Northern Valley Press 10.2.23

MAKING MEMORIES

Tenafly celebrated its Ninth Annual Community Night on Sept. 12, the event uniting residents, emergency personnel and the business community with a bonanza of exciting activities.

SEE PAGE 25

CULTURAL CAFFEINE? POET’S CAFE STIRSITUP ON OCT. 15

PCAT

WITH THANKS TO A FRIEND WITH THANKS TO A FRIEND

Teaneck honors Weinberg with namesake bandshell

The Presbyterian Church at Tenafly continues its cultural outreach program with a Poetʼs Café on Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. led by local poet Nora Grimm (née Keller) and Gary J. Whitehead, a poet and teacher at Tenafly High School, who taught Nora when she was a student there.

Poets have long used Greek mythology as a source of inspiration. Writers and poetry enthusiasts are invited to gather for an evening inspired by Greek mythology. Join PCAT on Oct. 15 to read and discuss poetry that provides refreshing perspectives on some of the classical stories and characters weʼve come to know — Is there more to Medusa than her looks? Did Icarus regret his man-made wings?

After the discussion, thereʼs time for dedicated writing, followed by an open mic to perform your written work (new or old!) or the work of another poet who inspires you. All poetry lovers, writers and mythology enthusiasts are welcome.

Grimm grew up in Tenafly, where her love of poetry began. She earned her bachelorʼs degree in creative writing from Trinity College and spent the rest of the

See PCATon page 8

BY HILLARY VIDERS FOR NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

SHEWASAN influential and effective senator, assemblywoman, and councilwoman, an energetic advocate, and an outstanding leader. Now she is a celebrated part of New Jersey history.

On Sept. 10, Loretta Wein-

S SCCHHOOLLAARRS S A ALLL L

berg (D-37, ret.) was honored by the Township of Teaneck, where the new bandshell in Votee Park was graced with her name. At 3:30 p.m., the mayor of Teaneck addressed a crowd of over 150 at the Rhodda Center on Colonial Court. In the centerʼs large community room, Weinberg was surrounded by elected officials, friends,

Cresskill’s American Legion Post 21 awards scholarships to seven students entering college this fall.

See page 5

neighbors, colleagues, former constituents and family members, some of whom had come from as far away as California and Ohio.

More than four dozen officials and special guests praised Weinberg, including Senator Gordon Johnson, Congresswoman Mikie

Continued on page 6

OCTOBER 2023

CLOSTER

ST. PAUL’S SERIES HOSTS ALL SEASONS CHAMBER PLAYERS

OCT. 15

St. Paulʼs Evangelical Lutheran Church in Closter hosts a concert by the popular All Seasons Chamber Players on Sunday, Oct. 15 at 4 p.m. in the church sanctuary, 171 Closter Dock Road.

A “mix and mingle” reception will be held after the concert. For more information contact Gerri Gibney at (201) 768-2615 or the church at (201) 768-6310.

The program, “Old Friends & New Acquaintances,” presents works from several musical periods for flute, violin, cello and piano. Performers will include, violinist Bob Lawrence, flutist Lisa Hansen, cellist E. Zoe Hassman, pianist Jean Strickholm and special guest artist Max Lifchitz, piano. Bob Lawrence, co-director, will introduce each piece to the audience with personal spoken program notes.

The All Seasons Chamber Players is a leading chamber music ensemble in New Jersey. Its programs have proven highly successful with a wide range of audiences.

See SERIESon page 16

Bckintime... Bckintime...

Clara Sloat of Rockleigh waits in the foyer of her house. The walls are decorated with ivy and dried corn. Kristin Beuscher reports.

ALPINE • CLOSTER • CRESSKILL • DEMAREST • ENGLEWOOD • ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS • HARRINGTON PARK HAWORTH • NORTHVALE • NORWOOD • OLD TAPPAN • ROCKLEIGH • TENAFLY

hosts free event with Nora Grimm, Gary Whitehead, and an open mic

Retired Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-37) with Teaneck Mayor Michael Pagan and Rabbi Steven Sirbu on Sept. 10 at festivities to thank her and name the new bandshell in Milton A. Votee Park after her. Hillary Viders photo

AHA students gain

This yearʼs Hugh OʼBrian Youth Leadership Seminar provided selected New Jersey teens with new insights into what it means to be a leader. Those who attended the 2023 conference at Drew University included Academy of the Holy Angels delegates Cara Boyce of Old Tappan; Margaret “Molly” Doherty of New City, New York; Isabella Kim of Cresskill; and Xenaya Medina of Clifton.

“Spending those three days at Drew (June 16-18) was a unique experience in itself,” Isabella Kim

inspiration at HOBY seminar

said, adding that she drew inspiration from the guest speakers and her peers. “The friendships I took away from this experience were special, and just as important as the lessons I've learned from activities throughout the day.

“(The speakersʼ) insights into leadership and personal growth weren't just theoretical; they felt real and applicable, even for people my age…One piece of advice that resonated deeply with me is that true leadership is not about being in charge, but empowering those around you. During the sem-

inar, interacting with a diverse group of students and listening to the speakers helped me realize that the most impactful leaders aren't those who merely hold positions of power. Instead, they uplift others, foster a sense of communit y, and create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard…I left HOBY with a clearer picture of not only what I want to achieve but also what type of leader I aspire to be.”

Molly Doherty enjoyed meeting intelligent, fun, like-minded people at HOBY.

“Young people actually do have the drive and resources to make a difference in their community, and it was very inspiring to hear different people's stories and to start thinking about what I could do to make an impact on my community,” Molly said. "I recommend this conference to anyone who is interested because it was just a really fun and eye-opening experience.”

Cara Boyce said HOBY offers a well-organized balance between fun and learning.

“At HOBY, I worked on improving my confidence, public speaking, organizational skills, and specific leadership style. The difference in my confidence was life-changing, and I know I am capable of whatever I set my mind to do,” Boyce shared.

A highlight for this Angel was working with her group to create Clear Tides, a non-profit volunteer organization that works to stop water pollution by finding and promoting healthy, safe alternatives to everyday pollutants such as fertilizers and sunscreens.

“Although this organization is in the beginningstages, the purpose of the project was to practice our leadership skills in a group setting and think creatively about what root issues in society need to change,” Boyce noted. “For the future, I know that, despite my age or any other limitations, I am capable of whatever I set my mind to and the biggest step is just to get started.”

HOBY inspired Boyce to make progress on her Girl Scout Gold Award Project. She hosted American Sign Language classes at the Old Tappan Public Library, and launched a YouTube Channel, Signing with Cara youtube.com/channel/UCDENJJ 0EsES7_1k8DjrKgLQ), where she shares information about ASL and deaf culture.

“HOBY helped me pursue my Gold Award by telling countless stories of students having ambitious goals, yet achieving them anyway,” Boyce noted. She added that she achieved her goal by breaking her project into manageable steps.

Xenaya Medina was

You go, girls! Margaret Doherty of New City, N.Y,; Xenaya Medina of Clifton; Cara Boyce of Old Tappan; and Isabella Kim of Cresskill represented the Academy of the Holy Angels at the 2023 Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar.

First-person: Up close with the Jewish High Holy Days

NORTHERNVALLEY

THE JEWISH HIGH HOLY

Days are a time of introspection and celebration. Also called the High Holidays or the Jewish New Year, they encompass the 10 days from the beginning of Rosh Hashanah through the end of Yom Kippur.

On the evening of Sept. 15, people around the world began celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the holiday that commemorates the creation of the world.

Beginning as far back as bibl ical times, Jews everywhere spend the Jewish New Year in the homes of friends and family and in synagogues carrying on the age-old tradition referred to as LʼDor-VʼDor, generation to generation.

In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means, literally, head of the year or first of the year.

In Jewish tradition, Rosh Hashanah marks the anniversary of the creation of the world as described in theTorah. It is also the day on which God inscribes the fate of each person in either the “Book of Life” or the “Book of Death,” determining both if they will have a good or bad year and whether individuals will live or die.

Rosh Hashanah also marks the beginning of a 10-day period on the Jewish calendar that focuses on repentance or Teshuvah. Jews mark the holiday with festive meals and prayer services and greetings of Lʼshanah Tovah Tikateiv Vʼtechateim, which means “May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year.”

Rosh Hashanah falls once a year during the month of Tishrei, the seventh month on the Hebrew calendar which takes place in early autumn in the Northern Hemisphere.

In many congregations, Rosh Hashanah is celebrated on two successive days.

The Jewish New Year, one of the holiest observances in Judaism, is vastly different than the American New Year tradition of midnight partying followed by a daytime watching sports on television

There is, however, one important similarity between the Jewish New Year and the American one -

m any Americans use the New Year as a t ime to make resolutions to break bad habits and begin a better lifestyle.

Likewise, the

J ewish New Year is a time when Jews begin introspection, l ooking back at mistakes and unfulfilled promises, reconciling with people they have wronged, as well as planning the changes to make in the New Year.

BY HILLARY VIDERS

The Jewish New Year begins with Rosh Hashanah and ends with Yom Kippur. This 10-day period is commonly known as the Days of Awe (Yamim Noraim) or the Days of Repentance.

Rabbi Stevn Sirbu of Temple Emeth in Teaneck, explains the importance of the Jewish New Year very eloquently:

“Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur serve to bind the Jewish people together in united purpose. The theme of renewal gives us hope for the future and the traditional acts of repentance, prayer and charity bring us closer to one another and G-d. Socially, the first major holiday after the summer travel season helps every congregation feel like a community again.”

Tradition!

The Jewish New Year is steeped in traditions. On the eve (Erev) of Rosh Hashanah, the New Year is heralded by the blowing of the Shofar in the synagogue. The Shofar is one of the earliest instruments used in Jewish music. It is usually made from a ramʼs horn, but it can also be made from the horns of other animals, including those of a goat or sheep. It sounds somewhat like a trumpet, but unlike a trumpet, it does not have a mouthpiece.

So sacred is this tradition, that it is believed that even during the Holocaust, some Jews risked their lives by blowing a Shofar on Rosh Hashanah while imprisoned in in Nazi concentration camps.

It is also traditional for Jewish families to gather for special meals to celebrate Rosh

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

over 60 years, savvy sellers have relied

SHARE YOUR VINTAGE PHOTOS

NORTHERN VALLEY

Those old black and white photos have been sitting in the drawer for decades. Give those treasures more love by sharing them with your neighbors on this page.

Northern Valley Press welcomes old photographs depicting scenes in any of the towns in the region: Alpine, Closter, Cresskill, Demarest, Englewood, Englewood Cliffs, Harrington Park, Haworth, Northvale, Norwood, Old Tappan, Rockleigh and Tenafly.

Specifically, we’re looking for materials dating to the 1970s and e arlier. These can be photos of local buildings, notable people, homes, streets, parks, stores, special events — you name it. Old advertisements for businesses in the Northern Valley are also most welcome.

The submissions are sought for publication in the weekly “Back in Time” local history feature, which appears to the right of this column.

Photographs can be submitted by scanning the photo or taking a good digital photo (the highest resolution possible to facilitate clear printing) and emailing a copy of the photographs along with some detailed information to northernvalleypress@thepressgroup.net

FOR MORE INFORMATION

CALL (201) 358-9500

G Geet t t thhe e R Reessuulltts s

Get the results you’re looking for in the Service Directory in Northern Valley Press.

To place your service ad, call 201-358-9500.

Bckintime... Bckintime...

Adorned for an old-fashioned autumn

BY KRISTIN BEUSCHER NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS ROCKLEIGH

AS SEPTEMBERTURNS to October, we are starting to see the appearance of jack-o-lanterns, plastic tombstones, skeletons, and spiderwebs in Northern Valley neighborhoods.

Halloween has become as much a holiday for adults as it is for children. Of course, there have always been adults who loved this spooky time of year—even in 1890, when the photo on this page was snapped. The woman is Mrs. Clara Sloat, of Rockleigh, sitting in the foyer of her house on present-day Rockleigh Road. The walls behind her are decorated with ivy and dried corn, and at least four jack-o-lanterns can be seen.

Having posed for this photo, she must have been proud of her handiwork. In the doorway behind Clara is her husband, Jenkins Sloat.

The Sloats, who wed in 1860, had three children: Charles Edwin (1865), Daisy Florence (1869) and Joseph Elting (1878). The home where they lived, shown in a photo also dated to around 1890, still stands on Rockleigh Road and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The original section of the house was built in 1741 by Abraham D. Haring, who served as an officer during the French and Indian War. A large Dutch Colonial-style addition was added in 1828. Samuel Corning later bought the house in 1856.

Sloat purchased the house and its 165 acres from Corning and operated a sawmill on the property, at the south side of Rock-

leigh Road on the Sparkill Brook. The mill processed lumber for floorboards, construction, and siding. Business had shut down by the last quarter of the 19th century; ruins of a stone wall embankment mark the old mill

location.

After the Sloats, the next owner of the house was William L. Tait, the first mayor of Rockleigh. Tait owned the house 1913–1930 and expanded it significantly.

Rose Haven , an exclusive boarding school for girls, was founded here in 1920 and used the house for living space. In the 1980s, it reverted to a private home. Photo Wikimedia Commons/Roy Klotz.

Mrs. Clara Sloat in her home on Rockleigh Road around 1890. She has decorated the foyer for Halloween. The earliest portion of the home was built in 1741. Photo palette.fm.

Chili Bowl Fest Sunday, Oct. 15

The Art School at Old Church is thrilled to host its first annual Chili Bowl Festival on Sunday, Oct, 15 from 4 to 7 p.m.

TASOCsays in its invitation, “Please join us for food, friendship, and a unique opportunity to

support our arts and cultural initiatives. Each ticket includes delicious chili and your choice of a handmade ceramic bowl or tumbler to take home. Bring your friends and family to make it an even more enjoyable experience.”

The festival will be held at 561 Piermont Road, Demarest. Admission is $25 per person. For more information visit TASOC.org or call (201) 767-7160.

Investinginyouth

CRESSKILL

American Legion Post 21 was proud to award $1,000 scholarships to seven students — daughters and grandchildren of post members — entering college this fall. Above: Adjutant Dick Moloney;Donald Bleckman, accepting for Thomas Bleckman of Tenafly; Arianna Lubrani of Dumont; Shelia Wiese of Dumont; Erin Sauer of Paramus; Megan Carolan of Old Tappan; Commander Joe Cutolo; and Adele Syby, accepting for Olivia Syby.Not pictured:Grace Vitkovsky.

Camp Merritt Post 21

Thanks: Loretta Weinberg get bandshell honor

PAGE 1

ated,” “passionate,” “non-stop,” “a wonderful role model for women everywhere,” “enormous wisdom and wit!” “a rock star,” and “she gets things done!”

After Weinberg was presented with a commendation from the Township of Teaneck, Pagan spoke:

ISANHONOR and a privige to be here with all of you today as we come together to recognize a woman of unbreakable perseverance. We owe a great debt

to her.

You taught us in Teaneck and across the state that we shouldnʼt be turning on each other; we should be turning toward each other to help address our problems, whatever they might be.

Over the years when I thought of Loretta, a quote by Congressman John Lewis came to mind. He said, “If you donʼt do everything you can to change things, then they will remain the same. You only pass this way once. You have to

give it all you have,” and Loretta gave it all.

Weinbergʼs remarks followed:

IN APRIL, I will celebrate 60 years as a Teaneck resident. Itʼs where my husband, Irwin, and I bought our first home, raised and educated our children. (And how I wish he were by my side today!) Itʼs where I first ran and served in local office on the Teaneck Council —where I worked in too many political campaigns to mention.

Itʼs been an adventure every day.I could share so many stories. We are proud of our voluntarily integrated schools; we are home to a great hospital, and a wonderful university. We have everything from a mikvah to a mosque. And our residents are the most diverse and interesting one could find anywhere.

That is why when I retired from the state legislature, I decided to stay right here in Teaneck. I knew I would never find so many good friends and neighbors, in such an interesting, adventurous and diverse community.

So, today, here it is, the Senator Loretta Weinberg Band Shell. A place that will be the venue for movies, concerts, and happy gatherings of all kinds.

So, eat your heart out Jon Bon Jovi — you only have a rest stop named after you!

CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

Senior center open house Nov. 3

The Closter Senior Center has been serving the Northern Valleyʼs residents aged 55 and up for more than 65 years.

The center is a warm and friendly place where you can enjoy a variety of activities and programs, including lunch outings and mahjong.

See for yourself! Members host an open house at the Closter Senior Center, 4 Lewis St., on Friday, Nov. 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

CLOSTER

FROM

Sherrill, Bergen County Commisand former state Senate President Steve Sweeney.

oretta Weinberg with her granddaughter Shayna Graff, and in her namesake bandshell. illary Viders photo above; Shayna Graff photo right.

Luther Lee Emerson school earns Blue Ribbon plus

Luther Lee Emerson Elementary School in Demarest has been named a 2023 Exemplary High Performing National Blue Ribbon School, a highly regarded award g iven annually by the United States Department of Education to less than one percent of schools nationwide.

The award, which recognizes exemplary schools, was announced Sept. 20 by U.S. Secretary of Education Miquel A. Cardona.

“It is such an honor to receive this prestigious recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School,” said Superintendent Michael Fox. “It is a true testament to the dedication of our leadership and faculty at Luther Lee Emerson (LLE)

FROM PAGE 2

inspired by HOBY speaker/Vydia Co-president Jenna Gaudio, who left a “safe” job to start her own company.

“The story of Jenna Gaudio's persistence and relentless pursuit of not settling for the status quo was my absolute favorite from the seminar, and one that I will always recall for inspiration,” Medina shared.

HOBY encouraged Medina to use her interest in neuroscience to

Elementary School and the communityʼs commitment to supporting excellence in education for all students.”

“We are immensely proud and honored to receive the National Blue Ribbon School Award,” said Frank Mazzini, Principal of LLE. “This recognition reaffirms the hard work, dedication, and collaborative efforts of our students, educators, parents and the entire school community in fostering an environment that nurtures academic excellence and personal growth.”

The Blue Ribbon School Award recognizes Luther Lee Emerson Schoolʼs sustained academic performance and efforts to foster an inclusive and engaging

work with children with intellectual disabilities. Over the summer, s he worked with Special O lympics and Pathways for Exceptional Children to teach children to play soccer and tennis, build and code robots, and speak in front of an audience.

“It has been a rewarding experience learning more about their neurological conditions and adapting to the different ways they learn, and even more rewarding when they feel the success at what we are working on and their confidence grows,” Medina said. “It's not that they can't; instead, it's find another way.”

learning environment. This distinguished accolade underscores the schoolʼs dedication to providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for success in higher education and beyond.

“We prioritize a holistic approach to education, focusing not only on academic achievement

but also on character development, critical thinking, and invocation,” added Principal Frank Mazzini. “Our approach is to equip our students with the skills and values necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving world. The credit for this award belongs to our students, staff, parents and the

entire school community as we are all one who make Demarest the amazing educational environment that it is.”

The district looks forward to attending an award ceremony that will be held by the U.S. D epartment of Education on Nov. 16 and 17 in Washington, D.C.

Meet William Maz, timely author

Author William Maz will discuss his latest book, “The Bucharest Legacy: The Rise of the Oligarchs,” on Tuesday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. on the Englewood Public Libraryʼs Zoom app.

The program is free and open to all, but to receive the Zoom link, registration is encouraged at bccls.libcal.com/event/10797272

Mazʼs timely, fast-paced new

spy thriller,published June 20, is the exciting follow up to “The Bucharest Dossier,” which reintroduces CIA agent Bill Hefflin and brings him back to Bucharest where he is immersed in a cauldron of spies and crooked politicians in Romania three years after its bloody revolution.

The Gifford Media Group founded by writer-producer Cody Gifford, (son of TV stalwarts Frank and Kathie Lee Gifford), has acquired film and TV rights to Mazʼs debut thriller “The Bucharest Dossier.”

PCAT: Café Oct. 15

FROM PAGE 1

year after graduation touring writers workshops in Washington, Cali fornia, and Texas. She then moved to Scotland to pursue a Master of Letters at the University of St. Andrews, where she studied under John Burnside and Paul Muldoon.

She now works at an AV production company in New York City and with her husband lives in Englewood with their scruffy dog, Olive.

G ary J. Whitehead is the author of four books of poetry and his work has appeared in journals, magazines and newspapers, most notably in The New Yorker and Poetry. His awards include a New York Foundation for the Arts indi-

vidual artist fellowship in poetry, a Pearl Hogrefe Fellowship at Iowa State University, the Anne Hally Prize from the Massachusetts Review and a Princeton University Distinguished S econdary School Teaching Award in 2023.

In 2023 he was named Bergen County Teacher of the Year and has held numerous artist residencies. He teaches English and creative writing at Tenafly High School.

The event is open to anyone who would like to contribute or listen to the contributions of others at the open mic. Admission is free as part of the Presbyterian Church at Tenaflyʼs cultural outreach program

Presbyterian Church at Tenafly continues its cultural outreach program with a Poet’s Café on Oct.15 at 6 p.m.led by local poet Nora (Keller) Grimm (left) and Gary J.Whitehead,right,a poet and teacher at Tenafly High School,who taught Nora there.

Sept. 11, 2001:Englewood remembers, 22 years later

BY HILLARY VIDERS FOR NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

ENGLEWOOD

The 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center in 2001 still remains ingrained in the worldʼs consciousness. On that fateful day, four planes flying over the eastern U.S. were seized simultaneously by small teams of hijackers who used them as giant, guided missiles to crash into landmark buildings in New York and Washington.

Two planes struck the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York. The reported death toll reached over 3,000 souls, including citizens of 77 different countries. New York City lost 441 first responders and thousands more people were injured or later developed illnesses connected to the attacks, including firefighters who had worked in toxic debris.

As such, every year, communities throughout the U.S. and abroad mourn the victims and celebrate the heroes who dashed into the inferno to save the lives of others.

Eight Englewood residents and family members perished on Sept. 11, 2001, and every year since, the city has paid its respects to them in a memorial ceremony on Sept. 11 in Veterans Memorial Park.

This venue has particular meaning because it houses a five-sided monument inscribed with the names of the eight 9/11 victims from Englewood and a steel beam perched above the monument pointing in the direction of where the Twin Towers

once stood.

Another panel displays the iconic photograph of three firemen raising the American flag amidst the rubble and the fifth panel has an etching of the Memorial ribbon with the words, “We Shall Never Forget.”

This yearʼs Englewood 9/11 service began at 8:30 a.m. and was presided over by Mayor Michael Wildes. It was attended by government officials, religious and lay leaders and dozens of residents. Dignitaries included EDP Chief Thomas Greeley, EPD Deputy Chief Matthew de la Rosa, Chief Jeff Kaplan of the Englewood Fire Department, City Manager Robert Hoffman, Executive Assistant Catherine Melendez and Englewood

Council Members Charles Cobb Kevin Wilson and Dr. Lisa Wisotky.

The memorial service was filled with patriotism and sadness. The Englewood Police and Fire departments Honor Guard stood solemnly throughout the proceedings to acknowledge the sacrifice that their New York comrades made that day, and residents shared their stories.

The 2023 Memorial service began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Englewood Police Chief Thomas Greeley, followed by the National Anthem sung by Devry Pazant.

A moving invocation was delivered by Pastor Donna Owusu-Ansah of the First Baptist Church of Englewood:

TWENTY-TWOYEARS ago, our nation was rocked by heinous acts characteristic of the worst of humanity.

And yet, 22 years ago, we witnessed and experienced the subsequent response that embodied the absolute best of humanity.

Twenty-two years ago, we could not fathom how we would go

on.

And yet, 22 years later, we stand at this monument, living proof, the evidence of the manifold grace of God and the profound resilience of the human spirit. While I am a Baptist minister, I draw wisdom from many tradi-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

The Borough of Northvale on Sept. 9 dedicated a memorial to the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks during its annual Town Day at Hogan Park. The area consists of two stone towers surrounded by landscaping, shrubbery and benches underneath the American flag.

Mayor Joseph E. McGuire tells Northern Valley Press, “First, while Northvale did not have any residents die on Sept. 11, 2001, we had many family members and friends perish that day. Second, in the time since that day we have had Northvale residents die from 9/11 related illnesses and they are just as much victims as those that passed on 9/11. Third, the monument stands as a testament to our brave first responders who answer the call for our residents every day. Lastly, we have a generation of young people who were either not alive or too young to remember the

Northvale remembers

events of that day and itʼs important to keep its memory alive so that we do not forget.”

He said, “Iʼve wondered for quite a while why Northvale had no memorial for 9/11, outside of a bench in the park. Now Iʼm proud that we, as a mayor and council along with our DPW, were able to do the right thing and make this happen for the victims, their families and our first responders.”

Mayor Michael Wildes and EPD Chief Thomas Greeley

Manning gets life sentence for grisly crimes here in 2011

Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced that on Sept. 15 Randy Manning, formerly of Englewood, as sentenced to a term of life imprisonment in New Jersey State Prison after being convicted of murder, arson, desecration of human remains, and weapons offenses in connection

with the death of Rhian Stoute in August 2011.

On Aug. 15, 2011, Manning shot the victim to death in a vacant house in Englewood. He returned to the scene several hours later and set the victimʼs body on fire.

Manning then hid the victimʼs body in an SUV, drove the SUV to

Paramus and abandoned the vehicle on a quiet residential street.

He discarded key pieces of evidence in sewers in both Paramus and Brooklyn, N.Y. that were discovered by law enforcement during the ensuing investigation.

On June 7, 2023, following a s ix-week jury trial before the

Honorable Gary N. Wilcox, J.S.C., in Bergen County Superior Court, a jury convicted Manning of nine charges in relation to the murder of Stoute: murder, possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a firearm, desecration of human r emains, unlawful moving of human remains, arson, hindering apprehension by destroying or c oncealing evidence, hindering apprehension by giving false information to law enforcement, and unlawful taking of a means of conveyance.

On Sept. 15, 2023, the Honorable Gary N. Wilcox, J.S.C., sentenced Manning to a term of life imprisonment in New Jersey State Prison, subject to the No Early Release Act, for his crimes.

The State was represented by Senior Assistant Prosecutor Danielle Grootenboer, Assistant Prosecutor Gary Donatello, and Appellate Section Chief Assistant Prosecutor William Miller of the

Bergen County Prosecutorʼs O ffice with the assistance of Detective William Diedtrich, Paralegal Tina Thonus, and Victim Advocates Susan Tanis and Michelle Churchill of the Bergen County Prosecutorʼs Office.

Musella thanks Senior A ssistant Prosecutor Danielle Grootenboer and Assistant Prosecutor Gary Donatello “for their zealous advocacy for the victim and his family and for helping combat gun violence in Bergen County through this verdict.”

Musella also commends the detectives of his Major Crimes Unit as well as members of the Paramus Police Department, the Englewood Police Department, and the Bergen County Sheriffʼs Office “for their skill and professionalism in investigating this matter.”

Musella also extends his sincere thanks “to the many retired d etectives who continued to answer the call of duty and returned to testify at trial.”

Fall is here! There is no better place to experience this wonderful season than in Tenafly. On Saturday, Oct. 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Borough of Tenafly and Tenafly Chamber of Commerce invite residents and visitors to the first annual Oktoberfest Fall Festival, featuring fun-filled activities for the whole family.

Downtown Tenafly is transformed into an outdoor festival with artisans, vendors and fallthemed activities to celebrate the season.

Highlights include live

music and dance performances, pumpkin painting, an inflatable corn maze and lawn games.

Visit Downtown Tenafly, where local businesses and popup artisanal vendors curated by NJ-based Main Street Pops will sell their wares.

There will be an outdoor market as well as an array of beverages in the biergarten, along with seasonal food vendors offering something for everyone.

For more information write Main Street Pops at info@mainstreetpops.com or visit tenafly.org.

ENGLEWOOD

TENAFLY

FROM PAGE 3

Hashanah. Over the centuries, this holiday has become associated with many food customs, for instance, eating sweet food like apples dipped in honey to symbolize peopleʼs hopes for a “Sweet New Year.”

Many Jewish households also make honey cakes on Rosh Hashanah as another way to symbolically express their wishes for a Sweet New Year.

Challah bread, which is usually baked into braids, is shaped into round loaves of bread on Rosh Hashanah. The circular shape symbolizes the continuation of life.

Other popular foods eaten on the Jewish New Year include carrot stew and fish. The head of the fish symbolizes the “Head of the Year,” and also symbolizes Godʼs leadership.

No work is permitted on Rosh Hashanah. Much of the day is

spent in synagogue, where the regular daily liturgy is somewhat expanded. In fact, there is a special prayer book called the “Machz or” that is used for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur because of the extensive liturgical changes for these holidays.

One of the most important prayers of the New Year is Unetaneh Tohkef, a prayer about life and death. Part of it reads: “On Rosh HaShanah it is written, and on Yom Kippur it is sealed, how many will leave this world and how many will be born into it, who will live and who will die... But penitence, prayer and good deeds can annul the severity of the decree.”

Another popular practice of the holiday is Tashlich (“casting off”), a Jewish custom dating back to medieval times. Jews walk to flowing water, such as a creek or river on the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah, say a few prayers and empty their pockets into the river, symbolically casting off their sins. Small pieces of bread are commonly put in oneʼs pocket to cast off.

An interesting variation of Tashlich takes place at Temple Sinai of Bergen County on Rosh Hashanah, where the afternoon service is outdoors at the Demarest Duck Pond. Rabbi Jordan Millstein explains: “Many people use bread crumbs, but at Temple Sinai we use pebbles as bread is not good for the ducks at the Demarest Duck Pond!”

The common greeting for the Jewish New Year is Lʼshanah Tovah, which means “May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year.”

Reflection, Atonement in Todayʼs World

Although the Jewish High Holidaysʼthemes of reflection and atonement date back centuries, they are especially relative today, as the world confronts increasing anti-Semitism, hatred and violence.

For many people, including non-Jews, the Jewish New Year has personal as well as historical

significance. Rabbi Steve Meltz of Chavurah Beth Shalom in Alpine believes that this is b ecause “At Rosh Hashanah, when according to Jewish tradition time began, we celebrate the worldand that part of G-d that resides within it, and withinus all.

“We share this divine spark not just with other Jews, but with all humanity...for each of usis a creation ofG-d and therefore, each of us isdeserving ofour respect. My wish is that the coming yearbrings peace to the entire human family in every part of the world.”

Adam Kohane blows the Shofar on Rosh Hashanah to welcome the New Year. Hillary Viders photo.

Everest Kitchen Design debuts showroom in Emerson PASCACK VALLEY

Everest Kitchen Design is happy to introduce its newest kitchen and bath showroom, 55 Emerson Plaza East, Unit 103, Emerson.

With more than 100 years of combined experience and excellence, Everest Kitchen Design is committed to customersʼneeds and expectations. “We offer cabinet

Everest Kitchen Design, offering its first custom to semi custom cabinetry lines.

Designers include Ashley Deleon and Larissa Pizzulli in the Emerson showroom and David Earl and Jessica Torres in tje Montclair showroom.

Ashley is finishing her B.F.A in interior design at Kean Universi-

customerʼs wants and needs. She offers a fresh, new eye to design while still valuing traditional ways and methods.

Larissa grew up with an engineer step-dad, looking at blueprints from an early age. She frequently redesigned her room, starting

around age 10, moving furniture, replacing bedding, and painting. She says she always knew sheʼd do something design related growing up.

In high school, she discovered the “Saturday Live” program at the Fashion Institute of Technoogy and

began taking classes in interior design. She took them throughout high school, built a portfolio, and used that portfolio to get into the interior design program at FIT, graduating in 1999.

She worked at a design firm in the city for about a year, but didnʼt like the furniture/fabric aspect and moved on. Taking a job at Home Depot, she discovered kitchen design, and found her calling. She took classes, moved up quickly, then on to retail showrooms.

Larissa is especially good with color and visualization. She credits her success to “really listening to what a client wants and needs in a space.” Every person is unique, and every space is a unique reflection of the end user. This is something Larissa came to understand early on, and keeps at

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

manufacturers like Omega, Fabuwood, Woodmode, Europa, Brookhaven, Kabinart and many more to satisfy all budgets. We also offer countertops, cabinet hardware, and several quick-ship vanities.”

The company started in 2012 under Cabinets4Less with the same dedication to customers. It grew to three showrooms over the years and expanded into Montclair under

ty and plans to continue to her masterʼs degree. Ashley recalls she and her mother would always work on DIY projects together around their house, which is what drew her toward the design world.

With her familyʼs support, she moved from Miami, Fla. to North Jersey to pursue her career.

She prides herself on her keen eye to materials and finishes and her ability to really understand her

Everest Kitchen Design is happy to introduce its newest kitchen and bath showroom, 55 Emerson Plaza East, Unit 103, Emerson.

‘Naughty’ bronze sarcophagus piece a surprise to owner

Senior appraiser Jon Felz of R.Z.M.Fine Arts & Antiques Inc. answers yourquestions on fine art,American coins,and great antiques.Send your questions and photos to rzmantique@aol.com

this foundry produced small cold painted bronze items such as dogs, cats, monkeys and exotic birds. They also were known for their realistic depictions of Orientalist themed items.

BYJONFELZ

Hello Jon, Recall we said we were cleaning out my motherʼs house in Woodland Park and came across this piece. There was a note explaining it belonged to another longdeceased relative of mine. You said if we were able to open this piece we would find a surprise, and invited us to send pictures. Thank you, Jon. We had a good laugh thanks to you!

—Diane in Hillsdale

Hi, Diane, Iʼm glad you had a good laugh and Iʼm grateful you sent excellent photographs of the item contained within.

In the late 19th to early 20th century, in Vienna, there was a bronze foundry known as the Franz Bergmann Metal Works. Essentially

Middle Eastern men and women engaged in the selling of Oriental carpets as another popular subject matter. I have owned a large Bergmann bronze lamp formed as an

An original Franz Bergmann foundry piece from around 1900 opens to reveal a gilded nude maiden figure (we’ve taken the liberty of covering her up).This rarity is worth an estimated $2,000,says

Arab praying inside a mosque. It measured 36 inches in height. That item was an exception, however, and is not often encountered.

Your bronze, produced at the Franz Xavier Bergmann foundry circa 1900, is a partial gilt and coldpainted “naughty” Egyptian sarcophagus figure. As you recently discovered, the sarcophagus has a hinged lid that opens to reveal a standing nude female. A surprise, Iʼm sure!

From my inspection of the photographs you have provided it

Franz Xavier Bergmann (July 27,1861 – Jan.1,1936) was the owner of a Viennese foundry who produced patinated and cold-painted bronzes,Oriental,erotic,and animal figures,the latter often humanized or whimsical objets d’art

His father,Franz Bergmann, was a professional chaser from Gablonz who came to Vienna and founded a small bronze factory in 1860.Franz Xavier Bergmann inherited the company and opened a new foundry in 1900.Many of the bronzes from the 1900s were still based on designs from his father’s workshop.

Bergmann is often incorrectly described as a sculptor,but he was not;he was a foundry owner.His workshops employed,on a temporary basis,many anonymous sculptors.

— Via Wikipedia

appears this bronze has remained in excellent condition, no damage with minimal age wear. In my professional opinion the value of this Bergmann “naughty” bronze is $2,000. You have one of the more desirable in the family of Bergmann bronzes and highly sought by collectors. I have on several occasions encountered new reproductions of this bronze. Thanks so much for the wonderful follow-up!

R.Z.M.Fine Arts & Antiques Inc.is based at 132 Dexter Ave.,Pearl River, N.Y.Call (845) 735-1313 or visit rzmantiques.com.

Fine Arts & Antiques, Inc.

R.Z.M. FINE ARTS & ANTIQUES INC.

Jon Felz.

Would you like to know more about the candidates running for c ounty office? The Norwood Republican Club is hosting an opportunity to meet the candidates running for State Senate, State Assembly and County Commissioner on Tuesday, Oct. 10 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Norwood Community Center, 436 Broad-

NORTHERN VALLEY

way.

“Meet Sen. Holly Schepisi, State Assemblyman Robert Auth and Assembly candidate Dr. John Azzariti, and Shalah Collins and Mary Jo Guinchard, candidates f or County Commissioner. All will be on hand to tell you where they stand on the important topics affecting the area and answer any

Thrive at Montvale Craft Fair Oct. 7

Get ready for the shopping event of the season. Find unique crafts and treasures you wonʼt want to miss. While you explore all the fabulous vendors have to offer, let the kids and grandkids have a blast in Thriveʼs Social Court.

Imagine life-size Legos, chess, darts, foosball, shuffleboard, and more, all ready to spark their imagination.

The event is Saturday, Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Thrive at Montvale, with free parking.

Vendors include Berry Delicious Jams and Sweets LLC, Sweet Pea Blankets, LaChilds LLC Touchstone Crystal, The Shops of 11:11, Barks and Crafts NJ LLC, Jilscreations Amused by Jewels, The Sea Sisters, Mother and Daughter Chocolates, S&V Designs, Charmed Forever Perma-

n ent and Custom Jewelry, Gourmet Dates Kari Podi Company, and Uncle Bobʼs Popcorn — and more than 10 others.

The invitation reads, “And weʼll have an array of mouthwatering delights from wraps, panin is, and sliders to refreshing smoothies and artisanal coffee, all available for purchase. Itʼs a shopping wonderland!

Free event! All are welcome to attend. Invite your friends, neighbors, and extended family! Thereʼs plenty of room for everyone!”

Thrive at Montvale Independent Living, Assisted Living & Memory Care, 110 Summit Ave., Montvale. Call (201) 596-8639. Write Hello@ThriveAtMontvale.com Visit ThriveSL.com/Montvale

For more information call Alcyone Gallo at (201) 596-8639.

questions that you might have.

“Together the candidates stand united in their efforts to tackle the issues that matter the most to you and your family. A critical and important issue such as the candidateʼs commitment to reducing taxes and advocating for responsible spending in the state budget will be discussed.

“Another critical issue that they are passionate about is supporting parental rights and education.

“Schepisi served as a member

of the New Jersey General Assembly from 2012 until March 25, 2021, when she was sworn in as a member of the New Jersey State Senate. Senator Schepisi represents the 39th Legislative District, w hich includes twenty-three municipalities located in Bergen and Passaic Counties. She is a member of the Health, Human S ervices, and Senior Citizens Committee and the Community and Urban Affairs Committee and has been selected as the Deputy Conference Leader.

“Auth has been a member of the New Jersey State General Assembly since 2014. He serves on the Commerce and Economic Development, Financial Institutions and Insurance and Judiciary committees.

“Azzariti, a lifelong Bergen County resident, is a councilman in Saddle River. With years of experience as an anesthesiologist and a strong commitment to his c ommunity, John is ready to bring experienced leadership to Trenton.”

eats Dining & Cooking Guide

Series: Closter

FROM PAGE 1

Now in its 43rd season, the ensemble has performed over 850 concerts in the metropolitan area. Winner of the Award for Artistic Excellence from the Bergen County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs, the ensemble has received grants from the NEA, Meet the Composer, Chamber Music America, several private foundations.

This concert is one of 15 Community Concerts for Bergen County. It has been made possible in part by a grant administered by

the Bergen County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs from funds granted by the NJ State Council on the Arts, the Lillian Pitkin Schenck Fund, the Frank & Lydia Bergen Foundation, the Puffin Foundation and individual members of Friends of All Seasons.

There is a suggested $10 contribution at the door. Reservations are not needed. The church is handicapped accessible and parking is available in back of the church. For more information visit allseasonschamberplayers.org or call (201) 768-1331.

NORTHERN VALLEY

Gala Oct. 19 to raise roof

The Bergen County Historical Society has announced a fundraising gala to support the building of a new 3,750-squarefoot history museum at the 13acre Historic New Bridge Landing site in River Edge is set for Thursday, Oct. 19 at Sanzariʼs New Bridge Inn in New Milford.

All proceeds raised will go t owards the transformational museum building project that includes all facets of the project — the museum construction, planned exhibits and educational programming which will be visitor ready in time for our nationʼs 250th anniversary, July 4 , 2026.

Building chairperson Deborah Powell told Northern Valley Press , “We look forward to bringing a dynamic new museum to life on this historic site that is noted as a landmark of American history.”

She said, “The new museum will provide added space to accommodate educational programming for more people and expanded exhibit space for our collections of over 4,000 original artifacts, textiles and documents that tell the story of how Bergen County and how our country came to be.”

Fundraising chair John

for museum

The Bergen County Historical Society has announced a fundraising gala, Oct.19,to support the building of a new 3,750-square-foot history museum (rendering above) at the 13-acre Historic New Bridge Landing site in River Edge. BCHS image

Eiel said, “The new museum will help us look back at where we have been but also look ahead to whatʼs on the horizon so that the future may learn from the past.”

Gala admission includes a cocktail hour, dinner, live music and dancing, “and fabulous honorees.” Tickets are $195 and include a one-year membership to the Bergen

County Historical Society ($175 for members).

For more information, including sponsorships and tickets, visit bergencountyhistory.org/gala or call Martha Morley at (201) 493-7996.

The Bergen County Historical Society is a 501(c)3 that depends on individual, corporate and foundation support.

Sounds great to us! St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Closter hosts a concert by the popular All Seasons Chamber Players on Sunday, Oct. 15 at 4 p.m. in the church sanctuary., 171 Closter Dock Road.

Celebrating 27 Years

Club hosts Gussen on hydroponics Oct. 5

The Garden Club of Harrington Park invites you to its next meeting, Thursday, Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m., upstairs in the Harrington Park Library, 10 Herring St.

Guest speaker is Marc Gussen, director of the Closter Nature Center, who will present an illustrated lecture: “Hydroponics — a Gardening

Alternative to Dirt.”

According to Gussen, “Hydroponics is the cultivation of plants without using soil. Hydroponic flowers, herbs and vegetables are planted in inert growing media and supplied with nutrient-rich solutions, oxygen, and water. It fosters rapid growth, stronger yields and superior quality.”

Gussen has been a naturalist for over 20 years and the director of the Closter Nature Center since 2001. Having taught hundreds of children and adults, he is affectionately known as Nature Marc. He has a bachelor of arts degree in applied ecology from Rutgers University and is the recipient of the Patricia F. Kane Environmental Education Award from the New Jersey Audubon.

The program is followed by a Q&A session and refreshments. Hedy Gallow and Beverly Murray are hostesses for the evening.

All gardeners, from all towns, active or armchair, are welcome to attend.

For more information, call GCHP President Gerri Gibney at (201) 768-2615 or visit gardenclubofharringtonpark.com

Marc Gussen, director of Closter Nature Center, presents an illustrated lecture: “Hydroponics — a Gardening Alternative to Dirt.”

S Sc c h o o ol l N e w s

Local students see the world with Operation Smile

Holy Angels provides students with many opportunities to become global citizens, including the Academyʼs Operation Smile Club. This July, five Angels traveled to Lima, Peru, for Operation Smileʼs International Student Leadership Conference.

Seniors Elise Kim of Cresskill and Katelyn Freeburn of Mahwah attended with juniors Annika Castillo of Cresskill, Jacqueline Garcia of Bergenfield, and Isabella Zahirudin of Stony Point, New York. AHAʼs representatives joined more than 250 participants from 23 countries.

“They learned from inspiring speakers about how to create change, and put their skills into practice during workshops and ultimately build friendships with peers who share their passion for service,” said Laura Kraytem, AHAʼs Op Smile moderator. “The conference is specifically geared to hearing more about Operation Smile and what they do. Every day, there is a keynote speaker. It is someone who has made change in the world. Then there are workshops on all different things. There are teambuilding games. The next step is mission training, where the students learn the skills they need to present the health modules on the missions.”

Student volunteers who successfully apply for mission trips work directly with the families of

children who receive Operation Smileʼs life-changing, no cost corrective surgeries for cleft lip and palate. Student mission teams are

health ambassadors who are responsible for presenting health modules on nutrition, handwashing, burn care, and dental hygiene to the families at the hospital and during off-site visits to schools and orphanages. In the evening, the stu-

dents report to the surgical team on their experiences at the orphanage or school they visited. Often, the students are the only members of the mission team who leave the hospital, so their role is important. Entire villages benefit from learning how to get the nutrition needed from local foods, how to stop the

spread of germs, and what to do if they are burned from cooking over an open fire.

Isabella Zahirudin, who also completed her mission training while she was in Peru, is one of a select group to be chosen for a mission. She will be going Bangalore, India, in October.

This highly regarded volunteer also received Op Smileʼs 2023 Francine Peterson Award for her “strong dedication to helping the community and demonstrating qualities that inspire others and prove that involvement can create a positive change.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

AHA students Katelyn, Isabella, Annika, Jacqueline, and Elise.

AHA’s Laura Kraytem and Isabella Zahirudin.

b ergenPAC announces An Evening with Geena Davis and a screening of Beetlejuice on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 8 p.m.

An Evening with Geena Davis and a screening of ʻBeetlejuiceʼ Saturday, Oct. 14 at 8 p.m. $55–$95

Enjoy an unforgettable evening with Geena Davis, Academy Award-winning actress and star of the iconic film, Beetlejuice. The evening will feature a special screening of the beloved movie, followed by a live conversation and audience Q&A with Davis,

S Sc c h o o ol l N e w s

bergenPAC goes big in October

who portrayed the character of Barbara Maitland in the film. During the conversation, Geena Davis will share her personal experiences and insights from working on the set of Beetlejuice, discussing everything from her favorite moments to behindthe-scenes stories. She will also discuss her broader career in Hollywood, including her advocacy work for gender equality and diversity in the entertainment industry.

A limited number of VIP tickets are available which include an a utographed poster, a reading

Republican meet & greet Oct. 17

The Republican Party of Old Tappan is hosting a Candidate

Meet & Greet on Tuesday, Oct. 17 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Old Tappan Manor, 137 Orangeburg Road. Meet Thomas Gallagher for mayor, Ronald Binaghi Jr. and Christine Massaro for council.

Bring your concerns, ask questions, and understand your candidatesʼposition on issues that impact you, your family, and our community. For information and/or price of admission email annrandl@msn.com.

—Anna Haverilla

Club News?

Let us help promote your club or organization. Send all news to northernvalleypress@thepressgroup.net

from Geena Davisʼmemoir, Dying of Politeness, and the opportunity to participate in an exclusive Q&A session, where VIPs can ask their own questions and engage in a

lively discussion. This is a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with a Hollywood legend, and to celebrate the enduring legacy of one of the most beloved

movies of all time. Photo opportunities are not included. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or box office (201) 227-1030

OLD TAPPAN

You’ll fall for fall in all her glory at Metropolitan Farm

Now that the hot summer days are gone, Metropolitan Farm, 119 Hickory Lane in Closter, is ready to help you with your fall gardening and decorating needs. They have an extensive supply of hardy perennials, colorful annuals, sturdy shrubs and trees, native plants, pumpkins and gourds in an astonishing variety of colors.

While traditional mums and asters, and bright annuals like celosia and ornamental peppers are available, the focus is increasingly on native plants. They help our pollinators, such as butterflies, bees, and birds to thrive. Migrating birds and butterflies can fill up

on the necessary foods of native plants and flowers to successfully complete the journey to their winter homes.

Metropolitan Farm has an impressive collection of native plants available to help nature's travelers to thrive. Head over to 119 Hickory Lane to find whatever gardening items you may be looking for, and maybe a few surprises that you didn't realize you need.

Metropolitan Farm

19 Hickory Lane, Closter Tel. (201)767-0244

metropolitanfarm.com

Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide

DR. KAPLAN: Neuroplacticity and academic performance

Many parents are concerned with their childrenʼs academic performance in school. It makes sense – we all want our children to be successful. But not many parents realize that there are grassroots ways to improve your childrenʼs performance – by starting at the brain function itself. This is where functional neurology comes in.

One of the best ways to improve brain function is to balance the right and left brain. For optimal brain function, it is necessary to create more synapses and connections between areas of the brain. Neuroplasticity is the brainʼs ability to reorganize by forming new neural networks. It allows the nerve cells to adjust and repair in case of injury or

disease or environmental changes.

Your brain is only as strong as its weakest link. In the past, weʼve discussed how important Concussion Baseline Testing is, especially for people who play contact sports. There are also amazing benefits for Baseline Testing in the academic model as well. Through the use of Baseline Testing we can track improvement in brain function, as well as understand recovery better in the case of injury. We do this using modern technology including the Neuro Sensorimotor Integrator, Interactive Metronome, Videonystagmography Machine, qEEG with neurofeedback, and Computerized Assessment of Postural Stability (CAPS) Posturography machine.

With this technology, we can do comprehensive Baseline Testing and watch results improve objectively as well as childrenʼs grades, as a result of functional neurological brain therapy. With better brain function, parents can be less involved in making sure focus is kept and homework is

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complete.

Freedom and academic results can boost childrenʼs confidence as well. If you are interested in hacking your childʼs academic performance and improving their grades and life through functional neurology, call our office and come in for a complete physical and neurological evaluation. This test is normally $500, but for the first seven people that call/text 646-221-6738, you can get this entire examination for only $21. The results could change your childʼs life. Until then, please remember that all children benefit from movement breaks while they study and work. Extracurricular activities that require movement and exercise are greatly important for academic success.

Functional neurology is for EVERYONE! Since an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, it is best to do neurological testing to find out if you have any predisposition to any neurological or physical problems. The best test is called a qEEG brain mapping. It will tell us if you have difficulty changing tasks, confusion, sleep deprivation, or brain fog. It will tell us if your brain is sensitive to sugar or carbohydrates. It will tell us if you are most likely not getting enough blood flow to the brain. It will tell us if you do not have enough dopamine or certain neurotransmitters. It will tell us if you have a chance of heavy metal poisoning or a concussion. It will tell us if your brain was possibly exposed to a virus or bacteria. It can help to diagnose depression, anxiety, insomnia, ADD, memory problems, thyroid problems,

State updates on road construction

City Council 2nd Ward Representative Lisa Wisotsky reports the timeline for the Jones Road over Route 4 construction project has shifted and the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) is reporting new tentative target dates:

“A temporary full closure at the end of February and beginning of March of 2024 for up to one week for the installation of the structure of the new bridge, and a full Southbound closure with an approved detour (Jones Road to Van Nostrand to Grand Avenue) approximately June of 2024 for one year The northbound lane will remain open.

“We have been advocating for a left turn signal at the Van Nostrand / Grand Avenue intersection in advance of this closure. The

NJDOT reports that they are now working with their contractor to determine costs and an installation schedule. This intersection will be addressed shortly.

“We have requested an evaluation of the Rockwood / Broad intersection, in anticipation of increased vehicles exiting on 4E/Grand Avenue Englewood and traveling East on Rockwood Place.

“We have also requested an evening meeting where NJDOT can provide residents with an update and answer residents' concerns and questions prior to the closure.

“I will continue to update residents on this project as it progresses and we receive more information,” Wisotsky said in an email to residents.

intestinal inflammation, trouble with organization, trouble with planning, anger, aggression, worry, and many other neurological problems. The test is non-invasive and there is no risk. It is normally $500, but for the first seven people that contact us, you can get it for only $21. Call us at 201261-2150 or visit kaplandc.com. Listen to my radio show Boost Your Brain Power every Saturday 8am on 970 AM and 2 pm on 710 AM. Email info@kaplanbrainandbody.com for more information, or to book your appointment

BEEFSTEAK DINNER EXTRAVAGANZA OCT. 21

The Knights of Columbus, Fourth Degree, Assembly 1289, supports the communities of Closter, Cresskill, Emerson, Englewood, Harrington Park, Oradell and New Milford, Norwood, Northvale, Paramus, River Edge and Tenafly invite you to a beefsteak dinner extravaganza, with Nightingale Catering, Saturday, Oct. 21 from 6 to 9 p.m. Donation $50 per person includes beefsteak, beer, wine, soda and water. Tricky Tray and 50/50. Cash bar available.

Annunciation Parish Hall, 50 W Midland Ave., Paramus. For Tickets information contact SK Chuck Capone: (201) 599-1636, comptroller@kofcasm1289.org.

DR. ERIC KAPLAN, KAPLAN BRAIN & BODY

ENGLEWOOD

NORTHERN VALLEY

Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide

Have your candy and eat it too: Dental health tips for Halloween

By Dr. Mariliza LaCap

The fall season has arrived!

The dropping temperatures and shorter days are undeniable signs the holiday season is right around the corner

Halloween marks the starting point of this annual season of sweets. The next few months will likely include an increase in the consumption of sweets and other treats, and therefore, more dental cavities.

However, Halloween should not be a time of worry for parents.

Use Halloween as an opportunity to teach kids good dental health habits, including consumption of sweets in moderation. Here are some reminders and helpful hints to ensure you and your kids have a healthy and fun Halloween:

• G ive out healthier treats. Avoid giving trick-or-treaters candies that are sour (high in acidity, which erodes tooth enamel), sticky or chewy (leaves sugars directly on the teeth for prolonged periods) or hard (choking hazard for young kids and can cause tooth damage).

There are many options for healthy snacks including things like cereal bars, pretzels or granola bars. Even a plain chocolate bar is a better option than sour, sticky or hard candies.

• Perform the “safety check.” Take a look when your child returns from trick-or-treating to ensure there are no dangerous items in their collection. Include your child in this process to explain the decisions you make and allow them to learn good habits.

• Sort it out. Encourage your child to eat the healthier treats and avoid hard, sour or chewy candies like jawbreakers or caramels. These candies have high acidity and/or stick to the teeth longer, which can cause more damage.

• Limit availability. Candy should be enjoyed, but moderation is important. Have your child choose 15 or so of their favorites and remove the rest.

• Brush-up after consuming. Set a specific time of day for candy consumption and then have your child follow-up by brushing his or her teeth. This is much healthier than allowing your childʼs teeth to be continuously exposed to sugary or acidic treats throughout the day

• Last, but not least, donate or store away extra candy.

Consider bringing your childʼs Halloween candy to our office on November 1-3. Your child will get $1 per pound (not to exceed 5lbs/family).

All the candy will be distributed to local homeless shelters and nursing homes. Itʼs a win/win for everyone involved!!

We are collection in both locations. Smile More Dentistry at 140 Oak Tree Road, Tappan NY 845-359-1763 or 19 Legion Drive, Bergenfield NJ 201-3842425. You can visit our website www.TappanDentist.com [1] for more information.

Though this Halloween is a great opportunity to start employing thesepractices, donʼt stop there! Continue to follow these recommendations throughout the year so your children can develop good dental hygiene habits while still enjoying their treats in moderation.

With all that in mind, donʼt forget to brush, floss and routinely visit your dentist for checkups.

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Remember, good oral health is a major contributor to overall health, so developing good dental hygiene habits will help ensure a long and healthy life for both you and your children.

Dr. Mariliza LaCap and Dr. Darren Tong are a husband and wife team.

Their mission is to have a community of healthy, beautiful smiles through proper dental care and education. They both know how difficult it is to find a dental home where patients have peace of mind knowing they are being well taken cared of. The office runs on time and open Saturdays and Sundays to accommodate busy schedules. Dr. LaCap and her husband are both graduates of Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery and are owners of Washington Dental Associates and Smile More Dentistry.

See our ad below.

Dr. Mariliza LaCap and Dr. Darren Tong

Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide

The savvy senior: Can I collect Social Security from my ex-spouse?

D

ear Savvy

Senior, Is it possible

Hereʼs what you should know. Whoʼs Eligible?

benefits, as long as youʼve been divorced for at least two years.

sion.

Divorced Survivorʼs Benefits

BY JIMMILLER

t o collect Social Security benefits from m y ex-spouse? We were married 12 years and have been divorced for almost 20.

—Never Remarried

Dear Never, Yes, depending on your specific circumstances, you may very well be eligible for divorced spouses Social Security benefits.

A divorced spouse can collect a Social Security retirement benefit on the earnings record of their ex-husband (or ex-wife) if you are at least age 62, were married for at least 10 years, are unmarried, and are not eligible for a higher benefit based on your own earnings record.

In order to collect, your former spouse must also be at least 62 and eligible for Social Security benefits. But he doesnʼt have to be receiving them in order for you to collect divorced spouseʼs

Everest Kitchen:

FROM PAGE 13

the forefront of every design presented to her.

The firm says “We are a small company, but our size allows our dedicated professionals to offer personalized service to each and every client. Each of our designers is highly skilled and uses the latest software and tools to bring your kitchen to life. No kitchen is too small, oddly shaped or challenging

for our team. Part of our success is our customers repeat sales, satisfaction, and word of mouth recommendations.”

It adds, “We invite you to stop by our new showroom and meet with our designers to create the kitchen of your dreams.”

Free measurements and consultations are available. To schedule yours, call today at (551) 8882300.

Even if your ex is remarried, it wonʼt affect your right to divorcee benefits, nor will it affect your exʼs retirement benefits or his current spouseʼs benefits.

Benefit Amount

A divorced spouse can receive up to half of their exʼs full Social Security benefit, or less if they take benefits before their full retirement age, which is 66 for people born in 1945-1954 but is gradually increased to age 67 for people born in 1960 or later To find out your full retirement age and see how much your benefits will be reduced by taking them e arly see S SA.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/agereduction.html

Keep in mind though, that if you qualify for benefits based on your own work history, youʼll receive the larger of the two benefits. You cannot receive benefits on both your record, and your exʼs work record too.

To find out how much your retirement benefits will be, see your Social Security statement at SSA.gov/myaccount. And to get an estimate of your exʼs benefits, call Social Security at 800-772-

1 213. Youʼll need to show your marriage certificate and divorce decree to prove your marriage l asted at least 10 years along with his Social Security number to get it.

Other Factors to Know

You also need to be aware that working can affect your divorced spouseʼs benefits. If you start taking benefits while w orking, and are under full retirement age, your benefits will be reduced $1 for every $2 you e arn above the annual limit, which is $21,240 in 2023. In the year you reach full retirement age, however, the annual limit increases to $56,520 and the reduction lowers to $1 for every $ 3 above that limit. See SSA.gov/pubs/EN-05-10069.pdf for more details.

Another factor that can reduce your divorced spouseʼs benefits is receiving a pension from an employer that did not withhold Social Security taxes (like a government). This is a rule know as Government Pension Offset (see SSA.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/gpo-calc.html ) which can reduce your benefits by twothirds of the amount of your pen-

You also need to know that when your ex-spouse dies (and if you were married for 10 or more years), you become eligible for divorced survivor benefits, which is worth up to 100 percent of what your ex-spouse was due.

Survivor benefits are available to divorced spouses as early as age 60 (50 if youʼre disabled). But if you remarry before 60, you become ineligible unless the marriage ends. Remarrying after age 60 will not affect your eligibility.

Also note that if you are receiving divorced spouses benefits when your ex-spouse dies, y ou will automatically be switched over to the higher paying survivor benefit.

For more information visit SSA.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/applying7.html and click on Benefits for Your Divorced Spouse.

Send your senior questions to Savvy Senior,P.O.Box 5443, Norman,OK 73070,or visit SavvySenior.org.Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior”book.

Ninth Annual Community Night delivers

Tenafly celebrated its Ninth Annual Community Night on Sept. 12, the event uniting residents, emergency personnel and the business community with a bonanza of exciting activities.

The event was presented by the Tenafly Recreation Committee and the Tenafly Police Department and free to residents of Tenafly and Alpine.

From 5 to 8 p.m. the Tenafly Borough parking lot was filled with hundreds of people enjoying free food, giveaways, pop-up shows, and live music.

Youngsters played in the bounce houses and enjoyed face painting. Dozens of vendors had set up games of chance where people could spin for prizes. There were also numerous food stations with everything from hot dogs and burgers (grilled by members of the Tenafly Elks), to Spanish cuisine and donuts.

On the stage, the Tenafly School of Rock band kept things lively.

Thanks: Weinberg

FROM PAGE 6

Thank you to all of you here and thank you to everyone in Teaneck for always supporting my passion for public service. I hope each and every one of you will have great times at the Senator Loretta Weinberg Bandshell.

30 years of service

Weinberg served more than 30 years in the New Jersey Statehouse, devoting countless hours to her community as well as to state-wise and national organizations that work to improve the lives of men, women and children.

She became a state Senator in 2005 and served as Majority Leader for 10 years. She was re-elected in 2007, 2011, 2013 and 2017.

She was a member of the Assembly since March 16, 1992. In 2009, and was the Democratic candidate for the newly-created office of Lieutenant Governor.

Weinberg sponsored dozens of bills, including the law prohibiting smoking in indoor public places and workplaces, as well as gun safety, social justice, the advancement of the LGBTQ+ community and the stateʼs anti-bullying law. She also sponsored legislation allowing lesbian and gay couples to marry.

Weinberg was an assistant administrator for Bergen County from 1975 to 1985, and a member of the Teaneck City Council from 1990 to 1994.

She is a member of the New Jersey Historical Commission, the Legislative Services Commission and the New Jersey–Israel Commission. She has also held leadership roles in varied community organizations.

Actors in costumes, including one of a huge dragon, a tiger and a stilt walker, delighted children as well as adults.

A local karate school put on demonstrations with students of all ages.

At 6 all eyes turned to sky to watch a flyover by a New Jersey state helicopter.

There was an educational element to the evening: Residents were given demonstrations by members of the police, fire and EMS departments and county SWAT team, allowing them to see how their life saving equipment is used. The children loved getting into patrol cars, fire engines, an ambulance and armored jeeps. The professional crews gave information to prevent problems such as burglaries, thefts, scams, household fires as well as how to administer first aid .

This yearʼs Community Night included a special exhibit: The 9/11

Saturday, October 28

Newly Retired! Stop In &See Us!

Hillary Viders photos

ROBERT KATZ OWNER

Tunnel to Towers Foundation Mobile Museum. Tours were given by FDNY firefighters who were at the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001. Hillary Viders

The Chest awards grants totaling $124,950 to non-profits here

T he Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County awarded 24 grants, totaling $124,950, to nonprofit agencies responding to increased need in the community in Bergen County.

Founded in 1933 during the Great Depression, The Community Chest, a nonprofit, taxexempt organization, supports l ocal nonprofit organizations serving people in need in eastern Bergen County.

The 2023-2024 grant recipients are:

•Bergen Family Center

• Bergen Performing Arts Center

•Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative

•Bloom Empowerment

•Center for Food Action

•The Center for Hope and Safety

NORWOOD

•Encounters in Black Traditions

• Englewood Health

• Englewood Neighborhood Pantry

•Family Promise of Bergen County

•Flat Rock Brook Nature Center

• JCC Thurnauer School of Music

•Jewish Family and Childrenʼs Services of Northern NJ

• Metropolitan Community Center

•Office of Concern Food Pantry

•POP Program

•Rotary Club of Englewood

•Spectrum for Living

• Tenafly Nature Center

•Vantage Health System

•Volunteer Center of Bergen County

•West Side Infant and Teen

NORWOOD SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB

The Norwood Senior Citizens Club meets on the first and third Monday of the month at 1 p.m. at the Norwood Community Center, 453 Broadway.

When a legal holiday falls on a Monday, the meeting is held on Tuesday. Annual dues are $15.

The club has been an active part of the Norwood community since 1969. Guest speakers are invited to inform members of concerns related to the senior citizen community

Throughout the year, day trips are scheduled to dinner theatres, restaurants, casinos and points of interest.

Scheduled trips

October–December

Day trips

•Oct. 3, Shore Club at Spring Lake, “Oktoberfest Lunch “Ach Der Lieber,” $65

•Dec. 7, Hunterdon Hills Playhouse Christmas show and lunch, $82

Contact information

For day and overnight trips call Martha at (201) 665-9183 or Joyce at (201) 750-1725.

For casino trips call Nick at (201) 767-0510.

Call For A FREE Estimate!

Parent Program

•Womenʼs Rights Information Center

• YWCA of Northern NJ

The nonprofit agencies will use their grant awards to provide services that meet The Chestʼs 202343-2024 priorities in:

• Mental Health services,

•Food Insecurity and Healthy Eating,

•Home Care (Health Care Staffing and Services),

•Educational Enhancement/College and Career Prep, and

•Racial Justice Education.

The grant recipients will provide services to residents in need f rom Alpine, Bergenfield, Closter, Cresskill, Demarest, Dumont, Englewood, Englewood Cliffs, Harrington Park, Haworth, Northvale, Norwood, Old Tappan, Rockleigh and Tenafly.

Requests Exceed Funds Available

With a mission to strengthen the community through partnership, leadership and philanthropy, The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County awarded the grants to local nonprofits through a competitive process managed by the organizationʼs Allocations Committee and approved by the Board of Managers. During the organizationʼs

9 0th year, funds were raised through an annual campaign and fundraisers to address increasing needs in the areas of food insecurity and mental health in eastern Bergen County.

This year, the nonprofit a genciesʼrequests reached $267,900, exceeding the budget for grant awards.

“This year, The Chestʼs Allocation Committee focused specifically on maximizing our finite resources to support the increased demand for services in the priority areas of mental health, food insecurity, educational enhancement and racial justice education. Agencies that provide services to people in need in our region, especially in the areas of mental health and food insecurity, were prioritized,” said Dr. Shelly Wimpfheimer, Executive Direct or, The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

S ince the organizationʼs founding 90 years ago, The Chest has raised over $12 million and served over 100 nonprofit organizations. The Chest supports area nonprofits addressing a range of issues, including health and mental health, hunger, arts programming, the environment, and volunteerism for approximately 50,000 people annually.

For more information about

The Chest or to contribute, visit communitychestofenglewood.org or contact (201) 568-7474. Stay updated about the organizationʼs activities on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About The Community Chest

Founded in 1933, The Community Chest, a nonprofit, taxexempt organization, has supported local not-for-profit agencies for 90 years. The Chest leads initiatives and supports nonprofits that make our communities stronger and benefit people in need in eastern Bergen County. Each year, The Chest raises funds and allocates them to agencies demonstrating the capacity to provide services to local citizens. The organization also provides coordinating and planning services in its communities, serving as a bridge between agencies and organizations and investing in the stability and quality of the service network.

The Community Chestʼs Board of Managers is comprised of community leaders dedicated to improving the lives of neighbors in need. People interested in being considered for board membership may contact Executive Director Dr. Shelly Wimpfheimer at (201) 5687474.

Emo Orchestra featuring Hawthorne Heights Oct. 5

Emo Orchestra featuring Hawthorne Heights performs Thursday, Oct. 5 at 8 a.m. Tickets are $45 to $85.

For emo music lovers and orchestra aficionados alike, Emo Orchestra is a new live experience that brings some of the most beloved emo songs of your youth to the theater stage with a full orchestra arrangement. Along with special guest Hawthorne Heights, the orches-

tra elevates songs from bands such as Taking Back Sunday, My Chemical Romance, and Dashboard Confessional in a way thatʼs never been heard before.

Emo Orchestra is a perfectly designed tribute to the music that shaped emo fans.

According to Ben MenchThurlow, who created the show, “Itʼs an opportunity for early fans of the emo genre to share the music that we all loved with

the next generation, and it was curated to be family friendly The addition of the orchestra adds a cool texture and depth to these nostalgic hits and may also expose fans to instrumentation theyʼre less familiar with in a new setting. And orchestra lovers will experience what they enjoy with an exciting twist.”

Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com and at the box office, (201) 227-1030.

ENGLEWOOD

Catch Emo Orchestra featuring Hawthorne Heights on Thursday, Oct. 5 at 8 p.m.

Operation Smile:

FROM PAGE 18

Kraytem nominated Zahirudin for her passion and dedication to Operation Smile, and for stepping up to run fundraisers, including bake sales and jeans pass events at AHA.

“I was extremely honored to receive the Francine Peterson Award,” Zahirudin said. “When I was told that I was nominatedto receivean award and that I had won the Francine Peterson Award, I was shocked,but also very excited and grateful. I didnʼt joinOperationSmilewith the intention of winning anaward for my partici-

pation and dedication to spreading awareness and fundraising,but I was truly honored to have been recognized.”

Prospective Op Smile student volunteers must attend at least one international leadership conference. They must also apply for mission training, an extremely competitive challenge, since only about 20 volunteers are now being accepted worldwide. This year, Zahirudin applied along with applicants from Central America, Ireland, England, and Italy.

Zahirudin was excited to be chosen for mission training, because she knew that meant she

Walk to Reduce Suicide Oct. 15

The annual Bergen County Walk, hosted by the New Jersey Chapter will be held at 9 a.m. pn Sunday, Oct. 15 at Saddle River County Park – Otto C Pehle.

Funds from the walk will support the American Foundation for Suicide Preventionʼs research, education and support efforts and will help the organization achieve its bold goal to reduce the annual U.S. suicide rate by 20 percent by the year 2025.

The Bergen County Walk is one of 13 Out of the Darkness Community Walks taking place this fall in New Jersey The walks will bring together more than 7,000 walkers and raise more than $1,200,000 for suicide prevention efforts. In 2022, the Bergen County Walk raised over $144,000 with 780 participants. This year the goal is $160,000.

Local sponsors for the Bergen

County Walk include: Platinum Sponsors: Sefcik Productions, New Bridge Medical Center & CBH Cares; Gold Sponsors: McCann Health, Stryker, Bergenʼs Promise, Care Plus NJ & Vantage Health System; Silver Sponsors: Inserra Supermarkets & RICOH USA.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture thatʼs smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide.

Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

L. SCOTTBERKOBEN, P.A.

AProfessional Corporation Attorneys at Law

had been selected to attend a surgical program (mission trip). She said she looks forward to witnessing theOperationSmileteam changing lives. She is now collecting donations such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss picks, etc.

The key concept she brought home from her international experience is: “If you have an idea, put it out into the world. You never know how far just a simple idea can go, and when you surround yourself with people who can help you build off of those ideas, you are golden. This has helped me do more in my fundraising forOperationSmileand I have raised $3,000 in only three weeks. Even when fundraisers arenʼt successful,

or things arenʼt going well, it is important topush through and maybe try another angle, and things may work out. The daughter of the founders ofOperation Smile, Bridget, has taught all of us that.”

Operation Smileʼs founders are AHA alumna Kathleen McGee and her husband, Dr. William McGee. This global non-profit has been accepting student volunteers since 1982.

Elise Kim also enjoyed traveling abroad and making new friends at the conference in PerЬ. She returned to AHA with new fundraising ideas and improved public speaking skills.

“I learned how to speak up in

a big setting and a bunch of people,” Kim explained. “Iʼve always struggled with talking in frontof people and on a stage, but through this conference I learned to go out of my comfort zone.”She added, “The most valuable lesson I learned is to treat others in a respectful way because you never know what theyʼve been through.”

Annika Castillo described her trip as an enriching and enjoyable experience.

“I made so many connections with the new people I met,” Castillo said, adding that she realizes that she can make a difference by reaching out to other people. “I would highly recommendthis leadership conference to anyone.”

Experienced Municipal Prosecutors and Defenders

We have a well used office... used by literally thousands of people over the last 30 years, all seeking and receiving solid professional advice and service.

We’ve been trained to serve your needs and solve your problems and, for the most part that’s what we do. Obviously, every case is not winable and every crisis doesn’t vanish over night...but appropriate measures taken at the right time can improve situations that once looked hopeless.

We care about our clients and we try to give them the very best that is in us. That’s our promise, so if you need legal help and don’t mind visiting a well used office...give us a call.

FROM PAGE 9

tions. And in this moment, I find myself returning to the words of Sylvan Kamens and Rabbi Jack Reimer, which I offer to all of us. Let us pray:

At the rising sun and at its going down; we remember them.

At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter; we remember them.

At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring; we remember them.

At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer; we remember them.

At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of the autumn; we remember them.

At the beginning of the year and when it ends; we remember them.

As long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us as we remember them.

When we are weary and in need of strength; we remember them.

When we are lost and sick at heart; we remember them.

When we have decisions that are difficult to make; we remember them.

When we have joy we crave to share; we remember them.

When we have achievements that are based on theirs; we remember them.

For as long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us as, we remember them.

God, we gather in this moment, not out of ritual, but drawing from the deep wells of remembrance.

Prick our hearts and the consciousness of this nation, that we never forget those who lost their lives, those who gave their lives.

Give us hearts of compassion to care for those who lost loved ones and honor those still living who ran towards the devastation, and not away from it, those who bear in body, mind, and spirit, the consequences of their selflessness.

Mayor Wildes then introduced the dignitaries present and delivered a speech with many dramatic points: Welcome to our Englewood family and friends, and to all those joining us from neighboring communities. Twenty-two years ago today, our city and our nation were astonished by an orchestrated attack on our American values and way of life, resulting in the deaths of three thousand people, including eight of our own Englewood residents. We gather now to honor those lost, and to reflect on those times of turmoil.

While we honor those who were lost, we must also recognize the service of the multitudes of first responders and volunteers who came from near and far to aid in search and rescue and community recovery efforts.

I was on location the day after the attacks in my capacity as an EMT with Hatzolah, and witnessed the selfless dedication of so many police, firefighters, medical professionals, engineers and other rescue workers and volunteers stepping up in our nationʼs most frightening moment in recent memory.

Sadly, on top of the tragedies of Sept. 11, many of these individu-

als were exposed to hazardous substances in the course of their efforts, resulting in a variety of chronic and sometimes fatal medical ailments. If we are to properly honor the memory of 9/11, it is imperative that we properly care for those who stepped up in our moment of need.

I want to acknowledge our Senators Cory Booker and Bob Menendez, as well as our Congressman Josh Gottheimer and former Congressman from our previous district Bill Pascrell for their steadfast support of federal funding to ensure these brave patriots get the benefits we owe them.

While Sept. 11, 2001 was a terrible tragedy, in the days that followed, we saw our nation draw together in joint pain and patriotism to a degree we have rarely seen. As we consider the increasing divisions and tension in our politics and social interactions, I hope we can also reflect on those feelings where we

put aside much of our personal differences in pursuit of grander goals to benefit our entire American community.

Long before he became President, Joe Biden said, “We didnʼt crumble after 9/11. We didnʼt falter after the Boston Marathon [terror attack]. But weʼre America. Americans will never, ever stand down. We endure. We overcome. We own the finish line.”

I believe that, and if we all continue to believe that, and are committed to working together towards the finish line, I know we can realize even greater opportunities for the future of our city and our nation. I am proud to stand with all of you in that pursuit. God bless you, and God bless America.”

* * *

Fire Chief Jeff Kaplan read the names of the Englewood residents who perished on 9/11: Michael S.

Baksh, Alejandro Castañ o, Frank Joseph Doyle, Uhuru G. Houston, Howard L. Kane, Michael Matthew Miller, Frank Bennett Reisman, and Alva Cynthia Jeffries Sanchez.

Kaplanʼs reading was followed by a poignant rendition of “God Bless America” by the Police Pipes and Drums of Bergen County.

A closing prayer was delivered in Hebrew and English by Rabbi Chaim Poupko of Congregation Ahavath Torah, and the colors were retired.

The spirit of 9/11 was eloquently stated by former President George W. Bush: “Now, we have inscribed a new memory. Itʼs a memory of tragedy and shock, of loss and mourning. But not only of loss and mourning. Itʼs also a memory of bravery and self-sacrifice, and the love that lays down its life for a friend — even a friend whose name it never knew.”

H HEELLP P W WAANNTTEED D

Help Wanted - Twp. Of Washington DPW Seeking 2-3 Part-

Time/Seasonal Workers to start A.S.A.P. Up to 29 hours a week, D.L. required, must be 18 years +. Contact DPW: (201) 664-3268 or Email:

DPW@twpofwashington.us

H HEELLP P W WAANNTTEED D

ADMIN/OFFICE MANAGER WESTWOOD This is a year-round position.

General Duties: Answering the phone, Ordering supplies, Invoicing, Bank deposits, Data entry Bookkeeping skills are a must (knowledge of QuickBooks or Sage 50)! Bookkeeping duties include: Expense reports, Processing payments, Billing, Payroll entry.This Job

Is Ideal for someone who Is:

Dependable (more reliable than spontaneous), Peopleoriented (enjoys interacting with people and working on group projects),

Adaptable/flexible (enjoys doing work that requires frequent shifts in direction), Detail oriented (would rather focus on the details of work than the bigger picture),

Achievement-oriented (enjoys taking on challenges, even if they might fail)

Autonomous/Independent (enjoys working with little direction), Innovative (prefers working in unconventional ways or on tasks that require creativity). Call 551-404-4359.

H HEELLP P W WAANNTTEED D

PERMANENT AND SUBSTITUTE CROSSING GUARD POSITIONS, WESTOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT 101 WASHINGTON AVENUE - 201664-7000 ext. 152. You are off during the summer and all holidays during the school year. Must be able to work in all types of weather. Uniform is provided. Pay is $17.00/hour Applications available at Police Headquarters. Westwood is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

F/T Temporary Seasonal Laborer –Hillsdale DPW.

Department of Public Works is seeking individuals to assist with maintenance & leaf collection. No experience is necessary Pays up to $18 per hour. Responsibilities include park maintenance, emptying garbage cans, litter removal, raking & blowing leaves and performing other manual labor duties. NJ driver’s license is required. Applicants must fill out application which is available on town website: www.Hillsdalenj.org or pick up a copy at Borough Hall. 380 Hillsdale Ave, Hillsdale. Please send to DHayes@hillsdalenj.org or DKohan@hillsdalenj.org or drop off at borough hall.

WAANNTTEED D

The Fantastic Cleaning Service, home and office, inside. Small to large. Six days a week. Starting $145/week. Call Agnes at (845) 309-4448.

Woman seeks job as caregiver. Please phone 347-638-7809.

MEDIA SALES ASSOCIATE

Join our ever growing sales team as a Sales Associate for the Pascack Press and Northern Valley Press. Applicants should be self-starters with drive to succeed. In this position, you will sell advertising space to new and existing accounts into our weekly newspapers and various other publications as well as digital media. Responsibilities will also include cold calling, outside sales and excellent customer service.

SEND RESUME TO: jobs@thepressgroup.net

covers all. 201-819-4780.

Help WantedLandscaping: crew leader- clean DL, experience driving with trailers & trucks & running equipment & crews , 2 yrs. min. Good pay & hours. Growing company. 201-664-3130.

Caregivers seek position for evenings, weekends, overnight and live-in. Experienced, with references. Fully vaccinated. Call 201-823-7923.

Mayor Michael Wildes, EPD deputy chief Matt de la Rosa, fire chief Jeff Kaplan and EPD chief Thomas Greeley with honor guard. Hillary Viders photos.