Cedar Grove January 2022 by My Life Publications..Maljon LLC

No. 4 Vol. 1

Cedar Grove Panthers Win State Championship, Look Back on Successful Season

By Lindsey Kelleher he 2021 football season will be one the Cedar Grove Panthers won’t forget. The season began amid the COVID-19 pandemic and just as Tropical Storm Ida slammed New Jersey with treacherous winds and floodwaters the evening before the team’s opening game against University High School in Orlando, Fla., which the Panthers went on to win 24-12. Their winning streak didn’t stop there. The team continued to play hard through every game and with player injuries such as seniors Mike Marinelli and Nick Coletta fighting off ankle sprains to finish off the season with a 12-1 record and a North 1 Regional Championship win against the Park Ridge Owls at MetLife Stadium on Nov. 26, 2021. “They really persevered and never quit,” said Cedar Grove Panthers Head Football Coach Rob Gogerty. “A lot of things went into the game to get there. They stepped up and played their best and I’m super proud of their team effort.” The championship game was a nailbiter to the very end. Late in the game, the Cedar Grove defense made a couple of big stops on their own goal line to stop Park Ridge from scoring. When the Panthers got the ball back, senior Patch McCarthy made a big catch and ran nearly 40 yards to almost the Park Ridge 30-yard line. That catch set up the ending play of the game when senior quarterback Alfonso Lombardi threw a touchdown pass to Nick Iannacone to tie the game at 12-12 with a couple minutes left to play. Christopher Babcock then kicked for the extra point to put the Panthers up 13-12 for the win.

“In the fourth quarter, I looked into every senior’s eyes and I knew we were not going to lose,” said senior captain Nick Christiano. “We’ve been fighting for this for four years. I told the team to just go out there and give it all you’ve got.” Christiano played defensive tackle and left guard during the season. He, like the other 11 seniors on the team, wanted to finish out their high school football careers with a championship win. When they were sophomores two years ago, they lost in the sectional finals. In 2020, they didn’t have an opportunity to compete in a playoff season because a national uptick in COVID-19 cases cancelled playoff games for all high school football teams throughout the state, among other sports. “Some of the seniors who played in that sectional final still had a little bit of a bad taste in their mouths from it, wanting to get back in the game and win it,” Gogerty said. Parents, siblings, friends, and teachers supporting the Panthers packed into MetLife Stadium on Nov. 26, 2021, to watch them take on the Owls during the North 1 Regional Championship game. The energy level was high that night as the Cedar Grove fans excitedly cheered for their team. Senior captain Matt Duarte, who plays center and defensive end, said the team’s mindset going into this game as well as every other game this season was to “bend but don’t break,” which is what the team did throughout that game. “We got down around the half and we showed a lot of perseverance toward the end of the game,” said Duarte. “[The atmo-

January 2022

Pictured are items from the North 1 Regional Championship game on Nov. 26, 2021, at MetLife Stadium where the Cedar Grove Panthers played the Park Ridge Owls for the state title. The Cedar Grove Panthers defeated the Park Ridge Owls 13-12 in the North 1 Regional Championship, Nov. 26, 2021 to become state champions. The Panthers ﬁnished the season 12-1.Photo credit is Anthony Sorce.

sphere in MetLife Stadium] was a once-in-alifetime feeling.” Both Duarte and Christiano are unsure of their plans for next year as they start college, but they said when they leave Cedar Grove High School, they’ll always remember the fans who cheered them on and the bonds they formed with their teammates. “This team was like a family,” Christiano said. “Since Day 1 of lifting, we would always go out with each other. No matter what we did, we were always together.” “We would really push each other in practice, which would make our practices a lot harder and that would show in the games,” Duarte said. This year’s team will lose its 12 seniors

who will be graduating in June, but Gogerty said there is a good mix of current sophomores and juniors and there will be incoming freshmen who will fill the open spots on the team. “We’ve built the team to have high expectations year in and year out,” Gogerty said. “That’s due to our players and guys stepping up and filling roles.” Gogerty said he has three goals for next year: to get off to a good start, to win the first game, and to compete for a conference championship that will hopefully lead to a state championship. “We have a good group coming back,” Gogerty said.

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NJ’s Doug Kistner Hits National Charts With New Single Featuring Multi-Million-Sellers Bill Champlin And Liberty DeVitto

s a member of the iconic band Chicago, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Bill Champlin sold millions of records and contributed to the band’s signature ’80s ballad style. In fact, Champlin sang lead on the band’s 1989 Billboard Year-End chart #1 song, “Look Away.” As Billy Joel’s touring and recording drummer for 40 years and a sought-aft er session player, Liberty DeVitt o is responsible for drumming on records that have sold a combined 150 million units worldwide. Now, Champlin and DeVitt o have teamed with renowned #1 internati onal iTunes charti ng keyboardist and vocalist, Doug Kistner for the release of his latest single, “There’s The Door.” The single was released November 12th, 2021 on MTS Records. It debuted on the Nati onal Radio Hits AC Top 40 chart this week! “Instantly recognizable!” says Michael Stover of MTS. “Bill’s vocals you’ve heard on so many hit singles, and those drums…couldn’t be anyone but Liberty! Add in Doug’s impeccable writi ng and keys…a Yacht Rock classic!” Doug Kistner is a renowned touring keyboard player and vocalist from Verona, NJ. Embracing the musical stylings of 70s and 80s megastars like Chicago, Steely Dan, Michael McDonald, and Kenny Loggins, Kistner has forged a place for himself as a “Yacht Rock” contemporary. Doug has performed with some of the biggest names in music, including Trans Siberian Orchestra, John Waite, Blood Sweat and Tears, and Chicago’s Danny Seraphine. In 2021, Doug Kist-

ner took the leap from sideman to centerstage, releasing ly Joel’s longti me band, Liberty DeVitt o, Russell Javors and 4 singles and hitti ng the top of the iTunes charts in South Richie Cannata.) Kistner also performs with Glen Burtnik’s Africa and Top 15 in the UK. Doug Kistner is currently with Summer of Love. The Lords of 52nd Street featuring former members of Bil-

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January 2022 • Page 7

People Visit Canfield-Morgan House and Museum During Holiday Season

By Lindsey Kelleher ore than 150 people toured the Canfi eld-Morgan House and Museum during Essex County’s Historic Holiday House Tour, an annual traditi on designed to showcase notable homes throughout the county that were built in the 1700 and 1800s. People who toured the Canfi eld-Morgan House and Museum got to learn about the home’s history as a farmhouse and the Canfi eld and Morgan families who lived there. During the holidays, the museum and house are decorated with bright green wreaths made of real branches and topped

with red bows to give the building a festi ve look. Poinsetti as and a Christmas tree decorated the inside of the home during the historic house tour, which took place on Dec. 4 and 5, 2021. When the home is not being toured, the Cedar Grove Historical Society upkeeps the property to maintain its historic look. The home is fi lled with fi ne China, furniture, and artwork from the 1800s. Throughout the year, people may book private tours of the house by appointment only. To book a tour, email Cedar Grove Historical Society President Jean Jaeger at jeanjaeger@optononline.net.

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Wreaths Across America Travel Through Totowa To Honor Fallen Heroes

By Tina Pappas fallen heroes. he holiday season fi lled the air with a poignant “We stand tall for their sacrifi ce and for our freedom,” he sense of remembrance as the Wreaths Across added. “Another example of ‘Totowa Strong’ and ‘live’ on the America convoy stopped by the Borough on boulevard was truly represented. It was unbelievable to witDec. 14. ness the passion and pride our community borough has.” The non-profi t organizati on holds Nati onal Wreaths Senator Kristi n M. Corrado said she was honored to have Across America Day, with a mission to remember, Wreaths Across America pass by, including many “Gold Star” honor and teach by coordinati ng wreath-laying cerefamilies traveling through Totowa as they make their way to monies at Arlington Nati onal Cemetery in Arlington, Arlington Nati onal Cemetery. Va. The non-profi t organizati on also holds ceremo“Our community came together to remember our fallen nies at additi onal locati ons throughout the U.S., and service members and to teach our children the value of freeabroad. dom,” Corrado added. A convoy of vehicles carrying American fl ags and Councilwoman Debbie Andriani said the holiday season ornate wreaths passed by on Union Blvd. as local resis a ti me to especially remember those who have given the idents and oﬃ cials waved and saluted from the sideulti mate sacrifi ce. walks. Many were in awe of the signifi cance of the “In the season of giving, it is truly fi tti ng to honor and receremony and how important it is to remember and member those who have given their lives in service to our honor those who gave their lives in service, especially great nati on,” she explained. “Seeing the Wreaths Across around the holidays. America convoy travel through Totowa as they make their Several att endees commented on the ceremony way to Arlington Nati onal Cemetery reinvigorated my spirits and spoke of the impact it makes. and love of country.” “Remembering those who gave us our freedom,” She also thanked all who came out to honor those who said Ingrid Batt agliese, local resident. “Thank you to traveled through Totowa. Pictured is local resident Ingrid Battagliese and Totowa Recreation Diall who have sacrifi ced and served our country.” “It’s a night we will all never forget,” Andriani added. Mark Monteyne showing their support for the Wreaths Across Local resident Carol Shipman Greenough echoed rector Mayor John Coiro also commented on the signifi cance of America convoy. Photos courtesy of Mark Monteyne. the senti ment. the evening’s ceremony. “It was beauti ful! Such an amazing tribute to our fallen vets! Totowa strong!” “Watching the convoy drive through Totowa brought a sense of pride and patrioti sm Local resident Mark Reynolds added, “Outstanding, from the convoy to all fi rst respond- to me,” Coiro explained. “I was impressed by our residents who greeted and waved fl ags ers, to all who lined Union Blvd., especially our Veterans. It was truly amazing to see.” along the enti re stretch of Union Blvd. Thanks also to Totowa and West Paterson fi re deRecreati on Director Mark Monteyne also said the ceremony was a true testi monial to partments for hoisti ng the giant American fl ag for the convoy to drive under.”

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Fall Blood Drive Exceeds Previous Year’s Donations with 94 Pints

By Gabrielle Lim n Wednesday, November 17, 2021 Passaic Valley’s Future Medical Health Professionals Club held their annual Fall Blood Drive in the Farrell Gym, where volunteers had the opportunity to meet with medical technicians from the New York Blood Center to donate blood. With over 70 qualified applicants, PV exceeded last year’s total donations with 94 pints from students and staff members. All participants were screened for eligibility to ensure the safety of those who wanted to donate blood. Students had to be over 16 years old with the consent of a parent in addition to other health-related requirements. The medical technicians from New York Blood Center asked questions and took a small blood sample via a finger stick prior to approving volunteers for donation. Dr. Susanne Iobst, Advisor for the Future Medical Health Professionals Club, organizes the blood drive twice every school year. President Julia Hosri ‘22 and members Maram Adham ‘22, Tanye Lewis ‘25, Nikoleta Psarros ‘25, Brianna Caruth ‘25, Kayla Johnson ‘24, club Secretary Sema Koc ‘24, and many more encouraged students and staff to participate as donors.

Members of the Future Medical Health Professionals Club participated in both the recruitment process and assisted donors at the event. Weeks before the 2021 Fall Blood Drive, members of the club handed out applications, advertised the event, and encouraged others to participate. “Recruiting people was actually a lot of fun, I was able to educate classmates on where their blood was being donated, as well as meet new people and potential donors,” said Hosri ‘22. During the Blood Drive, club members assisted with signing in, passing out food to donors, and providing help where necessary. By supporting the Fall Blood Drive, members of the Future Medical Health Professionals Club became involved with their community and prepared for their future medical careers. “It was very exciting and educational, and I am very thankful to have been a part of such an important event,” said Hosri ‘22. “I plan to become a registered nurse and hopefully further my education down the line.” Members of the club described the event as a great learning experience and a way to get involved in the medical field as a high school student. Passaic Valley holds this event twice a year to help give back to the community.

Students and staff see these events as both opportunities for them to give back and a way to support those who need help. “Honestly, about 20 percent of eligible students wanted to participate which, to me, is really exciting and I think it reflects our Passaic Valley family strongly,” said Dr. Iobst. “I

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Little Falls Police Department Has New Deputy Chief of Police, Promotes Two Oﬃcers

By Tina Pappas or the fi rst ti me in recent history, the Litt le Falls Police Department (LFPD) has a new Deputy Chief of Police. Bryan Prall was sworn in by Mayor James Damiano at the Township Council meeti ng on Dec. 20. Two additi onal offi cers, Lt. Robert Prall and Sgt. Jon Cespedes, were also promoted. Damiano commented during the ceremony. “Congratulati ons to Deputy Chief Bryan Prall. Congratulati ons also to Lt. Robert Prall and Sgt. Jon Cespedes on your promoti ons this evening,” Damiano said. “Over the past six years under Chief Steven Post, this department has made tremendous strides in the right directi on.” Prall said he was truly honored and humbled to take on the role of Deputy Chief of Police and looks forward to his commitment to the community. He was previously with the U.S. Marine Corps before becoming a police offi cer with the LFPD in 2006. “I look forward to meeti ng with the various stakeholders within our community to ensure that we, at the Litt le Falls Police Department, conti nue to live up to the high expectati ons that everyone has grown so accustomed to,” Prall said. Lt. Robert Prall served as a police offi cer for 23 years. Sgt. Jon Cespedes served as a police offi cer for six years. Damiano said it was an honor to promote all three offi cers at the ceremony. “Moving forward under Deputy Chief Prall, the future of the Litt le Falls Police Department is in good hands,” Damiano added.

Members of the Little Falls Police Department are pictured. Photos courtesy of The Township of Little Falls.

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January 2022 • Page 13

LFPD Runs Successful Holiday Toy Drive, P.B.A. Pancake Breakfast

By Tina Pappas his holiday’s season of giving is in full swing thanks to the Litt le Falls Police Department’s (LFPD) annual Holiday Toy Drive to benefi t St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Paterson. Back again this year aft er last year’s hiatus due to the pandemic, the LFPD has amassed a large collecti on of toys, according to organizer Cpl. Jon Vanak. “It’s great to have back this annual toy collecti on this year and we appreciate the large amount of donati ons we’re received,” said Vanak. “We currently have several hundred toys that we are storing for delivery to St. Joe’s this week.” The toy drive’s primary drop-off locati on was at the Little Falls Police Department, located at 225 Main Avenue. Passaic Valley High School and School No. 1 assisted with the collecti on. “They were both onboard with the toy drive, which was great,” he explained, adding that P.B.A. Local 346 held their Pancake Breakfast at Passaic Valley High School’s cafeteria on Dec.11, where more toys were collected. “It seems that the collecti on gets bigger every year, which we’re happy about,” Vanak further added. “It’s something we’re hoping to conti nue and we look forward to dropping them off to St. Joe’s this week.” P.B.A. Local 346 President Shaun O›Brien said the PBA Pancake Breakfast was also a huge success this year. “We had a good turnout for the fi rst year back since the pandemic,” O’Brien said. “We look forward to it every year in order to give back to our community. It’s for

Pictured are organizers of the LFPD’s Toy Collection and P.B.A. Local 346 Pancake Breakfast, along with Santa, in front of the large toy donation collected at Passaic Valley High School on Dec. 11. Photo courtesy of Chris Vancheri.

anyone who’d like to come in and have a free breakfast. They’re also invited to bring their children to meet Santa.” O’Brien added there were approximately 300 breakfast plates made because organizers wanted to ensure they wouldn’t run out of food. “We always try to make sure we have enough food each year we hold the event,” he explained. «We have

P.B.A. members working back in the kitchen and handing out plates of food in the main cafeteria of the high school.» Vanak and O’Brien both said they look forward to running the events again next year. “They’re really worthwhile,” Vanak said. “We sti ll have toy donati ons coming in to us.”

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By Tina Pappas hree local football players parti cipated in the 2021 North Bergen Junior Football League’s (NBJFL) All-Star game on Nov. 21. The game was played on the fi eld of West Milford High School. According to Mark Monteyne, Totowa Recreati on Director, all three players did an outstanding job representi ng the Totowa/ Woodland Park Tigers Senior Football

Team. The 14- year-old players consisted of Jason Hall of Woodland Park, Nicholas Huliev of Totowa and Logan Monteyne of Totowa. All three were selected to parti cipate in the game. “Huliev was selected as the Off ensive MVP of the game, where he rushed for over 100 yards and made a touchdown,” said Monteyne. “Congratulati ons to all three players on a job well done!”

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Page 16 • January 2022

Totowa P.B.A. Lifts Holiday Spirits of Family Who Lost Father Due to COVID-19

By Tina Pappas he Totowa P.B.A. Local 80 wanted to bring some holiday happiness to the Ballouti ne family - a shopping spree for three young children who recently lost their father, Anthony Ballouti ne. Anthony was the brother of Totowa Police Oﬃ cer Edward Ballouti ne, who passed away on Nov. 23 from COVID-19. He left behind his wife Ashley and children, Anthony, Jr., Talia and Layla. According to Police Chief Carmen Veneziano, P.B.A. members wanted to help the family experience some holiday cheer during the holidays. “What bett er way to also help a brother oﬃ cer get through this ti me than by watching his nephew and two nieces have smiles on their faces picking toys out for Christmas during this

Pictured is the family of Anthony Balloutine, brother of Police Oﬃcer Edward Balloutine, who died from COVID-19. Totowa P.B.A. Local 80 lifted the children’s spirits with a shopping spree. Photos courtesy of Mark Monteyne.

diﬃ cult ti me,” he said. ti on. The children were taken Ashley expressed her to Target’s toy aisle secti on thanks for the amazing supat the Fairfi eld store loca- port system the family has

received by the P.B.A. “I’m so grateful to the P.B.A. for their love and generosity in taking my three

babies on a Christmas shopping spree!” she said. “We had so much fun and the kids were smiling all night!

I know Anthony is super thankful as he is watching down on us all, and we are so blessed.”

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January 2022 • Page 17

Jayden Perez Honored

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Little Falls Hosts Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Memorial Park

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By Tina Pappas he Township of Litt le Falls hosted a menorah lighti ng ceremony at Memorial Park on Wilmore Road on Nov. 30. Mayor James Damiano, along with Councilman Al Kahwaty, Councilman Chris Vancheri, Councilwoman Christi ne Kalodes Hablitz and Council President Anthony

Sgobba, lit the 10-foot high menorah lead by Rabbi Mayer Gurkov. The menorah was provided by the Chabad Center of Passaic County. “Thank you to Rabbi Mayer Gurkov for leading the ceremony and to everyone that att ended,” said Damiano.

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January 2022 • Page 19

Totowa Spreads Holiday Cheer With Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

By Tina Pappas easonal sights and sounds fi lled the air at the borough’s Annual Tree Lighti ng on Dec. 3 The front lawn of the municipal complex was transformed into a spectacle of holiday lit vehicles, along with a special performance comprised of Washington Park School’s Glee Club, Junior Chorus, Junior Band, and Senior Band. The performance included “All I Want For Christmas,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” and a special musical number of “Sleigh Ride,” among other holiday favorites. According to Principal David Bower, the students began preparing in September and conti nued up to this month. “I thought the children did a fantasti c job, and it’s great to have them back playing live for the family and friends in Totowa aft er the pandemic,’ Bower said. Aft erwards, Mayor John Coiro, with a little help from Santa, lead the countdown to the lighti ng of the spectacular pine tree on the front lawn. The tree has special meaning this year, according to Mark Monteyne, Recreati on Director. Local resident Darlene Walsh said the town originally had an oval/medal tree that did not appear to look very festi ve. But with Walsh’s late daughter’s love of the

Christmas season, they knew the current tree just wouldn’t do. “Our daughter Kathleen would have been upset with that tree,” said Walsh. “So in 2013, around ten years aft er her passing, my husband Kevin Walsh, former Assistant Chief, Chaplain and President of the Totowa Borough Fire Department, donated this pine tree in her memory. He passed away in 2020.” Monteyne believes the tree is poised to grace Rockefeller Center one day. Let it grow,” he said. “I believe it will get there one day.” Councilwoman Debbie Andriani also commented on the evening’s events. “It’s the most wonderful ti me of the year, so it is only fi tti ng to have the community come together and celebrate the holiday season,” she said. Coiro said the borough has been holding an annual tree lighti ng ceremony for decades but due to the pandemic, it needed to be streamed last year. “It’s so inspirati onal to be back live and see and hear the school choir. A joyous way to kick off the holiday season,” he added. Some Disney friends, along with event organizers, gather together in front of the borough’s Christmas tree. Photos courtesy of Mark Monteyne.

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Page 20 • January 2022

Totowa Tigers Win Two Division Level Championships in Patriot Bowl

Pictured are the Totowa Tigers Pee Wee Division team members who were given sports award certiﬁcates for their Patriot Bowl Championship win by Mayor Coiro and council members on Nov. 23.

By Tina Pappas he Totowa Tigers won two division level championships in the Patriot Bowl that was hosted in the Borough. The league plays under the North Bergen Junior Youth Football League. The winning teams were the Pee Wee Division (3/4) and the Senior Division (7/8). Both games were held at the P.A.L.’s new turf fi eld on Nov. 13, with the Pee Wee Division team winning against Ridgewood and the Senior Division team winning against Montville Township. Both teams were presented with sports award certi fi cates by Mayor John Coiro and council members at the council meeti ng on Nov. 23.

Pictured are the Totowa Tigers Senior Division team members who were given sports award certiﬁcates for their Patriot Bowl Championship win by Mayor Coiro and council members on Nov. 23. Photos courtesy of Mark Monteyne.

The Pee Wee Division team ended the regular season with a record of 4 and 4, which qualifi ed as the lowest seed in the Patriot Bowl, according to Mike McGovern, Pee Wee Division Head Coach. He said the fi rst game in the Patriot Bowl was against fi rst-seeded Hawthorne. “With a huge defensive eff ort and some razzle dazzle, we won that game sending us to the Patriot Bowl Championship game against Ridgewood, the team we opened the season against and lost 26-7,” McGovern explained. “Our boys had a great week of practi ce and with grit and determinati on, we won the game 26-20 to avenge our loss to win the Patriot Bowl Championship!”

According to Lou Porta, Senior Division Head Coach, the team members also displayed their brand of magic during the season. He said the start of the season was very disappointi ng, but they fought hard, ignored all the talk around them and focused on getti ng bett er. “Where you end up says a lot more about you than where started, so this team exemplifi es that,” Porta said. “In the end, they proved that the only opinions that really matter are the ones from people in the program. I’m so proud of these young men. They always gave full out eff orts on the fi eld and the end of the day. The results proved they’re Patriot Champions!”

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Jr. Hornets Bring Two Super Bowl Championships to Little Falls

Pictured is the Little Falls Jr. Hornets Pee Wee Division team, after winning the Super Bowl championship on Nov. 20. Photos courtesy of The Township of Little Falls .

Pictured is the Little Falls Jr. Hornets Senior Division team, after winning the Super Bowl championship on Nov. 20.

By Tina Pappas he Jr. Hornets hosted three division level Super Bowls, of which two division levels won their championships. The league is run under the LFFPA (Litt le Falls Football Parents Associati on). The three division levels of 3/4, 5/6 and 7/8 played in their championship games at the Litt le Falls Sports and Recreati on Complex on Nov. 20. According to Mike Pocius, LF Football Commissioner, both winning teams faced fi rst seeded teams on their division level. The Pee Wee Division (3/4) faced Kinnelon, and Senior Division (7/8) faced Franklin Lakes.

“Both teams avenged their loss in this Super Bowl,” said Pocius. “I’m extremely proud that they were able to overcome adversity and bring back two championships to Litt le Falls. It was a great night!” Pocius added he was informed that the last ti me two championships were brought to the Township was 17 years ago. He said he felt both teams defi nitely had a chance because they were set on their goal and pursued their quest never doubti ng themselves. “They worked very hard for this,” Pocius further added. “They practi ced someti mes six days a week. It defi nitely paid off and we’re so proud them.”

January 2022 • Page 23

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Little Falls Receives Fourth Installment of Streetscape Grants for Downtown Improvements

By Tina Pappas he Township received its fourth installment in a series of grants from the New Jersey Department of Transportati on (NJDOT). The aim is to improve the enti re town with a focus on the downtown area. Mayor James Damiano said the recent “streetscape” grant award is in the amount of over $558,000 to conti nue the project. “I’m thrilled the Township received its fourth grant from the state DOT, which will be breaking ground along Main Street this spring,” Damiano said. According to Damiano, the fi rst phase of the streetscape has completed constructi on along Maple Avenue. The second and third phases will begin this spring down Main Street, stretching from Maple Avenue to Paterson Avenue, and from Paterson Avenue just past Center Avenue. The fi rst two grants received by the Township for redevelopment were awarded in 2018 and 2019, while the third grant was received in 2020. “This new fourth secti on will allow the Township to conti nue the streetscape down Main Street and up to Union Avenue,” Damiano added. Councilman Al Kahwaty echoed the sen-

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ti ment. “Litt le Falls’ Downtown is fi nally getti ng the upgrade that it so desperately needs, and it’s funded by the state,” he said. “These improvements are going to look great and make residents and visitors once again experience Litt le Falls at its best. I look forward to seeing them completed.” Councilman Chris Vancheri said he’s excited to learn the Township was awarded a fourth grant to conti nue its streetscape project. “I’m really looking forward to seeing this project completed in 2022,” he said.

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Page 24 • January 2022

FD Parade & Toy Drive

undreds of spectators lined the streets in Totowa and Woodland Park on Nov. 27 to enjoy the 2021 Holiday Lights Parade, presented by the Totowa & West Paterson Fire Departments, as well as the Christmas tree lighti ng and fi re department Winter Festi val at Dowling Gardens. Santa took a break from the North Pole to stop by the tree lighti ng in the park before the parade. Santa and his friends helped Mayor Kazmark and the Council light up the tree before hopping on a truck in the parade.

The Holiday Lights Parade kicked off at 515 Union Blvd. in Totowa and traveled through the two towns ending near Memorial Drive. This year, over 130 brightly decorated vehicles and fl oats delighted the spectators. The Passaic Valley High School marching band and chorus also performed during the parade. Att endees also enjoyed a winter festi val on McBride Avenue that featured over two dozen vendors, food trucks, and acti viti es for the children. Following the parade, Mrs. Claus and Santa’s helpers

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made a special visit to the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital bearing a trailer fi lled with Christmas gift s. Mr. Sanzari, doctors, nurses, staff , and the children were also treated to beauti fully decorated fi re trucks, the extra special Salomone vehicles, and the magic of snow fl urries on a sunny 50 degree day. The toys were collected by the fi re departments from the parti cipants in the parade, from spectators along the parade route, and at collecti on events at the fi re houses.

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January 2022 • Page 25

Little Falls Holds Tree Lighting/Winter Festival in Memorial Park

Pictured (from left) is Council President Anthony Sgobba, Councilman Al Kahwaty, Councilman Chris Vancheri, Councilwoman Christine Hablitz and Mayor James Damiano at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting/Winter Festival on Dec. 1. Photos courtesy of The Township of Little Falls

By Tina Pappas right lights and festi ve sounds fi lled the evening during the Township’s annual Christmas Tree Lighti ng ceremony on Dec. 1. A winter wonderland brightened Memorial Park on Wilmore Road as att endees enjoyed all that the season has to off er, which included holiday lit police and fi re vehicles, food vendors, and a photo op with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The countdown to the lighti ng of the tree was hosted

Santa is shown upon his arrival at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting/Winter Festival in Little Falls on Dec. 1.

by Mayor James Damiano, which began with a sing-a-long of Jingle Bells and Frosty the Snowman led by Mrs. Claus and an elf. With a fl ick of the switch, the park’s tall, beauti ful pine tree was adorned with bright, colorful lights. Aft er enjoying treats from Glazed & Confused Donut Truck sponsored by the Litt le Falls Recreati on Department, att endees brought their children to the gazebo where the Litt le Falls Fire Department held “Meet & Greet Santa,” where children shared their Christmas lists and took photos with

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Santa Claus. Makeshift snow was sprinkled all around the walkways by the festi ve, holiday lit trucks, adding to the festi ve atmosphere of the event. The Passaic Valley High School Choir also performed Christmas carols during the evening. Also assisti ng with the event was Boy Scout Troop 14, Passaic Valley UNICO, and The Fine Grind. The Litt le Falls Police Department also collected toy donati ons for the Holiday Toy Drive for St. Joseph’s Children Hospital.

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January 2022 • Page 27

People Visit Canfield-Morgan House and Museum During Holiday Season

house and the Canfield and Morgan families who lived there. During the holidays, the museum and house are decorated with bright green wreaths made of real branches and topped with red bows to give the building a festive look. Poinsettias and a Christmas tree decorated the inside of the home during the historic house tour, which took place on Dec. 4 and 5, 2021.

When the home is not being toured, the Cedar Grove Historical Society upkeeps the property to maintain its historic look. The home is filled with fine China, furniture, and artwork from the 1800s. Throughout the year, people may book private tours of the house by appointment only. To book a tour, email Cedar Grove Historical Society President Jean Jaeger at jeanjaeger@optononline.net.

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New WP Police Chief

oodland Park has a new Chief of Police. Congratulati ons to Chief John Uzzalino, along with new Deputy Chief Lou DeLuca, Captains Michael Brady and Jeff rey O’Brien, and Lt. Danny Russo, who were all promoted at a recent Borough Council meeti ng. “The future of the Woodland Park Police Department is in good hands,” Mayor Keith Kazmark said. “It was an honor and privilege to promote each of these deserving oﬃ cers tonight. Rest assured you have the

full support of the Mayor and Council and our enti re community.” Chief Uzzalino assumed the Acti ng Chief positi on on March 20, 2020, just one day before the state’s COVID-19 initi al pandemic shutdown. “I could not be more proud of Chief John Uzzalino for leading this department through one of the most trying periods in the history of the West Paterson and Woodland Park police departments,” Mayor Kazmark said.

Oﬃcer Collucci

ongratulati ons to Woodland Park’s newest Police Oﬃ cer, Anthony Collucci. A Totowa nati ve, Collucci graduated Passaic Valley High School and att ended Passaic County Community College. He served as a Passaic County

Correcti ons Oﬃ cer for nearly four years and the Paterson Police Department before joining the Woodland Park Police Department. He is highly trained in de-escalati on techniques and confl ict resoluti on.

January 2022 • Page 29

On-Site Admissions Day 2021 Results in Over 134 Acceptances Into Local Colleges and Universities

By Abigail Kosch n December 1, 2021 Passaic Valley held its annual On-Site Admissions Day for seniors. An all day event, 52 seniors sat down for brief ten to fifteen minute interviews with 14 New Jersey colleges. With over 134 acceptances, over $590,000 in scholarship money was awarded to students. On-Site Admissions Day is held in the Guidance Department each year. Students completed the interview process with the colleges they applied for, then representatives from the colleges decided on the spot if the student was accepted or waitlisted. This event was momentous for participating PV seniors. It allowed for students to potentially receive their first college acceptance before winter break. “It alleviates the stress of the students in that at least they’ve been accepted to one school, even if they may not be going to a New Jersey school,” said Guidance Counselor Ms. Jennifer

Shue. “For a lot of these kids, it will be their first acceptance in their college application process, so to have that one to put in your back pocket is huge.” Students began putting together applications, transcripts, and letters of recommendation in October, when the date of the event was announced. Students had to have their applications submitted by November 15th. Guidance counselors then put together student packets with all of their materials and submitted them through Naviance. PV guidance counselors work hard to make sure the day runs smoothly and to ensure that students are prepared for the big day. “For us it’s nerve-wracking putting it together and making sure all the students have applied,” said Ms. Shue. “We give them a month to get everything together. Then the admissions representatives have to put together their list and make sure they have all the supplemental materials.”

Part of preparing for On-Site Admissions Day was making sure students knew how they had to prepare for the event. “That’s one of the things we really talk to the students about when they sign up for the event,” said Ms. Shue. “It’s fun. It’s not supposed to be stressful, the representatives are really nice, and they are really excited to be here.” While preparing all the physical materials needed for the day was important, mentally preparing was equally crucial. “It was all about getting in the zone and making every interview worth it,” said Hatem Haddouche ‘22. Participating Passaic Valley seniors were accepted into local colleges consisting of Berkeley College, Bloomfield College, Caldwell University, Drew University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Felician University, Kean University, Montclair State University, New Jersey City University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Seton Hall University, and Stevens Institute of Technology.

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Page 30 • January 2022

PVHS Advisory

assaic Valley High School Board of Educati on President Sam Yodice and Mayor Keith Kazmark had the opportunity to sit down with PVHS students from Woodland Park, who grew up in our in-town programs, to discuss the launch of the Borough’s new Recreati on Department

in March. They also talked about what programs could be off ered for high school students through the Recreati on Department moving forward. It was a great meeti ng with an open dialogue about what they enjoyed, what can be built upon and what can be done bett er.

Tree Study

tudents in Ms. Witti g’s PreK-3 class at bugs inside a tree on school grounds. The School 1 in Woodland Park each took a class also had an opportunity to examine turn being an arborist and listening for the inside of the tree trunk as well.

January 2022 • Page 31

Annual Turkey Trot 5K Held in Totowa with over 600 Participants

Pictured are participants with their furry friends at the third annual Turkey Trot 5K Challenge and 1 Mile Fun Run in Totowa. Photos courtesy of Mark Monteyne.

By Tina Pappas he third annual Turkey Trot 5K Challenge and 1 Mile Fun Run was held on Nov. 21. The race began at Campus Road and took runners and walkers through the borough where they enjoyed being outside on a brisk and sunny fall Sunday. It was presented by the Totowa Board of Recreati on, in conjuncti on with the Totowa Library Foundati on. According to Mark Monteyne, Recreati on Director, over 600 plus racers came out to parti cipate this year. “It was so nice to see people in our surrounding areas and beyond taking advantage of some healthy, community fun,” said Monteyne. “Everyone who came out was exposed to a LIC #8414

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Local kids are pictured participating at the third annual Turkey Trot 5K Challenge and 1 Mile Fun Run in Totowa.

lot of energy going throughout the borough.” Monteyne also added that “Patriot,” the oﬃ cial turkey of Totowa, was given an oﬃ cial pardon by Mayor John Coiro, Senator Kristi n Corrado and Father Joey Mactal of St. James Roman Catholic. “What bett er feeling is that on a beauti ful Sunday morning?” he said. “And it’s wonderful to see our community so involved and supported with our Mayor, Borough Council, police department, fi re department, EMT, DPW and library pulling together as a team to bring events like this to reality!” Monteyne wished to thank all of the community sponsors.

“A big shout out to those who supported the event, especially our main event sponsor Schumacher Chevrolet,” Monteyne noted. Gina Esposito Quinn, a Woodland Park resident who works as a teacher in Totowa, said she enjoyed parti cipati ng this year. “The weather was perfect and we all had a great ti me,” she said. “It really was a lot of fun and it felt so good to get out there. We really enjoyed it!” The race results link, which includes video fi nishes, can be found at Totowa Live 5K & Virtual Challenges Results on runsignup.com.

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A New Year’s Day Story

By Richard Mabey Jr. rom the days of my early childhood on through my senior year of high school, we would always spend a good portion of New Year’s Day at my maternal grandparents’ home in Boonton. The home was a two-story, yellow brick farmhouse that proudly stood on the 600 block of Boonton Avenue. A stone wall proudly stood on the edge of the entire front yard, just about a foot from the sidewalk. It was a most majestic stone wall with a level, concrete top. I so dearly remember the big feasts of New Year’s Day at my maternal grandparents’ home. My mom was the youngest of nine children. The house would abound with aunts and uncles and cousins. It was a joyous time, a time of innocence. It was a time when most people still had black and white television sets, there were no microwave ovens, no laptop computers, and no cell phones. Grandma, Mom, my sister Patti, my aunts, and my girl cousins would all somehow manage to fit into Grandma’s kitchen and would be busy cooking the big New Year’s Day feast. The men would be huddled around Grandpa’s little black and white television set, watching football games. I know how chauvinist this all sounds, but it was just the way it was back in the 1950’s and 1960’s. The timing of the feast was always a bit of a puzzling thing to me. We would all eat at about 3:00 in the afternoon. So, the big feast was either a late lunch or an early supper, depending upon how you looked at it. Grandpa Kemmerer and I had a most wonderful and

magical bond. We were both drummers. I had started playing the drums when I was in fourth grade. I was in my school band from fourth grade on through all of my time at Boonton High School. Through the years, I had quite a few of drum teachers and band leaders. But, I learned the most about the art of being a fine percussionist from my Grandpa K. There comes a moment in time, in everyone’s life, when they look at the things, the places, then nooks and crannies that they have looked at a million and one times, but in one solitary moment see in an entirely different array of colors, meanings, and abounding depth. Such a moment came to me when I was 14 years old and in my freshman year at Boonton High School. Unbeknown to me, Grandpa K had gone to a football game at Boonton High, with a few of his fellow volunteer firemen. Grandpa saw me play the big bass drum during the half-time show. It was in the midst of New Year’s Day of 1968, that Grandpa K shared a sacred moment with me. It was New Year’s Day 1968. As Grandpa K sat in his easy chair, surrounded by his sons, sons-in-law, and grandchildren, he took a look at his watch. The football game on the old black and white television had mostly everyone hypnotized. “Well, here it is two o’clock in the afternoon. I better check on old Mickey,” Grandpa announced to everyone. Old Mickey was Grandpa’s beloved beagle, who had a most elaborate pen and doghouse in Grandpa’s backyard. I remember this moment all so well. Grandpa continued on page 33

My grandfather, Edmund C. Kemmerer, and myself when I was a boy, standing on the sidewalk, just outside of the old Kemmerer Homestead on Boonton Avenue.

New Year New Kitchen!

January 2022 • Page 33

A New Year’s Day Story... continued from page 32 unceremoniously arose from his comfortable chair, walked into the kitchen, and came out with a big aluminum bowl, filled with dry dog food. Grandpa looked down at the dry dog food as if it were tea leaves left at the bottom of a teacup, filled with fortune telling properties. “Richie, you wanna help me feed Old Mickey?” Grandpa called out to me. “Sure thing, Grandpa,” I responded. Grandpa and I put our coats on, walked out the side door of the old Kemmerer Homestead and began the walk down the gravel driveway to Old Mickey’s doghouse. I think that Old Mickey had the most elaborate setup that any dog could ever imagine. It was a large, gated area, with a big shed in one corner of the gated area. Grandpa had cut out a little doorway for Old Mickey to come in and out of the shed. A piece of canvas hung over the little opening, so that the cold air would not intrude upon the warmth inside Old Mickey’s walk-in doghouse. Old Mickey’s tail wildly wagged as he saw Grandpa and I walk down the driveway. Grandpa opened up the gate door, we walked into Old Mickey’s domain. Dear Old Mickey jumped wildly onto Grandpa, until Grandpa put down the metal bowl and Old Mickey begin eating his early supper. Grandpa petted Old Mickey, then began walking to Old Mickey’s shed. I followed my beloved grandfather. To my surprise, Grandpa grabbed a big, oversized bass drum mallet. He looked at the drum mallet with a certain sad reflection pouring from his eyes. The big, pot belly stove

in the middle of the shed, warmed us both. “Richie, I’ve had this old bass drum mallet more years than I can recall. I want you to have it,” Grandpa gently told me. I was lost for words. I could tell that the old bass mallet meant a lot to my dear grandfather. I thanked my grandfather for the endearing gift. I held the drum mallet in my hand, holding back my tears. For I knew, deep in my heart that my grandfather had just passed on something to me that he dearly cherished. As we walked out of the shed, Grandpa heartily petted Old Mickey. We walked out of Old Mickey’s big, gated area and began our walk up the long driveway to the side door of the endearing Kemmerer Homestead. Smoke ascended from the brick chimney atop the roof of the yellow brick home. “You’re a good drummer,” Grandpa said to me. Holding back my tears, I clenched the handle of Grandpa’s precious bass drum mallet with my right hand. “Thank you, Grandpa,” I simply replied. Over 50 years have come and gone since that wonderful, memorable New Year’s Day of 1968. Now at 68, I return in memory to that little, modest home atop Boonton Avenue. I would give everything I own to go back in time, for just one hour, to relive those precious and endearing memories. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail.com. Please put on the subject line: My Life Publications.

Grandpa K and his charming smile, that I remember, oh so well.

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Page 34 • January 2022

January 2022 • Page 35

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