Passaic Valley May 2024

Passaic Valley Towns React to Recent Earthquake as New Jersey Remains On High Alert

By Tina Pappas

Passaic Valley, N.J. - A 4.8 earthquake that rattled New Jersey on April 5, and included much of the tri-state area, was also felt in parts of Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and right up through Maine.

No major damages were reported, but a water main break that sent water pouring out onto the middle of a street in Randolph is being blamed on the earthquake by authorities. In Newark, residents of three multifamily homes needed to be evacuated after areas on the buildings appeared compromised. The families have since moved back in. News reports also show a jeep in Huntington, N.Y. that fell into a sinkhole shortly after the earthquake, with no injuries reported.

Dozens of aftershocks continued throughout the rest of the weekend ranging from 1.5 to 4.0 in magnitude. Most residents felt their homes shake, with numerous items falling off their shelves. Some reported cracks on walls that were not there prior to the onslaught of the tremors, including some parts of residential roadways.

It was the strongest earthquake to hit New Jersey since the estimated 5.3 magnitude that occurred in 1783, including the estimated 5.0 magnitude that happened in 1884.

The earthquake's epicenter was in Tewksbury Township, located in Hunterdon County. Scientists believe that the earthquake's culprit is the Ramapo Fault, located in the Newark basin and known to be the longest fault in the Northeast. It extends from Pennsylvania and through New Jersey's Hunterdon, Somerset, Morris, Passaic, and Bergen counties. It ends in Westchester County, NY, and is in close proximity to the Indian Point Energy Center's nuclear power plant. The Ramapo Fault is part of the Ramapo Fault zone, consisting of a system of faults between the northern Appalachian Mountains and Piedmont Mountains areas to the east. The earthquake is believed to have occurred in the vicinity where fault lines have been identified and run the risk of being active again at any time.

The United State Geological Survey said during a news conference that there is the possibility of more earthquakes in the coming weeks. Statistical modelers estimate a 3 percent chance of an earthquake ranging in a magnitude 5.0 or higher.

In Little Falls, Mayor James Damiano said that those in the Township reacted more to the surprise of the rare earthquake.

"Fortunately within Little Falls, it seems the shock that everyone experienced related to the earthquake was more so due to the surprise of the uncommon event rather than any actual damage that may have resulted," he said. "I'm happy to report that there have not been any claims of substantial damage throughout the town."

Totowa Mayor John Coiro also said that Borough did not reported any damages.

"To the best of our knowledge, there was no structural damage to any public buildings," he added. "Even though residents also did not report any damage, plenty of them called to find out what was happening."

Woodland Park Mayor Tracy Kallert said she and her staff were in a meeting at the Borough's municipal building when the earthquake first hit

"At first we thought it was a large truck as we are very close to Route 80." she explained. "When the shaking increased and did not stop we realized it was an earthquake, and we immediately evacuated the building. Our code enforcement officers checked for structural damage and seeing none we allowed employees back into the building. We were fortunate that we avoided any damage."

In an interview, Governor Phil Murphy said the older structures in the state are being surveyed and monitored, especially the tunnels under the Hudson River that were built in 1911, and the reason why new ones are being built. He added that the review of infrastructure will be continuing on. He stressed the importance of remaining calm and level-headed during an emergency. He also said New Jersey will remain on high alert.

Photo by Tina Pappas

The view of Passaic Valley is seen from Overmount Avenue in Woodland Park. The area was hit by the 4.8 earthquake that rattled New Jersey on April 5. No major damages were reported in either Woodland Park, Little Falls or Totowa, according to each town’s mayor.

Little Falls Holds Opening Day Ceremony for Baseball and Softball Leagues

By Tina Pappas

Play ball! The Township of Little Falls held the opening day ceremony for the 2024 Little Falls Recreation baseball and softball programs for boys and girls on April 13. A number of games were held at the Sports and Recreation Complex turf field to kick-off the start of the two sports.

The day opened with a parade from Main Street to Paterson Avenue, ending with all of the players and coaches lining up along the field. Recreation Director Tyler Passero welcomed players, families, coaches and sponsors to the ceremony. He also thanked the Little Falls Police Department (LFPD), the Little Falls Fire Department (LFFD), and Little Falls EMS for safely escorting the parade. He also thanked the Department of Public Works (DPW) for helping ensure the fields were ready for opening day. Local resident Sophie Baker, who is a member of the Passaic Valley High School (PVHS) choir, sang the National Anthem.

Passero then introduced Mayor James Damiano, and the Township Council who were on-hand for the ceremony after marching in the parade. He also introduced the Little Falls Athletic Club (LFAC) board members.

"Thank you for making every sports program in Little Falls a success," he added.

Damiano thanked the Recreation Department and the DPW for upkeeping the field. He also thanked the LFPD, LFFD, and the LFAC "for spending so much time and making everything possible."

"And a huge thank you to our coaches and our parents who spend hours upon hours on these fields so that all of you can have the incredible experience of being baseball and

Family Owned and Operated

Photo credit: The Township of Little Falls

The Township of Little Falls held its opening day ceremony for its baseball and softball programs on April 13. Mayor James Damiano and the Township Council are pictured at home plate. softball players right here in Little Falls," he said. "Good luck everyone and I look forward to watching all of you play."

Passero then introduced local resident Billy "The Bat Boy" Pickney, a PVHS and Montclair State University graduate, who was a special guest speaker. Pickney spent over ten years working for the minor league New Jersey Jackals. He is also an author and hosts the podcast "Big League Perspectives." He spoke to the young players during the ceremony about the lessons that can be learned in baseball and softball, which can then be used in everyday life.

"I grew up in Little Falls and on this field playing baseball

and you're going to make some great memories," he said. "But what's most important is how you treat each other and what kind of teammate you are."

Pickney explained that even though someone can win ball games, what's most important is how those lessons can be applied in someone's personal life.

"That's what I tried to do when I played and that's what you should try to do," he emphasized, adding that mutual respect with coaches, umpires and fellow teammates is important. "A lot of these lessons can be applied 20 or 30 years down the road. You'll remember that and take advantage of the lessons you learned in baseball and softball, and apply that to whatever challenges and situations you may be facing in life."

Pickney also encouraged players to embrace challenges.

"Baseball and softball aren't the easiest games to play and they're some of the hardest sports out there, so you'll want to take advantage of these lessons," he further added. He also encouraged players not to get frustrated if they don't always succeed but to keep in mind to always keep it fun while they're playing.

"You'll always have baseball and softball inside of you and use it for lessons in life," he noted.

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Passero then announced each team, the team's coach and the team's sponsor prior to the start of the games. Softball Coach Michael Carrubba threw out the first pitch to his daughter Dylan. Baseball Coach Jarret Newman threw out the first pitch to his son Zack.

more photos. on page 7

Falls Holds...

Mayor James Damiano, the Township Council, Recreation Director Tyler Passero, and Guest Speaker Billy Pickney are pictured during opening day in Little Falls.

Billy “The Bat Boy” Pickney was a guest speaker during the opening day ceremony.

Mayor James Damiano speaks to the crowd.

Recreation Director Tyler Passero welcomes parents, coaches and athletes.

Baseball Coach Jarret Newman is pictured with his son Zack.

Softball Coach Michael Carrubba is pictured with his daughter Dylan.

Mustangs of the Month Gathering

Students that were named Mustangs of the Month at Memorial Middle School in Woodland Park for October to February were invited to take a brain break and have fun with fellow students. They were provided ice cream by Principal Ms. Socha and goodie bags from Guidance Counselor Ms. Williams. The students were thanked for showing the pillars of character that we strive for in our school community.

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Little Falls Promotes Three EMTs, EMS Dept Set To Become Accredited Agency

By Tina Pappas

Mayor James Damiano promoted three individuals during the recent Township Council Workshop meeting held on April 8. Nicole Grecco, Sarah Ramos and Robert Tierney, who are emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in the Township, each received a promotion within the EMS division.

Damiano recognized Nicole Grecco and Sarah Ramos, who were both promoted to the rank of Crew Chief. He said both women have really given back to Little Falls "with everything that they have" to the Little Falls Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program.

"They have been instrumental in ensuring that as our program is successful, that we become an accredited agency," Damiano said, adding that the Township's EMS program is poised to become first in the state to

receive an EMS accreditation.

He applauded both Grecco and Ramos for their hard work and congratulated them in their new roles.

"Thank you for keeping the residents of Little Falls safe and best of luck in your new positions," he further added. "I know you two will be tremendous assets as you have been, and I look forward to seeing you take on this new role of EMS Crew Chief."

Damiano also promoted Robert Tierney to Deputy Coordinator.

"He has been instrumental in assisting our EMS Coordinator Mike Bandurski," he said. "Congratulations to Robert Tierney in his new role."

Bandurksi thanked Mayor Damiano, the Township Council and the Township Administration for the promotions.

"It is a step in the right direction for Little Falls EMS to ensure a high-quality service for Little Falls and our neighboring towns that we assist when needed," he said. "The Mayor and Council have shown that they believe in the EMS service and continue to invest into the EMS division with continued training, and up-todate, state-of-the-art equipment."

Damiano also added that the promotions will take effect on April 16.

Pictured is Mayor James Damiano during a recent ceremony promoting EMTs Nicole Grecco and Sarah Ramos to their new positions as EMS Crew Chief.

Photo credit: The Township of Little Falls

The Township of Little Falls promoted several EMTs within its EMS division at the recent Township Council Workshop meeting on April 8.

Little Falls Recognizes Three Basketball Teams For Championship Wins

Photo credit: The Township of Little Falls Little Falls recently honored three championship teams that took home the PV Youth Basketball League titles this past season.

By Tina Pappas

The Township of Little Falls recognized three championship teams that won the PV Youth Basketball League titles during the recent Township Council Workshop meeting on Nov. 8.

"We have had a lot of years here in Little Falls with some tremendous success with our sports teams, and this past winter basketball season was no exception," said Mayor James Damiano. "We had three teams win the championships this year."

The teams honored for winning their championships was the third and fourth grade boys basketball team, the fifth and sixth grade boys basketball team, and the fifth and sixth grade girls basketball team.

"All take home the title and brought the trophy back here to Little Falls," Damiano added, as he congratulated the teams.

Damiano called out the name of each team's coach, who then called out every player's

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name from each of the teams. Each player received an honorary medal for being part of the winning team.

Coach Anthony Moreno introduced players from the third and fourth grade boys basketball team. Coach Brian Callahan then introduced players from the fifth and sixth boys basketball team, followed by Coach Peter Larionoff who introduced players from the fifth and sixth grade girls basketball team. Damiano congratulated every player as he handed each of them a medal.

National Junior Honor Society

The National Junior Honor Society is the nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding middle-level students. More than just an honor roll, NJHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. The following students at Memorial Middle School in Woodland Park were officially inducted into the school's chapter: Aurelia Astalkoski, Aubrey Coffey, Layla DeLuca, Eva Fallaha, Makenzie Maxwell, Destiny Romero, Adina Shanaa, Chelsea Sorto, Teodora Stevanovic and Lina Vasilevski.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WOODLAND PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT

By Tina Pappas

ANew Computer Store Opens in Little Falls

new business recently opened in the Township. A grand opening was held for Claremont Computers, located at 11 East Main Street.

The computer store, which officially opened on March 21, is owned by Michael Reali, who hails from North Caldwell. He said he is very excited to be offering customers an affordable option when it comes to electronics and a specialty in servicing computer hardware.

"My family is from Little Falls and I've always been doing things here in town," Reali said. "I'm proud of the services we'll be offering, which includes IT support, desktop and laptop refurbishing for both residential and business needs. We even do customization computer building for whatever purpose someone is using it for."

Reali, a graduate of West Essex High School, attended William Paterson University and is an expert in hardware servicing for computers. He said much the skills he's acquired has been from hands-on experience.

"I have computer hardware skills and can put things together and take the apart," he added. "I really enjoy fixing stuff. I honestly learned a lot of it on my own by being handson."

Mayor James Damiano and the Township Council held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 14. Reali said he's looking forward to offering affordable options for his customers.

"I just want to be able to help people and give them the best prices that they're not going to be able to get at Best Buy or Microcenter," he explained. "I try to help people by making affordable the items they need."

He also said he also buys used or unwanted electronics.

"If you have something in your home that you need to get rid of, bring it in and we can buy it, and offer a better value," he said.

Mayor Damiano spoke after the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

"Welcoming new businesses to Little Falls is always an honor, and this is no exception," he said. "Wishing a long and prosperous career to Claremont Computers."

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Photo credit: The Township of Little Falls

A new computer store, Claremont Computers, recently opened in Little Falls. Pictured is Mayor James Damiano and Township Council, with the store’s owner Michael Reali, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on April 14.

Mayor Tracy Kallert and the Borough Council declared April 2024 as National Autism Awareness Month in the Borough and urged all employees and residents to participate in any National Autism Awareness Month activities to become better educated about autism and create a better community for individuals with autism. The Centers for Disease Control reports that one in 36 children (up from the previous rate of one in 44 cases), and one in 45 adults in the U.S. have been identified as being on the spectrum.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BOROUGH OF WOODLAND PARK

oma Sports Caffé recently held its 67th annual dinner dance, where it honored Passaic County Commissioner Nicolino Gallo as its Man of the Year. Gallo was long-time resident of Woodland Park who now resides in Totowa.

Gallo was elected to the Board of County Commissioners in 2022. He serves on the Law & Public Safety Committee and the Planning & Economic Development Committee.

Gallo first settled in Woodland Park in 1974 at age 5 with his parents Giovanni and Italina Gallo and his siblings, after immigrating to the U.S. from Calabria, Italy.

Gallo started college right after high school graduation, but his passion for entrepreneurship led him to change paths and start a business at the age of 18. Realizing that his parents would be unable to send all three children to college and knowing he needed to supplement the family’s income, Nick started his own landscaping business. Through his entrepreneurial spirit, Nick became a self-made success, with his business still growing today, evolving into a construction business as well.

Since 2002, Gallo has resided in Totowa with his wife, Nancy, and their three children.

As County Commissioner, Gallo works to help other local small business owners recover from the pandemic and ensure that Passaic County is an attractive and welcoming place for job creators to settle and thrive. He is also a member of the Passaic County Sheriff’s Community Emergency Response Team.

WPFD Grant

Gov. Murphy has announced $20 million in American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grants to 353 New Jersey fire departments. Fire departments can use the grant funding to help cover costs associated with the purchases of protective items and equipment as determined to be appropriate by DCA’s Division of Local Government Services.

The West Paterson Fire Department will receive a $75,000 grant. Chief Paul Salomone noted that the funding will be used to purchase 22 sets of water rescue gear, which will be used in our flood emergencies, and six sets of firefighter protective turnout gear to be used in our firefighting activities.

"When you have an all-volunteer fire department, they run numerous fundraisers throughout the year to purchase their own equipment due to minimal budget allocations from Woodland Park," Mayor Tracy Kallert said. "This award will significantly support them in acquiring essential gear, including swift water rescue gear and turnout gear, crucial for saving lives in our community. It's remarkable how far this funding will go for them, and I'm incredibly proud of their dedication and vital role in our town. Volunteers often fly under the radar and don't receive the recognition or resources they deserve, making this grant even more meaningful in ensuring their safety and effectiveness in serving our community."

Little Falls Spotlights Autism Awareness Month with Flag-Raising Ceremony

By Tina Pappas

The Township of Little Falls highlighted Autism Awareness Month on April 2, which is also World Autism Awareness Day, with the annual raising of the autism flag at a ceremony in front of the municipal building. Due to the rain, Councilman Chris Vancheri first welcomed attendees inside Township Hall and gave some background and history on the initiative.

"We started this five years ago to promote April as Autism Awareness Month," Vancheri said. "It's very important to us, especially to the residents in town with a connection to autism."

Vancheri discussed the shift of the initiative to Aucont. on page 18

Photo credit: The Township of Little Falls Councilman Chris Vancheri addresses attendees during the Autism Awareness Month ceremony in Little Falls.

tism Acceptance Month, which is meant to highlight the issues affecting people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. It also aims to educate the public on support services, and celebrate and destigmatize the perspectives of those living with ASD.

"Today is also significant because back in 2008, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously decided to declare today April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day, in an effort to highlight what is needed to help people with autism spectrum disorder lead their fullest lives," he said, adding that according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 36 children in the U.S. have been identified as having ASD as of April of last year.

"Given the prevalence of ASD, encouraging education, providing necessary resources, and working to remove the stigma of autism becomes all the more important, especially this time of year, " Vancheri further added. "But we know it's not just April. It's 24/7 and 365 days a year."

Also present was Councilwoman Christine Hablitz, Councilman Michael Murphy and Councilwoman Jayna Patel. Senator Kristin Corrado also spoke during the evening and Council President Anthony Sgobba read a proclamation prior to the flag-raising.

"While there is no cure, it is well documented that if individuals with autism receive early and intensive treatment throughout their lives, they may lead significantly improved lives," Sgobba stated, adding that individuals with autism often require a lifetime of specialized and community-supported services to ensure their health and safety to support families' resilience as they manage the psychological and financial burdens autism can present.

He also added that Autism NJ, a non-profit that helps individuals with autism and their families in New Jersey, is spearheading an effort to educate parents, professionals and the general public about autism and its effects.

Vancheri introduced Francesca Cwynar, Community Outreach Manager for Ethan and the Bean, a non-profit café located at 98 Main Street, which cont. on page 20

The Township of Little Falls held its annual raising of the autism flag to spotlight Autism Awareness Month on April 2.

Little Falls Spotlights...

employs neurodivergent/IDD individuals. She explained how support services can be challenging for individuals with a disability once they reach the age of 21, and that opportunities are profoundly important for them.

"We're happy to be a part of that charge and we encourage others to destigmatize, and to honor their disability as a super power," she said.

Cwynar then referred to Ethan, son of Pamela Donovan, Founder, President & CEO of the Board of Ethan & the Bean, who built the organization around his life.

"Ethan is our reason to be, and our source of joy and inspiration," she emphasized. "He has significant disabilities he must overcome with complex medical needs and needs support 24/7. Other individuals' disabilities may not be so pervasive."

She added that it's vitally important for those with ASD to have educational support and access to basic medical healthcare.

"So we are doing part of the work and we are encouraging others to do their part as well," Cwynar noted.

Michelle Breaud, a member of the Board of Directors for Passaic County Parents of Adults with Disabilities (PACOPAD), also a non-profit, spoke at the ceremony. Breaud, whose son Brandon has autism, attends Passaic Valley High School (PVHS).

"It's about parents helping parents, and the Board of Directors is made up of parents," she said, adding that she appreciates PVHS and the Township's dedication towards

are Township Council members, along with attendees during the Autism Awareness Month ceremony.in Little Falls. the special needs community. "We have a lot of support groups and parents doing quarterly meetings, planning social events and holiday parties. We're really big on teaching parents how to work with the system."

Aside from adults, Breaud said PACOPAD serves just as many children with disabilities.

"I realized years ago that both populations need to

be served," she added. "We do concentrate on the older ages, so we have transition fairs and transition workshops to help parents understand that they have continued access. It's about having resources, but we plan fun things as well."

Also on-hand for the raising of the autism flag was Beth-Ann Ribaudo, Clinical Coordinator, and Karla Gonza -

Pictured

lez, Clinical and Community Engagement Specialist, of FTC kids, a non-profit offering services and enrichment programs for individuals with disabilities. The facility is located at 163 E. Main Street. Ribaudo encouraged families dealing with autism to visit their facility.

"When you and your child are here, you're family," she said. Vancheri added that the Little Falls Municipal Building will be lit blue for the entire month of April in honor of Autism Awareness Month.

to me by a coworker and I was just as pleased with his bedside manner and professionalism. He explained all my options and I didn’t feel pushed to make a quick decision.

Passaic Valley High School Holds Its Sixth Annual Autism Walk

By Tina Pappas

Passaic Valley Regional High School's outdoor track was the scene of the sixth annual "Autism Walk," which took place on April 14.

Under sunny skies, approximately 150 participants transformed into foot soldiers as they came out to enjoy a spring day and for a great cause. Walkers of all ages, many who have been personally affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD), sported their autism awareness T-shirts and laced up their sneakers and walking shoes. The event was organized in order to help raise awareness, support and funding for the high school's autism program.

cont. on page 21

Council President Anthony Sgobba reads a proclamation during the Autism Awareness Month ceremony in Little Falls.

Photo credit: The Township of Little Falls Passaic Valley Regional High School held its sixth annual "Autism Walk" on April 14.

Council President Anthony Sgobba, Councilman Chris Vancheri and Councilwoman Jayna Patel were on-hand for the event and took part in the walk. Also taking part was Woodland Park Councilwoman Tina Gatti and Councilman Vincent DeCesare. Senator Kristin Corrado also participated. The event was start-

Erika Capone, the school’s program behavior specialist, said the walk brought in roughly $4,000. Walkers had a goal to circle the track six times, equaling one and a half miles.

"We did pretty well this year, more than last year because we're still counting donations coming in,"

GREEN EARTH

said. "Every year we try to do a little better than the prior year. We just started to run it again last year after not having it for a couple of years due to the pandemic."

According to Capone, PV partners with the Bergen County Special Services to provide essential resources and services for students with ASD through the ABA

program, which teaches life skills. Proceeds from the Autism Walk will go directly to support the ABA program. Jackie Dubil-Craig is the supervisor of the program.

"Passaic Valley High School has been running the event since 2016 and we thank all the local businesses who donated either funds or prizes for the staff and students," she added. "The raffle was a really big success as well. It was a lot of fun and the kids loved it!"

One of the walkers was Iris Rivera, President and Co-founder of Passaic County Parents of Adults with Disabilities (PACOPAD), a nonprofit dedicated to servings the needs of adults with disabilities, such as autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, intellectual disabilities and other conditions. Rivera's son was one of the original students in the ABA program.

"He graduated and he's now an adult," she said, "I created the PACOPAD program with Maria Emma Anderson because there aren't a lot of resources for adults. They don't have day programs, recreation, housing or job opportunities. Many of these individuals are not cont. on page 23

CLEANOUTS

Little Falls Mayor James Damiano,

ed by Totowa resident Amy Pellegrini.

Capone

going to be able to get job opportunities or be

drive a car, get married and have families. When you have a mental disability, you're limited to education, or eve getting a bachelor's degree."

Rivera would like to eventually see a day program designated for developmentally disabled adults, like ones created for senior citizens. She said there are many programs available for kids and teens, but not many when they enter adulthood. She also said there are only certain locations in the state that have housing for developmentally disabled adults.

"What happens to these kids when they graduate these life skills programs? Where are they going to go if they don't have the resources?" she added. "My son is nonverbal but I don't want him in a group home. I would prefer to see day programs and housing for these kids who have entered adulthood."

Rivera said her job is to advocate on the local and state level because developmentally disabled adults are very much in need of housing, job opportunities, recreation, inclusion

and day programs.

"That's why PACOPAD was created," she emphasized. "I will continue advocating for them."

Cedar Grove resident Heather Ryan said she her family participated in the walk for the first time and appreciated seeing the nice turnout. Her son Jack, who has been in special needs programs since a young age, takes part in the ABA program. She said she previously came for a tour of the high school's program facilities and loved it right away.

"This is Jack's first year in the program and he's 18 now," she said. "I think it's amazing and it's so nice that there's a lot of support for the families. After they turn 18 it's rough and it's confusing about what you're going to do for the rest of your life."

For information on the ABA program, contact Passaic Valley Regional High School at (973) 890-2500. For information on PACOPAD, visit pacopad.org.

By Tina Pappas

The Township of Little Falls recently welcomed a new Class II police officer. Izaiah Torres was hired by the Little Falls Police Department (LFPD) and began on March 25. He was sworn in by Mayor James Damiano during a recent ceremony at a Township Council meeting.

According to Little Falls Police Chief Bryan Prall, Torres is a recent graduate of the Passaic County Police Academy with a family background in law enforcement.

Photo credit: The Township of Little Falls Pictured is new LFPD Class II police officer Izaiah Torres was sworn in by Mayor James Damiano at a recent council meeting.

Love Floweth, From Heaven to Earth

By Richard Mabey Jr.

In June of 1970, I completed my junior year at Boonton High School. My family belonged to the Trailmates Chapter of the National Camping and Hikers Association. There were about 12 families that belonged to this group of family campers. The Landers family was one of the families who would go camping with all of us.

Penny Landers had just completed her sophomore year of high school. She was very smart, kind hearted and very pretty. During our time of family campouts, Penny and I would play chess together, on a picnic table at a vacant campsite, that we were always able to find, no matter what state park our families were camping at that particular weekend. Penny was an incredibly great chess player.

Inevitably, our conversations during our chess games would focus on books that we had recently read. At the time, I was totally absorbed into Thomas Wolfe’s novels. I was in the midst of reading, Look Homeward, Angel. To my surprise, Penny had already read the book. I think that was a turning point for me. Looking back, the moment that Penny had told me that she had read Look Homeward, Angel, was the very moment that I fell off the Grand Canyon, in love with Penny.

I was a very shy boy. I didn’t have much self confidence. I had a damaged Mitral Valve, so I couldn’t play sports. And in 1970, sports were everything at Boonton High School. I lost myself in poetry, novels and in playing the snare drum in the school marching band. I wanted all so much to ask Penny for a date, but I felt so strongly that I was way out of her league. I would think to myself, “what would a smart, pretty girl like Penny Lancaster, ever see in me?”

Although I never mentioned it to my father, Dad knew that I liked Penny a lot. It was during our annual week-long hike of the Appalachian Trail that Dad talked to me about Penny. It was now July of 1970, we pitched camp somewhere in the forest of Eastern Pennsylvania. Dad and I were alone together, outside of our makeshift tents, cooking stew. And Dad told me, in no uncertain terms, that I had to stop putting myself down. That I had to dig deep within myself and get the courage to ask Penny for a date.

Well, at the next campout of the Trailmates Chapter, I found myself playing chess with Penny. Somehow and someway, I managed to get the courage to ask Penny for a day. My palms were filled with sweat. My heart was beating like a big, old bass drum. I inwardly trembled, after the words came out of my mouth. There was that two second pause from Penny. Then, her response came, quietly, almost shyly, “yea, that’d be nice.”

I was 16, Penny was 15, when we had our first date. Mom drove me to Penny’s house in Paterson. Penny’s father was a bit strict with her. And, rightfully so. It was a Saturday afternoon. We watched a movie in Penny’s living room, sitting together on the couch, while Mr. Lancaster sat in his easy chair.

Then we went out to Penny’s backyard. Penny had this game setup in her yard, it was like horse shoes, they called it Ring Toss. Instead of playing with horse shoes, you would toss this circular rope at the stakes, to try to get the ring onto them. It was a fun time.

Then we ate supper. Mrs. Landers was very kind to me. I can’t say that Mr. Landers made me feel all that welcome. His eldest daughter was coming of age and having a boy

over for an official date. I don’t think that settled too well with him.

Penny and I dated for two years, through my senior year at Boonton High and my freshman year at County College of Morris. In September of 1972, Penny left for Rutgers

My dear friend, Penny and myself, from June of 1972.

"Izaiah is young and energetic," he said. "His father is a lieutenant at the Passaic County Sheriff's Department so he comes from a family of law enforcement. He also brings diversity to the LFPD, which is great."

Torres is a resident of Woodland Park and a graduate of Passaic Valley Regional High School.

"It's always beneficial to hire someone who grew up in the area and and knows faculty and community members," Prall added. "He's a great addition and support to our department."

Torres is currently taking part in a 12-week training program.

Also pictured is Torres’ father and Police Chief Bryan Prall.

The Origin of Mother’s Day

By Henry M. Holden

Mother’s Day, a holiday honoring motherhood was created by an American, Anna Jarvis, of West Virginia in 1908. It became an official U.S. holiday in 1914. While it is observed in different forms and different times throughout the world, Jarvis would later denounce the holiday’s over-the-top commercialization and spent a large part of her adult life trying to remove it from the calendar.

Celebrations of mothers and motherhood can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who held festivals in honor of the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele, But the strongest modern example for Mother’s Day is the early Christian festival known as “Mothering Sunday.”

A major tradition in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, this celebration fell on the fourth Sunday in Lent and was originally seen as a time when the faithful would return to their “mother church”—the main church in the vicinity of their home—for a special blessing or visiting the church in which one was baptized.

Mother’s Day in the United States dates to the 19th century. In the years before the Civil War, Jarvis helped start “Mothers’ Day Work Clubs" to teach local women how to properly care for their children. These clubs later became a unifying force in a region of the country still divided over the Civil War.

Peace Day” celebration every June 2.

While versions of Mother’s Day are celebrated worldwide, traditions vary depending on the country. In Thailand, for example, Mother’s Day is always celebrated in August on the birthday of the current queen mother, Sirikit.

Another alternate observance of Mother’s Day can be found in Ethiopia, where families gather each fall to sing songs and eat a large feast as part of Antrosht, a multi-day celebration honoring motherhood.

In the United States, Mother’s Day continues to be celebrated by presenting mothers and other women with gifts and flowers, and it has become one of the biggest holidays for consumer spending. Families also celebrate by “giving” mothers a day off from activities like cooking or other household chores. At times, Mother’s Day has also been a date for launching political or feminist causes. In 1968 Coretta Scott King, wife of Martin Luther King Jr., used Mother’s Day to host a march in support of underprivileged women and children.

In the 1970s women’s groups also used the holiday as a time to highlight the need for equal rights and access to childcare.

In 1868 Jarvis organized “Mothers’ Friendship Day,” at which mothers gathered with former Union and Confederate soldiers to promote reconciliation.

One mother who has been praised and admonished is also another precursor to Mother’s Day. Her roots, came from the abolitionist and suffragette movement Julia Ward Howe. In 1870 Howe wrote the “Mother’s Day Proclamation,” asking mothers to unite in promoting world peace. In 1873 Howe campaigned for a “Mother’s

Mary Ball Washington was neither a villain nor a saint—but rather an exceptionally strong and resilient woman, a single mother who raised five children and instilled in them qualities of fortitude and purpose. She was independent in ways few other women were at the time, choosing not to remarry after her husband Augustine’s death and refusing to give up her property to a male relative as had been the custom.

By many accounts Mary Ball Washington, mother of George, our first president was a tough mother. After she was widowed, she didn’t have the money to send George or her other children to school in England, as was common for well-to-do Virginia families at

the time. Instead, she enlisted George and his siblings to help run the farm. She emphasized obedience in her children. “She treated George seriously as a man and seriously as a religious being,” according to her biographer Martha Saxton (The Life of Mary Washington)

Prior historians once interpreted this as poor mothering, which contributed to Mary’s adverse standing in history. In fact, it was common of mothers at the time to be stern, even remote. “The fond mother, the mother who is psychologically and emotionally utterly available and has nothing but unconditional love for her children came about in the late 19th century,” Saxton says. “That’s not the kind of mother Mary was.”

Other early Mother’s Day pioneers include Juliet Calhoun Blakely, a temperance activist who inspired a local Mother’s Day in Albion, Michigan, in the 1870s. The duo of Mary Towles Sasseen and Frank Hering, meanwhile, both worked to organize a Mothers’ Day in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Some even called Hering “the father of Mothers’ Day.”

Over time the Mothering Sunday tradition shifted into a more secular holiday, and children would present their mothers with flowers and other tokens of appreciation. This custom eventually faded in popularity before merging with the American Mother’s Day in the 1930s and 1940s.

While dates and celebrations vary, Mother’s Day traditionally involves Mother’s Day is a celebration honoring the mother of the family or individual, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on different days in many parts of the world, most commonly in the month of May presenting moms with flowers, cards and other gifts.

In the United States, Mother’s Day 2024 falls on Sunday, May 12.

WWoodland Park students were very excited to witness the total solar eclipse on April 8. Even though we were not in the path of totality, this event had a great impact on them and was very exciting for them to experience. We hope the event will encourage them to have a lifelong interest in science! Shown, Ms. Webb’s first grade class at Charles Olbon School gets ready to enjoy the event.

Senior Activities

ayne Adult Community Center is a place to: Meet new friends, keep your mind and body active, discuss books and events, or become an artist. We are an all-volunteer, secular, non-profit organization that has been serving New Jersey adults ages 55 and older for over 25 years. Newcomers are welcome and may participate in any activity at no charge twice before joining. After that, there is a minimal daily activity fee which includes refreshments. Membership fee is $25 for one year or $40 for two

years. Our center is open five days weekly and our activities include: Pinochle, Book club, Lending library, Art Instruction, Canasta, Duplicate & Contract Bridge, Mah Jongg, Walkers group, Discussion group and social gatherings. Please stop by to meet us.

We are located at—1502 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne, NJ 07470 (White House on Schuyler Colfax Campus)

You can reach us at 973-633-0734 or www.WACCI.net

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WOODLAND PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT

By Steve Sears

DNJ Starz: Don Casey Hometown: Collingswood

on Casey, soon-to-be 87 years old in June, never played much varsity basketball in his youth, but coaching became and was his forte.

In fact, Casey coached basketball as either an assistant or head coach on the high school, collegiate, and professional level for almost 40 years.

Casey was the youngest high school coach in the country when Bishop Eustace Preparatory School of Pennsauken Township hired him back in 1959. He would eventually be at the helm for both the San Diego Clip-

pers and New Jersey Nets of the National Basketball Association for a year and a half each in the 1990s.

And the lone son of Larry and Mae Casey, who was born on June 17, 1937 in Collingswood, is in very good health. Casey said, “I work out, not feverishly, and the jogging has turned into long walks with the husky dog for an hour, three times a week. And that keeps you moving, which helps.”

If you desire good health, talk to Don Casey. Yours truly – the writer of this article – who will soon be a 28-year heart attack survivor - was on the fielding end of some

very sensible questions.

“What is your HDL & LDL?” Casey asked me. I disclosed the numbers, and when I told him the details of my workout program and how sporadic I am with my regimen, he said, “You have to get a regular routine going.”

Ever the coach, ever the caring individual. So much so that, post-coaching, he dedicated himself to health care for many. More to come on this.

Casey, who now lives on the west coast, fondly recalled his Camden County hometown. “Collingswood was a nice competitive town of about 18,000 with its

own high school. But I went to Catholic school, and the high school for me was Camden Catholic.”

Casey’s mom was a telephone operator, and his dad a writer. He said, “He worked in the political arena for papers in Camden, and I know he worked hard for Governor (Alfred E.) Driscoll to be a governor, and he worked on the (Dwight) Eisenhower campaign. We lived on a street called Wesley Avenue. It was a dead-end street and with 18 rowhouses on it, and it was a street where everybody knew each other.”

Casey played intramural basketball for the Camden Catholic basketball team in the 1950s, and as senior was invited to try out for the basketball team. He made the varsity squad, but due to the fact he had not played freshman of junior varsity basketball, was primarily a practice player. He said, “The team was okay. It was not as good as Camden Catholic teams in the past, but it was a very good experience in that regard, just being with the team.”

Nearby Temple University was up next for Casey. He attended as a part-time student, and then in 1959 learned through a friend that Bishop Eustace Prep was looking for a junior varsity coach. He accepted the job, but after the varsity coach left, Casey next season had his first head coaching role.

Casey, age 21 at the time, was the youngest high school coach in the United States, and his Crusaders won state titles in

1961 and 1962. He said, “I had the good fortune to be introduced to Jack McCloskey, who was at Penn, Harry Litwak, who was at Temple, and Jack Ramsay, who was at St. Joe's. The influence of each one of those three was how I developed the game.”

Casey in 1966 would eventually become Litwak’s first, full-time assistant coach at Temple, and it would lead to an eight-year head coaching stint.

During his first season at the helm, the Owls won 16 games, and then finished below .500 in the next two campaigns. The team turned the corner in his final six seasons. During that time, the Owls won 119 games and lost just 48, were three-time Men's East Coast Conference champions, won one conference tournament title, made an appearance in the 1979 NCAA Tournament, competed in three National Invitation Tournaments, and finished in the Top 20 twice. His overall record as Owls’ head coach was 151 – 94,

and he was inducted into the Temple Hall of Fame in 2018.

For Casey, the south Jersey\Philadelphia area was home, but he next ascended the coaching ladder to the National Basketball Association. In 1982, he headed to the National Basketball Association’s Chicago Bulls to be head coach Paul Westhead's assistant. He was with the Bulls for just one season before moving on to the San Diego Clippers to serve as an assistant again, this time for head coach, Don Chaney. When the club moved to Los Angeles for the 1984–1985 season, Casey went overseas and coached Scavolini Pesaro in Pesaro, Italy. He returned to the United States in 1985 to rejoin Chaney and the Clippers and remained an assistant during legendary head coach Gene Shue’s tenure until 1989. When Shue was fired, Casey took over for a half a season, and then coached a full season in 1989-90.

cont. on page 35

Don Casey as head coach of the New Jersey Nets in 1999 (credit: Harvard Studio)

John Pordon Angelica Urena

Michelle Rogin

Jesse Winick

Robert D’Antonio

Diana Caruso

Jennifer Ziolkowski Mohamad Abushaar

John Nicosia

Eduardo Perez Angelica Gallo Kurpit Shahid Miah

Teresa Endrikat William Depsee

Lynn Hubbard

Sarah Knowles

Diane Kettmann

Paul Cannarella

Joseph Di Santi

Jimmy Basuf

Teresa Gangale

Joann Geanoules

Sami Wazzour

Christine DeRisi

His next stop was the Boston Celtics, where he served as an assistant to both Chris Ford and M.L. Carr. Casey said, “We had Larry Bird, Keving McHale, and Robert Parrish at their last stages, but they still could play.”

Casey remained with the Celtics until 1996, when he returned to the Garden State and was hired as John Calipari’s assistant with the New Jersey Nets. In his second season with the team, the Nets went to the playoffs but were swept by Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. The following year was a lockout year, when the team started 3 – 17, and Calipari was let go.

Casey recalled, “I was very much involved. Behind the scenes I was a Senior Vice-President of the NBA Coaches Association, representing the assistant coaches.”

Like his Clipper days with Shue, Casey was again thrust into the head coaching seat for half a season in 1999, and for a full ledger during the 1999-2000 season. His Nets went 31 – 51, and Casey was replaced by Byron Scott.

After lowering the curtain on his coaching career, Casey served as Vice-Chairman of the President’s Council for Physical Fitness, serving with Tom McMillan, Jackie Joyner Kersey, and others. And Casey, who lost his mom to Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS) in 1969, also has been a strong advocate for 55 years in the fight against the disease.

Casey, who has served on both New York and San Diego ALS Association chapter boards and served as a member of both ALS Association National Board of Directors as a Trustee, said, “It (ALS) hits two groups. It is the only disease associated with being a veteran. If you are a veteran, you are two and half times more likely in your lifetime to get ALS. The second group is football, the NFL. It is a high number of former players that are coming down with it – concussions are a precursor to ALS – and they are under the scope of Boston Brain Institute.”

Casey is also an author of two books, The Temple of Zones, and (with Ralph Pim) Own the Zone: Executing and Attacking Zone Defenses. Both offerings focus on the effectiveness of zone defense in any level of basketball competition.

A young Don Casey is hired to be head coach of Pennsauken's Bishop Eusatce Prep (courtesy of Don Casey)

By Richard Mabey

Jr.

In late June of 1996, I hiked the Appalachian Trail for the last time. I did not know it at the time, that it would be my last time hiking this wonderful and magnificent wooded trail. The late Reverend Fred Herwaldt and I took the boys, who had just finished a rigorous one-year term of both religious studies and hard working service to their church in their pursuit to earn the coveted God and Country Award.

My dad, Reverend Herwaldt and myself had led the weekly God and Country Award classes at the First Reformed Church of Lincoln Park. This very special award is a combined effort of Boy Scouts of America and the Reformed Church of America. There is a scouting religious award for just about every faith known to mankind.

The boys earnestly studied and worked hard on

My Last Hike On The Appalachian Trail

service projects for their church. From raking leaves to cleaning windows to repairing the binding on hymnals, the boys learned the practical side of serving their church. But aside from hard work, the boys had completed a rigorous academic study of the Holy Bible. Written tests on Bible knowledge are given to the boys, usually once a month, in the course of the year-long study.

In June of 1996, I was 42. My dad was now 68. Dad was fighting a bout with prostate cancer, so it was not possible for him to hike the Appalachian Trail. Reverend Herwaldt knew that I earned Eagle Scout and had served as an Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 170 for many years, so he appointed me to be the leader of the pack.

The stretch of the Appalachian Trail, that traverses New Jersey, is 72 miles in length. However, during our

one-day hike, we hiked a little over 20 miles. We left the First Reformed Church in Lincoln Park at 6:00, that morning. One of the boy’s father drove us to our starting point near the New York State and New Jersey border. Along the hike, I had the honor of reviewing with the boys, how to identify the different species of trees. I pointed out natural, edible plants. Along our hike, we saw all so many different birds. I brought my Boy Scout Handbook in my backpack, and used it as a reference, while the boys successfully identified the various species of birds. Squirrels abounded, climbing the oak, the maple and the elm. We stood still and remained quiet as we watched a group of deer walk through the forest. All in all, it was a most wonderful and memorable day.

We all had brought sandwiches that we packed in

our backpacks. There is something to be said for eating lunch, sitting upon a big rock, beneath the umbrella of majestic trees. The warmth of the golden sun, gentle breezes, birds singing in the trees, and squirrels seemingly flying from tree limb to limb. I remember, all so very well, that Reverend Herwaldt read a few Palms to the boys. It was a most heart warming moment in time.

As we hiked the wild and wonderful Appalachian Trail of New Jersey, I felt the shadow of my father. I was just 11 years old, when I first hiked the AT. Now, over 30 years had passed. I was no longer the Tenderfoot Scout, walking beside my father. I was now the responsible leader. Ever watchful for snakes that might plunge upon one of the boys.

It was only a day hike. But I think we all came away from that special day, a little

Yours truly (fourth from the left hand side) with some of the scouts who hiked the Appalachian Trail, back in late June of 1996.

more aware of God’s beauty in nature. And soon the boys would all be honored with the presentation of their hard-earned God and Country medals, at a church service. This was the completion of a special, yearlong endeavor the boys had undertaken.

I was immensely proud of the boys, who hiked all those miles in just one day. I think

we had finished out hike at about 8:00 that night. We had cooked a group supper along the trail, consisting of beef stew and buttered hard rolls. There was a genuine spirit of good fellowship that prevailed. I had no idea at the time, that this would be the last time that I would hike the AT. Now, at 70, with a serious

My Last Hike...

cont. from pg 36

heart condition, I am resigned to return to the dear old Appalachian Trail in memory only. If your healthy and in fairly good shape, please do consider hiking the Appalachian Trail. If only to go for a full-day hike. There is an endearing quality to the trail that will move your heart and give you a deeper appreciation of God’s breath-taking creations in nature.

Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He hosts a YouTube Channel titled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard most recently published a book of poetry and short stories. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail.com.

Love Floweth...

cont. from pg 26

versity. We had promised to stay faithful to each other. Sometimes the most earnest of promises get broken. Sadly, we drifted apart.

We stayed friends till Penny’s passing in November of 2012. Sadly, Penny lost her battle with lung cancer. Although all traces of romance had evaporated, a kind of kinship still lived in our hearts for each other. We became adopted cousins to each other.

I would write email letters of encouragement to Penny, during her time of her fight with cancer. She would write me back that she dearly appreciated my kindness.

I know that this may not coincide with the religious beliefs of many people. But since I was diagnosed with Severe Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, I have had many, many visitations from Penny. I’ll be working on a story and I’ll feel Penny’s presence, powerfully strong beside my desk. Almost every night, Penny visits me in dreams, so real and vivid that it seems like it’s all so real and not just a dream. Penny assures me that there is a God and a place we call Heaven.

Can God be limited? Can God be put into a box, of our liking? Is it possible that a dear and cherished friend, residing in Heaven, can become a guiding angel? I know what I experience is powerfully real. Spiritual love, not a romantic love, but a true spiritual love between two people cannot be limited, be boxed in.

Love is the most powerful force in the universe. It is the foundation of miracles. It knows no limitations. Love is the most endearing force known to mankind. Truly, it is the foundation of miracles.

Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He hosts a YouTube Channel titled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard most recently published a book of poetry and short stories. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail.com.

FREE EXAM & FULL MOUTH X-RAYS $200 value for new patients 18 and over. Some limitations apply.