Pascack Press 1.1.24 by The Press Group Community Newspapers (New Jersey)

Emerson • Hillsdale • Montvale • Park Ridge • River Vale • Township of Washington • Westwood • Woodcliff Lake

PA S C AC K VA L L E Y ’ S H O M E TO W N N E W S PA P E R

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 42

Going places

JANUARY 1, 2024

HEADS UP ON A LIVELY 2024

Mike Olohan calls out leading town stories

PARK RIDGE

‘RIDES & ROADS’ AT DEAN MANSION JAN. 21

Automotive-minded gallery show and raffle benefits Tri-Boro pantry BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

Hillsdale’s Hurst, junior world champ in the 1500-meter freestyle. signs to swim for UT–Austin. PAGE 15

PARK RIDGE

COUNCIL LOCKS DOWN N. FIFTH STREET LAND FOR OPEN SPACE

$950,000 bond ordinance on 3.15 acres; move was decades in the making

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

A long-sought tract of land on North Fifth Street has finally been acquired by the borough to be preserved as open space. After nearly two decades of on-again, off-again development plans and possible use as a multifamily affordable housing site, the Borough Council unanimously

See COUNCIL on page 244

Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo and members of the governing body react as the fire department lowers the ball at Veterans Memorial Park, welcoming 2023 Celebrate Westwood-style. Photo Richard Frant/FrantVisuals. S WE WELCOME 2024 in

the Pascack Valley, our communities continue to deal with contentious and often costly issues, and even for regular Pascack Press readers, a few may come as a surprise. My continuing thanks to editor John Snyder for pruning my prose, and Kristin Beuscher, a former Press editor and our contributing columnist of “Back In Time,” and for all the readers who take the time to read our weekly newspaper, whether in

Reporter’s Notebook

By Michael Olohan

print or online, and weigh in with letters to the editor. 5PETER OLOHAN PHOTO

RELATED: Annual reorganization meeting schedules for our towns and boroughs. Get involved! PAGE 7 Without your readership—and letters and emails—we could not be the community newspaper we strive so hard to be. Most topics I discuss below have been reported on in articles over this past year, and can be found on our website— thepressgroup.net—or by doing

Continued on page 8

A gallery show and raffle featuring photographs of collectible automobiles and the roads they travel is set for Sunday, Jan. 21 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the William H. Dean Mansion. Rides and Roads features a raffle to help benefit the Tri-Boro Food Pantry and an exhibit of photographs from resident Burton Hall. Hall tells Pascack Press some 30 photographs of classic cars and scenic byways will be included in the exhibit. He said raffle tickets will be sold and winners will get to choose from his photographs of vintage autos. The event will feature a fiveperson panel discussion on the history and culture of automobiles in American society. Attendees are asked for a donation to the food pantry: • Robert Austin, past Volvo director of marketing and advertising; director of Rolls-Royce Club of America, SCCA racer. • Fred Hammond, Porsche

See RIDES on page 64

NEWEST EMT

B ck in time...

The River Vale Volunteer Ambulance Corps welcomes its newest crew member, Brienna Krebs. PAGE 19

Intrepid newspaper publisher and Pascack Historical Society founder John C. Storms pens the following New Year’s essay in 1950, apt today as then. PAGE 4

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PASCACK PRESS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Park Ridge employees impress To the editor: the Park Ridge Police, public works, and K utilities departments. Last weekʼs UDOS TO

torrential rain and strong wind literally produced a perfect storm that took down a tree of significant size at 5:19 in the morning. I know because that is the time on my cell phone as a thundering crash levitated me out of bed and left me stumbling around in the darkness. In falling across my

street the tree took all my power and phone lines with it. With my cell phone I alerted the police dispatcher. In a matter of moments the police arrived and immediately secured the area. Around 6 a.m. I left a message for the DPW. By 8 a.m. a work crew with chain saws, front loader and support vehicles was well into addressing the challenge at hand. A utility team was on site as well ready to bring power back to my home. It was a dark, miserable day significantly brightened by the Park Ridge town employeesʼ positive attitudes and diligence. Burton Hall Park Ridge

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NOTE: Letter submission deadline is 11 a.m. Wednesday for the following Monday’s paper. Publication not guaranteed. Subject to editing. Email to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net.

To the editor: HE HILLSDALE Fire Department once again had Santa go through the community on the decorated fire truck. Pick-up trucks followed as residents were asked to donate to our pantry. They filled five trucks with groceries for us. Hillsdale is a “Town with a Heart.” Lois Kohan • FOCUS • RESPECT • ANTI-BULLYING Hillsdale

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Morgan, Feeney, hear their praises on council send-off TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

Mayor Peter Calamari and their three council colleagues praised departing councilwomen council president Desserie Morgan and member Stacey DeMarco Feeney—at the 2023 councilʼs final regular meeting, Dec. 18, and presented both with bouquets of flowers and ample good wishes. Morgan, along with DeMarco Feeney and newcomer George Toole, were defeated by three Independents, incumbent Steven Cascio, and former councilmen Michael DeSena and Michael Ullman. Cascio, a Republican, was not selected to run by the county committee, and ran as an Independent in the Nov. 7 election. Calamari said, “On behalf of those who served with you on the dais, it is my honor and privilege to present to you with both a little token of our appreciation of your service up here by presenting you both with a lovely bouquet of flowers for the holiday season.” The mayor said, “I want to express my thanks for your efforts in moving the town forward these past four years. A lot of your votes meant something in moving the town forward, and to me especially; the votes we made to acquire more properties to dedicate them to open space, I think thatʼs very key to our town, so I appreciate your service and your votes on those.” Councilwoman Daisy Velez thanked Morgan and DeMarco Feeney “for your help, your guidance, and your passion that you bring to the dais, you will be missed.” Vice President Steven Cascio

MONTVALE

said, “Sometimes we disagreed and didnʼt see eye to eye but it was a pleasure working with you both, and I wish you continued success in the future.” Added Councilman Tom Sears, “Your passion, your dedication to this town, it cannot be put in words. Everything you did is from the heart. Where their decisions, hard decisions, yes you did, and I thank you for that because without making hard decisions, this town would never be where it's at, so thank you both.” DeMarco Feeney, who was council president in 2021, and ran the councilʼs foray into Covid-era remote meetings over the NYNJA platform, said, “I just want to say itʼs been a pleasure to serve the town, this is the town I grew up in, and for your votes in moving the town forward. I hope it continues, and I hope that things continue to get better here and we attract more and more families and itʼs been an honor to be able to serve in this way.” Morgan had prepared a brief statement for her last meeting. She said the last four years had gone in what “seems like the blink of an eye.” She said she took a seat on council in 2020 while never having been involved in any political role. “I remember feeling terrified that I did not have a FEENEY

MORGAN

strong enough understanding of the political landscape to be successful in this role,” she said. She said she made sure she made it clear to all that she was “not a politician.” She said she hoped that statement would protect her if she made an error in judgment or upset her party line. “I had so much to learn,” she said. She said in her tenure on the council, they had shared significant moments, including the passing of residents, the loss of loved ones, and a colleague (councilman Arthur Cumming). She said the council “successfully navigated some really dark days” after the COVID-19 pandemic hit a few months after being sworn in. She said following COVID, the community has made “an incredible comeback.” She said, “We, as council, along with the mayor, and all of the employees of this town never stopped. We didnʼt shut down, we didnʼt wait it out, we put our heads together, pivoted and made some adjustments to how we do things. But we got things done.” She added, “through adversity, we became stronger and closer as a community.” She said “All of us sitting on this dais have forever left a positive impact on this town.” She noted completion of the Emergency Services Building, completion of the Pascack RoadWashington Avenue intersection, demolition of the “zombie houses” at the Pascack–Washington intersection after a decade, and securing a budget line for a code enforcement officer, to uphold property maintenance codes community-wide. She cited recreational

improvements, more programs for youngsters, construction of a bocce court, and securing the former swim club “for generations to enjoy endless recreational possibilities.” She said securing grants to preserve open space and purchasing land that will never be overdeveloped. “We did that and for that I can leave her proud. I leave here tonight knowing I did what I set out to do. I left this community better than I found it.” She thanked those residents

who have phoned, emailed or texted her since the election loss. She said her family motivated her to start her political journey to join the council, not either party or her circle of friends. “Iʼm a mom and want my children raised in a community that I know is safe and healthy, one that I know I will see my home values mature and increase because the community is sought after. That is why I ran for council,” she said. CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

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JANUARY 1, 2024 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

B ck in time...

JANUARY 1, 2024 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

TO SEE MORE BACK IN TIME FEATURES

Both Pascack Hills High School and Pascack Valley High School will be dedicating Jan. 15 to a special series of activities in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. National Geographic Kids photo.

Invitation to join MLK Day of Service MONTVALE

A letter from Pascack Valley Regional Superintendent Sarah Bilotti, dated Dec. 21, 2023, “on the districtʼs ongoing commitment to foster community connections and embody the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.ʼs Beloved Community.” The letter also provides an opportunity for families to join the district in service:

We are proud to announce that even though school is closed for students, as part of our ongoing community-connection activities, on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, both Pascack Hills High School and Pascack Valley High School will be dedicating the day to a special series of activities in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to foster community connections

See MLK on page 64

inside CLASSIFIEDS

DINING

SCHOOL

HEALTH & WELLNESS 18 HOME IMPROVEMENT 26 REAL ESTATE

SERVICES

OBITUARIES

A one-horse open sleigh: Here, a winter scene in River Vale, circa 1875. The Hopper family lived in this home, which stood on the east side of Rivervale Road, near the curve north of the present police station. After the Hackensack Water Company acquired the land in 1940, the house was torn down.

Happy New Year, old style ‘Timely’ report by PHS founder John C. Storms BY KRISTIN BEUSCHER SPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS

PASCACK VALLEY

This article was written by Pascack Historical Society founder John C. Storms in 1950. Storms, a local historian, was born in Park Ridge in 1869. As an adult he founded Bergen Countyʼs first newspaper, the Park Ridge Local, in 1889. Storms was a prolific writer, leaving behind a tremendous archive of his first-hand recollections of Pascack Valley life as it was in the late 19th century. The Pascack Historical Societyʼs museum, at 19 Ridge Ave., Park Ridge, is named for him. Here he writes of the New Yearʼs Day celebrations of his youth…

HILE CHRISTMAS was a day of fam-

ily gatherings and religious exercises, New Yearʼs Day was an entirely different affair. Watch Night was quite generally observed, by gatherings of a social nature. As the clocks turned their hands to midnight the people turned out from their homes to welcome the incoming year. Men and boys fired guns, women shouted a welcome, and people wished everyone around them a Happy New Year. The taverns were open all night, and dancing continued until daylight. It was a time for sleighing parties—straw rides to some fairly

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING Serving Emerson, Hillsdale, Montvale, Park Ridge, River Vale, Township of Washington, Westwood 201.664.2105 and Woodcliff Lake FAX 201.664.2109 MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 335 E-MAIL US AT Westwood, N.J. 07675 pascackpress@thepressgroup.net

Eat, drink, and be merry: A Library of Congress image shows New Year’s “calling” in the 1860s.

distant hotel, to eat, to drink, and to be merry. It was a suitable time for weddings, and many a household was formed at these times. Soon after the noon meal, New Yearʼs call-

PASCACK VALLEY’S HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER

Publisher Editor Staff Writer Contributing Editor Art Director Director of Advertising

ing began. In sleighs if there was snow, or wagons, parties of young men began making calls

John J. DeFina John Snyder Michael Olohan Kristin Beuscher Keith J. Harcher George F. Harcher

See REPORT on page 174

(c) 2023 The Press Group, all rights reserved. Material is developed independently by Pascack Press. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written permission is forbidden. Views printed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher. We are neither liable nor responsible for typographical errors. Email us with correction requests. Pascack Press is published in Westwood and distributed to every household in our circulation area.

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON Mayor Peter Calamari told one neighbor near Washington Elementary School concerned about student safety and congestion during drop off and pick up times that he expects a new traffic pattern at the school to be addressed in January. White Birch Road resident Leonard Sabino questioned the mayor and council Dec. 18, 2023 about when residents will be able

to provide input on new traffic patterns around the school during student drop off and pick up times. He asked if any plans for the elementary school expansion were presented to local officials and when residents will be able to review planned capital expenditures for 2024. Calamari said that anticipated traffic changes around the elementary school will likely require an

ordinance change. He did not offer details. He said officials did not discuss the planned Washington School expansion during a November meeting and suggested contacting school officials. The mayor said residents can comment on capital expenditures during budget meetings following the budgetʼs initial presentation in February.

UNDEFEATED

Then-Council President Desserie Morgan said a school board member had reached out to her following attendance at a November meeting and said that they heard their traffic and safety concerns and would consider them as planning for a school expansion moves forward. Most neighbors on nearby Wayne Place and White Birch Road have attended council meetings over the last year to oppose sidewalks as a possible solution and instead propose alternatives such as rumble strips, no parking on side streets during school

hours, a shuttle for students, and a traffic loop around the school to facilitate drop offs and pick ups. Sabino thanked councilwoman Stacey Feeney for her service on the council and Planning Board, and thanked Morgan for her “untiring efforts” focused on student safety around Washington School. See also “Suggestions on safety at Washington School pick-ups, drop-offs,” Michael Olohan, Sept. 24, 2023. — Staff writer Michael Olohan

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Rides: Automotive experts, Burton Hall photos Jan. 21 racing public relations; director, Volvo public relations; archivist, Jaguar Cars/Land Rover, SCCA. • Bryan Maletski, owner of Motorcraft Ltd. classic and vintage; Jaguar specialist; Concours judge; vintage SCCA racer. • Matthew Maisano, owner of Motorcar Manor premium storage facility; collectible car broker; eight years NASCAR marketing. • David LaChance, senior editor for Hemmings Motor News, past editor-in-chief for Hemmings Sports and Exotic Cars Magazine. “We will be using the raffle as a fundraiser,” said Hall, a longtime creative consultant and automotive photographer. At the Dec. 12, 2023 meeting of the Park Ridge Borough Council, Hall said he was still seeking sponsors for the event.

FROM PAGE 1

MLK:

and embody the ideals of Dr. Kingʼs “Beloved Community.” Our objective in extending these efforts is to deeply honor Dr. Kingʼs vision for community connection by engaging all students and faculty in the following goals: learn about ourselves, our community, and our world; foster collaboration and relationship-building among faculty, staff, students, and

FROM PAGE 4

A gallery show and raffle featuring photographs of collectible automobiles and the roads they travel is set for Sunday, Jan. 21 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the William H. Dean Mansion. Left: “American Icons.” Right: “Packard Goddess of Speed.” Burton Hall photos He said there appeared to be a “great deal of interest” in a gallery show of his photographs of classic automobiles, and the roadside beauty that accompanies those rides. Hall has photographed the streets of Paris,

members of the school community; engage in community service projects; and reflect on the districtʼs wellness goals As mentioned in October, our journey began last year when we embraced the vision of the Beloved Community on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This year, through our Professional Learning Communities, we are broadening this concept beyond just one day and are integrating the themes of building connections and fostering inclusivity for our students into a range of activities throughout the year.

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Marthaʼs Vineyard, and the mountain byways of Utah. Parking is provided onsite. For event information, contact Hall at bhallassoc@aol.com. Tri-Boro Food Pantry is a not-for-profit food pantry that

Thoughtfully crafted by our students and teachers, our first professional learning day on Oct. 9 was devoted to activities focused on building community and connections between our students, staff, and the school community. On Jan. 15, our focus will be particularly centered on community service and reflection. Students who have chosen to participate and our staff will join together for a keynote address at Pascack Hills and will then participate in volunteer activities across dozens of sites throughout our towns and county.

supplies a wide variety of food items to needy families in Park Ridge, Montvale, and Woodcliff Lake. The pantry is at Pascack Reformed Church, 65 Pascack Road, Park Ridge. Donors can drop off items at

We have several other events planned for the remainder of the year which we will share as we get closer to those dates. These activities are designed to strengthen community ties and create lasting, impactful connections among students, staff, and the broader community. We firmly believe in the power of community as a cornerstone of student success. Through these activities, we hope to continue our effort to create a nurturing and inclusive environment for every member of our school community.

borough halls in Park Ridge, Montvale, Woodcliff Lake, and Pascack Reformed Church. Financial donations can be made by check or via Venmo @Triboro-Pantry.

High school students can sign up [at their school]. We would love to extend an invitation to families in our region with elementary school aged children (grades K-5) to engage in a community service project sponsored by our Pascack Valley Regional Education Association. Please see the [district] flyer for complete information, including a special link for families to register as space is limited. Looking forward to a day of service, reflection, and community connections, — Sarah Bilotti

X CLARIFICATION: In our Dec. 9, 2023 edition, the Back in Time feature “At home in worship,” detailing the history of Temple Beth Sholom in Park Ridge, stated that the congregation had merged with Temple Israel in Ridgewood. President Mark Rubinstein points out that although Temple Beth Sholom did sell the building at 32 Park Ave. in Park Ridge, they are not closed, and remain a fully functioning congregation that chooses to attend services at Temple Israel. — Pascack Press

PASCACK VALLEY

Annual town sine die, reorganization meets • Montvale meets Monday, Jan. 1 at noon at the Municipal Complex, 2nd Floor, Council Chambers, 12 DePiero Drive. Mayor Michael Ghassali will be sworn in to a third term to lead the borough, along with incumbent running mates Douglas Arendacs and Theresa Cudequest. • Park Ridgeʼs sine die is Tuesday, Jan. 2 at 6 p.m. The annual reorganization of the Mayor and Council is at 6:30. Both meetings are in the Council Chambers of the Borough Hall, 55 Park Ave. Democratic Mayor Keith Misciagna will be sworn in for a third term, and he will be joined on the council dais by returning Democrats Robert Metzdorf and Michael Mintz. • River Valeʼs Annual Reorganization meeting is Tuesday, Jan. 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 406 Rivervale Road. No mayor or council seats were up for election this past November; the meeting will feature appointments to boards and include hiring of professionals for 2024. • The Township of Washingtonʼs annual sine die/reorganization meeting starts Wed., Jan. 3 at 7:30 p.m. The meeting features the swearing-in of three returning Independent councilmembers, incumbent Steven Cascio, and Michael DeSena and Michael Ullman. The Independent slate defeated two Republican incumbents and a Republican newcomer to win their seats. Both DeSena and Ullman have served as councilmen in the township.

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• Westwoodʼs 130th reorganization meeting of the Mayor and Council is Tuesday, Jan. 2 at 7 p.m. at the Community Center, 55 Jefferson Ave. Oaths of office will be administered to Raymond Arroyo, Erin Collins and Lauren Letizia. This starts Arroyoʼs second term as mayor, Collinsʼ third term as councilmember, and Letiziaʼs first term as Councilmember. The reorganization meeting is preceded by the sine die meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the same location.

Oaths of office will be administered for borough official designations; newly appointed and reappointed board members; and the 2024 officers of the Westwood Fire Department and Ambulance Corps. Emergency Services Hall of Fame Honorees will be announced, as will Westwood Volunteer of the Year. • Woodcliff Lakeʼs sine die/reorganization meeting is Thursday, Jan. 4 at 6 p.m. at Tice Senior Center. (Check the borough website for details as the

sine die start time was undecided at press time.) The meeting features the swearing-in ceremony for reelected Mayor Carlos Rendo, who begins his third fouryear term in 2024. He defeated former Democratic councilwoman Nancy Gross in the general election. His two Republican running mates, Joshua Stern and Julie Brodsky, will take the oath of office and join the council following their recent election. — John Snyder and Michael Olohan

JANUARY 1, 2024 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

The governing bodies of our eight towns and boroughs ring in the New Year by wrapping up 2023 loose ends and then swearing in the returning and newly elected mayors and council members for 2024, filling out appointed positions on boards and committees, naming town professionals, and honoring volunteers and other public servants. Sine die is “with reference to business or proceedings that have been adjourned with no appointed date for resumption.” The following meeting schedule appeared to be accurate at press time. Verify the dates, times, and locations with official sources before heading off. Some sessions are televised, and archived on YouTube. • Emersonʼs reorganization is Tuesday, Jan. 2 at 7:30 p.m. in Borough Hall Council Chambers. Oaths of office will be administered to two reelected Republican incumbents, Michael Timmerman and Ashley Rice, who outpolled Democratic challengers Julia Guttilla and Jose Organ. • Hillsdaleʼs sine die and reorganization meetings are Tuesday, Jan. 2 at 6 p.m. at Council Chambers, 380 Hillsdale Ave. Newly elected Democratic Mayor Michael Sheinfield will be sworn in, along with Republican incumbent John Ruocco and newcomer Clemente Osso, who will be seated on council. Sheinfield bested Republican incumbent Anthony DeRosa on Nov. 7. You can view the meeting live on Optimum Ch. 77 and Fios Ch. 32. Meetings are also available to view on Zoom.

JANUARY 1, 2024 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

2024:

a simple search in the search tool below our online masthead. Also, local libraries have archived printed copies of the weekly newspaper. If you need a prior issue, or questions on a topic Iʼve raised, just call our office at (201) 664-2105. Hereʼs my subjective and

FROM PAGE 1

non-comprehensive look at 2023 and hot municipal topics that may be on our pages in 2024 for Emerson, Hillsdale, Montvale, Park Ridge, River Vale, Township of Washington, Westwood and Woodcliff Lake. In EMERSON, a March court date awaits the borough and Emerson Redevelopers Urban Renewal, developer of under-construction Emerson Station, in Emersonʼs legal battle to recoup $500,000 in construction services on a new ambulance headquarters

CLUB NEWS? Let us help promote your club or organization. Send all news to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net or mail to: Pascack Press, P.O. Box 335, Westwood, NJ 07675

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originally promised in return for ambulance property deeded to the redeveloper. The redeveloper contends the borough did not meet its obligation to provide a site and design for the new ambulance quarters by a contractual deadline of Dec. 31, 2019. The borough contends the redeveloper acted in “bad faith”and reneged on paying for the ambulance property. Also, the role of the Emerson Station construction (i.e. “Block 419”) in exacerbating local flooding issues, especially to one business on Palisade Avenue, was highlighted at a September Council meeting by the owner of Academy Electrical Contractors, Inc. That concern is likely to be a topic in 2024 as well as the larger topic of town-wide flooding, also raised following an early September rain storm that dumped 3–5 inches on the valley. The mayor and council previously directed the borough engineer to come back with a plan to analyze the stormwater system capacity and problems in phases, with costs for each phase. The larger, regional problem of flooding throughout Pascack Valley towns due to the Pascack Brook and Musquapsink Brook continues to plague all the towns. In addition to several towns undertaking drone studies of brooks to identify obstructions and needed streambank restoration, Westwood is working with a Stevens Institute professor to help pull together a local Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) model to help reduce reservoir releases during severe rain storms. a received Westwood

$200,000 state grant to conduct the two-year study with Stevens, and the proposed computer model, used in New York State and California, may help Woodcliff Lake and Oradell reservoir operators to optimize reservoir capacity and mitigate downstream flooding ahead of severe storms. In HILLSDALE, late 2023 saw the downtown revitalization efforts begin to move forward as a large portion of the downtown was designated as a future area in need of rehabilitation. Should the town develop a rehabilitation plan, that could include new design standards that would only affect new commercial tenants and developers. Current businesses and enterprises do not need to make any changes as a result of their designation. At last count, the Township of Washington had conducted a drone study of Musquapsink Brook, and Westwood and Hillsdale planned to undertake drone winter flyovers to identify potential problems. Hillsdaleʼs Council also recently voted not to move forward with a second community center nor the long-discussed upgrades at Centennial FIeld. A recent engineering report found that due to a landfill beneath Centennial and complex drainage issues, installation of artificial turf there would be much more costly than expected due to disturbing the landfillʼs cap. Instead, in 2024, the Field Committee will likely consider further upgrades to Memorial Field and other recreation areas. Also, after a Council majority

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pushed for a second community center to provide more community space (about 10,000 square feet), a unanimous council opposed a second community center at Stonybrook Swim Club. Itʼs likely that the proposed community center (approximately 5,000 square feet) to be built at the upcoming 256-unit Patterson Street Redevelopment will get the councilʼs full attention this year. Another move was hiring Montvale Mayor Michael Ghassali as Hillsdaleʼs administrator in February, following David Troastʼs brief tenure and critical departing remarks about the mayor and council. Ghassali was hired for three years, starting at $140,000 annually and increasing to $150,000 by year three of his contract. Moreover, following a resounding school referendum defeat of an $82.7 million bond referendum in March 2023, the school district will decide by February 2024 what question (or questions) to place on a September 2024 referendum to help fund long-needed renovations at century-old George White Middle School. Current estimates for three renovation options range from $45 to $55 million and annual taxpayer costs need to be recalculated after officials were told that renovations require a 20-year bond term, and not a 30-year bond term as previously thought. On an upbeat community note, a yearlong calendar of activities celebrating Hillsdaleʼs 125th Anniversary culminated in a well-attended gala dinner celebration and a time capsule burial in front of Borough Hall. In MONTVALE, two 2023 property transactions occurred that will benefit residents including the recent sale of 28.4 acres at 127 Summit Ave. to Veolia North America. Veolia will install two water towers on the site, in addition to constructing a walking trail through the mostly wooded property. The two water towers should help to equalize the pressure throughout the town and generally provide a boost to water pressure town-wide. Only about a year ago, Montvale had purchased the property for $4.5 million and then resold it at auction in November for $4.725,000. The $225,000 sale profit will go into the boroughʼs general fund. Also in September, the borough moved to acquire 8.4 acres of DePiero family farmland for $5.15 million, looking to preserve it for passive recreation purposes, and to offer residents pick-your-own strawberry fields in the future. Montville Landscaping is also acquiring 6.5 acres of DePiero farmland to expand its operations there. Under the borough agreement to acquire the property, DePiero Farms will continue to operate the farm in 2024, which marks its 100th year in operation. In PARK RIDGE, the mayor strongly advocated for the CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

JANUARY 1, 2024 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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All eight Cadette Girl Scouts from Troop 6025 in Park Ridge have earned their Silver Awards! This is a prestigious award that requires an approved project and a minimum of 40 hours of service to complete. These girls started in eighth grade and just received their awards as freshmen. These scouts tackled projects in mental wellness, body positivity, senior center craft and companionship classes, and Reluctant Readers Book Club. Delighted troop leaders are Carrie R. and Pam G. Congratulations to all!

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Huge haul in Knights’ food drive

Knights of Columbus Mother Seton Council #5427 of the Township of Washington holds its annual winter food drive on Saturday, Dec. 9, benefiting Helping Hand Food Pantry. TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

Knights of Columbus Mother Seton Council #5427 of the Township of Washington held its annual winter food drive on Saturday, Dec. 9. Grand Knight Matt D’Elia commended Jim McPeak and Chuck Merlo, drive chairmen, for another successful food drive. The Saturday donations were delivered to Helping Hand Food Pantry in Hillsdale. Merlo tells Pascack Press, “We collected about 300 bags and also received $635 in cash and $550 in gift cards, which also went to Helping Hand Food Pantry. It was another strong volunteer turnout and participation from the town was great as usual. We thank all the donors, personal and corporate, for their generosity and kindness.” D’Elia added “My sincere thanks to all who donated and to my brother knights, their family members, and the many Township teenagers who worked on the drive. I also extend our appreciation to Pascack Press for once again co-sponsoring the drive.” Applications for membership in the Knights of Columbus are welcome from qualified individuals. For more information call (201) 664-0422 or visit KOFC5427.COM.

PASCACK VALLEY

Corcoran Infinity Properties coat drive

Corcoran Infinity Properties and its agents are pleased to once again participate in the Greater Bergen Realtors Community Service annual coat drive. Organizers tell Pascack Press readers, “We invite you to join us in this effort by donating gently used, clean, winter jackets and coats for men, women, children and infants. Your donated coat opens opportunities for someone who needs warm outerwear. Enable a student to focus on his or her studies in a cold classroom or help a job-seeker to continue a search during the winter. Help a senior go out for medication on a cold and dreary day.” They add, “ A spare coat or jacket hanging in the back of your closet can be life-changing for someone in need.” All donations must be in plastic bags without hangers and dropped off at a Corcoran Infinity office near you until Jan. 2, 2024. Drop-off locations are: 213 Rivervale Road, River Vale (201666-0777), 1018 Closter Dock Road, Alpine (201-768-6868), and 105 Union Ave., Cresskill (201-871-0800).

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HOLIDAY

JANUARY 1, 2024 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

DINING Seniors hoist a glass to local police Special delivery HOLIDAY

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The Woodcliff Lake Senior Association (WLSA) writes in to share its gratitude with the Woodcliff Lake Police Department “for the beautiful job officers did in hosting our Oktoberfest celebration on Oct. 21.” Members said, “We also want to thank the Woodcliff Lake police force for hosting Det. William McMonigle of the Bergen County Prosecutorʼs Office for a special presentation on senior fraud on Nov. 16. He expertly covered many topics, including imposter scams, phone scams, and identity theft.”

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American Legion Post 162 of Hillsdale, Woodcliff Lake and Old Tappan N.J. posted this wonderful photo of Roy Kohan delivering toys to the Hillsdale Helping Hand Food Pantry at the 8th Annual Family Photo Shoot with Santa at the Hillsdale American Legion Post 162, Dec. 3, 2023.

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WESTWOOD

50+ Club meets on ‘Getting to Know You’ Jan. 3

St. Andrewʼs 50+ Club says “Getting to Know You” is the theme of its first meeting of the year, Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 1 p.m. in the gym. The director of Senior Services of Westwood will speak on additional services available for Westwood seniors. This will be followed by “Getting to Know

You” games with small prizes for the winning teams. Dues for the new year, $15, will be collected. New members are always welcome. Cake and coffee will be served. Please bring an item/donation for the food pantry. Questions? Call Elaine at (201) 6647037.

LITERACY TUTOR WORKSHOPS STARTING; YOU CAN HELP

Make a difference in your community... Volunteer to teach English as a Second Language! Since 1982, Literacy Volunteers of Pascack Valley has been training volunteers to teach English to adults in their community. This online workshop is run by certified trainers and the program is an accredited member of Proliteracy. Upon completion of the workshop, LVPV will match each volunteer with an appropriate student. This workshop is open to residents of Allendale, Cresskill, Dumont, Emerson, Franklin Lakes, Hillsdale, Lodi, Montvale, Paramus, Park Ridge, Ramsey, River Vale, Teaneck and Westwood.

Tutoring may be remote or in person, depending on your preference. Literacy Volunteers of Pascack Valley is pleased to announce the next online four-session Tutor Training Workshop on Feb. 6, 13, 20, and 27, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Volunteers must be 18 or older. Register with Cheryl at literacyvolunteerspv@gmail.com or via literacyvolunteerspv.org/tutor-training-workshopform.html.

Ho-Ho-Hounds Town! Party was a romp

If youʼre looking for doggie daycare in Bergen County, this town designed just for dogs is the place to be. Hounds Town is Home to the Happiest Dogs on Earth, in Hillsdale. Here are snapshots from their 2023 Christmas party for some of their resident dogs. With 5,000 square feet of playrooms, luxury suites, overnight town homes, cat boarding villas, a full-service doggie day spa, and an expansive outdoor play area, Hounds Town Hillsdale offers fully interactive doggie daycare, overnight boarding for dogs and cats, dog spa services, and a pet taxi service. Hounds Town Hillsdale has large playrooms for all-day play, where dogs are placed in natural packs with other dogs of similar size, temperament, energy level, and personality, allowing them to express their natural pack instincts. Connect today to set up your free evaluation and free first day. 550 Piermont Ave., Hillsdale hillsdale@houndstownusa.com Phone: 1 (201) 666-0741 houndstownusa.com

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HOLIDAY

JANUARY 1, 2024 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Giulio’s Restaurant: Perfect for holiday parties

“At Giulioʼs, we only use the freshest ingredients in our homemade dishes. Featuring contemporary Italian cuisine with a Mediterranean twist, we strive to please every palate.” Owner Beni Qosja opened Giulioʼs Restaurant in 2022. Housed in a beautiful, romantic, Queen Anne Victorian in Historic Tappan, N.Y., just minutes from Bergen County, Giulioʼs Restaurant offers contemporary Italian cuisine.

guests to enjoy a fine glass of wine and a delicious meal. Beni brings more than 25 years of culinary experience to Giulioʼs Restaurant. Formerly of Vicolo of Old Tappan, Il Vicolo of Livingston and current owner of Limoncello in Waldwick, the years of world class experience and passion for culinary creations is evident in each and every of his signature dishes.

Built in 1880 by the Smith family, the rooms are adorned with carved woodwork and large beveled glass windows that make you feel like you stepped into another era. The warm and inviting fireplaces in the Main Dining Room and Oak Room beckon Appetizers as works of art.

Yes, please: Try the yellowfin tuna at Giulio’s Restaurant. Try everything!

MEDIA SALES ASSOCIATE

Join our ever growing sales team as as Sales Associate for the Pascack Press, Northern Valley Press North and South and near future publications. Applicants should be self-starters with drive to succeed. In this position, you will sell advertising space to new and existing accounts into our weekly newspapers and various other publications as well as digital media. Responsibilities will also include cold calling, outside sales and excellent customer service. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 201-664-2105 OR SEND RESUME TO: jobs@thepressgroup.net

Giulioʼs Restaurant creates contemporary dishes with only the finest and freshest ingredients. Visit for a drink in the full-service bar, a casual meal by the fireplace, or to celebrate your life's most memorable events in one of the private dining rooms. Formerly Giulioʼs of Tappan, the new Giulioʼs Restaurant offers guests a fresh experience with an updated décor and menu in a warm, romantic setting. When you go… Giulioʼs Restaurant 154 Washington Street Tappan, N.Y. 845-359-3657 See website for hours: www.giuliosrestaurant.com giuliosrestaurant@gmail.com

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WOODCLIFF LAKE

AHA’s Kate Hurst to swim for UT–Austin

Swimming star Kate Hurst of Hillsdale has inked her letter of intent to continue her athletic career at the University of Texas at Austin. Hurst is a senior at the Academy of the Holy Angels, which hosted the National Signing Day ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023.Her parents, Jayne and Justin Hurst, attended along with several classmates and Academy officials. Hurst is the reigning junior world champion in the 1500meter freestyle. Over the summer of 2023, she traveled to Netanaya, Israel, to participate in the Junior World Swimming Championships. She tested her skills against the worldʼs top athletes in the age 18 and under category and emerged from her event with a gold medal. Hurst began swimming at the age of seven. She trains with Scarlet Aquatics, a Bergen County-based club. “One of my favorite parts about the sport is the team aspect,” Hurst said in a recent interview. “The people I swim with are some of my closest friends, and I love training and racing with such amazing and motivated athletes. I am excited to continue this experience at the collegiate level next year.”

Dorchester Elementary School registration

Dorchester Elementary School is accepting applications for kindergarten eegistration for the 2024-25 school year. To be eligible for kindergarten in September 2024, children must be 5 years of age by Oct. 1, 2024. To access a registration packet, please visit the school website at woodcliff-lake.com. Navigate to Dorchester School, then click on Parent Information to access the

New Student/Kindergarten Registration link. The district requests you e-mail a completed registration form and all required documentation as directed on the Kindergarten Registration page by Friday, Feb. 9. Registration may also be done in person the week of Feb. 5–9. Any questions, please call the main office at (201) 930-5600 ext. 100.

MEDIA SALES ASSOCIATE

Reach more customers PASCACK PRESS ADS Hurst is reigning junior world champion in the 1500-meter freestyle.

Call 201.664.2105 fax 201.664.2109 or e-mail pascackpress@thepressgroup.net

JANUARY 1, 2024 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

DEMAREST

Sc h ool News

JANUARY 1, 2024 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

16 ASK THE APPRAISER!

Does $800 change your view on ‘ugly’ pottery vase?

Hi, Jon. Iʼve been looking at this thing since I was a young child. It belonged to my g ra n d m o t h e r, and then my mother. At first I BY JON FELZ thought it was R.Z.M. FINE ARTS & the ugliest thing ANTIQUES INC. in the world. I still find it ugly, but also interesting. I have no idea what it is or when it was made. Looking forward to learning about this thing. Henry J. Nanuet, N.Y.

4Senior appraiser Jon Felz of R.Z.M. Fine Arts & Antiques Inc. answers your questions on fine art, American coins, and great antiques. Send your questions and photos to rzmantique@aol.com

Hi, Henry, The “thing” you possess, in all its splendor, is a wonderful example of Art Deco period design (1920–1940). I guess it rings true that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. You own an American art pottery vase, in the Futura pattern, by the famous Roseville Pottery Company of Zanesville,

Read All About It! Want to receive our weekly digital newspaper? Subscribe on our website, www.pascackpress.com, or on our Facebook page!

Jon Felz estimates the value of the reader’s vase, a Balloon Globe Roseville piece, at $800. The Futura pattern, shown, has defied the falling trend in pottery and increased in value, as it appeals to younger buyers. Ohio. This “Balloon Globe” vase features a spherical body on an abstract angular base, with melt-

Collection Art Deco Roseville Futura Vases by Frank Ferrell, 1928, via 1stDibs.com. ing and blending colors. This appealing to a younger generadesign was a real step into the tion. Earlier this year I sold a future for the Roseville pottery Futura vase to a New York City line, getting away from the more decorator. traditional styles the company was I estimate the market value producing—perfect for the mod- for your Roseville Futura vase at ern times. $800. Thatʼs assuming the piece Your vase originally had a has remained in excellent condipaper Roseville label, now lost to tion. No chips, cracks or restoratime. Many patterns of Roseville tion. pottery have fallen in value, perThank you for your question haps due to pottery in general and great photographs. being less prized by the younger generation. The Futura pattern is R.Z.M. Fine Arts & Antiques Inc. one of the exceptions. I have is based at 132 Dexter Ave., observed an increase in Futura Pearl River, N.Y. Call (845) 735value due to its modern style 1313 or visit rzmantiques.com.

MOVING? DOWNSIZING?

on the ladies within a radius that was limited only by their ability to continue their trip. This was expected, and all homes where there were females kept “open house.” It didnʼt matter whether these were acquaintances or not. All who came were warmly welcomed. The tables bore ample refreshments, but the principal feature was glasses of wine, and in many cases a big pot of rum, kept hot on the stove. From this the steaming liquor was dipped in plentiful helpings. Frequently two or more young ladies would “receive” at the home of one of them. Between nibbling at little cakes sprinkled with anise seed

FROM PAGE 4

and originality being desired more than an evidence of good taste. Sometimes the edges were decorated with red silk fringe, which was considered very ornate. A sentimental line appeared on some, while others jocularly carried a request: “When I am drunk send me home.” In many cases this injunction would have been appropriate, though not told on the card. Everyone was expected to be at least a little tipsy before the day ended. Numerous callers, all of whom insisted that the ladies toast them with the wine, made it necessary that great care be exercised to retain a reasonable condition of sobriety. Then came the New Yearʼs balls when dancing was indulged in until a late hour. The 48 hours that marked New Yearʼs was truly a strenuous time in the old days.

JANUARY 1, 2024 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Report:

and sipping of lemon flavored punch, there was a mutual exchange of congratulations and felicitations. Then the young men moved on to the next home. Thus, a dozen or more calls could be made in an hour, and “calling” continued until well into the evening. The young ladies counted the number of calls they had received, and told of it proudly, the number never diminishing with the telling. For this event the young men had provided themselves with a supply of calling cards. These were not the engraved bristol cards of the ordinary social character, things practically unknown among us in those early days. Most of them carried a message of Happy New Year printed in one corner. Sometimes this appeared in red on gold lettering. Frequently the edges were cut in rough or pointed designs, variety

Smile

Not sweating small stuff

SO IN LOVE WITH YOUR

Less is more? Not when it came to Victorian holiday cards. An ornate greeting for the New Year, with red silk fringe.

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The Westwood Education Association posted this picture-postcard photo Dec. 15, 2023, saying: “Westwood Regional School District’s Special Services and Preschool staff participated in National Ugly Sweater Day!” It’s in the eye of the beholder! We like the look…

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JANUARY 1, 2024 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Health, Wellness &Fitness Guide

DR. KAPLAN: Optimize your breathing for better brain health There is an ancient Indian science of breathing called Pranayama, which has been practiced for thousands of years. Different breathing techniques have different DR. ERIC KAPLAN, effects on the KAPLAN BRAIN body, but they all & BODY have power to change the way energy is moving through the system. Learning breathing techniques has many health benefits, including improving your memory and focus. You should not attempt to start practicing most breathing exercises without the guidance of a teacher. However, there are universal principles about breathing that you should know to keep your brain healthy. For starters, most people breathe shallowly and into their chest. If you ask someone to take a deep breath in, youʼll usually see their shoulders rise and their chest inflate. This is not a healthy way to breathe. When you inhale, you want to imagine that you are sending air into the lower abdomen, and then when you exhale, you should imagine your navel getting closer to your spine. Your inhalations should also be half the length of your exhalations. So if you breathe in for a count of three, you should extend your exhale for a full count of six. For a simple and cost-effective way to improve the air quality in your home, you can get some oxygen-producing plants. Snake plants, spider plants, and aloe vera are all very good, low-maintenance options. If you have space, you can plant trees in your yard. One tree produces enough oxygen for five people. Plants arenʼt just great for eating – theyʼre also wonderful to help you breathe easier, which in turn benefits your brain and helps keep your memory strong.

As a functional neurologist, I recommend that your blood oxygen percentage be no lower than 98%. We also have an oxygen therapy machine which doubles the amount of oxygen in the air youʼre breathing. If you start to maximize your oxygen intake, eat healthfully, and keep your brain acti-

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vated, you will see changes in your brain function and focus. Even though it is hard to remember to breathe deeply and attentively, it is keyfor your brain. Give it a try and see the benefits yourself.

If you really want to go for it and gen into the cells and helps to decrease take control of your health for the new symptoms, increase function, and help year, one of the best ways is through improve the quality of life. It actually hyperbaric oxygen chamber therapy also increases mitochondrial function, (HBOT). With HBOT, the patient lies increases energy, boosts your immune down in a chamber that is full of oxy- system, helps with neurological condigen and then there is an increase in tions, dizziness, headaches, stroke pressure that kind of squeezes the oxy- rehab, and improves brain function for optimal healing and recovery.

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French, Italian and Russian schools of training. There is a saturation of excellence in the content and in the striking panel of experts across many disciplines (including dance, medicine, physical therapy, and child development), whose wisdom had been polled to develop the curriculum. Studies have shown that ballet training can have astonishing benefits for students, benefits that will stay with them throughout their lives, such as: improved proprioception, coordination, posture, and cardiovascular health; as well as discipline and realization of the importance of

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fulfilling commitments and team-work. Other benefits include selfesteem, communication skills, cultural enrichment, and better cognitive abilities, including reading and mathematics. Next on the agenda for Ballet Arts students is the participation of select students in the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) competition, a non-profit dance education organization with a mission to support and develop world-class dancers ages 9–19; and then a spring production of “The Sleeping Beauty” on April 27 and 28. Learn more! Ballet Arts is at 207 Kinderkamack Road in Emerson. For information on Ballet Artsʼ training, programs and performances, contact (201) 970-7690 or balletartsnj@icloud.com.

Special offers! If you have been enjoying my weekly articles, you should also listen to my radio show BOOST YOUR BRAIN POWER every Saturday at 8AM on 970 AM radio and at 2PM on 710 AM radio. You can also hear it on I heart radio, spotify, as well as the radio stations website and phone apps. Additionally, please like and subscribe to our YouTube Channel “Kaplan Brain and Body”, as well as our social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok which are all under the name Kaplan Brain and Body. If you or someone you know are interested in learning more about boosting your brainpower without drugs, surgery, injections, supplements, or herbs, please purchase my book, Boost Your Brainpower: A Guide to Improving Your Memory & Focus. What better gift to give yourself than the gift of health! You can buy it on Amazon or I can even sign your book if you buy it at our offices in Emerson, NJ or NYC. You can receive a special and important neurological evaluation to determine why you have problems with your brain such as mood, energy, memory, focus, sleep, digestion, anger, pain, inflammation, headaches, dizziness, brain fog, balance, posture, anxiety, depression, and many other brain problems. There is no radiation. You do not need to take contrast fluid. You do not have to lie down in some small tube. This test is non-invasive and is called a qEEG brain mapping. It usually costs $500, but as our gift to you, you can get the entire brain map for only $21. You must be one of the first seven people that email info@kaplanbrainandbody.com or text/call (646) 221-6738 to reserve your spot. Check out our website kaplandc.com to learn more about how to function better, feel better, live better.

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THE SAVVY SENIOR: Essential topics to discuss with your aging parents Dear Savvy Senior, My siblings and I don't know much about our elderly parentsʼ financial situation or their wishes if and BY JIM MILLER when something happens to them. Whatʼs the best way to handle this? What should we know? — Apprehensive Daughter Dear Apprehensive, Many adult children donʼt know much about their elderly parentʼs financial situation or endof-life plans, but they need to. Getting up to speed on their finances, insurance policies, long-term care plans and other information is important because some day you might have to help them handle their financial affairs or care, or execute their estate plan after they die. Without this information, your job becomes much more difficult. Here are some tips that can help.

Have the Conversation If youʼre uncomfortable talking to your parents about this, use this column as a prompt or see TheConversationProject.org, which offers free guides that can help you kick-start these discussions. Itʼs also a good idea to get all your siblings involved too. This can help you head off any possible hard feelings, plus, with others involved, your parents will know everyone is concerned. When you talk with your parents, youʼll need to collect some information, find out where they keep key documents and how they

want certain things handled when they die or if they become incapacitated. Hereʼs a checklist of areas to focus on.

PERSONAL INFORMATION • Contacts: Make a list of names and phone numbers of your parentʼs doctors, lawyer, accountant, broker, tax preparer, insurance agent, etc. • Medical information: Make a copy of their medical history and a list of medications they take. • Personal documents: Find out where they keep their Social Security card, marriage license, military discharge papers, etc. • Secured places: Make a list of places they keep under lock and key such as safe deposit boxes, safe combination, security alarms, etc. Digital assets: Make a list of their digital assets – everything from social media accounts to online banking. It should include usernames and passwords. • Pets: If they have a pet, what are their instructions for the animalʼs care? • End of life: What are their wishes for organ or body donation, and their funeral instructions? If theyʼve made pre-arrangements with a funeral home, get a copy of the agreement. LEGAL DOCUMENTS • Will: Do they have an updated will or trust, and where is it located? • Power of attorney: Do they have a power of attorney document that names someone to handle their financial matters if they become incapacitated? • Advance directives: Do

PASCACK VALLEY

Ask the Dentist:

Do I really need a filling if I don’t have any pain?

Question: My dentist told me that I have two cavities but I feel no pain. Should I fill the teeth? Al C. – Hillsdale Answer: This ROBERT H. GULLER, D.M.D OF PASCACK DENTAL ARTS is a good question and it is fairly easily explained. Decay, worn out fillings and small holes or cracks in teeth do not hurt unless they are very close to the nerve or involve the nerve of the tooth. When that happens, itʼs often too late to simply fill the tooth and the tooth

may need to be treated with a root canal or extraction. Dentists try to identify a problem before it gets to the point of needing extensive treatment. Once decay or fractures are present, it is rare for the condition to stagnate or reverse on its own. Itʼs not a great idea to let pain be your motivator but if you do have any discomfort itʼs better to seek help sooner rather then later. For questions about this and other dental procedures contact Dr. Guller at askdrguller@aol.com or call (201) 391-5565.

they have a living will and a medical power of attorney that spells out their wishes regarding their end-of-life medical treatment? If they donʼt have these documents

prepared, nowʼs the time to make them.

FINANCIAL RECORDS • Financial accounts: Make

a list of their bank accounts, brokerage and mutual fund accounts, and any other financial assets they have. CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

RVVAC welcomes EMT Krebs

RIVER VALE

River Vale Volunteer Ambulance Corps treasurer Andrea Velthaus (left) and captain Nancy Miles (right) congratulate the corps’ newest EMT, Brienna Krebs. Krebs recently passed her National Registry exams and is now able to practice her newly learned skills, where she will be under the close supervision of more seasoned EMTs. Serving the Township of River Vale since 1957, the corps is composed of approximately 20 volunteers: students, retirees, homemakers, and corporate professionals included. — Photo courtesy RVVAC

JANUARY 1, 2024 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Health, Wellness &Fitness Guide

JANUARY 1, 2024 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

SIX PRIORITIES FOR THE SANDWICH GENERATION

Editorʼs note: The following article is for informational purposes only. The “Sandwich Generation”— adults caring for ERIC KOHLMEIER aging parents as well as children—faces several stressful challenges that come from trying to juggle everyoneʼs needs. One of those top stressors: finances, such as how to cover education and health care costs

and still save enough for retirement. The demands often compete with one another—which is why setting clear priorities is so important. Here are six tips for setting those priorities to help you deliver the support your loved ones need—without shortchanging yourself. • Take care of your future first. Saving enough for retirement should be your top priority. You have to take care of your needs before you help your parents and your children.

• Create or update your investment plan. Create an investment plan that will help you balance your financial goals with the needs of your children and parents. Review your budget, analyze your expenses, and set savings targets to help you prioritize planning for an expense, such as college costs or long-term care for your parents. • Review your insurance coverage. Protecting your income is always a good idea, but itʼs even more important when you have two generations depending on

you. Make sure you have enough life insurance in case something happens to you to pay off your mortgage and other debt, and to help cover the future living expenses of your dependents. And donʼt forget disability insurance: More than a quarter of todayʼs 20-year-olds will become disabled before they retire, according to the Council for Disability Awareness. • Check in on your parentsʼ financial health. Though it might seem awkward, talk to your parents about their wishes for the future and their financial health. What financial assets and expenses do they have? How do they plan to meet their financial obligations? Do they have a plan to cover the costs of long-term care? This conversation can help you determine how much financial support you will need to provide. Also, make sure your parents have done adequate estate planning, and ask for copies of their will or trust, durable power of attorney, healthcare power of attorney, and advance healthcare directive. Make sure your own estate-planning documents are complete and updated as well. • Consider reducing financial support for grown children. Many parents still help their grown children with their finances—sometimes even to their detriment. Many young Baby Boomers are still paying their kidsʼ expenses, cell phone bill, or car insurance. If this is the case for you, talk with your

children about the steps they can take to start becoming more financially independent. • Look for ways to help reduce your taxes. In some cases, you may be able to claim your aging parents as dependents. Also check with a tax advisor to see if their medical expenses qualify as a tax deduction. Another way that may benefit your financial bottom line is to set up a 529 Plan for your childrenʼs education expenses. Wells Fargo Advisors is not a tax or legal advisor. All investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing in a 529 savings plan. The official statement, which contains this and other information, can be obtained by calling your financial advisor. Read it carefully before you invest. 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. Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered brokerdealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. © 2019 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. CAR #0119-03128.

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Praises:

She urged residents to consider running for office, Morgan thanked the mayor for believing in her “though there were many times we disagreed” and said they both shared a desire to move the town forward. She thanked attorney Kenneth Poller “for all the patience youʼve shown me” and administrator Mark DiCarlo for “routinely updating residents with answers to their questions” in a timely manner. She thanked clerk Sue Witkowski—“Where do I begin,

FROM PAGE 3

thank you for it all”—and said to Sears she was “forever grateful.” She thanked Cascio for “endless help over these last four years.” She thanked Feeney and Velez for “pushing the needle forward for us ladies.” And she thanked her family for their patience and support. Morgan asked the new councilpersons “to let the voice of the residents be the loudest in the room and to listen more than you talk.” Morgan, a registered nurse, manages a 24-bed psychiatric unit at St. Josephʼs Health in Paterson. Born and raised in Bergen County, and a resident since 2006, on the campaign trail she said she and her husband, Jason, were drawn to the township for its high

quality of life and excellent school system to raise their four daughters in. She is a coordinator for the townʼs recreational cheerleading program, where she is extremely dedicated to the growth of the program. In the years she has been overseeing the program, there has been new life and tremendous growth. Morgan campaigned in 2019 as an active member of the Board of Health and Board of Recreation and as an ambassador for the Township Stigma Free Initiative, which is recognized countywide. DeMarco Feeney, who works in accounting and finance, campaigned in 2019 as a longtime resident of the Township of Wash-

HILLSDALE

COUNTY CALL-UP The Pascack Valley High School Music Department is proud to announce and congratulate outstanding student musicians—junior tubist Eddie Grcic and sophomore trumpeter Carolyn Veit—on their acceptance to the Bergen County Band. Both students placed first on their instruments in this year’s highly competitive audition. Eddie and Carolyn, along with others chosen for this all-county ensemble, will prepare a challenging program of music to be performed at Bergenfield High School on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024 at 3 p.m. The Bergen County Band is sponsored by The Music Educators of Bergen County, an organization that strives to enrich the lives of students in the schools of Bergen County through the teaching of

Left to right: Carolyn Veit (trumpet), PV Director of Bands Craig Yaremko, and Eddie Grcic (tuba). PVHS photo. music and collaboration of the growth and development music teachers in the county. of county music educators and The organization since drive student achievement. 1964 has fostered the The association has hosted an exchange of ideas to enhance all-county band since 1989.

ington. A graduate of the townshipʼs Immaculate Heart Academy and loyal Bergen County resident, in 2019 she had recently returned to reside in her hometown with her husband, Matthew, and daughter, Emma. She noted on the campaign trail that in her career and personal life she had “developed the

leadership skills and experience needed to drive meaningful results. As a Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award recipient, Stacey has shown her dedication to service and her community. Volunteerism is an everyday part of her life, which she also instills in her daughter.”

Riedel reps Cortland in Div. III football championship win TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

SUNY Cortlandʼs football team capped the most successful season in program history with the ultimate prize: its first-ever national championship trophy. The Red Dragons won the 50th Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl in thrilling fashion, 38-37, over previously unbeaten and top-ranked North Central College (Ill.), snapping a 29-game winning streak for the Cardinals. The national championship took place Dec. 15 at Salem Stadium in Salem, Va., and was broadcast live on ESPNU. North Central was the defending Division III national champion and had established itself as the nationʼs premier Division III football program over the past five years, bringing a 56-2 record into the game since the start of the 2019 season. In a game that featured two prolific offenses, the Cardinals took a 7-3 lead into halftime before a back-and-forth secondhalf shootout that saw 65 points scored, three lead changes and three ties. North Central scored a touchdown on a 60-yard pass to cut Cortlandʼs lead to 38-37 with 1:20 to play, but the Red Dragons stopped the ensuing two-point conversion and protected the ball to secure the win. Cortland junior quarterback Zac Boyes was sensational, completing 26-of-34 passes for 349 yards and five touchdowns. He also ran for 123 yards on 16 attempts. The teamʼs receiving corps was led by senior Cole Burgess (11 receptions for 134 yards and two touchdowns), sophomore Joe Iadevaio (eight

Steven Riedel of the Township of Washington was part of SUNY Cortland football history as the Red Dragons played in their firstever Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl for the Division III football national championship on Friday, Dec. 15. SUNY Cortland photo.

receptions for 95 yards and two touchdowns) and senior JJ Laap (two receptions for 75 yards and one touchdown). Cortland finishes the season with a 14-1 record. The Red Dragons entered the Division III playoffs ranked 11th nationally in the final D3football.com poll of the regular season and earned five straight wins against Top-25 opponents. Cortland also was the first school from New York to reach the Division III title game since Ithaca won the 1991 national title. The national championship is the universityʼs 26th team title overall. — SUNY Cortland

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Council:

approved a $950,000 bond ordinance Dec. 11, 2023 to purchase approximately 3.15 acres of undeveloped property in two lots on

FROM PAGE 1

North Fifth Street. The bond ordinance notes the property will be purchased from its owner, Metropolitan Homes, and includes Block 608, lots 15 and 37. Borough Clerk Maggie Giandomenico explained, “Overall, the existing property is wooded and vegetated with a section of the

Lovely library

Mill Brook crossing through the property.” She said, “We had to initially bond for the purchase, but we intend to apply for the 2024 Green Acres application with this and I have started working on that application with our borough engineer and grant writer. The goal is to apply for Green Acres 2024 funding round grant monies to make the area passive recreation.” The state Department of Environmental Protection, Green Acres Program provides loans and/or grants to municipal and county governments and grants to nonprofit organizations for assistance in the acquisition, development, and stewardship of lands for outdoor recreation and conservation purposes. “This will not only add to our passive recreation, but also prevent overdevelopment on those

WESTWOOD, TOWNSHIP

These photos and more: westwoodpubliclibrary.org WESTWOOD

The Westwood Shade Tree Advisory Committee recently was at Westwood Free Public Library, sharing a Shade Tree Volunteer Spotlight: “Have you been to the Westwood Free Public Library? Terence Beutel, our newest member of the committee, had a vision three years ago to start the Westwood Garden Club. “The goal of the Westwood Garden Club is to maintain the library gardens for the enjoyment of the community; to enjoy the company of other gardeners; and to be a resource for information

and plants for the community. “The Westwood Garden Club also helped the Westwood Shade Tree Advisory Committee plant six trees for our 2023 Arbor Fest Tree Planting Celebrations. We look forward to collaborations in 2024!”

DISTRICT KINDERGARTEN PRE-REG OPENS JAN. 3

A child residing in the Borough of Westwood or Township of Washington who will be 5 years old on or before Oct. 1, 2024, is eligible to enter kindergarten in September 2024. Pre-registration will open on Jan. 3, 2024. Cisit the districtʼs website to complete the online pre-registration process, review important registration procedures, and download the required checklist and forms. When visiting the district website, navigate to Menu, Families, and select Student Registration. Note, this is a pre-registration only. Students will not be considered enrolled until parent(s)/guardian(s) submit the required documentation. If you have any questions regarding the process, call (201) 664-0880 ext. 2011.

lots,” Giandomenico said. The borough was awarded a $92,500 land acquisition grant from the Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund in 2021 to help partly pay for the purchase. Bond Ordinance 2023-017 states that the total amount of bonds or notes will be $857,500, which includes $30,108 for architect fees, accounting, engineering, inspection costs, legal expenses and other expenses. North Fifth Street resident Burton Hall praised the councilʼs action preserving the property for open space. He said the “actions that you have taken will preserve the character of the community— this is not a small thing. In this very quiet room, you have made a very loud statement and I thank you.” He said the purchase was the result of “20 years of hard work” by officials and the community. Hall congratulated the council for approving the purchase. Outgoing Council President William Fenwick noted that he

and council have been negotiating all year long for the property, adding “Iʼve probably got more phone calls about this than many other issues, and Iʼm very thankful that the council decided to move forward with this project. I know itʼs been pending for some time.” Fenwick said the purchase marked the second Open Space acquisition by the borough this year, after acquiring a property off of Forest Street, which was considered for purchase years ago. “So Iʼm happy to see that Park Ridge will remain a community filled with open space.” Mayor Keith Misciagna said, “Everybody up here on the dais, to a person, supports saving our open space and everybody was in agreement with this purchase for future generations.” Indicating Hall, he added, “And I know itʼs near and dear to your heart. Weʼre happy we could do that for you, for the community, and for the future.”

Savvy: Essentials • Debts and liabilities: Make a list of any loans, leases or debts they have – mortgages owed, car loans, student loans, medical bills, credit card debts. Also, make a list of all credit and charge cards, including the card numbers and contact information. • Company benefits: Make a list of any retirement plans, pensions or benefits from their former employers including the contact information of the benefits administrator. • Insurance: Make a list of the insurance policies they have (life, long-term care, home, auto, Medicare, etc.) including the policy numbers, agents and phone numbers.

FROM PAGE 19

• Property: Make a list of the real estate, vehicles or other properties they own, rent or lease and where they keep the deeds, titles and loan or lease agreements. • Taxes: Find out where they keep copies of past yearʼs tax returns. Youʼre probably not going to get all this figured out in one gathering, so itʼs important to keep the conversation going to ensure your parentʼs wishes will be accurately executed. Send your senior questions to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

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She says, “We also appreciate the Park Ridge Liz Falkenstern of the Park Ridge Recreation and Cultural Committee says “Thank you to band Police and the Park Ridge Police Reserves for director John Diomede and the PRHS Marching always helping out at our community events.” Band” for a wonderful 2023 borough Christmas tree lighting ceremony sponsored by the Recreation and Cultural Committee on Dec. 9. She adds, “Thanks to the PRHS cheerleaders and Danielle Schwartz, director. Thank you to our special singer, Viana Harley. We appreciate the cookies from Il Freno Espresso Bar, candy canes from Light Bridge Academy in Montvale, fresh pop corn from Peter Wells, Architect and Vozza Insurance and the phone card holders from The Park Ridge Christmas tree lighting ceremony sponsored by the Recreation and Cultural Committee on Dec. 9, 2023 drew Park Ridge Utilities!” families downtown. Photo via Liz Falkenstern

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or if spring baseball practice has gone awry with an errant throw, windows may require replacement. • Drafts in the window are common. If heating and cooling systems are working overtime, drafty, poorly insulated windows could be to blame. Various agencies can perform energy efficien-

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cy tests in a home. Windows that are determined to be the weak spots should be replaced. • Dated windows are present in the home. Older windows may pose safety hazards, especially those in older homes. A larger window may be needed to comply with fire safety codes allowing for window egress. Dated windows also may simply look “old” and compromise the aesthetics of a home. • Outdoor noises are noticed quite readily. Newer windows can help reduce noise transmission. So those leaf blowers, airplanes, barking dogs, and kids playing basketball up the street wonʼt disturb homeowners as they try to enjoy some peace and quiet indoors. • Fading indoors is noted. Windows that do not feature low-emissivity (Low-E) glass coatings will not block UV rays. Those rays can cause fading to wood floors and furniture or pretty much anything the sunlight touches. Replacing existing windows with Low-E coating alternatives can safeguard belongings and improve window efficiency. Window replacement may be necessary when existing windows are showing signs of aging or damage.

dredging of Mill Pond throughout the year, noting the well-known lake was suffering due to siltation and pollution. On Nov. 7, a nonbinding public question on a $15.5 million referendum to dredge Mill Pond (Electric Lake) went down by a decisive 59% to 41%, or 1,619 votes to 1,112 votes, with over 42% of voters casting ballots. The average countywide turnout was 30 percent. Local officials noted then they had received a grant for $1.5 million for infrastructure improvement that could be used to help finance the dredging project. Another state grant for $12 million was submitted in June but not successful. More discussion on what steps should be taken shortterm is likely to be before the mayor and council in 2024. Surprisingly, a minor rat infestation in a two-block area of the borough made Page One in July but an exterminator quickly eradicated the problem. The exterminator said no definitive cause for the minor rat situation could be identified, and within weeks no rats were being seen or found in traps. Good news for the police departmentʼs first female officer and newest police academy graduate, Julia Manning, who graced Page One in December. Man-

FROM PAGE 8

REAL ESTATE

ningʼs long association with the police department and leadership in its DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program was recognized by police officials and the public upon her graduation. Also, Mayor Keith Misciagna told us that renewed efforts to construct a community center—scuttled due to post-Covid price increases—were likely to begin anew in 2024. In RIVER VALE, the longdiscussed, nearly $15 million Public Safety Complex finally got a green light from Council in late November, with bids likely to go out early this year. Only months ago, council had rejected bids that were about $500,000 to $1 million more. Following initial bids, the council approved bonding for up to $6 million more to cover increasing costs. Council initially approved bonding for $13.3 million to cover the projectʼs costs in 2021 and recently bonded an extra $6 million following the first round of bids, which all were rejected by council. While several residents recently questioned the escalating cost of the new complex, and others have questioned the facilityʼs cost from the outset, the mayor and council say the building must be built due to the lacking, out-ofdate police building and previous councilsʼ lack of action on the issue. In February 2022, the council hired Epic Management Services,

Inc., a construction management company for $378,000 to oversee the anticipated 18-month Public Safety Complex project, including bid specs, building construction, and daily construction activities. The bidding process and construction schedule are likely to become known following bid acceptance by the council. While the local Board of Educationʼs Nov. 7, 2023 referendum to hire three armed security officers for schools was defeated by voters, it was unclear if the district would pursue other options to bolster elementary and middle school security. TOWNSHIP OF In WASHINGTON, it was a busy year with ripples likely throughout 2024. Recently, the Council voted to approve an appropriation of $825,000 to buy 450 Pascack Road, a 3.2 acre sliver of land long-sought and was also awarded a $550,000 county Open Space grant to help fund the acquisition. Walking trails and passive recreation are said to be in its future. Two huge stories in 2023 were the countyʼs long-delayed upgrade of the busy Pascack Road and Washington Avenue intersection, and the Zoning Board of Adjustmentʼs denial of a proposed 17,100 square foot shopping plaza, called Four Seasons Marketplace, at that same intersection. In late March 2024, the applicant, 660 Pascack Realty LLC, and Zoning Board attorney, are due in Superior Court, Hacken-

sack, to argue the applicantʼs appeal. The applicant alleges the decision was arbitrary, capricious and unreasonable given the evidence and proofs presented. Also on a positive note, three so-called “zombie houses”, or vacant, dilapidated structures at the Pascack-Washington corner were torn down in late August, and a newly hired code enforcement officer had previously issued violation notices to the homesʼ owners, plus other homes that

long-needed repairs, including 450 Pascack. Another ongoing Open Space acquisition, the former 6.1-acre swim club, is currently being evaluated for appropriate recreation options by the engineer, mayor, administrator and Recreation Advisory Board. Future recreation plans for the property may be disclosed in early 2024 and likely discussed at CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

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2024:

council meetings. Another ongoing story is if and when the newly-seated Council will approve one of architect Arcari Iovinoʼs designs (such as Option 3) for the new DPW Building. The Option 3 design, estimated at $7.6 million, favored by the prior council includes new space for the police department at town hall, and moves the council chambers and courtroom to the second floor of a proposed new, five-bay DPW complex. Officials previously approved a new DPW facility design in December 2022 but held off moving ahead while they requested

FROM PAGE 27

designs to expand police department space and urged the architect to be creative. Arcari Iovino then proposed three alternate designs, including one involving the proposed DPW facility. However, none of the designs included storage of all DPW vehicles on site. Recently, Council approved a nearly $64,000, twoyear lease for 35 parking spaces at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church after accepting a county Open Space land acquisition grant that partly funds the purchase of the former swim club. As a condition of taking the funds, the township had to remove DPW vehicles parked at the swim club to another location. Apparently, no other parking options exist despite the mayor and councilʼs efforts to find alternate loca-

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F/T Temporary Seasonal Laborer – Hillsdale DPW. Department of Public Works is seeking individuals to assist with maintenance & leaf collection. No experience is necessary. Pays up to $18 per hour. Responsibilities include park maintenance, emptying garbage cans, litter removal, raking & blowing leaves and performing other manual labor duties. NJ driver’s license is required. Applicants must fill out application which is available on town website: www.Hillsdalenj.org or pick up a copy at Borough Hall. 380 Hillsdale Ave, Hillsdale. Please send to DHayes@hillsdalenj.org or DKohan@hillsdalenj.org or drop off at borough hall.

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tions. In WESTWOOD, Mayor Ray Arroyo has taken an advocacy role regarding finding regional solutions to the flooding problems plaguing his community and the Pascack Valley. Along with the 10town Pascack Valley Mayors Association, and surrounding towns, Arroyo has pressed for support for legislation (Senate-790; Assembly-4200) sponsored by Sen. Holly Schepisi, 39th District, that would require reservoir operators to lower levels in response to severe rainfall events to help mitigate flooding. Also, Westwood is working with Stevens Institute of Technology on a two-year, $200,000 study previously mentioned that will help customize a computer model for reservoir operators to help mitigate flooding in the Pascack Valley. The state grant was secured by Sen. Schepisi. Arroyo has also previously authored several articles on flooding and flood management featured in our newspaper. Moreover, Westwoodʼs summer music series, Music on the Avenues, sponsored by Celebrate Westwood, featured 35 performances across 14 summer weekends, and was honored by a statewide nonprofit, Downtown New Jersey, which works to help promote and ensure the vitality of the stateʼs downtowns. Celebrate Westwood was honored by Downtown New Jersey for making a significant impact on downtown economic development. It was also honored in 2020 with a Downtown New Jersey Placemaking Award in the Early Action/Vol-

unteer Organization Category. In WOODCLIFF LAKE, 2024 may finally be the year of Galaxy Gardens Passive Park, at press time an empty lot at the busy Werimus Road and Woodcliff Avenue crossing. As a footnote, we reported in early 2023 that Mayor Carlos Rendo was calling for quicker action so that no grant funding or donors got discouraged after prior delays in getting construction started. In a June 2022 Page One story, we reported the unveiling of the new design for the park, with an anticipated opening in 2023. The mayor then noted that most park costs, then estimated at $3.5 million, had been underwritten by grants, municipal Open Space funds, and donors. Later In October 2022, another Page One story reported that park costs had dropped to $2.9 million, according to DMR architect Frances Reiner. In September 2023, we reported “Galaxy Gardens Park eyed for 2024,” noting that the consulting engineer was working with state environmental officials for land use permits required to build due to issues with wetlands and a nearby Category One waterway. In addition, concerns about parking and park access had delayed park progress. Another 2024 story will be the upcoming development of a 46unit rental complex at 188 Broadway, including 37 apartment rental units and nine townhomes, and the future of Broadway Corridor. Moreover, the development of 24 nearby affordable housing units on a North Broadway site wil likely

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HELP WANTED ADMIN/OFFICE MANAGER WESTWOOD This is a year-round position. General Duties: Answering the phone, Ordering supplies, Invoicing, Bank deposits, Data entry. Bookkeeping skills are a must (knowledge of QuickBooks or Sage 50)! Bookkeeping duties include: Expense reports, Processing payments, Billing, Payroll entry.This Job Is Ideal for someone who Is: Dependable (more reliable than spontaneous), Peopleoriented (enjoys interacting with people and working on group projects), Adaptable/flexible (enjoys doing work that requires frequent shifts in direction), Detail oriented (would rather focus on the details of work than the bigger picture), Achievement-oriented (enjoys taking on challenges, even if they might fail) Autonomous/Independent (enjoys working with little direction), Innovative (prefers working in unconventional ways or on tasks that require creativity). Call 551-404-4359.

occur this year. On top of these issues, some larger stories weʼll continue to report on in 2024 include the ever-increasing flooding in towns; jet airplane noise; the mayorsʼ call for an affordable housing “pause” until July 2028; coverage of upcoming primary and general election candidates/races; and how our county elections officials are preparing for November 2024 presidential elections.

Your turn In addition, our eight towns are filled with stories coming from school districts, police departments, civic and community organizations, businesses, public officials, parents, elementary schools, middle schools, college students, young adults and taxpayers who care about their community and want to find ways to help and improve the local quality of life. If youʼre one of them, and have a story you feel we should know about, drop us a line at pascackpress@thepressgroup.net or call our office at (201) 6642105. Staff writer Michael Olohan has been covering Pascack and Northern valley town governments, school districts, and elections for the Pascack Press/Northern Valley Press since fall 2017, and in 2021 was recognized by the NJ Society of Professional Journalists for excellence in grassroots reporting. He covered northern Bergen County for North Jersey Media Group from 2013 to 2016.

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Owen D. Cassidy, 92, passed peacefully on Dec. 21, 2023, joining his predeceased wife, Mary. He was a dear brother to his sister Mary “Sis,” a devoted father to his three children, Mike, Patty and Cathy, and a beloved grandfather to his six grandchildren, Colin, Danny, Katie, Timmy, Blair and Blake. He was born in Kingston N.Y. and made his home in Emerson for over 60 years with his wife, Mary. Owen served as mayor of the Borough of Emerson for two terms and a councilman for five terms, for a total of 23 years. He loved both the town and the people he served. Owenʼs lifelong career was with IBM. He spent the majority of his time in sales, later working in finance and human resources. Owen was a 4th degree Knight with the Knight of Columbus Emerson Council. Prior in Massachusetts, Owen was president of the Kiwanis Club of Pittsfield. Owen was a first lieutenant with the U.S. Army Signal Corps in Korea. He graduated from Rutgers University in 1953 with a degree in political science. He ran cross-country and track for Rutgers and loved running 5K and 10K races into his late 70s. “The Mayor” made friends everywhere he went and was a delight to all who knew him. His smile and positive attitude were infectious. The family received relatives and friends on Thursday, Dec. 28 at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood. A Mass celebrating Owenʼs life was held on Friday, Dec. 29 at Assumption Church, Emerson.

Daryl Leon TOPPIN

Daryl Leon Toppin, 41, of River Vale, passed away suddenly on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. Daryl, born on Jan. 10, 1982 in Brooklyn, N..Y, is survived by his beloved parents, Laurence III and Daisy, and his brother Laurence IV (Angela). He is predeceased by his twin brother, Daren. For the last 10 years Daryl had been employed by Prime Communications, the largest privately held AT&T Authorized Retailer in the US and a premier partner of AT&T. He enjoyed the challenges of retail business and served as a retail store manager for its Northvale store. In 2017, Daryl was awarded the prestigious Pinnacle award by Prime, recognizing one of their best yearly sales per-

formers of the organization. Besides his parents, brother and sister in-law mentioned above, Daryl leaves to mourn his auntie Marilyn; uncles Kyle, Nolan (Bea), Adlai (Joan) and Charles (Hilda); nieces, Kennedy and Kamryn; and numerous cousins and friends. Daryl, we love you dearly and you will be greatly missed. Rest in heavenly peace with Daren. The family received guests at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, on Tuesday, Jan. 9 from 4 to 8 p.m. A celebration of life will commence at Grace Episcopal Church, 9 Harrington Ave., Westwood at 11 a.m. followed with an interment at Westwood Cemetery in Westwood. Becker-FuneralHome.com.

Stephen VOLPI

Stephen Volpi, 89, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, on Dec. 21, 2023. Stephen was born and raised in Borough Park, Brooklyn, N.Y. When he was drafted to the military during the Korean War, he proposed to and married his wife Cynthia, where they spent their first year of marriage just outside the Fort Benning base. After his service, Cynthia and Stephen settled in Bergenfield where they raised their two daughters, Denise and Brenda. Stephen worked as a fleet manager for the BCUA. Upon his retirement, Stephen and Cynthia moved to River Vale, where he continued as a crossing guard for 20 years at Roberge School. His fondest memories are crossing his four grandchildren from school every day and making life-long friendships with parents, students, teachers and staff, and the River Vale police officers. Stephen is survived by his wife of 68 years, Cynthia (Altobello) Volpi, daughters Denise (Volpi) Willard, and Brenda (Volpi) Widman and her husband, Paul. Stephen was the most loving and loyal grandfather to Stephen Willard, Lauren Widman, Brett Willard, and Alex Widman. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at T2T.org/donate.

David GHIRALDINI

David Ghiraldini, 55, of Park Ridge, passed away on Dec. 22, 2023. A leap year baby, he was born on Feb. 29, 1968 to Roy and Traute

Ghiraldini in Brooklyn, N.Y. After graduating Stockton University in 1989, David embarked on a successful career in advertising sales in New York City, where he worked at a variety of ad agencies and media companies including CBS and Yahoo! Most recently he headed digital marketing at Rapid Pump & Meter in Paterson. David is survived by his two loving sons, Griffin, 23, Spencer, 21, their mom, Sophie Gerson, also of Park Ridge, and so many close and dear friends. David had many interests and hobbies. Hiking was a passion. He went on many challenging trails in places like Shenandoah, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon and Yosemite with his boys alongside him. On the weekends he could often be found exploring Harriman State Park and Ramapo Reservation with his camera, as he was also an avid photographer producing beautiful photographs of the landscapes. David also loved many types of music. He ranks up there as one of Bruce Springsteenʼs biggest fans, and he also enjoyed eclectic bands. Browsing vinyl record stores with Griffin and Spencer was another favorite weekend pastime. He will be greatly missed. The family will receive guests at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, on Friday, Jan. 29 from 3 to 8 p.m. Details of a celebration of life will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org or Villa Marie Claire in Saddle River at villamarieclaire.org/support.

James Calvin MULLER SR.

James Calvin Mueller Sr. , husband, father, grandfather, stepfather, brother-in-law, uncle, grand-uncle, dogand a daddy, friend to many, passed away suddenly on Aug. 5, 2022. James, known to most as Jim, and to some as Jimmy, was born in 1942. He was the son of the late Evelyn Westervelt and Jacob Mueller of Old Tappan. He was preceded in death by his caring wife of 41 years, Susan B. Whitley-Mueller as well as his only sister, whom he deeply loved, Karen Kelly. Jim graduated from Northern Valley Regional High School in Demarest, Class of 1959. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Jim pursued his life’s work by joining the Jersey City Fire Department. He served the city for the rest of his career, becoming a battalion chief, training officer and lead fire inspector instructor. Being a firefighter and first responder embodied who Jim was. He viewed himself as an aid to those in need. When asked about this dangerous work, he

said, “I’ve always wanted to help others, I put that first; I don’t know any other way.” To his credit, while working shifts, Jim attended Jersey City State College, obtaining one bachelor’s degree in fire safety and another in fire prevention and safety technology. With these degrees he also taught prospective firefighters at the Bergen County Fire Academy in Mahwah. As a resident of Westwood for over 25 years, Jim served on various committees related to fire prevention and volunteered for Rotary. His favorite activity was to go into the schools and teach children how to respond in case of fire. He particularly loved to encourage them to Stop! Drop! And Roll!, enjoying how vigorously they took to this fun lifesaving drill. His pleasures, which he took very seriously, were loyalty to the New York Rangers and the New York Giants. Jim loved his dogs; his Labrador Retrievers, Cheyenne, Maverick and Jake. Nothing pleased him more than driving his truck with a dog by his side. After retiring from the fire department, he and Susan settled in Pawleys Island, S.C. Here he finally had the time to putter around the house, tinker in his garden, do some woodworking and watch old westerns into the night. He joined the Pawleys Island Rotary Club and availed himself again to teach fire safely. He loved and cherished his time with his family and sadly, but with wonderful memories, leaves behind his son, James C. Mueller Jr.; his nephew, James Kelly and his wife, Nicole of Portland, Conn.; his dear niece, Elizabeth Kelly of Bristol, Conn.; his stepson, Douglas Lemberg and his wife, Cheryl, of Toms River; his dear niece, Aurora Stolz and her husband Justin, of Atlanta, Ga.; his sister in-law, Priscilla Whitley-Matthews as well as two grandchildren and three great nieces and nephews. Burial is Saturday, Jan. 6 at 11 a.m. at the peaceful Eckerson Farm/Old Tappan Cemetery in Old Tappan, alongside his wife and parents, whom he loved, as they too, loved him dearly. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy, please consider making a dona-

tion to The New Jersey Firemen’s Home, 565 Lathrop Ave., Boonton, NJ 07005 in James’ name. Becker-FuneralHome.com.

Edward J. McLAUGHLIN

Edward J. McLaughlin, 83, of River Vale, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2021. He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Bridget McLaughlin; his parents, Daniel and Fannie McLaughlin; and his sister Eileen Coughlin. He is survived by his daughter Maura Wilson and her husband Thomas, and his son Daniel McLaughlin and his wife Eileen. Loving grandfather of Katie McLaughlin and her husband, Earl, Daniel McLaughlin Jr. and Kathleen, Genevieve Wilson, Madeline Wilson and Thomas Wi lson. Ed is also survived by his stepchildren Kimberly Haffler and her husband Bill, Kristy Germain and her husband Jon, George Lucia Jr. and his wife Meredith, and Robert Lucia and his wife Ellen, as well as their children George Lucia III, Matthew Lucia, Bridget Haffler, Charlotte Germain, Maggie Lucia, Jimmy Lucia, Lindy Lucia, James Germain, Adam Germain, and Teddy Lucia. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he graduated from Colby Academy and went on to become a stockbroker in Manhattan. He was also a member of the National Guard. Ed was an active member of the Westwood Elks for more than 25 years. Always the life of the party, he will be missed by many. The family received relatives and friends on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023 at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood. Funeral Mass was Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023 at St. John the Baptist R.C. Church, 69 Valley Street, Hillsdale. Committal service was Saturday, Dec. 23 at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, 10 Serpentine Road, Tenafly. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name to the Westwood Elks, Lodge 1562, 523 Kinderkamack Road in Westwood are greatly appreciated.

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JANUARY 1, 2024 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Owen D. CASSIDY

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JANUARY 1, 2024 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS