their hands dirty while giving back to their community. “I was looking for a new experience, and I like to garden,” Fernanadez said about joining the local Youth Food Systems Education Program.…

September 11, 20250Comments

September 11, 20250Comments

People

Meet Josh Humphrey, Kearny’s library director

By Josh Humphrey was born in Kearny, where he attended Schuyler School and Kearny High. Ironically, he admits that the library wasn’t a large part of his younger years. After graduating from Montclair State University, he was inspired to become a librarian after a part-time job at Kearny Public Library. “It has…