Passaic Valley January 2024 by My Life Publications..Maljon LLC

A YUM Publication

No. 5 Vol. 1

JANUARY 2024

Wreaths Across America Holds Heartfelt Service at Holy Sepulchre

Photo credit: The Township of Little Falls The Wreaths Across America ceremony was held at Holy Sepulchre Ceremony to honor veterans on Dec. 16. Cathy Pagano, coordinator, welcomes attendees to the ceremony.

By Tina Pappas sunny and mild December day was the perfect weather for the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony. A sea of wreaths decorated Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Totowa, as many gathered to honor veterans in a heartfelt ceremony on Dec. 16. National Wreaths Across America Day, a nonprofit organization, aims to remember, honor, and teach the value of freedom by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery. Ceremonies are also held at additional locations throughout the U.S. and abroad. Individuals can sponsor a wreath or volunteer at events. Cathy Pagano, location coordinator for Holy Sepulchre Cemetery for Wreaths Across America, welcomed attendees and said that she is very proud that 4,500 wreaths were assembled for the event. "We are so proud that we had wreaths sponsored by so many people and that's a tremendous accomplishment," she said, adding that the event is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community to honor all veterans. The ceremony kicked of with The Pledge of Allegiance followed by The National Anthem, sung by Nadia Malik. The vocation was given by Rev. Peter Wells of the Diocese of Paterson, "People are gathering to hundreds and hundreds of cemeteries throughout our country to honor, pay respects and give tribute to our veterans," he said. He then encouraged those attendees who planned to place wreaths at veteran headstones to not only look at the name, but also the branch of service and the year. He also said some veteran graves stem back to those who fought in the Civil War. "We honor them, we give them tribute, we thank them

for their service and may they never be forgotten," he added. Michael Coscia, School Board President for Passaic County Technical-Vocational Schools (PCTVS), also spoke during the ceremony and said PCTVS continues to support veterans throughout the year. "We do various things to help the veterans, especially during Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Pearl Harbor Day, 9/11, etc.," he explained. "It's always about the kids and we talk to them about the past, and streamline that throughout the schools. Our student council is here today also assisting with this event." The PCTVS Student Council then raised a wreath signifying a branch of service in the military. The United States Army, United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, United States Air Force, United States Coast Guard, United States Merchant Marines, and United States Space Force,

(From left) PCTVS School Board President Michael Coscia, PCTVS Director of Communications Sandy Woods, and Cathy Pagano, location coordinator for Holy Sepulchre Cemetery for Wreaths Across America.

The PCTVS Student Council raise the wreaths to honor veterans representing each branch of the military at the Wreaths Across America ceremony on Dec. 16.

each had a wreath raised for its service area. "Each wreath will be raised in honor of the those who served - past and present - and in the particular service unit," added Pagano. She also emphasized that the last wreath raised is in honor of the United States servicemen from all over the world with their last known status as Prisoner of War/Missing in Action. A firing detail then shot in the air to honor those fallen veterans. Sandy Woods, Director of Communications for PCTVS, said the district is very proud and honored to be part of the event. "We have been associated with Wreaths Across America as a national initiative for the past five years" she added. "Each year it grows and grows and we are so happy to instill a culture of patriotism and thankfulness to our veterans and families for all their sacrifices, so we thank them."

A volunteer lays a wreath at a veteran’s grave during the Wreaths Across America ceremony in Totowa on Dec. 16.

Mirian Tanis, Cemetery Manager for Holy Sepulchre and Calvary Cemetery, also spoke during the ceremony and thanked everyone for attending. She also commended Pagano for her efforts in coordinating the ceremony. "She works tirelessly," she said. "The love she has for this country, for veterans and for all of our families is absolutely amazing."

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Little Falls Lights the Menorah for Annual Hanukkah Celebration

By Tina Pappas

ocal residents and Township officials came together at Memorial Park on Wilmore Road to celebrate Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights on Dec. 11. The celebration was led by Rabbi Mayer Gurkov, along with Council President Anthony Sgobba, Councilman Chris Vancheri, Councilwoman Christine Hablitz and Councilman Michael Murphy. Rabbi Gurkov and Council President Sgobba took turns lighting the 10-foot-high Menorah that was provided by the Chabad Center of Passaic County. Prior to lighting the Menorah, Rabbi Gurkov thanked Mayor James Damiano and the Township Council. He also thanked Tyler Passero of the Little Falls Recreation Department, for helping coordinate the event. Additionally, he thanked the Alliance for A Better Community for assisting with the ceremony. He then said a quick word about Hanukkah giving a poignant analogy of how deriving oil from crushing olives can be compared with Jewish people's resilience throughout history and modern times. "We know the miracle is what happened with oil," he

said. "Many of us are familiar with the story as the Jewish people came to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, and they couldn't find any pure oil to light the Menorah except for one little jug. Instead of one day, it lasted for eight days." He then spoke of the fortitude of Jewish people throughout the centuries by comparing oil derived from crushing olives.. "You have to crush the olives to get the oil out and that's a lesson for the Jewish people and the world in general, but especially the Jewish people who have been crushed in every single century," he explained. "But what comes out from all that crushing is the purest of oils. That's how the Jewish people have been resilient throughout our long history. The resilience and the beauty of the Jewish people has shone forth. That's the lesson about the oil tonight. Rabbi Gurkov's father and founder of the Chabad Center, Rabbi Michel Gurkov, also shared his reflections on Hanukkah by comparing the lighting of candles to bringing light into the world. "When we light the Menorah each night, we add light. The interesting thing about it is we always light the candle from the newest light," he stated. "And the message is very clear that it's not enough to be complacent with the good and kindness that we performed the day before, but each day we must grow, we must illuminate the world with a greater light each and every day of our life. That's the very powerful message of the Hanukkah Menorah. May we all continue to increase in our acts of goodness and kindness everyday." Rabbi Gurkov then completed the lighting of the Menorah, while leading the song of Maoz Tzur, meaning "Strong-

Photo credit: The Township of Little Falls The Township of Little Falls held the annual Lighting of the Menorah in Memorial Park in celebration of Hanukkah on Dec. 11

hold of Rock" in Hebrew, a popular Hanukkah song that is often sung after reciting the Hanukkah blessings and lighting the Menorah. Banu Choshech was also sung, which signifies "Light Your Spark." "We hope everyone has a Happy, Happy Hanukkah!" he said. Passero also commented on the ceremony. 'We are very grateful that Mayor Damiano and the Township Council introduced Rabbi Gurkov to the Recreation Department," he said. "It's a pleasure to work with him every year to put on the Township Menorah lighting over at Memorial Park on Wilmore Road here in Little Falls." Sgobba said he was thankful for Rabbi Gurkov's insightful presentation highlighting the profound history of Hanukkah during the ceremony. "On behalf of the Mayor and Township Council, I extend heartfelt wishes to all celebrants, hoping this Hanukkah season brings joy and and meaning to your lives," he added.

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Little Falls Police Department Honored with Traffic Safety Awards

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Photo credit: AAA Northeast Pictured (from left) Chief Bryan Prall of the LFPD; David Hughes, President of the New Jersey Division, AAA Northeast; Corporal Alfonso Pinnola of the LFPD; and Sgt. Ryan Hoyt of the LFPD.

By Tina Pappas he Little Falls Police Department (LFPD) was recently awarded the "GOLD Community Award" at the annual AAA Community Traffic Safety Awards Program luncheon held on Nov. 30. The event was held at the North Jersey Country Club in Wayne. According to Shani Jarvis, AAA Northeast Outreach Manager, the Community Traffic Safety Awards Program recognizes communities for their efforts to improve traffic safety cont. on page 7 for all road motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, etc.

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Law enforcement agencies share how they employ a holistic approach to traffic safety through collaboration between their department and the community, including fire and EMS services, schools, the senior community, injury prevention coalitions and other municipal agencies," Jarvis said. AAA clubs make applications available to cities, counties, towns and villages, asking officials to describe their traffic safety activities of the previous year. Initiatives may include pedestrian safety, bicycle safety, school bus safety, teen driving, senior safety, checkpoints to monitor seat belt use and distracted driving. It also can include roadway safety projects and emergency response innovations. Officer Alfonso Pinnola of the LFPD was also recognized with the AAA Traffic Safety Hero Award. Pinnola oversees the day-to-day operations in the Traffic Safety Section of the Operations Department of the LFPD, which was implemented in 2022. He conducts traffic studies, managing the automated parking enforcement system, traffic law enforcement, traffic control, and crash investigations. He also acts as the liaison for the Passaic County Traffic Officers Association and the Little Falls Transportation Committee. "His commitment to traffic safety has played a large role in keeping residents safe regardless of the method transportation," added Jarvis. Mayor James Damiano also commented on the traffic award received by the LFPD. "The Little Falls Police Department has been extremely proactive in ensuring that residents remain safe while driving, and while using our streets and sidewalks as pedestrians," he said. "I want to thank our entire police department, as well as Corporal Pinnola for all his hard work and congratulate him receiving this tremendous award." LFPD Chief Bryan Prall said he's proud of Little Falls police officers when it comes to traffic safety throughout the community and appreciates the recognition given by the AAA. "This is the effort we're putting in every day that people don't see," he explained. "I thank Triple A and was proud to present this award during a recent Township Council meeting." Prall also commended Pinnola for his achievement. "With Al's recognition, it's a testament to his work ethic and commitment to the community when it comes to traffic safety," he noted.

n December 9th, Bloomingdale welcomed Rio Lindo Restaurant to the Borough. Rio Lindo offers a wide selection of Honduran and Mexican food and is located at 115 Main St. Mayor John D’Amato officially welcomed owners Idegar and Miguel Minor, accompanied by Councilmembers John Graziano and Evelyn Scheubert, Borough Administrator Mike Sondermeyer, Sergeant Fatzer, and Patrolmen Soules and Miller, the Economic Development Commission’s Michelle Reynolds and Casey Morgan. Rio Lindo Restaurant is located at 42 Main St. in Bloomingdale.

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Annual Breakfast with Santa held at Civic Center

The annual Breakfast with Santa event was held at the Little Falls Civic Center on Dec. 2.

By Tina Pappas

he Little Falls Civic Center was transformed into an allout holiday celebration during the annual Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 2. Sponsored by the Little Falls Business Association (LittleFallsBiz), the event included a bagel breakfast, craft project and a gift from Santa. Children also had the chance to take a photo with Santa. The festive atmosphere resonated with an emphasis that the holiday season is certainly here. According to Kathleen Thomas of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Van Der Wende, the event sells out once tickets go on sale on Nov. 1. Two morning sessions were

held, with the first session running from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and the second session running from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. "This event sold out in the first three days once tickets became available," she said. "We always hold the event here at the Civic Center and this marks our tenth year. It's pretty cool to see people coming back year after year. Karen Winick of Pencilworks also helps to put this event on with me." Thomas said although sponsorship for the event has waned in recent years, she appreciates the sponsors who helped make this year's event happen. They are Troy Or-

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Junior Hornets Football and Cheerleading Squads honored in Little Falls

Photo credit: The Township of Little Falls The Township of Little Falls recently honored the Junior Hornets Junior Football Squad, including the Junior and Senior Hornets Cheerleading Squad during the recent Township Council Meeting held on Dec. 18.

By Tina Pappas ayor James Damiano and the Little Falls Township Council honored the Little Falls Junior Hornets Junior Football Squad, and the Junior and Senior Hornets Cheerleading Squads with proclamations during the recent Township Council Meeting held on Dec. 18. The football team won their 2023 Tri County Youth Football League (TCYFL) Junior Super Bowl title. Comprised of fifth and sixth graders, the team had a successful winning record as the only team out of ten teams to go undefeated, including at the Juniors level. Additionally, the team is the first Hornets Juniors squad to win in the new

league. Mayor Damiano commented on the team's win, adding that school sports programs are are an integral part of the community, and gives residents a chance to participate in a healthy activity that fosters teamwork and builds strong character and lifelong skills. "This team this year had an incredible 11-0 record, with a final victory in their championship game of 25-6 versus Glen Rock," he said. 'We'd like to extend our sincere congratulations to these athletes and their coaches and let them know how proud the community is of their accomplishments. The team's hard work, commitment, dedica-

tion and teamwork contributed to a successful season." Mayor Damiano and Township Council members also touted the Little Falls Junior and Senior Squad Cheerleaders for their enthusiastic support of the championship football squad throughout the entire season. "The Township of Little Falls celebrates the Junior and Senior Squad Cheerleaders, and I'd like to extend a sincere congratulations to the athletes and coaches and let them know how proud the community is of their accomplishments" he said. "Along with the Township Council, I'd like to extend our congratulations, best wishes and continuous success."

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Annual Peddlers Village Holiday Marketplace Held in Little Falls By Tina Pappas he Township of Little Falls held this year's Peddlers Village Holiday Marketplace at the LF Sports & Recreation Complex on Dec. 2. An array of local crafts, artisans, holiday gift and food vendors offered up their specialties to those who stopped by to sample and buy their creations. Benjamin Barrios, of Jersey Pickles, said that it was great seeing so many people came out on such a beautiful day to buy and enjoy everything the event had to offer. Jersey Pickles has been a mainstay at the Little Falls Farmers Market.. "I'm very happy to be here among these other vendors," he said. "Many people came buy to sample and buy our high quality pickles today." Another familiar vendor from the Little Falls Farmers Market was Heather Marion, owner and Alpaca farmer from Humor Me Farm, of Newfoundland, NJ, who said her farm also breeds grand champion English and French Angora rabbits, in addition to Alpacas and Angora goats. The farm has a new location at Anthony Road in Glen Gardner and is home of the Passaic County 4H Alpaca pals. "We will be having our Christmas on the Farm event on Dec. 16 and we would love to have everyone come by," she said. "We hand spin all of our fiber into yarn and then from that yarn we finish our all products with it." Among the other vendors taking part in the event was Joy In A Jar, which offered up high quality body scrubs. Twin sisters Bailey and Abigail Mugleston from Little Falls sold their handmade crocheted items. Another Little Falls Farmers Market

Photo credit: The Township of Little Falls The Township of Little Falls recently presented their annual Peddlers Village and Holiday Marketplace, where local vendors offered up their eclectic goods for patrons.

vendor in attendance was Dough Boy On The Rise, including The Cheese Guy. Additional vendors included Clean Temple Body Essentials, Jennifer's Cozy Creations, and The Giraffe's Heart. The PV Junior Hornets Travel Baseball team also set up at a table selling seat warmers. Tasty food trucks were also featured at the Peddler's Village stationed outside of the Recreation Center, that many will remember from the Little Falls Farmers Market, including Rosie's Empanadas and Chow Wow Asian Fusion. Maripat Cottone and her husband said coming by the Peddler's Village is a wonderful activity to do while it helps the community. "It gives us an opportunity to shop local, shop small and support the town as an activity for the town," Cottone added.

Pictured is Heather Marion, owner and Alpaca farmer from Humor Me Farm, who took part in the Pedders Village and Holiday Marketplace on Dec. 2.

January 2024 • Page 11

Totowa Library Event

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Heart Healthy Eating oin Heather Shasa, Retail Registered Dietitian of ShopRite of Little Falls, for a Heart Healthy Eating Presentation on Thursday, February 15 at 1:00pm, here at the Totowa Public Library! She will be discussing foods to eat and foods to avoid to support your heart and provide suggestions and tips to keep your heart healthy. This program is hosted by “The Aged to Perfection Sr. Club!” Visit totowapl.org/register Hope to see you there! The Totowa Library will be offering Portrait Drawing Class for adults with Maria Carparelli, local NJ state certified Art instructor! This is a six week session class starting March 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17, 2024! The six week session is $48.00 per person. The course content: Drawing eyes, nose & lips, Facial proportions, Drawing front, side and ¾ views, Applying parts of a shadow to portraits, Guidance on drawing projects. To register, please visit: totowapl.org/register class size is limited!

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tudents in the Lego Club after-school program at Beatrice Gilmore School in Woodland Park, under the direction of ESL teacher Ms. Amos, used creativity and teamwork in facing a different Lego challenge each meeting! Most recently, these students won the competition for building the tallest Lego tower. On a previous day, students created a Lego flag of their choice.

Page 12 • January 2024

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Little Falls Celebrates the Holiday Season with Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Photo credit: The Township of Little Falls Pictured is the Christmas Tree inside Memorial Park on Wilmore Road that was lit by Mayor James Damiano and Township Council members during the annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in Little Falls on Dec. 1.

spirited holiday vibe was in the air during the Township of Little Falls annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on Dec. 1. The wet weather could not put a damper on the festive atmosphere at Memorial Park on Wilmore Road where those in attendance enjoyed singing performances, cups of hot chocolate and a photo op with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Mayor James Damiano welcomed attendees prior to leading the countdown to the lighting of the tree with Council President Anthony Sgobba, Councilman Chris Vancheri, Councilwoman Christine Hablitz, Councilman Michael Murphy and Councilwoman Jayna Patel. He also thanked the Little Falls Department of Public Works (LFDPW) , Little Falls Police Department (LFPD), Little Falls Fire Department (LFFD) and LF Recreation Department for their support and hard work in helping putting the event together every single year. Cpl. Jon Vanak of the LFPD collected toy donations for the annual Holiday Toy Drive for St. Joseph's Children's Hospital as the Boy Scouts Troop gave out hot chocolate to attendees. Two separate singing performances were given by the Little Falls Girl Scouts and the Passaic Valley High School Choir in front of the Christmas tree, delighting those in attendance with their song renditions of holiday favorites. Damiano then counted down to switching on the park's tall pine tree, where 6,300 bright, colorful lights dazzled onlookers. The blaring sounds of holiday lit fire trucks marked the arrival of Santa to the event. Makeshift snow was funneled out from the Salomone cement truck as attendees looked to grab some floating in the air as they

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walked by. Children lined up with their families to get their photos during a Meet and Greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus under the Gazebo, where they also dropped off their wish list inside Santa's mailbox.

The Little Falls Girls Scouts sang Christmas Carols during the Little Falls Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on Dec.1.

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Little Falls Celebrates...

Junior Hornets Clinch Super Bowl TCYFL Win In Little Falls By Tina Pappas he Little Falls Junior Hornets recently won the Tri-County Youth Football League (TCYFL) Super Bowl championship. It is the team's second win with the league, with a prior win in 2021. It also marks the team's tenth Super Bowl victory, excluding the Silver Jets. Comprised of fifth and sixth graders, the team has had a successful winning record as the only team out of ten teams to go undefeated, including at the Juniors level. Additionally, the team is the first Hornets Juniors squad to win in the new TCYFL. According to Head Coach Bill Smith, the defense dominated the game from start to finish to clinch their win against Glen Rock cont. on page 16

Santa and Mrs. Claus greet children inside the Gazebo during a photo op at the Little Falls Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on Dec.1.

Photo credit: Nicole Smith The Little Falls Junior Hornets won their Tri-County Youth Football League (TCYFL) Super Bowl championship recently. Pictured is the team with their Super Bowl trophy.

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Cannabis Dispensary to Open in Little Falls By Tina Pappas he Township Council approved the opening of a Cannabis dispensary in Little Falls at the Nov. 27 meeting. In a unanimous vote of 5-0, council members gave the green-light for Ascend New Jersey, Inc., Cannabis is legal for both medical and recreational use in the state. According to Township Administrator Charles Cuccia, the Township received two applications for the license. A financial evaluation and determining the stronger work experience of each applicant was then made with Ascend New Jersey, Inc. being chosen due to its long history as a state licensee, including other municipalities and outside of New Jersey. "I reviewed their actual financial data to determine

what their sales were like in those other areas, along with all of the required aspects of what we put forth in the Cannabis ordinance," Cuccia said during the Township Council meeting. Cuccia added that the other application was from a start-up company, which had no specific experience for officials to review and make a determination, as compared with other applicant's proven record that was preferred for the Township's growing economy. "So the estimates of revenue to the Township are far less than the company with the experience," he explained. "The evaluation was relatively simple - What is the best fit for the Township of Little Falls in order for us to generate as much revenue as we possibly can under a legally licensed retail Cannabis provider?"

Photo credit: Rebecca Greene/TAPinto The Township of Little Falls passed a unanimous vote recently approving the opening of a Cannabis dispensary owned by Ascend New Jersey, Inc.

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Little Falls Seniors Enjoy Annual Holiday Luncheon By Tina Pappas ome festive fun was enjoyed by many local seniors during Little Falls' Senior Citizen Holiday Luncheon, held at the Little Falls Civic Center on Dec. 13. A spectacle of red and green filled the hall from those who wore seasonal colors, along with holiday decorations. The annual event brought out approximately 60 seniors who socialized, danced and enjoyed a variety of delicious food and desserts. Seniors also got a special visit from Santa Claus himself. Tyler Passero, Director of the Little Falls Recreation Department, welcomed attendees and thanked them all for coming. "Whether you support our senior groups, support our programs at the Recreation Center, or you're here to find out more information, or you're with a friend,

by all means come up and talk to myself or Nadine Heinis, our Senior Services Coordinator," he said. After enjoying some food donated by ShopRite of Little Falls, seniors kicked up their heels to some musical holiday favorites. Santa Claus then arrived to greet attendees and spread his joyous message for the season. Passero added that the Recreation Department takes a lot of pride in putting together the Senior Holiday Luncheon every year for our local seniors. "This year we had 60 seniors attend, who all enjoyed a hot buffet provided by ShopRite of Little Falls," he explained. "Nadine spearheaded the planning process of this year's luncheon." Passero also thanked Councilwoman Christine Hablitz, Councilwoman Jayna Patel and Corporal Jon Vanak of the Little Falls Po-

Tyler Passero, Director of the Little Falls Recreation Department, welcomes attendees

Little Falls residents Bill and Alice Hofmann enjoy an afternoon at the Little Falls’ Senior Citizen Holiday Luncheon

Photo credit: The Township of Little Falls Senior Services Coordinator Nadine Heinis, Councilwoman Christine Hablitz, and Recreation Director Tyler Passero pose with Santa

lice Department, for their attendance. "We would not be able to put on such successful events without the unwavering support of Mayor James Damiano and the Township Council," he said. Local resident Bill Hofmann, who attended the event with his wife Al-

(From left) Corporal Jon Vanak, Senior Services Coordinator Nadine Heinis, Councilwoman Jayna Patel and Recreation Director Tyler Passero at the LF Senior Citizen Holiday Luncheon

ice, said he appreciates the Township running special events year round. "They do a lot for the

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seniors," he added. "The Township runs a variety of different dances and they hold nice events like this

one here today, which is terrific."

January 2024 • Page 19

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Annual Holiday Toy Drive, P.B.A. Pancake Breakfast held in Little Falls

By Tina Pappas he holiday season and the spirit of giving was in the air during the Holiday Toy Drive/Pancake Breakfast hosted by Little Falls PBA #346. The annual event was held at Passaic Valley High School on Dec. 16. According to Corporal Jon Vanak of the Little Falls Police Department (LFPD), the breakfast was started 35 years ago. For the past seven years the toy drive was combined with the breakfast. The event brought out approximately 100 families to enjoy the breakfast, have their picture taken with Santa Claus, and donate a toy as part of the PBA's annual drive. According to Vanak, the collection begins after Thanksgiving and goes through to December 18. The toys are then donated to the St. Joseph's Children's Hospital in Paterson. Donations poured in as a large collection of toys was amassed inside the high school's cafeteria. "We collect toys throughout Little Falls," Vanak said. "Residences and businesses help out and donate to the collection. The Cruz Family of Little Falls helps us out by placing boxes for the collection around town." Vanak added that aside from generous residents, the Little Falls School District, Chubzzy Wubzzy Toys & Collectibles and Four Horsemen are among the donors this year. The pancakes were donated by local resident Mario DeLeo and the sausages were donated by The Falls Kitchen. Several hundred pieces of toys have been collected already. "We'll load them up and bring them to St. Joe's by Tuesday," he explained. "It's definitely growing every year and I'm happy I became involved with it, along with others including

Santa takes a photo in front of the toy collection with Corporal Jon Vanak and Little Falls PBA #346 PBA members. Photo credit: The Township of Little Falls Councilman Chris Vanceri,decked out as an elf, helps take a photo of a family at the annual Holiday Toy Drive/Little Falls PBA #346 Pancake Breakfast at Passaic Valley High School on Dec. 16.

PBA #346 President Kevin Sayad. The PBA does the pancake breakfast and the LFPD does the toy drive." Sayad said the pancake breakfast offers a great opportunity each year for the LFPD to help donate to the toy drive. "We get a great turnout at this breakfast and we hope to continue the tradition of making it bigger and more successful each year," he explained. "It's really a big team effort." Police Chief Bryan Prall noted that the yearly Pancake Breakfast with Santa and holiday toy drive predates any toy drive initiative from the department.

"It's a great way for the police department and the PBA to do something not only for our immediate community, but our expanded community, like St. Joe's Hospital, with Santa visiting for five hours with kids from the oncology department," he said. "It's very rewarding." Local resident Lisa Anello brought her two children Francesco and Caterina to the event, saying she appreciates living in Little Falls, where events like the pancake breakfast/toy drive offers an opportunity to help others. "I love living in this town because it's such a nice community and they do such wonderful things to help others, like giving these toys to St. Joseph's kids," she said. "It's also great for our kids in our community to see that.

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Annual Holiday Toy Drive... cont. from page 20

Santa takes a photo with Bayleigh and Avery Hablitz.

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Outgoing BOE trustees saluted

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Photos courtesy of the Woodland Park School District

oodland Park Board of Education trustees Jairo Rodriguez and Laura Spagnola Vargas (not pictured) were saluted by Superintendent Dr. Michele Pillari and the Board of Education for their years of dedication and commitment to the District. They were thanked for their time and efforts for all that they have done for our schools and students. Both trustees served the board for six years. "We do have a special connection as we survived COVID together as you were Board President with me," Dr. Pillari said of Mrs. Vargas,

who attended the meeting virtually as she was under the weather. "I can certainly say without you by my side, I don't know we wouldn't have been as successful as we were." "She has been nothing but an advocate for the students and the families in this district for the years that she served," board member MaryAnn Perro said of Mrs. Vargas. "The amount of balls this woman juggles in a day in a 24-hour period could blow your mind and her brilliance is understated." "When Jairo speaks, we listen," Dr. Pillari said of Mr. Rodriguez. "He doesn't al-

ways say a lot of words, but when he does say words, they're meaningful and they're pointed. He steers the ship in a direction sometimes when we need it to bring things in perspective. Very diplomatic, very much a go-to person when you need a sounding board and a sign of reason. And believe me, that'll be missed." "You serve this community so well and with such integrity," Perro said. "You will be greatly missed. You are a true gentleman, and I've said that from the day I met you, and it's been an honor."

Photos courtesy of the Woodland Park School District

tudents at School 1 in Woodland Park made homemade ornaments for the holidays. Mrs. LaSala and Ms. Curl's PreK-4 class made applesauce and cinnamon ornaments. They measured and mixed the ingredients together to make the dough. They then used cookie cutters to create their shapes and let them dry. Students in Ms. Odaman’s PreK-3 class created snowflakes for their tree.

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undreds and hundreds of spectators lined the streets of Little Falls, Totowa, and Woodland Park to enjoy the 2023 Holiday Lights Parade, presented by the fire departments of the three towns. This fifth annual event planned by the departments was the biggest one yet, with nearly double the amount of participants as last year. The variety of vehicles involved was extensive. In addition to fire, EMS, police, and DPW vehicles from both towns, there were floats with entertainment, ice cream trucks, lit-up lawnmowers, motorcycles, trailers, personal vehicles, business vehicles, a Passaic Valley High School bus, and even the Batmobile. The parade was led by the fire chiefs of each town, followed by

Photo courtesy of The Borough of Woodland Park

an empty float dedicated in loving memory to the Honorary Chief Liam Marquez, a 3-year-old boy who passed away in August. Before the event, in Woodland Park attendees enjoyed a winter festival sponsored by the fire departments and the Recreation Department on McBride Avenue that featured over two dozen vendors, food trucks, and activities

for children that included an ice skating rink, giant snow globe, trackless train, and horse and carriage rides. Santa took a break from the North Pole to stop by the Christmas tree lighting in the park before the parade kicked off. Santa and his friends helped Mayor Tracy Kallert and the Borough Council light up the tree. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and cont. on page 25

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friends also took photos with kids and families in the festively decorated Dowling Gardens gazebo afterward. The Holiday Parade of Lights kicked off at Passaic Valley High School and traveled through the three towns ending in Totowa near Crews Street. This year, over 250 brightly decorated vehicles and floats delighted the spectators. As part of the holiday efforts of the two fire departments, parade participants and spectators were encouraged to bring toy donations to benefit local residents in need and the Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital at Hackensack Meridian. The Holiday Parade Committee would like to send their thanks to all the vehicles and departments for taking part this year and making it the best one yet.

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How New Jersey Business Owners Can Plan for a Natural Disaster

rom risk assessment to infrastructure enhancements, the New Jersey Business Action Center provides resources and tips for disaster preparedness By Melanie Willoughby, Executive Director, New Jersey Business Action Center Natural disasters can strike without warning, wreaking havoc on communities and businesses. For New Jersey, a state prone to various types of natural disasters, preparedness is not an option but a necessity. Businesses in the Garden State can take practical steps to protect themselves against these disasters. New Jersey’s small businesses contribute largely to the state’s economy. The Garden State ranks 11th in the nation for number of small businesses, with over 953,000 enterprises. The state experiences several natural disasters yearly that can deem businesses inoperative for lengthy periods of time, including hurricanes, floods, wildfires and winter storms. According to Rhodium Group’s New Jersey Rising Coastal Risk report, since the 1980s, there has been a rise in both the frequency and magnitude of storm surges. Significantly more present-day structures are susceptible to flooding at least once during a 30-year mortgage period. Between 62,000 and 86,000 additional residences and business establishments, valued at over $60 billion, are situated in regions facing a 1-in-30 likelihood of experiencing hurricane-related flooding. Through advanced planning, businesses can strategically position themselves to effectively navigate a natural disaster.

The New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC), a part of the New Jersey Department of State, recommends these nine strategies to help small businesses endure natural disasters: • Conduct a Thorough Risk Assessment: Understanding your business’s risks is crucial to disaster preparation. Evaluate the likelihood of hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and severe storms based on your location. Consider historical data, local climate patterns and advice from relevant authorities. • Develop a Comprehensive Disaster Plan: A well-crafted disaster plan is the foundation of resilience. Outline detailed procedures for evacuation, communication and safety measures during a crisis. Assign roles and responsibilities to key personnel, ensuring everyone knows their part in the event of an emergency. • Establish Communication Protocols: Clear and efficient communication is vital during a disaster. Establish a system for disseminating information to employees, customers and stakeholders. Utilize multiple channels such as emails, text messages and social media, and ensure that all contact information is current. • Secure Critical Data and Records: Backing up essential data and documents is crucial. Store duplicates in secure off-site locations or utilize cloud-based services. Consider investing in data protection solutions that safeguard against loss or damage. • Fortify Physical Infrastructure: Assess the vulnerabilities of your physical assets. Implement structural reinforcements, such as storm shutters, flood barriers, or earth-

quake-resistant construction where applicable. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and address potential weaknesses. • Develop a Continuity Plan: A continuity plan outlines how your business will operate during and after a disaster. Identify critical functions and prioritize which operations must continue. Consider establishing off-site work locations and ensuring employees have the necessary tools and resources. • Establish Relationships with Local Authorities: Forge connections with local emergency services, government agencies and community organizations. Understanding resources and protocols can be invaluable during a crisis. • Train and Educate Employees: Conduct regular training sessions to familiarize employees with disaster protocols. Ensure they know how to respond appropriately and safely. Encourage a culture of preparedness by providing resources and conducting drills. Businesses should hold regular drills to test procedures and to ensure employees understand their roles and responsibilities during a disaster. • Review and Update Policies Regularly: Natural disaster preparedness is an ongoing process. Regularly review and update your disaster plan to incorporate lessons learned from previous incidents and to reflect changes in your business operations or physical infrastructure. Natural disasters cannot be avoided, but business owners can take safety precautions to protect their assets, minimize risks and contribute to the resilience of their communities. An effective disaster plan will ensure that your cont. on page 28

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January 2024 • Page 33

Hope is Always Brewing at Ethan & the Bean By Henry M. Holden than & the Bean was a mother's mission to help her son and others with disabilities to become empowered and employed. Ethan Donovan is a 20-year-young man who works at a coffee shop in Morristown. The coffee shop trains and supports people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) in various skills related to employment. “Our goals are simple and from the heart: to increase the employment rate for persons with IDD,” said Pamela Donovan, Ethan’s mother speaking for the Board of Ethan and the Bean. Ethan & the Bean is an achievement not only for Pamela and others like him. Ethan has autism, he is nonverbal, and has epilepsy. She worries about his future. A local gym was encouraging. She was told Ethan could fold towels as a part-time job. The next time Ethan and his mom went to the gym, the owner told them to leave because, “people pay a lot of money to come to this gym.” After that encounter at the gym, it was clear to Pamela that she would have to find another way to help her son while maintaining her regular full-time job. So, she and some friends, along with Ethan’s teachers and therapists, started Ethan & the Bean. They began their initial program with Intensive Therapeutics, a physical therapy center, last summer at a church in West Caldwell. For eight weeks, with access to a 600-square-foot kitchen, they set up a mock café, serving folks who frequented the church for donations. “Ethan & the Bean is a haven, a place for him to learn,

Ethan & the Bean is an achievement not only for Pamela and her husband Patrick, but for her son and others like him. (photo credit Ethan & the Bean)

and become an integral part of a community,” said his mother. “At 21 he will age out of public school. That means that like many men and women with learning disabilities, he will have no place to further develop his skills.” Pamela Donovan is the Founder, President, and CEO of the Board of Ethan & the Bean. The organization is built on her son’s life as he navigates the world of disabilities. The Donovans found themselves, like millions of other families across the country, fearful of their child’s future once they age out of the educational system. Another frightening and alarming statistic faced her: A

Drexel University survey showed that 42-percent of early 20-year-olds with autism have never been employed. According to Francesca Cwynar, the community manager at Ethan & the Bean, the unemployment rate is well over 80-percent for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Ethan and the Bean, is a non-profit coffee shop started by Pamela and her husband Patrick that trains and employs adults with learning disabilities. The shop sells coffee, lattes, hot chocolate, teas and more. All the money made goes to support Ethan and the Bean’s mission to help its employees interact positively with their community in meaningful and fulfilling work. “Our VISION is to continue to grow our mission to reduce the unemployment rate for individuals in our community and beyond,” said Pamela. “Ethan & the Bean aims to help this severely marginalized population in the nation. “Our coffee shops are positive, empowering environments that encourage hope, and hope can change everything. We encourage and support individuals in various workforce development skills related to hospitality. These specific skills are taught through our hands-on training programs and/or competitive integrated employment (CIE), with the hope of building job readiness, social awareness, self-esteem and so much more. CIE results in individuals with disabilities to receive the same level of values provided to other employees without disabilities in similar positions. "Once they graduate high school, not many will be em cont. on page 34

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Page 34 • January 2024

Hope is Always... cont. from page 33 ployed,” said Pamela. “They have no place to go.” Pamela sought out brilliant women in various fields to create a business model, employing people with IDD, to help them become gainfully employed. “The experience provides a sense of purpose and personal accomplishment. The value is profound. They are the hardest working people seen in the community,” says Pamela. “We are providing employment to individuals with varying Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to help change that bleak statistic. We have a waiting list with over 30 individuals who want a job here. We have also launched a volunteer job sampling program where individuals with disabilities from the community are integrated into an active volunteer position to gain work-based learning experience.” Donovan hopes other companies will follow suit. She says businesses can grow and open a world of possibilities by employing those with disabilities. After opening its first location in Little Falls, in 2019, Ethan & the Bean has grown in popularity due to their welcoming and impactful mission of increasing the employment rate for persons with IDD. On November 30, Ethan & the Bean opened a second location in the Valley Bank Headquarters, located at 70 Speedwell Avenue, in Morristown. They also refined a pre-vocational training program fittingly named Corner Coffee University. In their fourth year, Ethan & the Bean is undergoing a re-

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branding of their product to mark the forward momentum of their mission. The team includes Nitasha Dickes, the café manager at the new Morristown location. Natasha Dickes brings 4+ years’ experience in the coffee industry from small boutique shops in New York City, to high-volume mobile events. Not only does she have a strong, coffee knowledge, she is a board-Certified Behavior Analyst and has worked with individuals with autism ranging from age 2 to 50 years old, for 16 years in various settings. “We recently began our second year at Corner Coffee University (CCU) that currently serves nine students from the Deron School located in Montclair. This comprehensive pre-vocational training program encompasses topics from safety, to baking, to hygiene, to working in hospitality. The purpose of CCU is to provide learners with job readiness skills to better equip them for workplace employment and opportunities when they age out of public education. We are also pleased to welcome two additional learners from Deron who work in the café itself to develop work-based skills.” This pivotal moment also marks a brand exploration in an endeavor to train and competitively employ more neurodivergent/IDD individuals. Ethan & the Bean’s new logo tells the story of this evolution. “The beans speak to coffee and the community as we are both a coffee shop and an ever-changing community,” said Pamela. “Each bean has tiny little people which further illustrates the intersection of many communities. The beans are configured in a “greater

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than sign” to represent that we are greater than the limits society places upon us, either individually or collectively. We are greater than a stigma, greater than a number, greater than a disability. “For the past four years, to support this important mission, our ETB family, and friends along with business and community leaders have gathered to enjoy a day of good-natured competition on the golf course and an abundance of camaraderie, complete with a fabulous auction and dinner reception. “In fact, this special day of community support is one of our most anticipated events of the year,” said Pamela. “We sincerely hope you’ll join us for our 5th Annual Golf Classic to be held in July 2024, TBD.”! The Morristown store hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. For more information on Ethan & the Bean, visit their Facebook page. Ethan & the Bean is a non-profit New Jersey registered 501(c)(3). All donations made through this website and at the cafe go directly to helping those with IDD and are tax deductible as allowed by law.

January 2024 • Page 35

Ricciardi Brothers – Developing Workplace Readiness Skills By Henry M. Holden he Calais School of Whippany opened in 1970, and there are about one hundred students currently enrolled in the school. The Calais School is a state-approved, nonprofit, private special education school in North Jersey serving students in grades K through 12 Plus who have multiple learning disabilities as well as anxiety, mood, behavior, and autism spectrum disorders. Many students with special needs find success with Calais’ 12 Plus a Program as it helps to bridge the gap between high school, college, and career,” said Ashley Soleau, Communications Director at the Calais School. “Our 12 Plus Program is designed to prepare students ages 18-21 for the next step in their lives in a safe and encour-

aging environment. The home district where the student comes from is generally not able to deal with the special needs of the student who will subsequently be placed in the Calais School.” The Calais School recently announced a renewal of the partnership with the Ricciardi Brothers of Morristown. Ricciardi Brothers is a family-owned retail establishment providing paint, staining, and decorating needs to its customers throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. “This partnership gives high school students participating in The Calais School Work-Based Learning (WBL) program, a chance to intern in the colorful and creative industry of retail paint and decorating, “said Soleau. “They are on an unpaid

internship that will give them a variety of work experiences. “The students are really learning about work-readiness. Do they understand what their role is as an employee and how they will interact with people? We will explain how to manage the expectations of their manager and succeed with their interactions with other students and coworkers.” Riccardi may have a slightly different environment in the student’s experience. The Riccardi Brothers customers are looking for professional advice on a paint color or a product. That will give them a variety of work experience. In general, the WBL is an educational strategy that provides students with real-life work experiences where they can apply academic or technical skills

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and develop their employability. It is a series of educational courses which integrate the school or university curriculum with the workplace to create a different learning paradigm where there is the intersection of explicit and tacit forms of knowing. Work-based learning encompasses unpaid internships, apprenticeships, work placement, and informal learning on the job. The key driver is the need for active policies to secure learning that meets the needs of the workplace. WBL internships at local businesses such as Ricciardi Brothers help students build their resumes, ex-

plore career paths, and develop workplace readiness skills. In early 2023, a small group of Calais students began their internship at the Morristown location of Riccardi Brothers Paints under the watchful eyes of their supervisor Victor Zywicki. “The Calais School students get an inside look at the retail paint and decorating industry while participating in a variety of activities,” said Zywicki. “In a typical week, students are exposed to inventory management strategies, supply stocking techniques, and breaking down equipment at the end of their shift.”

The Ricciardi Brothers’ staff were thoughtful and engaging with the student interns and even taught them about the artform of paint mixing. “The students have commented on how welcoming and appreciated the employees and customers made them feel,” said Zywici. This on-site experience has also allowed student interns the opportunity to continue developing a diverse range of invaluable transferable skills in customer service, communication, time and inventory management, problem solving, and mindfulness. “As far as them coming cont. on page 38

Page 36 • January 2024

January 1st – Great Food Makes Great Memories By Henry M. Holden anuary is famous for being a month of new beginnings, fresh starts, and a clean canvas. It can be a month of taking our desires and putting them to the forefront as resolutions. Many of those resolutions involve food, and great food makes great memories. You can let go of what was, and we won’t list them here, but will say they embrace what can be. January is a month that for many people is a celebration that brings joy. If you go on the Internet, you will find foods that will supposedly bring you good luck and foods that yield the opposite. Throughout antiquity, civilizations around the world developed increasingly sophisticated calendars, typically pinning the first day of the year to an agricultural or astronomical event. New Year’s celebrations span the globe. With that kind of reach there are hundreds of specialty food recipes, often products of many countries shared on line. The earliest recorded festivities in honor of a new year’s arrival date back some 4,000 years to ancient Babylon. For the Babylonians, the first new moon following the vernal equinox, the day in late March with an equal amount of sunlight and darkness, heralded the start of a new year. They marked the occasion with a religious festival that involves a different ritual containing food themes on each of its 11 days. Most New Year’s festivities in the United States begin on December 31 (New Year’s Eve), the last day of the Gregorian calendar, and continue into the early hours of January 1 (New Year’s Day). Common traditions include anything that involves, mini vacations, parties, resolutions, and eating specially prepared New Year’s dishes. In Spain, they begin their celebrations with, Twelve Grapes (Las doce uvas de la suerte,) "the twelve grapes of luck.” This is a Spanish tradition that consists of eating a grape with each of the twelve-clock bell strikes at midnight of December 31 to welcome the New Year. Each grape and clock bell strike represents each of the coming twelve months, symbolizing their hopes for the months ahead. In many parts of the world, traditional New Year’s dishes feature legumes, shaped like coins and herald future financial success; examples include lentils in Italy and black-eyed peas in the southern United States. Because pigs represent progress and prosperity in some cultures, pork appears on the New Year’s Eve table in Cuba, Austria, Hungary, Por-

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tugal and other countries. Ring-shaped cakes and pastries, a sign that the year has come full circle, rounding out the feast in the Netherlands, Mexico, Greece and elsewhere. In Sweden and Norway, rice pudding with an almond hidden inside is served on New Year’s Eve. It is said that whoever finds the nut can expect 12 months of good fortune. Rosh Hashanah is one of the most important holydays in the Jewish faith. The Jewish New Year is celebrated in late summer or early fall. Rosh Hashanah feasts traditionally include round challah bread (studded with raisins) and apples dipped in honey, as well as other foods that symbolize wishes for a sweet year. Champagne, noise makers and confetti are all New Year’s Eve symbols. But, in some parts of the country so are black-eyed peas, lentils, grapes and pickled herring. Hailing from the Low Country of South Carolina to Pennsylvania Dutch homes, these are lucky dishes traditionally eaten around the New Year to bring good fortune. The dish was likely linked to New Year’s celebrations because enslaved Africans prepared and ate it during a period when they had some rare time off from cotton harvesting and planting. The dish may have then developed into a good-luck meal, according to the Washington Post. A tamale is a traditional Mesoamerican dish made of masa, a dough made from nixtamalized corn, which is steamed in a corn husk or banana leaves. Those bundles, stuffed with meat, have come to symbolize family, as generations often gather in the kitchen to make the labor-intensive food that will be eaten all holiday season and year-round. In Mexico, that spans from December 12, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, to January 6, Three Kings' Day. Tamales date to 8,000 to 5,000 B.C. and Meso-American cultures including the Mayans and Aztecs. According to The New York Times, they arrived at U.S. points of entry, such as Los Angeles and San Antonio, and were sold by street vendors in the 1870s. Migrant Mexican workers helped the dish spread to other areas of the country. Ringing in the year with Toshiko Soba, a soup with buckwheat noodles, is a New Year's Eve tradition in Japan steeped in tradition and now practiced in the United States. According to the Japan Times, toshikoshi means "to climb or jump from the old year to the new." The long, thin noodles symbolize a long, healthy life, and date back to around the 13th century, when either a temple or a wealthy lord decided to treat the hungry populace to soba noodles on the last day of the celebration. While Southerners may dig into a hoppin' John recipe this Southern staple serves up with thick-cut bacon to get the perfect amount of smokiness, as opposed to ham hock. A ham hock can, at times, overpower the dish. Folks in parts of Pennsylvania and Ohio savor the slow-cooked pork and sauerkraut on New Year's Day. The dish is said to bring good luck and progress because pigs are known to move ahead, while sauerkraut is made with cabbage, which is tied to symbolic riches and prosperity and a long life thanks to its long strands. cont. on page 38

January 2024 • Page 37

Page 38 • January 2024

Ricciardi Brothers.. cont. from page 35 here, they do a great job,” said Zywicki. “They ’re very enthusiastic. They are nice people, and I am happy to have them here and helping us out. “It’s gotten to the point where we look forward to Tuesday and Thursday which are the days they come. “The whole experience working with the Calais students has been positive,” said Zywicki, “Calais students really learned their jobs well and they were always so polite and pleasant to work with. We were so pleased with the students; we looked forward to working again with the Calais school.” The Calais School’s Work Based Learning (WBL) program with local businesses has grown into a robust offering of hands-on training in a variety of industries including childcare, nonprofit, fashion retail, food retail, information services, healthcare, and pharmacy services. This partnership with Ricciardi Brothers enriches the student experience by adding the retail paint and decorating industry to their resumes. “We have renewed the contract, and we’re currently doing it two days a week. We have four students, two on Tuesday and two on Thursday. “I think they are getting used to a work atmosphere. They do retail work, they help us keep the store clean, and stock the shelves. We have color cards here that we use for painting, so they help to sort them out. They stay for three-and-one half- hours every Tuesday and Thursday if they come through the school year. “They do not get paid so they’re doing this for the learning experience and exposure. They’re all learning skills that they would need to fit into society and have a job. “We don’t teach them how to mix the colors, that’s a separate training role, said Zywicki, “but they were able to do some things that are very helpful to us. “For those students who have graduated from the Calais School, they may continue by choice to learn at the Calais School until they are 23 years old,” said Soleau. “We have it pretty much down to a routine now.” College readiness is addressed through our College Bridge Program in partnership with County College of Morris (CCM). https://thecalaisschool.org/#about

January 1st... cont. from page 36 The Germanic tradition was introduced to America by the Pennsylvania Dutch. Fresh pork was the choice of Christmas and New Year's meals for early settlers. The timing with winter hog butchering, and sauerkraut was served as a side dish because winter was also cabbage harvesting season. Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations of the year among East and Southeast Asian cultures, including Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean communities, among others. The New Year celebration is usually celebrated for multiple days—not just one day as in the Gregorian calendar’s New Year. In 2024, the Lunar New Year begins on February 10. The winter solstice of 2024 is December 21, the shortest day and longest night of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, it takes place between December 20 and 23, depending on the year. (The reverse is true in the Southern Hemisphere, where the shortest day of the year occurs in June.) Cultures around the world have long held feasts and celebrated holidays around the winter solstice. Fire and light are traditional symbols of celebrations held on the darkest day of the year. China’s Lunar New Year is known as the Spring Festival or Chūnjié in Mandarin, while Koreans call it Seollal and Vietnamese refer to it as Tét. Tied to the lunar calendar, the holiday began as a time for feasting and to honor household and heavenly deities, as well as ancestors. The New Year typically begins with the first new moon that occurs between the end of January and spans the first 15 days of the first month of the lunar calendar—until the full moon arrives. San Francisco, California, claims its Chinese New Year parade is the biggest celebration of its kind outside of Asia. The city has hosted a Chinese New Year celebration since the Gold Rush era of the 1860s, a period of large-scale Chinese immigration to the region. In 1949, under the rule of Chinese Communist Party leader Mao Zedong, the government forbade celebration of the traditional Chinese New Year that followed the Gregorian calendar. But by the end of the 20th century, Chinese leaders were more willing to accept the tradition.

January 2024 • Page 39

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