Northern Valley Press 5.2.22

GROSSOTO PERFORM WITH B’WAY ICON EDER NOV. 6

Gianna Grosso, a Performing Arts School at bergenPAC alumna, will join Broadway icon Linda Eder on stage to sing In His Eyes from “Jekyll and Hyde” at her Nov. 6 performance at bergenPAC in Englewood

“As an alumnus of The Performing Arts School at bergenPAC, where I spent two summers performing in their pro ductions of “Beauty and the Beast” (Belle) and “West Side Story” (Anita), I am very thankful to my mentors there who lovingly encouraged and led me to learn, grow, and push beyond my comfort zones as a performer through their teaching and expertise,” Grosso said.

She added, “I am thrilled to be performing on the Bergen Performing Arts Center stage again, this time in the newly renovated theater, and am in disbelief that it will be by the side of Linda Eder.”

Eder made her Broadway debut in the 1997 new musical “Jekyll & Hyde” and released dozens of albums and collabora tions across styles, including “The Other Side of Me,” a country-pop blend of contemporary music; a duet cover of Roy Orbisonʼs “Crying” with Clay Aiken; and a unique twist on the classic “Baby,

GIRLS SPEAK OUT

When the United Nations paused to mark the 10th Annual International Day of the Girl, highachieving local students were on the scene. SEE PAGE 22

CELEBRATING BLACK WOMEN CELEBRATING BLACK WOMEN

Painting of mural launches in Englewood; youʼre invited

NORTHERN

VALLEY

HEADSUP FORDRIVEN,

LUSTYDEER

Animalsʼfall rut presents motorists split-second hazards; safety tips from DEP and NJDOT

Drivers are reminded to be extra vigilant on roadways this fall as the mating season for white-tailed deer gets underway and daylight is limited during peak commuting hours, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) announced Oct. 25.

Deer are more likely to suddenly enter roadways at this time of year, also known as the fall rut, as bucks pursue does, increasing the risk for drivers to stop sud denly or be involved in collisions.

THE NORTHERN New Jersey Community Foundationʼs (NNJCF) ArtsBergen announces the launch of the painting of “The Black Womenʼs Mural: Celebrating Black Suffragists and Black Women in Englewood” on the Womenʼs Rights Information Centerʼs building, at 108 W. Pal-

isade Ave. in downtown Englewood.

The mural uses the design input from Black women in the city and the larger community

Until Nov. 11, the public may watch artist Tatyana Fazlalizadeh paint the mural. Hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

GRAB SOME FALL FUN

Filming of a video, sponsored by the Womanʼs Club of Englewood and the Teaneck Englewood And Vicinity Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Womenʼs Clubs, Inc., will docu ment the project and mural

Deer activity is more likely to occur during early morning hours and around sunset, when visibility may be limited and more motorists are on their work commutes.

“Deer are involved in thousands of collisions with motor vehicles in New Jersey every year, most of which occur during the fall mating season,” New

ck in time... Bckintime...

Decades ago, Thanksgiving meant time with family, turkey, and pie — and football rivals Dwight Morrow and St. Cecilia schools.

The Flat Rock Brook Nature Center puts the “Great” in its Great Fall Festival.

NORTHERN VALLEY

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

Renovated BergenPAC stage to resound with powerful ʻHydeʼtune

A partial reveal of “The Black Women's Mural:Celebrating Black Suffragists and Black Women in Englewood.” The completed mural will be revealed on Nov 14 at 3 p.m.in an outdoor ceremony at the Women’s Rights Information Center in Englewood. Photo credit: Northern New Jersey Community Foundation.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

McGuire, Menafra,& Mattessich in Northvale

To the editor:

ON NOV 8 my running mates and I are asking Northvale voters to usher in a new era in municipal government. Itʼs been a decade of one-party rule that h as stymied growth and new ideas as well as put the borough on a financial roller-coaster ride with little consistent fiscal mana gement. Now we have an opportunity to bring Northvale into the 21st century and forge

ahead. As a sales management leader in the tech industry itʼs imperative that I manage teams to success and deliver results. As mayor I expect to do the same. Having served as a councilman for four years and on the Board of Education for seven years my mix of private employment and public service will serve the Borough well. My running mates have similar backgrounds in both sales and software development and are eager to join me in bringing technological efficiencies to Northvale. Plus we have put transparency and communications at the top of our agenda, implementing new methods to bring our residents out of the dark and inform them of borough news, events and issues.

We are also committed to increasing our sense of commun ity through additional townwide events and further beautifying Northvaleʼs downtown and parks.

The team of Joe McGuire

for mayor and Domenic Menafra & Marty Mattessich for council is the winning ticket for Northvale in November. We believe our future is bright and that we bring the necessary qualifications and experience to manage

Submission deadline: Copy deadline is 11 a.m. Wednesday. Publication not guaranteed. Letters must be signed, with town and telephone number Email us your letter at northernvalleypress@thepressgroup.net.

Northvale better and keep it a great and affordable place to live. Please support us this Election Day.

Councilman Joe McGuire Mayoral candidate Borough of Northvale

AHA environmentalists rescue ‘soldiers’

At first glance it looked like something that should be scrubbed from the handrail on the walkway to the school gym, but Patricia Prucnel and her students saw much more.

The Academy of the Holy Angelsʼenvironmental science teacher and her class recognized the greenish gray growth as a form of lichen known as British Soldier.

They asked Robert Shanney, head of the maintenance staff, to save the lichen by removing pieces of the wooden handrail and moving the boards to the safety of the school garden.

In September, Prucnel brought her class to the garden for a closer look at the curious miniecosystem that includes “redheads,” tiny crimson flecks.

Lichen, Prucnel explained, is a symbiotic combination of algae and fungus. Each patch is an important keystone element in the environment. Lichen cleans the air and is sensitive to changes in air temperatures and shifts in climate. Scientists study lichen samples to assess air pollutants in a given location.

Lichen also harbors tiny insects, and is nutritious for birds

and caribou. Over time, lichen breaks down its host, including tree bark and stone.

Prucnel surprised her class when she explained that soil is composed of rock that has been broken down by lichen.

The class also viewed “For the Love of Lichen,” a brief video about a scientist who samples, catalogues, and photographs thousands of lichen samples. This clip highlights the diverse types of lichen.

Founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1879, AHA is the oldest private girlsʼschool in Bergen County.

AHAʼs environmental science students include Areni Chaglasian, Ailish Coyle, Katherine Gallagher, Grace Koustas, Camila Latinsky-Ortiz, Elise Pisciotti, Liana Powley, Samantha Serrano, Amanda Tomasella, and Lauren Tomasella.

Academy of the Holy Angels young environmental scientists save a rare find on a handrail:“British Soldier” lichen. AHAphotos

Joey’s Fund 8th annual car show drives big donations

BY JOHNSNYDER OF NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

CLOSTER

The 8th Annual Joeyʼs Fund Charity Car Show went all out on Sept. 18, raising $13,500 for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Care Center. This year, Joeyʼs Fund also donated to the Make-AWish Foundation and St. Jude Childrenʼs Research Hospital.

Free to attend, the event at Closter Plaza in Closter featured a wide variety of classic cars, a DJ, trophies, food trucks, and many door prizes and giveaways — including jewelry, a flat-screen television, and a grill.

Joeyʼs Fund Inc. charity event coordinator Naureen Hussain told Northern Valley Press that trophies went to best car, best truck and for every decade, from turn of the century to date.

Special trophies were given in memory of loved ones and signifi-

cant supporters of Joey and Joeyʼs Fund who have now passed. There were trophies given in

memory of Fred and Janet DeCarlo, Joeyʼs grandparents who were big supporters; Joey DeCarlo; officer McDonald, who made it possible for Joey and his family to go to Disney through Make-AWish; and Laura Farago, who

donated a lot of her time and worked for the fund.

They also had a Mayorʼs Trophy, given out by Closter Mayor John Glidden Jr.

“We had a great turnout.

Everyone was super excited and happy to come out. Iʼve been receiving emails from attendees — one family said itʼs the best car show theyʼve ever been to. People really enjoyed it,” Hussain said.

Beyond the stylish and classic cars and powerful trucks on display, visitors showed they responded to the mission. “Oh yes, generously,” said Hussain. “As soon as Tony got on the mic and spoke about his son, Joey, and what happened to him, you could tell right away people cared and wanted to help pay it forward.”

Joeyʼs Fund is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to easing the challenges that parents face when caring for a child suffering from a life threatening illness.

Since the charity was founded, it has raised approximately $100,000 in donations to help families pay uncovered medical costs, including insurance copays, prescription drug fees, lost

Closter Mayor John Glidden Jr. with Mayor’s Trophy Winner Mark Schavi and daughter.

A sampling of the classic rides taking star turns at the 8th Annual Joey’s Fund Inc. charity car show in Closter on Sept. 18. Via JoeysCharityFund.org

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

Bckintime... Bckintime...

et t t thhe e R Reessuulltts

A friendly little Thanksgiving rivalry

BY KRISTIN BEUSCHER FOR NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

FORTHE ENGLEWOOD community, decades ago Thanksgiving Day meant spending time with family, turkey with all the trimmings and pumpkin pie—and a highly anticipated gridiron matchup between two city high schools, Dwight Morrow and St. Cecilia.

Shown on this page is the cover of a program for the Thanksgiving game played on Nov. 25, 1954. The setting for this public vs. parochial showdown was Winton White Stadium on Durie Avenue.

which operated from 1924 until 1986, was the first Catholic school in Bergen County. The English Gothic-style building on Demarest Avenue was built on a grand scale: there was an auditorium and large gymnasium each with seating for 1,000 people.

St. Cecilia also had the distinction of being the place where Vince Lombardi, storied Hall of Fame football coach, began his coaching career, in 1939.

By 1928, there were stu dents from 24 towns attending the facility.

Englewood has been playing at Winton White for nearly a century.

The stadium opened in 1923 and was named for an early track coach who later became principal and superintendent of schools in the city White had convinced city officials to build the field.

St. Cecilia High School,

St. Cecilia also had the distinction of being the place where Vince Lombardi, sto ried Hall of Fame football coach, began his coaching career, in 1939. Lombardi lived on Mountain View Road in Englewood and coached at St. Cecilia until 1947, in addition to teaching Latin, chemistry and physics.

During his coaching tenure, the St. Cecilia team was recognized as being among the best in the nation and the school won six championships.

The rivalry between the Saints and Maroon Raiders start ed soon after Dwight Morrow opened, in 1935.

SERVING: Alpine, Closter, Cresskill, Demarest, Englewood, Englewood Cliffs, Harrington Park, Haworth, Northvale, Norwood, Old Tappan, Rockleigh & Tenafly.

Oh, it’s on. Englewood vs. St. Cecilia!

The 1954 Maroon Raiders football team of Dwight Morrow High School.

Thanksgiving, greeting duty, and the bounty of MacBain Farm

WI THTHEFEAR o f

Thanksgiving breathing down my neck I had every intention to break my dreaded cycle. That resulted in me discovering an idyllic place where cultures and generations blend together in common purpose.

Hidden Gems

stand a chance of creating at least something edible.

when I realized my Thanksgiving strategy had taken a nosedive. Greeters are there to welcome you. They are also there to make certain you are a Closter resident, as only residents of the town can pick from the farm. My strategy went out the window.

S

AY

“TH

ANKSGIVING

” AND a jumble of thoughts pop into peop leʼs heads. They tend to be w arm and fuzzy thoughts. Mouth-watering turkey with a smorgasbord of delectable sides. Family and friends gathered around. Cozy naps after stuffing your belly. Football games.

Then you have me . My Thanksgiving is my Halloween. My thoughts terrify and haunt. They go like this: Please donʼt let my house reek again — because I forgot to remove the giblets. Will my homemade pie continue to better resemble a pancake? Is there any hope that my green bean casserole will actually come out of the oven… green?

Ask my kids if Iʼm a good cook and youʼll get an unequivocal Hell no. It is the one thing on which they have always both agreed. Perhaps I should be thankful for that.

But I am determined:This year, my Thanksgiving is going to be different. This year, I have a strategy. I will search and find the freshest, most amazing ingre

By Tara McCann

dients available. That way, I have a head start, so to speak. Starting with the absolute best, even if I have another Thanksgiving fail, I

I asked my cooking friends for recommendations. One place was suggested more than once: MacBain Farm in Closter. Even though I live in a neighboring town, I had not heard of the farm. As I did some further research, I became more and more intrigued. Jeanne Stella, one of t he most active volunteers, agreed to meet with me.

When I arrived, Jeanne was w ith fellow volunteer Erik Lanander on greeting duty . I asked what greeting duty entailed. And it was right then

Selfish reasons aside, I still wanted to learn more about this unique nestled off a road, almost unseen.

M acBain Farm started 22 years ago. John McCaffrey, who lives on the land, has been the farmer from its beginning. Every

Aarya,2, fills her red pail with picks of the season at MacBain Farm in Closter. Tara McCann writes,“The pail looked small to me.But I was baffled when I saw how much it could contain.The output was definitely enough for many family dinners.”

violinist, all-around talent, going places

Faith Younʼs expert musicianship and abiding love for playing her violin regularly earn her invitations to perform in thrilling venues.

This summer, she traveled to Hawaii to take part in the Pacific Music Institute run by the Hawaii Youth Symphony and National Orchestral Institute+ Festival.

Youn, a senior at the Academy of the Holy Angels, was chosen for the institute through a selective audition process. She played for the symphony orchestra and participated in the string quartet program.

“Throughout the week, I trained under professionals from the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, The Juilliard School, and The Met Opera [and others] and was given the opportunity to perform at the Hawaii Convention Center and various senior living homes around the island of Oahu,” Youn said in an AHA feature provided to Northern ValleyPress

The Closter teen said she decided to audition after reviewing the programʼs varied repertoire.

“In the string quartet program, I performed more classical works such as Prokofievʼs ʻQuartet in F Majorʼand Borodinʼs ʻString Quartet No. 2.ʼWhile in the symphony orchestra, we also played more classical works such as Grieg's ʻLyric Piecesʼand Sibelius' ʻFinlandia,ʼour repertoire also included traditional works of music from Hawaii. I found this incredibly special because I feel that through the process of learning how to play the piece and working closely withthe Hawaiian localmusicians, I was able to appreciate the beauty of Hawaii even more: both its scenic landscape and culture.”

Youn is also achieving success closer to home.

“I was recently selected to be the principal second violinist for the New York Youth Symphonyʼsfall

concert cycle and the assistant principal second violinist for the winter and spring concert cycles of the 2022-23 season,” she reported.

Morethan 300 Tri-State Area musicians aged 12–22 competed for one of 96 seats, 32 of which were for violinists.

“Each concert cycle consists of one big orchestral work, one underrepresentedpiece, one commissioned piece, and a soloist orchestral piece,” Youn explained. “In addition to our concerts at Carnegie Hall, New York Youth Symphony will be making a video recording for the orchestra playing the underrepresented piece ʻEscaramuzaʼby Gabriela Lena Frank.”

By the time Youn entered Holy Angels in fall 2019 she had already played her violin at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. She had also performed with the Hawaii Youth Symphony and at Italyʼs Narnia Festival.

During her first year as an Angel, she was named assistant concertmaster of the AHA Orchestra, became a member of Select Strings, and performed at the School SistersʼDonor Recognition Luncheon. She also plays for the VioLIT Quartet.

Her group, Vivo Trio, actively participates in the New York Youth Symphonyʼs chamber music program and earned first prize in the Camerata Artists International Competition.

Youn is a member of the National Honor Society, the Tri-M national music honor society, and

the national honor societies for students who distinguish themselves in math and art.

She helps prospective Angels get a first-person perspective of AHA through her work as an Angel Ambassador. Her efforts to promote a more inclusive environment for current and future Angels led her to co-found the AHA Mandarin Club (now the Asian-American Cultural Club).

In 2019, she earned first prize at the Elite International Music Competition, the New York Concert Festival Competition, the Fourth Manhattan International Music Competition, and the New York International Music Competition. She has also performed with

the New Jersey Regional Orchestra.

Youn has earned multiple Presidentʼs Volunteer Service Awards for her work in the community, which includes instructing underprivileged children through Love Violin.

This Angel is also a talented fine artist who studies graphic design at Parsons. Youn recently earned a Gold Key in drawing/illustration and two Honorable Mentions in the Scholastic Art & Writing Competition.

In 2021, she received a Tier I Award for her outstanding work in Columbiaʼs architecture and design course.

Faith Youn (center) in Hawaii. The Closter student traveled to Hawaii to take part in the Pacific Music Institute run by the Hawaii Youth Symphony and National Orchestral Institute+ Festival. Academy of the Holy Angels photo

Englewood Health Foundation

Walk for Awareness a huge success

By HillaryViders

On Sunday, Oct. 23, it was all hands on deck and sneakers laced up at the Englewood Field Club for the Englewood Health Foundation Annual Walk for Awareness.

At 1 p.m., 450 walkers took off under an archway of balloons at the entrance way of the Field Club and wound their way through the streets of Englewood for a fundraising 5K (3.5 miles).

There were also other activities throughout the day beginning at noon, with live social media broadcasting, an exercise warm-up and fun contests.

The guest hosts of this yearʼs Walk for Awareness were award winning broadcast journalist and author Jen Maxfield and makeup and skincare icon Trish MacAvoy. They were joined on the podium by Warren Geller, the CEO of Englewood Health and Medical Center and Dr. Mindy Goldfisher, Head of the Leslie Simon Breast Care and Diagnosis Center.

Other speakers included cancer survivors who told of their moving and harrowing ordeals with cancer.

Maxfield encouraged all the women to have regular mammograms and to contact their followers on social media and ask them to do so as well.

Goldfisher added, “Many women with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease, and even if your previous mammograms have always been normal, it does not guarantee that you will not get cancer.”

The Englewood Walk for Awareness was launched over 20 years ago to spread awareness about breast cancer in the Englewood community. This special event also helps raise funds to provide diagnosis and treatment services for uninsured and underinsured patients at The Leslie Simon Breast Care and

Cytodiagnosis Center who otherwise could not afford care. Thanks to the generosity of Walk For Awareness sponsors, participants and other donors, Englewood Health and Medical Center can provide uninsured and underinsured patients with access to life-saving care.

This yearʼs Walk for Awareness goal was $215,000, and as of the October 23 eventt, $220,000 had already been raised and the campaign continued through October.

During COVID, the Walk for Awareness was held virtually for two years, but this year participants were delighted to have the option of walking live or virtually.

Four hundred fifty walkers of all ages, community members and their friends and families, participated. Some were individual walkers and there were also 30 teams.

Most walkers and volunteers came adorned in pink outfits, the color that symbolizes breast cancer

awareness.

There was also a walk for dogs. The Susan Lucianna Memorial Dog Walk welcomed dozens of furry family members to walk in support of Englewood Health.

Prizes for the walkers, deter mined at the end of October, depended on how much they raised: those who raised $100 received a tote bag, $300 raised received a 60 LED flashlight, $500 raised got a hydro sling water bottle carrier, $1,000+ a wonder bead neck and shoulder wrap, and those who raised $3,000 received a double decker lunch box with utensils.

Photos by Hillary Viders

Most walkers and volunteers wore pink, the color that symbolizes breast cancer awareness.

The Englewood Health Foundation Walk for Awareness had 450 participants.

DiCamillo on Salem Witch Trials Nov. 7

The Salem Witch Trials are one of the most iconic events in United States history. Beginning in early 1692, the trials saw both men and women jailed, prosecuted, and executed for witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts.

However, the events surrounding the trials and the motivations of the participants remain habitually misunderstood.

Join the Harrington Park Historical Society to find out the details of why and how these events happened when archivist Mickey DiCamillo shares his presentation When There Were Witches: An Exploration of the Salem Witch Trials on Monday, Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Harrington Park Library, 10 Herring St.

DiCamillo will unravel the events of 1692, analyze archival documents from the period, and reveal the continued relevance of the trials more than 300 years after the final accused witch hanged on Gallows Hill.

Participants will learn about

the witch crisis in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. In January 1692, a strange illness seized control of five young girls living in Salem Village, a contentious and divided town in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. When medical professionals couldnʼt identify the illness, the town believed the girls had come “under an evil hand.”

Events soon spiraled out of control with local divisions and a splintered colonial government feeding the frenzy.

DiCamillo, president of the Historical Society of Moorestown, is a research librarian and archivist who has served in some of the regionʼs most renowned institutions including The Historical

Society of Pennsylvania and the University of Pennsylvaniaʼs Lippincott Library.

He has published reviews in the Journal of Film and History, has written for the Encyclopedia of Philadelphia, and has delivered lectures for audiences large and small. He keeps audiences engaged with a flair for storytelling and a focus on the artifacts that help us understand how history is created.

A Q&A session follows the presentation, after which light refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact Gerri Gibney at (201) 7682615 or visit harringtonparkhistoricalsociety.com

A girl is accused during the Salem Witch Trials Bettmann / CORBIS

DICAMILLO

Northern Valley Press

Legion Post 21 seeks members

American Legion Camp Merritt Post 21 Cresskill is looking for new members. Come and join the nationʼs largest veterans service organization in the United States.

The post tells Northern Valley Press, “The American Legion was

founded upon four pillars of service in 1919. Today we continue to pledge ourselves to:

• Our veterans...

• Our youth...

• A strong national defense...

• Americanism.

“These four pillars shape our work and what we do for America.”

And the post says, “Although the American Legion has an international presence, it is more than simply a veterans organization; it is very much a community-based service organization. Among the programs conducted regularly is Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and the Four Chaplains Day observations.

“There is also American Legion Baseball, Boys State, and a national high school oratorical contest. The American Legion is one of the nationʼs largest supporters of scouting, and the largest single donor organization of blood to the American Red Cross.”

The post says, “And thereʼs more, we support the American Legionʼs Child Welfare Fund, the American Legionʼs National Emergency Fund, helping veterans, and we support our local community.”

Weʼre told, “Come join with us to help achieve these goals. Any veteran (active service, Reserves, National Guard) who has served since Dec. 7, 1941, or those now on active duty are eligible.”

Among the draws: “We have

a beautiful post with a hall and bar. We will pay your first yearʼs dues when you join. Do you have time constraints? You can be as active as you want to be.”

For more information call (201) 894-9723.

Gifted author

NORTHVALE

Bergen County Clerk John S Hogan went to Books & Greetings in Northvale on Sept.12 to meet #1 New York Times bestselling author Chelsea Clinton, there to promote her latest book, “Welcome to the Big Kids Club: What Every Older Sibling Needs to Know!”(illustrated by Tania de Regil). Books & Greetings hosts U.S.Congressman Jamie Raskin,Democrat of Maryland,with special guest Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-5) on Friday, Oct.7 at 5:30 p.m.,promoting Raskin’s latest,“Unthinkable:Trauma,Truth, and the Trials of American Democracy ” For more information visit booksandgreetings.com.

Courtesy photo

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

to 17 years old and free to children under 5, because we want everyone to come and see what a great

NATURAL BERGEN COUNTY TREASURE

tions

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, the

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

place this is!”

A

The Flat Rock Brook Nature Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization supported by dona-

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

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.

Susan Klausner, president of the Flat Rock Brook Board of Trustees, helped people get in and out of canoes.

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 C liffs Day.

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

Many members of the Englewood Cliffs Police Departm ent brought their children to the festivities, and Police Chief Will Henkleman was on hand to g reet everyone.

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

After they filled their

i ng forward to this event all year and itʼs even better than we expected!”

E nglewood Cliffs Mayor M ario Kranjac and his wife, Nancy, strolled through the fest ival, meeting and greeting people.

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

Marco Sango, the Englewood Cliffs recreation director, a greed. “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 A ugust. We decide d to rebrand that into Englewood Cliffs Day. This is the first of many exiting events we w ill be having.”

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 chil dren, said, “We have been look-

Photos by Hillary Viders

At left: The bounce houses are a hit with youngsters at Englewood Cliffs Day

Police give out dozens of burgers at Witte Field Oct. 7.

These youngsters were given EC fireman hats and a tour of a fire engine.

Capt. Keith Wicker with his son Charlie and Police Chief Will Henkleman were all smiles.

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

Elizabeth MItrani and her children hand out free dental goodie bags.

Grosso: Team-up with Broadway icon Eder Nov. 6

FROM

Itʼs Cold Outside,” which she rewrote and recorded with her son, Jake. Audiences can expect to be amazed at the ease with which she moves back and forth between genres.

“Linda has been my idol for as long as I can remember, and I never would have imagined getting to learn from her, perform with her, and have a close relationship with her,” Grosso said. “I am beyond grateful for Lindaʼs graciousness, kindness, and guidance.”

Grosso, a Park Ridge native, received her BFA in musical theatre from Montclair State University. Her credits include Countess Aurelia in “Dear World,” Pam Sakarian in “Baby,” and Georgie Bukatinsky in “The Full Monty.”

In addition to performing, Grosso is a private voice and acting coach, and on staff at The Performing Arts School at bergenPAC. To learn more about her, visit giannagrosso.com or @gianna_grosso

Tickets to Linda Ederʼs Nov. 6 performance are available at ticketmaster.com or box office (201) 227-1030.

bergenPAC is at 30 North Van Brunt St., Englewood Call (201) 227-1030 and visit bergenpac.org and ticketmaster.com

Founded in 2003, the 1,367seat Bergen Performing Arts Center, or bergenPAC, is the areaʼs cultural mecca. Housed in a historic Art Deco-style theater boasting one of the finest acoustic halls in the United States, bergenPAC

attracts a stellar roster of worldclass entertainment.

The jewel in its crown is The Performing Arts School at bergenPAC – the innovative, educational performing arts initiative

that, through programs, classes, outreach, school shows, and main theater presented shows, reach more than 30,000 students and community youth annually.

The Performing Arts School

provides community youth, age 2 months to 21 years, with unique, “hands-on” training in music, dance and theater by industry pro fessionals.

LINDA EDER

GIANNA GROSSO

Gianna Grosso, above, as Belle in the Performing Arts School at bergenPAC’s summer musical, “Beauty and the Beast,” in 2018. Grosso will join Broadway icon Linda Eder to sing In His Eyes from “Jekyll and Hyde” at her Nov. 6 performance at bergenPAC in Englewood. Grosso photos courtesy bergenPAC. Eder photo via lindaeder.com

HOLIDAYDINING

FeteforCenterforHope&Safetyat35thFestivalofTrees

The Junior League of Bergen County (JLBC) is proud to h onor its community partner, Center for Hope and Safety, at this yearʼs 35th Annual Festival o f Trees, a cocktail reception benefit event featuring a live and online auction on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. at Seasons Catering in the Township of Washington.

Members and guests are invited to join us, to enjoy an evening of delicious food, dancing to the music of City Sounds E ntertainment and bidding on a marvelous selection of prizes in our silent auction.

Center for Hope & Safety is an organization focused on rebuilding lives for those impacted by domestic violence. Its mission is to assist Bergen County victims and survivors of domestic violence, including emotional, economic, sexual, and physical abuse.

The agency provides emergency and transitional housing, emotional support, and a divers ified continuum of services focused on safety, empowerment, and self-sufficiency.

Through community partnerships, Center for Hope & Safety raises awareness, provides services, and educates community members about domestic violence.

T he JLBC has provided support to this organization by:

• Remodeling and redecorating the general living areas of their shelter in 2018;

• Volunteering to complete garden cleanup and maintenance at their shelter in 2019 ;

• Annually providing gifts of toiletries, new clothing, underwear, socks and essentials starting in 2018;

• Beginning in October

2022, the JLBC will be providing year-round care, cleanup and plantings for the organizationʼs P athway to Self-Sufficiency, a garden in Van Saun Park which memorializes victims of domestic violence.

In 2021-2022, the League provided direct support to the needs of the community despite the pandemic. Amongst our initiatives, it:

• Delivered more than 500 packages of food, and 300 packages of diapers to Center for Food Action;

• Launched the Holiday Well Wishes campaign, providing gifts and decorations for all residents at Brightside Manor;

• Renovated and transformed the Family Welcome room at West Bergen Mental Health;

• Cooked and served meals bi-annually at Family Promise Shelter; and

• Launched an ongoing community based project called “Project Playground” that focuses on providing play grounds and green spaces in underserved communities. Our inaugural site at Camp YDP in

Paterson, NJ was completed in s pring.

The funds raised at the 35th Annual Festival of Trees w ill help provide the means to start its next Project Playground site, to be announced in spring 2023, as well as its work at the Pathway for SelfS ufficiency in Van Saun Park, and other small-scale community projects.

If you would like to show your support for Center for H ope and Safety and The Junior League of Bergen County at the Festival of Trees, please contact the festival chair to become a sponsor, donate an item or service to the auction. place an ad in the auction guide, or purchase tickets to the event.

The Junior League of Bergen County, founded in 1928, is accepting applications for new membership at this time. League Members enjoy leadership training, volunteering, conferences, social programs and networking events.

Contact the New Membership Committee, or drop in to one of The JLBCʼs frequent new member events, which are posted on the groupʼs website and social media. For more information: F or the Festival of Trees, thejlbc.org/support/fundraisers

For new membership: email membership@thejlbc.org or visit thejlbc.org/join to fill out an application.

HOLIDAYDINING

As thanks, veterans get free golf at county courses

Bergen County Executive James Tedesco III, the Board of County Commissioners, the County Parks Department, and the

ment at 1p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11 at Soldier Hill Golf Course in Emerson.

The 9-hole shotgun start tour-

We will never take for granted the sacrifices you and your families have made to protect the freedoms and liberties we all hold dear.”

To enjoy this opportunity, veterans and active-duty service members must be residents of Bergen County. Veterans and active-duty service members can reserve a tee-time for up to four

golfers but golfers accompanying the reservation who are not activeduty or a veteran must pay full price. Active-duty service member and veteran status will be confirmed over the phone upon making the reservation.

Bergen County has six golf courses which include Darlington Golf Course in Mahwah, Orchard

Hills Golf Course in Paramus, Overpeck Golf Course in Teaneck, Rockleigh Golf Course in Rockleigh, Soldier Hill Golf Course in Emerson, and Valley Brook Golf Course in River Vale.

For more information about Bergen County Golf, visit GolfBergenCounty.com

Countyʼs Division of Veteran Services announce that all Bergen County veterans and active-duty service members can enjoy a free round of golf at any of the vountyʼs six golf courses on Friday, Nov. 11th and Saturday, Nov. 12.

To ensure availability, this year, veterans will be able to reserve a tee-time by calling the Countyʼs Division of Veteran Services during normal business hours at (201) 336-6325. Reservations must be made by Nov. 3 at 4 p.m.

Concurrently, the Bergen County Parks Departmentʼs Division of Golf will also host a Veterans Day Scramble Golf Tourna-

nament is open to the first 36 veterans and active-duty service members to register by calling (201) 336-6033 during normal business hours.

“While we can never fully repay those who have faithfully served our nation in the Armed Forces, it is our duty to show them our support and appreciation here at home,” said Tedesco in a counrty press release.

He added, “This is an opportunity for the County of Bergen to express their gratitude to those who have served our nation. On behalf of the people of Bergen County, thank you to all our active duty and retired service members.

NORTHERN VALLEY

LWVNV aims to empower voters ahead of Nov. 8 election

The League of Women Voters of Northern Valley (LWVNV) elected and installed its 20222022 board of directors and officers at its 76th annual meeting.

The LWVNV outlined its plans to provide voters with information they need to make informed decisions in the General Election in New Jersey on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

They heard speaker Eric Benson from Clean Water Action discuss how New Jersey could reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.

Board of Directors Installed

At the organization's Annual Meeting, the LWVNV welcomed its new board of directors: Leonia residents Nike Prieston-Bach and Joyce Luhrs as president and first vice president of marketing respectively; Vicki Sidrow of Fort Lee continues as treasurer and financial secretary; Andrew Meehan of Hackensack was elected to the board of directors for the first time, as secretary; Sally Tayeb of Dumont was named a director and will serve as creative director of the chapterʼs website and newsletter; past president Lucy Heller of Park Ridge continued as a director; Anne Lander of Harrington Park will be voted to the board of directors at the chapterʼs next

meeting in the fall.

Long-time directors and League members of 50 years Shirley Shapiro (Tenafly), Lorraine Cohen (Englewood), and Naomi Epstein (Demarest) stepped down from the board of directors after serving several years.

Sophie Heymann (Closter) continued as chair of the budget committee. Cathie Mick (Fort Lee) headed up the nominating committee.

Empowering Voters

During the past 12 months, the LWVNV continued to empow-

er voters throughout the COVID19 pandemic. Among its many activities, the League provided voter information to libraries in its service area, provided non-partisan voter information to the public, and interviewed state legislators. The LWVNV joined other League chapters across the country in celebrating the organizationʼs 102nd birthday on Feb. 14.

The LWVNV also moderated at candidate forums, a key service offered by the League for decades, allowing voters to hear from candidates and ask questions. The pandemic required the organization to change traditional face-to-

face opportunities with virtual forums using online meeting technology.

The LWVNV joined League members throughout the state to prepare for the primary election in June providing voter information about the election process.

Coming Up: Voters Service Education

The LWVNV renewed its commitment to Voters Service, a core activity of the League, to provide voters with non-partisan information in preparation of the Gener al Election in November. The LWVNVʼs activities will include conducting voter registration drives, responding to citizens' requests to schedule local candidate forums, and moderating candidate forums.

Information about candidates will be available on the League of Women Voters' nonpartisan website, VOTE411.org, launched by the League of Women Voters Education Fund in 2006.

The main focus of the first half of the year will be on Voter Service.

The LWVNVʼs voters service division plans to provide voters with correct, non-partisan information they need for the November Gener-

al Election. The organization will provide information about registering to vote, using mail-in-ballots, and learning about candidates on the League-created, non-partisan VOTE411.org and League-moderated virtual candidate forums.

Membership

Membership in the League is open to both men and women, who are at least 16 years of age and supportive of its mission.

The League of Women Voters of Northern Valley draws members from these 29 municipalities in Bergen County: Alpine, Bergenfield, Cliffside Park, Closter, Cresskill, Demarest, Dumont, Edgewater, Emerson, Englewood, Englewood Cliffs, Fort Lee, Hackensack, Harrington Park, Haworth, Hillsdale, Leonia, Montvale, New Milford, Northvale, Norwood, Old Tappan, Park Ridge, River Vale, Rockleigh, Tenafly, Washington Township, Westwood, and Woodcliff Lake.

For more information about the LWVNV, membership or to get involved in voter service activities, write lwvno.valley@gmail.com Learn more about the League at bit.ly/LWVNVinformation

Camp Merritt American Legion Post 21, at 75 Legion Drive, is hosting a Thanksgiving food drive to assist the local food pantry.

The post tells Northern Valley Press, “Nov. 1–21 we will be collecting nonperishable goods and gift cards from Kings, Stop & Shop and ShopRite stores for nonperish-

ables items and or hams and turkeys. Items can be dropped off at the post Monday to Friday after 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday noon to 7 p.m.”

Members add in their appeal to readers, “We kindly ask you to please donate whatever you can afford to help the needy.”

From front to back and left to right: Nike Bach,president;Anne Lander; Natalie Beaumont;treasurer Vicki Sidrow;past president Lucy Heller;secretary Andrew Meehan;Eric Benson,speaker from Clean Water Action;and Julie O'Connor. Credit: League of Women Voters of Northern Valley.

Bergen County Players (BCP), one of Americaʼs longest-running little theater companies, is excited to present the madcap comedy “Clue,” opening on Oct. 29.

Under the direction of Bill Kaufman, this fast-paced laugh riot adapted from the hit 1985 film, which in turn was adapted from the classic board game, is, according to New Jersey Stage, “mostly silly and engagingly fun. Chock full of physical comedy, sight gags, and dorky goodness, this board game come to life is a wonderful distraction from 21st century realities.”

Performances are at the Little Firehouse Theatre, 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell, Oct. 29 through Nov. 19 (Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., and Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m.).

Tickets, priced at $24 (evenings) and $21 (matinees), may be purchased at bcplayers.org, by calling (201) 261-4200 or by visiting the box office at 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell during regular box office hours.

Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie which was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, “Clue” is a hilarious farce-meetsmurder mystery. The tale begins at a remote mansion, where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party where murder and black mail are on the menu. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects. Led by Wadsworth – the butler, Miss Scarlett, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock

and Colonel Mustard race to find the killer as the body count stacks up. CLUE is the comedy whodunit that will leave both cult fans and newcomers in stitches as they try to figure out who did it, where, and with what weapon!

Kaufmanʼs directing credits at BCP include “A Comedy of Tenors,” “Jack and the Beanstalk,” and “Cinderella.”

The cast includes veteran performers Rob Eigenbrod of Bergenfield, Jay Stephenson of New Milford, Nick Nappo of Suffern, N.Y., James Lesko of Englewood, Felicia

Benson-Kraft of Maywood, Sharon Podsada of Hackensack, Elaine DʼAddezio of New Providence, Crystal Ann Little of Denville, Marisa Gore of Mahwah, Dan Loverro of Paterson, and Eric Holzer of Bloomfield.

Eigenbrod is making his BCP debut in “Clue,” with credits “Romeo and Juliet,” “Charleyʼs Aunt,” “Incorruptible,” “The Rose Tattoo,” and the world premiere of “Celadine” at the George Street Playhouse.

Stephensonʼs credits at the Little Firehouse Theatre include “33 Variations” and “A Comedy of Tenors.”

Nappo last appeared at BCP in “Godspell,” with credits “The Full Monty,” “The Tempest,” “Lost in Yonkers,” and “Disgraced”

The production team is composed of director Bill Kaufman, producer Christine Francois, assistant director Cynthia Barry, stage manager Michele Roth, prop masters S. B. Kates and Joanna Sigurdsson Shoup, set designer Ann Betasso, lighting designer Allan Seward, technical director Gerard Bourcier, set doctor Lynne Lupfer, sound designer Tim Larson, lighting operator Jill Hendrickson, sound operations Cliff

BCP continues to follow CDC and State of New Jersey guidelines and will adhere to the following protocols: masks and vaccination are highly recommended but not required.

TICKET AND SCHEDULE INFORMATION

All performances take place at The Little Firehouse Theatre at 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell, home to the Bergen County Players since 1949.

BCP offers seating to accommodate patrons who are mobility impaired and can transfer from a wheelchair. These seats can be purchased by calling the box office at (201) 261-4200 and will be released for public sale two weeks prior to performance.

Advance discount tickets for students age 25 and under with proper ID are available for $18 by phone or walk-up at every performance, pending seat availability. Not available online.

There is a limit of one discount ticket per student ID. A Student Rush ticket is available at the window starting 30 minutes prior to curtain; the cost is $5 and is limited to one per student, payable only in cash.

For more information visit bcplayers.org

Dreispan, costumers Terri Caust and Jessica Lohsen, photographer Richard Frant, crew chief David Luke, and crew Terri Cannon, Darlene Slezak, and Ken Slezak.

Bergen County Players (BCP), one of America’s longest-running little theater companies,is excited to present the madcap comedy “Clue,”opening on Oct.29. Richard Frant/FrantVisuals photo.

FROM PAGE 3

wages, gas, tolls, parking, food and many other daily expenses.

Hussain said this year the event hit a mile mark of $50,000 to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Care Center.

Tony DeCarlo, who founded the event in 2015 in honor of his son, Joey — who passed away in 1986 at the age of 2 1⁄ 2 after battling leukemia — told Northern Valley Press, “We had very generous donors who committed their money to help those have been adversely affected by medical debts, living costs, and more.”

Joeyʼs fund 9th Annual Car Show is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, at Closter Plaza.

Donʼt want to wait to do good for the cause? You can donate today. Any amount will help. Visit JoeysCharityFund.org or send your check to Joeyʼs Fund, 436 Hillcrest Place, Palisades Park, NJ, 07650.

For more information call Tony DeCarlo at (201) 481-5406.

Car winners

•1900–1929: Richard Hanson, 1929 Ford Model A; •1930–1939: Jay Horton, 1932 Ford Roadster; •1940–1949: Joe Cannone, 1949 Ford Custom; •1950–1959: John Fano, 1957 Chevy Bel Air;

•1960–1969: David Lax, 1966 Chevy Biscayne;

• 1970–1979: James Brusco, 1973 Dodge Charger;

•1980–1989: Dan Cassani, 1987 Pontiac Firebird Formula;

• 1990–1999: Anthony Marchesani, 1996 Mustang Cobra;

•2000–2009: Stephen Rendine, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette; •2010–2022: Mac McCrone, 2018 Ford Mustang GT.

Truck winners

•1930–1939: Dave Marcason, 1936 Chevrolet pickup;

• 1940–1949: Jeff Leath, 1948 Ford F1;

•1950–1959: Jack Waltz of Liberty Storage, 1956 Chevrolet 3100 Delivery Truck;

•1970–1979: Jodi Costa, 1979 Dodge LilʼRed Express; •1990–1999: Jose Luis Garcia, 1991 Suzuki Samurai; •2000–2009: Steron Darmochual, 2002 Chevy Pickup.

Special trophy winners

•Fred DeCarlo Trophy: John Waugh, 1990 Ford 35th Anniver-

sary Thunderbird;

• Janet DeCarlo Trophy: William Metzdorf, 1961 Chevrolet Ice Cream Truck;

• Laura Farago Trophy: Nicolo Ottomanelli. 1954 Buick Skylark;

• Joeyʼs Trophy: Todd Donovan, 1972 Chevrolet Corvette; •Officer MacDonald: Mark Goodell, 1966 Ford F100;

•Mayorʼs Trophy: Mark Schavi, 1978 Chevrolet Corvette.

— Courtesy photos

Founder Tony DeCarlo welcomes spectators, car registrants, and donors.

The 8th Annual Joey’s Fund Charity Car Show

Tony DeCarlo founded the event in 2015 in honor of his son, Joey.

Gems: MacBain Farm, unique in perhaps all of U.S.

FROM PAGE 5

spring, he plants nearly 5 1⁄ 2 acres of seeds.

T hen, the entire farm is overseen by volunteers. There are at least 20 active volunteers with others pitching in when they can. Sometimes upper middle school and high school students earn community service hours there. As I look around, I can see how it must take many willing hands to make the farm work.

MacBain Farm is not a commercial farm. It is unique because residents who come to pick vegetables donʼt end up at a cash register. They donʼt even have to volunteer time in exchange for the produce. There is no obligation at all to come and pick vegetables at MacBain Farm. Jeanne and Erik tell me they believe it is the only farm operating in this manner in New Jersey. Jeanne says, “Perhaps even the country.”

Every Tuesday, Jeanne walks the rows of crops, noting which vegetables are bountiful. She then writes a pick list for the visitors, stating how many of each vegetable is allowed. This allows for everyone to have an opportunity to the varieties.

Upon entering the farm, the picker is given a red pail that must be used. Once itʼs full, that person has reached their capacity for the week.

The pail looked small to me. But I was baffled when I saw how much it could contain. The output was definitely enough for many family dinners.

The array of offerings is vast and varied. Peppers, cucumbers, and eggplants in one row, cuke, chicory, banana peppers in others. The different varieties of vegetables is in the dozens. Herbs also are multiple with cilantro, arugula, basil and pars ley, to name just a few.

With so many plants for the taking, I ask Jeanne if wildlife is a problem. Deer are kept out of the farm by a tall fence. But for the rest of the wildlife, Jeanne says, “we coexist with them.” Apparently, there are groundhogs who enjoy the farm just as much as anyone, but with particular taste. “Last year, they liked broc coli,” Jeanne says. “This year, itʼs the cauliflower!”

As we wandered through the farm, I realized the farm was a microcosm of our world. The visitorsʼ ethnicities were diverse. Jeanne agrees and says it was a wonderful thing about the farm. Eastern Europeans, Japanese,

Russian, Pakistani and more frequent the farm to cook their cultural food. South Indian residents, for instance, often pick the cucuzza squash and make it into stew or candy. Japanese families pick shiso for traditional meals.

S ometimes the families bring samplings to the volunteers. Through this, the farm allows visitors to learn more about othersʼcultures.

The farm is also a family expedition. I watch parents with young children explain how the vegetables grow that eventually ends up on the dinner table. Over the course of the season, children c an watch the flower that is blooming ultimately becoming an eggplant. They can see the tiny tomato grow bigger as it

turns green to red. They can learn that leafy vegetables are some of the first to appear as others vegetables arrive later in the season.

Jeanne says that during the pandemic, the farm bustled. Parents often brought their families to the farm for an outside, safe activity that is also fun and educational.

As I prepare to leave I meet Miriam Lockhart, chair of the Closter Environmental Committee. She also emphasizes how this farm is more than just a place to get your vegetables.

“It is a great community builder. Generations who might not otherwise meet, meet here. New residents of town quickly are introduced to long-term resi-

dents. That is what this farm does when people are out picking their vegetables,” she says.

I leave with a feeling of hope. The farm itself receives no funding and is solely maintained by selfless volunteers. MacBain Farm brings many ethnicities together who might not have opportunities to meet elsewhere. Cultural heritage continues as families cook their traditional meals and introduce others to their customs. Within its 5 1⁄ 2 acres, MacBain Farm establishes unity.

As far as my Thanksgiving strategy? Itʼs back to the drawing board. But Iʼm going to hold on

to this feeling of hope. I am determined: This year, my Thanksgiving is going to be different.

— Tara McCann, a local mom and experienced seafarer, Hollywood producer, and magazine columnist, calls out new Northern Valley Hidden Gems every issue. Got a tip? Write northernvalleypress@thepressgroup.net.

(Editorʼs note:For additional farm love, see also “Farm reaps state accolades: MacBain Farm a unique outgrowth of Closter life,” Michael Olohan, Northern Valley Press, Oct. 15, 2019.)

Grab a red pail and go for it.

MacBain Farm grows com munity as well as produce.

MacBain Farm is maintained by selfless volunteers.

Flat Rock

FROM PAGE 11

festival gives us a chance to show what Flat Rock Brook has to offer. With our 50th anniversary coming up next year we are more conscious than ever on the importance of community, open space and the environment. We are especially grateful to our generous sponsors

this year for allowing us to keep admission family friendly so we can introduce a whole new generation to Flat Rock Brook.”

In addition to Flat Rock Brook Nature Centerʼs Great Fall Festival, every year, thousands of people take advantage of everything that the center offers year-round. In addition to special events and

seasonal programs, there are educational programs, exhibits, and hiking trails for all age groups and abilities 12 months of the year.

The center also focuses strongly on environmental preservation. Executive Director Wiessner

TENAFLY

explained, “We strive to create stewards of our planet through an understanding and appreciation of the natural world.”

As such, the Flat Rock Brook Nature center is truly a natural treasure of Bergen County.

Note: Flat Rock Brook will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023, so everyone is advised to stay tuned for a fabulous celebration.

Hair Tantrum debuts on Hillside Ave.

HARRINGTON PARK

THANKSGIVINGCENTERPIECE WORKSHOP NOV. 20

The Garden Club of Harrington Park holds its annual Thanksgiving Centerpiece Workshop on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. upstairs in the Harrington Park Library, 10 Herring St.

Gerri Gibney, president of the Garden Club of Harrington Park, will conduct this popular make-it and take-it workshop.

The Garden Club will furnish floral supplies to create a beautiful centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table or perhaps to bring as a gift to your hostess.

The workshop is open to all, from all towns. Pre-registration is required to insure that there will be plenty of materials for everyone. To reserve your spot or for more information, phone Gibney at (201) 768-2615 or e-mail themerchantmouse@aol.com

The fee for members is $22. All others pay $27. Be sure to bring pruners.

Gibney is a life-long passionate gardener. She has lectured on

various garden topics and led workshops for numerous local organizations, creating unique and beautiful arrangements and decorations. She is an antiques dealer, a writer, and the founder and president of The Garden Club of Harrington Park, The Harrington Park Historical Society, and The Arts Council.

Kristina Yusupova, a stylist and color specialist, has been a licensed cosmetologist since she was 16. She has been managing a salon in Long Island since 2012. By January she decided to start looking for a place of her own.

She now has one:Hair Tantrum, at 17 Hillsdale Ave. Mayor Mark Zinna helped cut the ribbon at a celebratory grand opening on Oct. 1.

Yusupova tells Northern Valley Press, “We try to make Hair Tantrum as organic as possible. Thats why we offer organic color among organic hair products such as shampoo, conditioner, etc. You will feel the difference from your first use.”

Visit hairtantrumsalon.com or call (201) 569-0078.

THATFIRSTSNIP: Mayor Mark Zinna, owner Kristina Yusupova, David Korinteli,and Jeanne Mermelshtayn celebrate the grand opening of Hair Tantrum with a ribbon cutting. The salon,at 17 Hillsdale Ave.,offers organic color and everyday haircare organic products,a no-bleach highlight system, blow-dry packages,haircuts,keratins, makeup,updos,extensions,and more.

Photos by Hillary Viders

By HillaryViders

On Sunday, Oct. 2, the First Presbyterian Church of Englewood (FPCE) celebrated the Blessing of

ed the blessing of the animals every October for the past 15 years.

“It is an important celebrat ion, and an opportunity to

pered a personal blessing.

Blessing the animals dates back to St. Francis of Assisi Like FPCE, churches around

ENGLEWOOD

water, communicated with wolves, and used real animals to create the first live Christmas nativity scene.

As aresult, Francis was revered as the patron saint of animals and the environment. The Feast Day of St. Francis, the day that he died, is celebrated every year on Oct. 4, and Blessing of the Animals services are usually set for the Sunday closest to that day.

Some scholars also trace the ritual of blessing animals and celebrating nature to ancient Judea. In both Christian and Jewish celebrations in early October and in Jewish ceremonies later in the month, there is a similar message: take care of your pets and animals as you would take care of yourself. Show gratitude because they are gifts from God.

the Animals, a ritual begun by Francis ofAssisi almost 800 years ago.

At 2 p.m., a group of parishioners who had come with their pets took part in a beautiful ceremony led by Reverend Richard Hong in the churchʼs Memorial Garden.

The pet brigade included a shih tzu, a lab/bassett hound mix, a cat named Zazu, a guinea pig, and a lively parrot.

Reverend Hong has conduct-

remember that everything that God created is good, such as the unconditional love and trust that animals show us,” Hong said.

“This cerebration demonstrates how beautifully humans co-exist with nature.”

As the service began, Hong led everyone in reading a Meditation from the leaflet that he had handed out.

He then walked over to each animal, leaned down and whis-

the world celebrate the Blessing of the Animals, a custom dating back centuries, when St. Francis introduced the idea that human beings are only one of a myriad of creations of God and all are blessed in Godʼs eyes.

St. Francis, considered the most popular of all Catholic saints, had a strong connection to nature.

He preached to the birds, blessed fish that had been caught then released them back into the

Mural: Unveiling Nov. 14

FROM PAGE 1

process, as a memorable event in womenʼs history in Englewood. The design will be painted and revealed on the east-facing wall of The Womenʼs Rights Information Center building.

Fazlalizadeh, a Black-Iranian visual artist and Oklahoma City native, is a painter, whose work ranges from the gallery to the streets, using visual art to address the daily oppressive experiences of marginalized people through beautifully drawn and painted portraits.

Her street art series, “Stop Telling Women to Smile,” address ing sexual harassment in public spaces, appears on walls across the globe.

In 2019, she was the inaugu ral Public Artist in Residence for the New York City Commission on Human Rights. The New York Times, NPR, MSNBC, the New Yorker, and Time Magazine profiled her work.

The mural will celebrate Black womenʼs voices, raise awareness about Black suffragists, and encourage civil discourse within the community The official reveal of the Black Womenʼs Mural takes place on November 14, 2022 at 3 p.m. in an outdoor

ceremony. The Northern NJ Community Foundation and its part ners invite the public to celebrate the completion of this special proj ect driven by Englewood Black women and the Black suffragists, who inspired them.

The NNJCFʼs ArtsBergen initiative is implementing the project in collaboration with these community partners: The Womenʼs Rights Information Center, Metro Community Center, and the Womanʼs Club of Englewood. The major supporters for the proj ect are the NNJCF, AARP New Jersey, Valley Bank, Sozosei Foundation, Visions Federal Credit Union, Age-Friendly Englewood, and PNC Bank. Learn more about the project on the Foundationʼs website a thttps://bit.ly/AARPCommunityGrant and bit.ly/3qpZvTG.

Black Girls Empowerment Workshop

In celebration of the Black Womenʼs Mural Project, Arts Horizons (AH), a non-profit arts in education organization committed to enhancing the lives of people of all ages and abilities by creating equitable opportunities to engage in the arts, will host the Black Girls Empowerment workshop on Thursday, Nov. 10. The workshop

will take place at Ebenezer Baptist Church, at 216 4th Street in Engle wood, from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

The visual arts workshop for sixth to ninth graders will be facilitated by AH Teaching Artist Michele Baldwin, a multi-talented creative artist, storyteller, and award-winning producer/filmmaker, and explore empowerment through the lens of Black suffragists and raise awareness of their importance.

In addition, participants will walk away with a mini mural keepsake they create. Parents are welcome to attend. Arts Horizons, a recipient of a Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County grant, is hosting this workshop in partnership with the NNJCF and In the Meantime.

Registration is limited. To register, complete the online Google form at https://bit.ly/3FplIJd no later than Monday, Nov 7 at 11 p.m. For more information, write stephanie@artshorizons.org.

Womenʼs Rights Information Center is a community-based nonprofit 501(c)3 organization established in 1973 in response to the needs of women caught up in a changing society.

For more information, visit womensrights.org.

Reverend Richard Hong (center) with parishioners and pets. Photo by Hillary Viders

NORTHERN VALLEY

Valley students help power U.N. International Day of the Girl

The United Nations paused on Oct. 11 to mark the 10th Annual International Day of the Girl. This event, Girls Speak Out, is a call for girlsʼrights that attracts participants from far and wide, including the Academy of the Holy Angels, which is dedicated to the education of young women.

Sister Beatriz Martinez-Garcia, SSND, director of the School Sisters of Notre Dameʼs United Nations Non-Governmental Organization Office, arranged for the Academyʼs students to attend this afternoon event in New York City.

The SSNDs founded and sponsor Holy Angels, and are registered with the U.N. as an NGO, a

connection that allows Angels to

a variety

Chaperones included social studies teacher and Model U.N. moderator Jennifer Cucchici; religious studies teacher Carol Fay; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Director Danielle Holmes; and AHA Director of Mission & Ministry Joan Connelly.

Everyone from AHA was delighted to be able to attend in person now that COVID restrictions have been relaxed.

“There is always a special excitement to being physically present at the U.N.,” Connelly said.

Making their mark: The Northern Valley is well represented among this cadre of students from the Academy of the Holy Angels, who added their voices to Girls Speak Out on Oct. 11.

She added, “It is an uplifting experience to be in the presence of those who are engaged in working for peace on a daily basis. This event is worthwhile for the students on a number of levels. However, if I had to choose one reason why this event is worthwhile, it is because it gives the participants a chance to hear from girl activists from countries around the world with experiences that are both similar and different from their own.”

She said the event supports AHAʼs mission “to develop leaders who recognize the dignity of all persons and promote justice and peace and the care of all of Godʼs creation.”

Performers and contributors shared stories about girls on nearly every continent.

Contributors included representatives from Afghanistan, Australia, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada,

observe and participate in

of UN-based programs.

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

Valley: U.N. Int’l Day of the Girl

FROM PAGE 22

Cote DʼIvoire, India, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Singapore, South Africa, Turkey, Uganda, the United States of America, Uzbekistan, and the United Kingdom.

Topics ranged from immigration, education, and leadership to violence, health, and sanitation.

This experience was particularly inspirational for Westwood resident Erin Pav (Class of 23), an aspiring human rights activist, who was the first Angel to sign up for the trip.

She said in an AHApress release, “I always wanted to go and visit the U.N. because I have been interested in current world events since I was a child. The experience was truly incredible. It really motivated me to fight to one day speak or work at these events. The womenʼs work was truly inspiring and incredible.”

She added, “My favorite part was to hear from actual delegates and the chairman of the U.N. (Secretary-General Antó nio Guterres). Their words were quite inspiring and insightful.I really hope to work at the U.N. and fight for the rights of girls. I hope to one day speak at an event like this on what work I do.”

Pav is senior co-president of the award-winning AHA Model U.N. organization. She is also copresident of PowerBack, a program that empowers young people by teaching them how to recognize unhealthy relationships.

AHA students who attended

DEMAREST

this event included Alexia Adhikary and Elliott Bullis of Rutherford; Mariah Anderson of Englewood; Romina Bega of Ringwood; Cara Boyce of Old Tappan; Raphaela Cárdenas of Clifton; Mia Aiko Chang of Valley Cottage, N.Y.; Yeon Choe of Nutley; Sidney Chung of Cresskill; Audrey Collins of Harrington Park; Caroline Dupas of Pearl River, N.Y.; Lilianna Garber and Liana Powley of Mahwah; Natalia Gonzalez of Paterson; Celine He of Fort Lee; Celine Hong of Englewood Cliffs; Annabelle Hur of Norwood; Alexis Jacob of Tappan, N.Y.; Anna Jang of Tenafly; Natalia Jefferson, Evelyna (Speridoula) Pavlatos, and Christina Stathatos of Cresskill; Charlotte Lasaga and Rafaelle Zorea of Hoboken; Lucia McClure of Wyckoff; Vanessa Medina of Nanuet, N.Y.; Chloe Rodriguez of Leonia; Olivia Roque of Little Ferry; Kyra Sapontzis of Park

Ridge; Ellie Sawyer of Weehawken; Elise Tao of Upper Saddle River; Alexandra Valdez of Oakland; Nicole Yakubov of Teaneck; and Federica Zazzali of Saddle River.

This annual celebration was established through the U.N. General Assemblyʼs 2011 adoption of Resolution 66/170, which designated a day that showcases young female leaders and explores ways to better the lives of girls everywhere.

The first International Day of the Girl was held in October of 2012.

Founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1879, the Academy of the Holy Angels is the oldest private girlsʼschool in Bergen County. While AHA is steeped in Catholic tradition, this prestigious school serves young women from a broad spectrum of cultural and religious backgrounds.

48th Annual Pottery Show and Sale Dec. 2–4

The Art School at Old Church is proud to present the 48th Annual Pottery Show & Sale (also known as the Old Church Pottery Show) from Dec. 2 to 4. The three day in-person event features more than 2,000 hand made pieces — from functional mugs, dishware, servers, and casseroles to sculptural works.

The show is a nationally renowned event that attracts more than 1,000 artists, collectors, and enthusiasts each year Twentyeight ceramic artists from across the United States and Canada will share their work for purchase.

This is also a great chance to interact with the artists them selves.

The Old Church Pottery Show began in 1975 as a fundrais er for The Art School at Old Church (TASOC). Long-time friends Karen Karnes and TASOC founder Mikhail Zakin wanted to connect their vibrant ceramics community with the local area. Today, the show continues to offer

The Art School at Old Church is proud to present the 48th Annual Pottery Show & Sale (also known as the Old Church Pottery Show) from Dec.2 to 4. This image reached us in the press release as Donofrio Pot-scape.

everyone the opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind works of art, while supporting The Art School at Old Church.

For hours and more information on the Old Church Pottery Show, visit oldchurchpotteryshow.org or call

(201) 767-7160.

The Art School at Old Church is a nonprofit, non-sectarian arts and cultural center dedicated to inspiring individuals of all ages, identities, backgrounds, and abilities. 561 Piermont Road, Demarest, tasoc.org

Country Fair in Tenafly Nov. 19

and church member Tracey Preolo hosts one of the many booths at Church of the Atonement’s annual Country Fair.Save the date for Nov.19,10 a.m.to 4 p.m. Nancy Frankel photo.

TENAFLY

Church of the Atonement (Episcopal) holds its annual Country Fair on Saturday, Nov. 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fair has been a favorite destination every fall for decades, with many gently used items for sale or auction, and good things to eat.

Booths include the Tricky Tray with more than 50 baskets; white elephant (who knows what youʼll find!); holiday (just in time!); Chil drenʼs crafts and items, silent auction with antiques, furniture, collectibles and art; serendipity boutique (jewelry, watches, collectibles, china and crystal); home; and books. Stock up on delicious treats at Beaʼs Bake Shoppe, including homemade cookies, breads, muffins, and pies. The Chuck Wagon is a great place for lunch with homemade chili, chili dogs, soups, and sandwiches.

The fair also has coffee and bagels in the morning. The doors open at 10 a.m.

Church of the Atonement is at 97 Highwood Ave., at the corner of Engle Street. For more information, call the parish office at during office hours, Tuesday–Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at (201) 568-1763.

Tenafly resident

Students shine: Alexis Jacob and Erin Pav on the world stage.

Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide

brain power

The three most important factors to help boost your brain power are getting the proper fuel delivery, doing new activities, and being physically active. If you focus on these three things, your memory and focus will improve quickly, as will motivation, organization, and problem solving.

The first important factor to improve brain function and reduce brain fog is fuel delivery. This comes from water, food, sunlight, and oxygen. To drink the proper amount of water, simply drink half your body weight in ounces.

Also, drink from a glass or a stainless steel bottle to reduce plastic chemical exposure, help the environment, and save lots of money. Invest in a water filter that removes the lead, mercury, chlorine, and flouride.

The best times of the day to drink water are first thing in the morning, 30 minutes before each meal, and right before bed. If you have digestive problems, bloating, constipation, loose stools, nausea, stomach pain, or have a leaky gut, you must first reduce

Remember to eat each color of the rainbow to get all of your nutrients. There are certain foods that cause inflammation to the brain that may lead to depression, memory problems, anxiety, anger, fatigue, headaches, pain, and brain fog. These foods are dairy, wheat, soy, corn, alcohol, sugar, sugar replacements, food dyes, and preservatives.

Do not expose yourself to many harmful metals that cause brain inflammation like aluminum, which is found in antacids, anti-perspirants, foils, cans, pans, and even in the air.

The most important vitamin in regards to nutrition is vitamin D. This comes from the sun and helps to fuel your brain and body, as well as boost your immune system and help with proper thyroid function.

The last part of fuel delivery, a key factor to boost your brain power, is oxygen. A good breathing exercise to help improve oxygen levels is to inhale for four seconds, hold it for seven seconds, and exhale for eight seconds. Perform this breathing exercise three times and repeat it three times a day. This helps to maximize oxygen intake and also gets rid of carbon dioxide.

Make sure your autonomic nervous system is functioning properly. If your neurologist finds your brain stem is not performing

Find out from your doctor if any of these exercises would be appropriate for you. Your brain and nervous system are like muscles... you use it or you lose it.

The second really important factor in improving memory and focus is doing new things. Try brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand, take a new route to work, join a new group, start a new hobby, or you can even learn a new language.

The third, maybe most important factor to boost your brain power is physical activity. Find something you love to do that keeps you active and prevents

you from scrolling through social media, playing video games, and binging on Netflix.

Sitting is the worst thing for your brain. You should not sit for more than 20 minutes straight, so set a timer and take lots of breaks. Get up and walk around, stretch, get a drink of water, send a fax, meditate, sing a song, do push ups, open a window, go to the bathroom, or do breathing exercises. Get up and do something.

Great special offers for a limited time!

This week, make it a priority to start these healthy habits to

function better, feel better, and live better. For more healthy habits and information about our in-office and virtual services, visit my website at kaplandc.com. For the month of November, we are offering a $21 neurological evaluation which is normally $400.

Mention this article and when you come to the office you will also get a FREE signed copy of my book “Boost Your Brain Power: A guide to improving your memory and focus.” Call today at (201) 261-2150 or email at info@kaplanbrainandbody.com to reserve your spot immediately as spaces are filling up quickly.

AHA varsity tennis romps to county title

The Academy of the Holy Angels Varsity Tennis Team closed out September by winning the Bergen County Championship and sweeping the singles and doubles titles.

After earning the 2021 county title in the large schools bracket, AHA was moved to the small schools bracket this year.

Although the team could not defend its large schools title, the Angels quickly proved they would excel in any bracket.

Wins went to Erin Ha, First Singles; Norah Park, Second Singles; Ali Darmanin, Third Sin gles; Mia Custodio and Eva Cho, First Doubles; and Ella Oaten and Autumn Morrissey, Second Dou

The varsity team also includes Stephanie Chan, Chae won “Allison” Chung, and Anna

AHA athletic director Patti Gorsuch told Northern Valley the accomplishment was onderful. “Most amazing is that our girls ran the table, never los-

Wins went to Erin Ha,First Singles;Norah Park,Second Singles;Ali Darmanin, Third Singles;Mia Custodio and Eva Cho,First Doubles;and Ella Oaten and Autumn Morrissey,Second Doubles.The varsity team also includes Stephanie Chan,Chaewon “Allison”Chung,and Anna Jang. AHAphoto

ing a match during the two-day event, becoming individual Bergen County Champions. This was truly an exciting weekend of tennis.”

AHA varsity tennis coach Meaghan Williams added, “I am delighted to steer this wonderful group of tenacious young ladies toward the Bergen County Title.

Setting

Dental implants are not all the s ame and have varying success rates. The success is dependent on t he product and the practitioner.

As a periodontist, which is the ONLY specialty recognized by the American Dental Association as a “dental implant specialist,” I feel it is important to inform the community about how dental implant

standard in dental therapy

treatments have changed over the past 50 years causing a decline in success.

Dental implants have been well researched and placed in patients by periodontist and oral surgeons since the 1970s. The published scientific literature in the ʼ70s and ʼ80s estimated 9799% success rates when controlled for certain systemic diseases & smoking. More recently, the success rates have gone down while research and knowledge has increased.

In 2007, I graduated from a

full-time three-year dental implant specialty training program from Rutgers Dental School called Periodontics. This was in addition to general dental school.

At the time, only a handful of companies were fabricating dental implants. These companies were partnered with universities, periodontists and oral surgeons for decades to establish research to prove that their products met or exceeded the standard of care which was 97-99% success rate for 20-plus years.

Periodontists followed up on

the implants for decades to see h ow the implants lasted in patientsʼmouths: to see if gum disease developed or affected them, if loss of an adjacent tooth affected them, if the implant suffered consequences from smoking or if added to a denture. This is all the knowledge which is taught at a university level and takes years to learn. If implants are meant to last forever, it must be handled in such a manner and treatment planned accordingly anticipating changes to a patientʼs dentition and aging.

Today many more companies are fabricating these implants and come from overseas with little to no research proving their product has the same level success. This is completely legal through the FDA 501(k) approval process which allows clearance to sell the product. But this should not preclude the company to perform some level of research to protect the public. These “knock-off” implants are much cheaper and have not taken initiative to prove their success.

that these implant companies and private companies are offering

short term “training programs” to general dentists in attempts to sell more product so generalists can do these surgical services at their.

In my opinion, as dental implants are meant to be a permanent tooth replacement option, it is important to go to a trained specialist, who is a periodontist, who has the science a nd university-based training and the opportunity to practice these procedures hundreds of times on patients before a private practice setting.

I am a solo, female, dental implant specialist, surgeon & periodontist. I am a lead to a team of four hygienists, each with over 25 years of experience.

I place hundreds of dental implants a year and follow them in my highly trained hygiene practice. I partner with many general dentists throughout Bergen County to design, perform and maintain complex dental mplant restorations.

For more information, call (201) 664-3023 or visit us at 354 Old Hook Road #201 or WestwoodPeriodontics.com.

Deer: Fall rut sees deer, drivers at greater risk

Fawns are born beginning in early May.

“We urge all drivers to be especially alert to the possibility of deer suddenly darting onto roadways, as well as know how to reduce the risk of a collision and possible serious injury to themselves, their passengers or others.”

Peak mating season for deer in New Jersey runs from late October to mid-December.

Awareness will become even more important when daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 6, officials warn. This means that many commutes will then align with the time when deer are most active, and lighting conditions may be the most difficult for driving. Reduced lighting as well as sun glare can make it very difficult for drivers to see deer that are about to cross the road.

Rutgers Universityʼs New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station says white-tailed deer are large mammals generally ranging in size from 50 to 200 pounds.

“While some adult males (bucks) can grow up to 3.5 feet tall

at shoulder height and weigh up to 200 pounds, an average buck in New Jersey weighs around 150 pounds. Females (does) are typically smaller and average around 100 pounds,” the station says.

In April, bucks begin growing their antlers, which are covered in a “velvet” layer of skin, consisting of soft hairs and blood vessels that provide nutrients to the growing

tissue. Bucks then rub off this soft layer once their antlers are fully grown. The size of these antlers is determined by age and nutrition levels. Antlers are shed annually each winter.

“Does generally reach sexual maturity at 2 years of age. However, reproductive potential is directly related to nutritional state, so with good resources, fawns as young as 6 months can begin breeding. This phenomenon is common in New Jersey,” says the station.

In November 2021 a motorcycist from River Vale struck a deer, and was killed, while heading east at Teaneck Road in Teaneck just before 5:45 a.m.

Overpopulation persists

Carol Tyco, a wildlife specialist with Tyco Animal Control, and a consultant to 24 Bergen County municipalities, including Northvale, has noted that deer overpopulation remains one of the countyʼs unaddressed issues.

Asked about recommendation for a countywide approach to deer overpopulation, Tyco told Northern Valley Press, “The overpopulation will not end until the county comes up with a true plan … anything will be better than the ʻLetʼs ignore this and hope it goes awayʼ attitude.”

Safety tips to take you far

The agencies said these tips can help drivers stay safe during peak periods of the annual fall rut:

•Slow down if you see a deer and then watch for sudden movement. If the deer is in the road and doesnʼt move, wait for the deer to cross and the road is clear. Do not try to drive around the deer.

•Watch for “Deer Crossing” signs. Drive slower when traveling

through areas known to have a high concentration of deer so there is enough time to stop, if necessary.

• Use high beams during dark periods if there is no oncoming traffic or vehicles ahead. High beams will be reflected by the eyes of deer on or near roads. If you see one deer, assume that others may be in the area.

• Donʼt tailgate. The driver ahead might have to stop suddenly to avoid colliding with a deer.

• Always wear a seatbelt, as required by law. Drive at a safe and sensible speed, following the speed limit, factoring for weather, available lighting, traffic, curves and other road conditions.

• Do not swerve to avoid impact if a collision appears inevitable; a deer may countermaneuver suddenly. Brake appropriately and stay in your lane. Collisions are more likely to become fatal when a driver swerves to avoid a deer and instead collides with oncoming traffic or a fixed structure along the road.

•Report any deer–vehicle collision to a local law enforcement agency immediately.

Obey the stateʼs hands-free device law or refrain from using cellular devices while driving.

For general information about white-tailed deer in New Jersey, visit dep.nj.gov/njfw/wildlife/white-taileddeer For information about white-tailed deer seasons and regulations, visit dep.nj.gov/njfw/hunting/deer-season-and-regulations

Staff report

Kitchen Cabinet installers helper. Must have basic knowledge of tools. Valid drivers license. Ken Bauer Kitchens, Hillsdale NJ (201)664-6881.

LANDSCAPING - labor wanted, Immediate opening. Experience a plus but willing to train. Must have means of transportation. Call: 201-664-3130.

Department Manager Borough of Westwood is seeking a qualified individual for full-time Health Department Manager. The purpose of this position is the management of the overall day-to-day operations and personnel of the Health Department to assure the successful achievement of the department’s mission and identified objectives. The manager works to promote and support town health and ensures compliance with a broad range of regulations. Ideal candidate will have 5 years of supervisory experience. Successful applicants will have shown the ability to manage a busy office or department. Ability to plan, organize and supervise various department programs. Manager works in concert with contracted Health Officer to optimize services available communitywide. The successful candidate should be comfortable with managing a budget, resolving conflict and communicating effectively. Demonstrated ability to effectively super vise office staff and their performance, build relationships and maintain critical records and files. Candidate should be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, willing to learn all state software registration programs, and actively prepare and participate in ongoing Board Meetings. Once hired new department manager must be willing to complete necessary on line training to achieve Certified Municipal Registrar (CMR) certification. Interested candidates should submit cover letter and resume via email, mbnet zer@westwoodnj.gov. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Westwood is an EOE

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT – HILLSDALE

BOROUGH (BERGEN COUNTY) The Borough of Hillsdale is seeking a part-time administrative professional with experience in providing administrative support in the Municipal Clerk’s Office. This position is part-time and not to exceed 20 hours per week. The candidate must be able to work inde pendently, take initiative, prioritize tasks and meet deadlines. Must be able to work well with residents, co-workers and elected officials. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook required. Salary depends on qualifications, however this is an entry level position. EOE. The Borough reserves the right to interview qualified candidates prior to the dead line. Send resume, cover letter and salary requirements to Denise Kohan, Borough Clerk, via email to dkohan@hillsdalenj.org by Nov. 18, 2022..

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IS YOUR PORTFOLIO AS EFFICIENT AS IT COULD BE?

Editorʼs note:

The following article is for informational purposes only.

sion—and you should expect a greater return potential as “compensation” from the market for accepting that additional risk.

ERIC KOHLMEIER

When you look at a line chart of an investmentʼs historical performance, one feature to note is its volatility –how frequent and how extreme the ups and downs have been. This is significant because volatility is the most commonly used measurement of an investmentʼs risk. The greater the volatility, the riskier the investment is considered to be.

If you viewed a chart comparing the stock marketʼs versus the bond marketʼs performance, youʼd see stocks have been significantly more volatile than bonds. Logically then, a 100% bond portfolio should be less risky than one including both bonds and stocks. Right?

Not so fast.

In fact, according to a Morningstar study for the years 1970 through 2018, a portfolio comprising 67% bonds (measured by the 20-year U.S. government bond) and 33% stocks (using the S&P 500 Index) offered less risk and better returns than a 100% bond portfolio. In other words, the former was more “efficient” than the latter, which leads to a concept investors should be aware of: the efficient frontier.

Start with the basics

Having a grasp of the efficient frontier begins with understanding:

• The relationship between risk and return

• How diversification can help manage risk and return

In general, risk and return go hand in hand. As an investmentʼs risk increases, so should its return. If you buy a Treasury bond, the return will probably be low because the risk of default is low. If you buy a stock, however, the potential risk can be significant— think back to what happened to stocks during the Great Reces-

Diversification is simply blending different investments in a portfolio in an effort to manage risk and return. The result is your “asset allocation.”

A very simple asset allocation might include stocks, which tend to be risky but offer growth potential, and bonds, which have been more stable and provide income (interest). You can help manage your risk and return by how much you allocate to each type of investment.

For example, if you have a 75% stock/25% bond portfolio, it should offer a greater risk and return potential than one thatʼs 25% stocks and 75% bonds.

Getting to an efficient frontier

Of course, there are lots of other investments for you to choose from, and there are an infinite number of portfolios you could construct from the stocks, bonds, and other assets available. Each of these blends has a unique overall risk and return level.

If you plotted them all on a chart, youʼd likely see whatʼs shown in the hypothetical graph below. The “pies”—representing different asset allocations—farthest to the left and highest up are the ones with the best expected risk/return tradeoffs. If you connected those “dots,” you would have it: the efficient frontier.

Thatʼs what the efficient frontier is, but what does it mean for investors?

It means that if your risk/return tradeoff doesnʼt land along the frontier, your portfolio is not as efficient as it could be. Youʼre taking on too much risk for the level of return youʼre getting, and you probably need to make adjustments to decrease risk, improve return, or both.

Finding help

Determining whether your portfolio is as efficient as it could be may require help from a profes-

sional financial advisor. He or she will likely ask about your goals (what youʼre investing for), time horizon (how long until you need to tap into your investments), and risk tolerance (how comfortable you are with swings in your portfolioʼs value).

Based on your responses, your advisor can help build a portfolio designed to help reach your goals as efficiently as possible. Asset allocation cannot eliminate the risk of fluctuating prices and uncertain returns.

S&P 500 comprises 500 stocks chosen for market size, liq-

uidity, and industry group representation. It is a market-valueweighted index; each stockʼs weight in the index is proportionate to its market value. It is one of the most widely used benchmarks of U.S. equity performance.

The indices are provided for informational purposes only; investors cannot directly purchase an index. Past performance in not indicative of future results.

This article was written for Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Eric Kohlmeier, Senior Financial Advisor, Managing Director, Investments, in Park

Ridge at 201-505-0472.

Investments in securities and insurance products are NOT FDIC-INSURED/NOT BANKGUARANTEED/MAY LOSE VALUE.

Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

© 2017–2019 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. CAR #1119-019485050472.