See

NORTHERN VALLEY

Fall fun at Flat Rock Brook Nature Center

By HillaryViders

The Flat Rock Brook Nature Center really knows how to put the “Great” in its Great Fall Festival!

On Oct. 16, they hosted their annual event from 1 to 4 p.m and over five hundred Englewood residents and visitors streamed into the scenic nature center on Van Nostrand Avenue in Englewood.

Throughout the day, people of all ages, including many families, enjoyed a non-stop arcade of free fun and food and dozens of volunteers and staff kept everything running smoothly.

As soon as they entered the center, children headed for the various fun stations, such as the pumpkin decorating table and face painting tables where they were decorated with festive designs. They also crafted head bands

adorned with feathers.

Another popular stop was the photo booth that was set up for scenic photo ops.

A highlight of the day was the Raptor Rescue Program conducted by naturalist Bob Farian. He fascinated kids as well as adults with a talk and display of Tillie, an Eastern Screech owl, Tillie and other birds of prey.

There was also a fall foliage hike, a scavenger hunt and canoe rides.

Live country, blues and swing music was played by the Blue Plate Special Band and a delicious barbecue buffet by Rustic Caterers was served. People flocked to fill their plates with pulled pork, mac and cheese, vegetarian chili, corn bread, and cookies for dessert.

Sandy Pinto, Flat Rock Brook Nature Centerʼs Development Director, remarked, “One of the admirable things about the Great Fall Festival is that it is entirely free for members, including the buffet. “Itʼs our way of thanking all the people that support our center and our programs throughout the year. We also make this event very affordable for guests, priced at $10 per adult, $5 for children 6 to 17 years old and free to children under 5, because we want everyone to come and see what a great place this is!”

Children have a great time painting pumpkins. A volunteer helps children make festive headbands.

Stephen Wiessner, (last row center) executive director of Flat Rock Brook Association, with volunteers. A NATURAL BERGEN

COUNTY TREASURE

The Flat Rock Brook Nature Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization supported by donations and grants. Flat Rock Brook Nature Center is a 150-acre nature preserve with a 3.6-mile network of self-guiding trails that lead to a cascading stream, wetlands, a pond, wildflower meadows, quarry cliffs and woodlands. The diversity of the natural landscape allows visitors to observe a remarkable array of birds and other wildlife. Flat Rock Brookʼs trails and picnic area are free and open to the public 365 days a year from dawn to dusk.

One of the things that make the Great Fall Festival so successful is the hard work of Executive Director Stephen Wiessner, Pinto and the dedicated staff and Board of Trustees.

Wiessner said, “The Great Fall Festival is a wonderful way to celebrate autumn with our friends and neighbors as well as showcase the good work we do at the center. Whether you are interested in our rescue raptors, our environmental programs, or just want to walk in the woods, theSusan Klausner, president of the Flat Rock Brook Board of Trustees, helped people get in and out of canoes.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

NORTHERN VALLEY

Englewood Cliffs Day delights as team effort

By HillaryViders

On Friday, Oct. 7, Witte Field in Englewood Cliffs was filled with over 100 parents and children enjoying Englewood Cliffs Day.

The event, which took place from 5:30 to 9 p.m., was hosted and supported by the Englewood Cliffs police and fire departments and the Borough of Englewood Cliffs.

Many members of the Englewood Cliffs Police Department brought their children to the festivities, and Police Chief Will Henkleman was on hand to greet everyone.

Police department members gave out free franks from a Sabrett stand and they grilled dozens of burgers. There was also a popcorn stand and free giveaway items, everything from firemanʼs hats to dental goodie bags.

After they filled their Capt. Keith Wicker with his son Charlie and Police Chief Will Henkleman were all smiles. ing forward to this event all year and itʼs even better than we expected!”

Englewood Cliffs Mayor Mario Kranjac and his wife, Nancy, strolled through the festival, meeting and greeting people.

“This is a wonderful event that brings the community together,” Kranjac said. “After two years of Covid, itʼs fantastic to see everyone out here again.”

Marco Sango, the Englewood Cliffs recreation director, agreed. “Itʼs always great to get the community together, and we have beautiful weather and a great turnout tonight!”

He added, “For many years, except for Covid, we always enjoyed Community Night Out in August. We decided to rebrand that into Englewood Cliffs Day. This is the first of many exiting events we will be having.”

Photos by Hillary Viders

plates, residents ate and chatted while sitting on benches that had been set up in the grass along the field.

The Englewood Cliffs firemen gave children firefighter hats and allowed them to tour a fire engine on site.

A crowd of children had a great time in the two Bounce Houses in the field and they loved the movie “Shrek” that was shown at 7 p.m.

Englewood Cliffs Day received rave reviews from attendees. Anthony Kiiru, who was from Kenya, came to Englewood Cliffs Day with his wife, Armmrita, and their two children, said, “We have been lookAt left: The bounce houses are a hit with youngsters at Englewood Cliffs Day. Police give out dozens of burgers at Witte Field Oct. 7.

Anthony and Ammrita Kiiru and kids enjoy the fun and food at Englewood Cliffs Day Oct. 7.