Pascack Press 1.2.23

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TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

TWO FROM WT QUIT SCHOOL BOARD

applications sought

BY JOHNSNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

The 2022 president and a regular member of the board of the Westwood Regional School district, both from the township and with time left in their terms, have quit the board.

Frank Romano III and Maureen Colombo tendered their resignations in late December 2022. Romanoʼs term expires 2024; Colomboʼs expires this Dec. 31. The moves come after the Nov. 8 election, which saw two incumbents ousted and one not seeking

UNITY BANK COMES THROUGH UNITY BANK COMES THROUGH TRI-BORO EMS

Teams rally for food pantries, including in Hillsdale

PASCACK VALLEY

BY JOHNSNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

UNITY BANKAND its employees have donated $30,400 to 19 food pantries in New Jersey and Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania — including Helping Hand in Hillsdale, at Hillsdale United Methodist Church.

The funds were contributed by Unity Bank employees and matched by the bank as part of an annual holiday community service project launched more than 10 years ago.

“Food banks are vitally important to many families in need so it is a privilege to support their efforts,” said Unity

CHIEFS SALUTE

Hughes said, “We are extremely proud of the generosity that our employees continue to display through this important community service program. Hopefully the donaContinued on page 18

Volunteers, stretched to the limit, urge Woodcliff

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

Faced with declining volunteer membership, increasing numbers of calls, more high-density developments — plus calls from assisted living facilities and nursing homes that have stretched the resources of the Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corps to the brink the volunteer organization is requesting more support and funding, up to $100,000 from each of its three towns.

Representatives from Woodcliff Lake, Park Ridge and Montvale are meeting in January to discuss the squadʼs request to increase funding up to $100,000 from each of the three towns, in addition to each townsʼcurrent annual support of $20,000.

Without an increase in funding to retain certified emergency volunteers, the towns might need to obtain alternate or private ambulance services to provide 24/7 coverage from a full-time, paid, professional company that could cost a million dollars, or more, yearly, said one corps volunteer. See TRI-BORO on page 9

kintime...

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

The Bergen County Police Chiefs Association celebrates veterans at the state-run veterans home in Paramus.

Italian immigrants Ciro and Assunta Della Bella opened the original Jerry’s Villa after they moved to Montvale in 1932.

Hannukah’s many lights illuminated the Pascack Valley in 2022.

Frank Romano III and Maureen Colombo out;

Lake, Park Ridge and Montvale on staffing stipends

VIA FRED FEINER

Unity Bank and its employees have donated $30,400 to 19 food pantries in New Jersey and Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania,including the Helping Hand Food Pantry of Hillsdale.Denise Pallotta (left),Helping Hand operations manager,accepts a $1,600 donation from Manpreet Gandhok,Unity Bank area manager.

Bank president and CEO James A. Hughes in a press release shared with Pascack Press on Dec. 28, 2022.

PASCACK

Here’s to office space in WCL

To the editor:

PRESS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

glad that a plan is in place to develop the vacant building. I am also glad that I can rent an office in Woodcliff Lake so I can live and work in the same borough. I am a twin mom and being close to home and available to attend my kidsʼ school and other events is crucial to me.

all offices are rented; thus the statement that “172 Broadway, with very few tenants” is incorrect, and thus needs to be redeveloped into residential space is also not necessary.

available is one way to do so.

Dr. Anna Flores Locke Founder, owner Charlandra Counseling Services

AFTERREADINGTHE letter to the editor commending Woodcliff Lake for moving forward with the redevelopment plan for 188 Broadway (“Well done in Woodcliff Lake,” page 32, Dec. 19, 2022) I have a response to share.

As an office tenant in the building next door to 188 Broadway — 172 Broadway — I am

Thus, I was saddened by the statement in this letter to the editor: “to re-conceptualize these two buildings (172 Broadway and the vacant bank building) as town housing/apartments” because according to the author, “office space…is not coming back any time soon.”

As an office tenant of 172 Broadway, I know that most, if not

To suggest that Woodcliff Lake consider getting rid of affordable office space in town — that allows me, a small woman business owner, to work near my home is void of consideration of the tenants already using the office space who want to be close to home.

There is still a need for office space in Woodcliff Lake and 172 Broadway offers that option for those of us who live and work in this wonderful borough. Small business is the backbone of the United States economy and must be supported. Having office space

Former mayor sharp on council

To the editor:

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

Our Dec. 26, 2022 story “Hometown Heroes stand tall” relays that Martin Prince of Woodcliff Lake “chaired the Upper Pascack Valley Crop Walk for 18 years.”

In fact, Prince chaired Temple Emanuelʼs participation in the walk for 18 years. He tells Pascack Press, “There are some very dedicated volunteers that have chaired the event over that period and longer.”

“ T HE G ANG T HAT Couldnʼt Shoot Straight” by Jimmy Breslin was a popular novel in 1969. I canʼt help thinking of this title when I look at what the Hillsdale Borough Council majority has done in the last five years. Starting with key members of the staff, they will soon be on their fifth borough administrator, fourth CFO, and third DPW superintendent. All in just five years.

In addition to higher salaries, turnover is costing taxpayers a lot more due to new hires needing training. As the council has changed the chain of command and diminished the role of the mayor, who has fought for transparency, they have full responsibility for this.

The recent developments with the community center are

more of the same. After many months of negotiation to get a free center as part of the redevelopment in the industrial area, they have lost it. First they got a 5,000square-foot center and 3,000square-foot outside area for free, in exchange for allowing high density development, which many opposed. Recently they charged ahead with a second (unneeded) community center to be built with your taxes at Stonybrook. Now they are negotiating to give up the first community center for a mere $750,000 cash payment, allowing the developer to add six more apartments. Unbelievable.

The price tag on the latest Stonybrook Community Center could be well over $3 million. They are trying to make a trade that may be worse than the one just made with Russia with the “Merchant of Death” for the WNBA player

I am disappointed in the way the latest BA resigned. In his letter of resignation he claimed to be overworked, but in reality the position could easily be part-time or combined with another position. It has been successfully done in the past, and many other towns in the area have the BA position combined with another, such as CFO or clerk. In his letter, he stated that other than the PD and DPW, the employees lacked the skills and training to do their jobs. Having worked with the staff in Hillsdale, I think that is unfair and untrue.

Doug Frank Hillsdale

A parent for district’s referendum

To the editor:

I AMA nine-year resident of Hillsdale with two young children. My husband and I chose to make Hillsdale our permanent residency primarily because of the wonderful education it had to offer.

Prior to having my son, I had the privilege of working as a middle school teacher in Bergen

THIRTEENRESOLUTIONSCORRAL ESB’S $365K INCHANGEORDERS

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

keep better track of change orders that increased the cost of the Townshipʼs new Emergency Services Building by nearly $365,000 over original estimates, the Township Council went back and approved individual resolutions for each of 11 prior change orders on Dec. 19, 2022 plus a new change order, bringing the current number of total councilapproved contract change orders to 13.

The resolutions were

approved 4-0. Councilman Tom Sears, a volunteer firefighter, recused himself from voting.

The 13th change order shows an overall price increase of $364,786.46 on the new ESB building, increasing its overall cost to $5.693,969.46. The ESBʼs original estimated price was $5,329,183, notes the resolution.

t its Dec. 5 meeting, the council had approved change order #12 by Resolution 22-388, which was a $60,538.65 increase to remove and properly dispose of asbestos from the old firehouse before demolition occurred.

During public comment, resident Michael Ullman wondered

why the 12th change order was being done by resolution when he did not recall the prior 11 change orders being voted on by resolution.

He asked if there had been a change in contract law that now required the change orders to come before council for a vote.

Administrator Mark DiCarlo said he did not believe there was any change in contract law, but said he “found it appropriate, I believe required, to include change orders as part of resolutions and thatʼs why I therefore put it forward.”

Ullman wanted to know if change orders 1–11 were “valid”

as they were not approved by council resolutions. Council vice president Stacey Feeney said that the council had been getting copies of change orders that were approved by architect Robbie Conley.

Near the end of Dec. 19ʼs three-hour-plus meeting, the council took about 15 minutes to individually approve resolutions tied to the prior 11 Emergency Ser-

vices Building change orders.

Also on Dec. 19 council approved change order number 13 under Resolution 22-401 for $4,261.29 for an additional railing at the front sidewalk.

The resolutions and attached architect change orders are listed under the Government dropdown menu on the township website as 2022 Resolutions

The Hillsdale Education Foundation (“HEF”) is pleased to announce the results of its twiceannual cycle of minigrant applications, for the winter/spring 2023 School Year. The foundation will be funding four innovative and meritorious programs, for a combined total of $8,500:

•At Meadowbrook, 12 teachers and staff will be gaining proficiency in the “Science of Reading,” to augment early literacy in grades K-4.

•At Smith, four teachers led by Christine Barnhart will be developing a before-school program to provide early reading support in grades K-2.

• At George White, Stacey Belhumer and Jeannette Horning will bring the exciting Battle of the Books program back to students in

Grades 5-8.

•Also at George White, Katie OʼHanlon will commence a spring robotics and coding program for students in grades 6-8, to complement and extend the fall robotics competition season.

Hillsdale Schools Superintendent Robert Lombardy Jr. applauded the announcement as wonderful news.

HEF represents all three K-8 schools in Hillsdale – George G. White Middle School, and Meadowbrook and Ann Blanche Smith Elementary Schools. It raises funds primarily from corporate and governmental donations and grants for innovative enrichment programs

that do not yet have district funding.

HEF tells Pascack Press itʼs seeking corporate or individual sponsorship for these and other programs. If interested, contact Melissa Mazza-Chiong, HEF president, at (908) 296-0765, or mmazzachiong.hef@gmail.com. “We are also seeking parents or other community members to join the other parents, teachers, and administrators on the foundation board. You will have a voice in fundraising and program selection and development. Please also contact Ms. Mazza-Chiong if you would like to join our efforts.”

For more information, visit HEFNJ.com

Bckintime... Bckintime...

Remembering Jerry’s Villa Montvale

BY KRISTIN BEUSCHER SPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS

MONTVALE

Valley Chabad Rabbi Dov Drizin, framed by the menorah lit by Mayor Peter Calamari,remarks on the power of light to banish darkness,Town Hall, Township of Washington Menorah Lighting,Dec.18,2022.— John Snyder

Festival of Lights in our valley

BY JOHNSNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

PASCACK VALLEY

Valley Chabad Center for Jewish Life spread the light on a tour of the valley at Hanukkah 2022 — Hebrew year 5783 — for the first time bringing the party to the Township of Washington menorah lighting.

It was the townshipʼs second annual such event, according to Mayor Peter Calamari, who had the honor of lighting the shamash, the candle used to light the other candles of the Hanukkah menorah.

Outside town hall: a happy swirl of friends and families. Calamari welcomed the revelers, thanked Valley Chabad executive director Rabbi

AVINGSTOOD for decades at Spring Valley Road and Summit Avenue, Jerryʼs Villa was the scene of so many banquets, parties, weddings, and other events that it was more of a landmark than just a restaurant. Of course, when most people think of Jerryʼs Villa, they are picturing the second one, which opened in 1959. Letʼs head back in time a little farther…

Italian immigrants Ciro and Assunta Della Bella opened the original Jerryʼs Villa (“Jerry” is the Americanized version of “Ciro”) shortly after they moved to Montvale in 1932. Spring Valley Road was called Main Street in those days, and Montvale was in the midst of its transformation from “the sticks” to the suburbs. The western half was still largely rural, filled with sprawling farms rather than corporations, and about 1,200 total people lived in town—up from just 450 a generation earlier.

The food the Della Bellas served was primarily Neapolitan. Their restaurant was the first place in Montvale to serve pizza. The place proved to be very popular—so much so that Ciro and Assunta were able to pass it onto their children.

In 1959 the second-generation Della Bellas rebuilt Jerryʼs Villa with a larger and more modern design, across the street from the original restaurant. It was a popular spot for weddings, with a 27-foot cathedral ceiling in the banquet room, space for 300 guests, and a dramatic staircase from which thousands of brides descended over the years.

The family got a scare in 1961 when flames rose up from the corner of Summit and Spring Valley—but it was the old 1932 building that had gone up in flames. By then the place was sitting vacant, so when a predawn blaze destroyed it on Aug. 25, 1961, the loss was sentimental rather than financial. The owners and their families watched the blaze from the roof of their new restaurant. Afterwards, they served coffee and refreshments to the firemen.

For two more decades the Della Bellas continued to run Jerryʼs Villa. Shortly after selling it out of the family, on one frigid night in January 1982 a huge fire reduced the building to smoking rubble. Of the 100 firemen on scene that night, the first to arrive had been Montvaleʼs First Lt. Jerry Della Bella— Ciroʼs grandson. Townhouses were later built on the land.

— Kristin Beuscher is president of Pascack Historical Society

Right: The original Jerry’s Villa and a 1939 New Year’s Eve advertisement. Top: The one everyone remembers: Jerry’s Villa in the 1960s.As 1962 became 1963,as shown in this ad,the restaurant offered its traditional holiday party,now $15 per couple.We also see the modern style of phone number and a mention of Exit 172.The Garden State Parkway came through Montvale in 1957.

The articles and opinions printed in Pascack Press are not necessarily those of the publisher. Pascack Press is neither liable nor responsible for typographical errors. This publication contains material developed independently by Pascack Press. It may not be reproduced, in whole or in part.

Pascack Press is published in Westwood and is distributed to every household in our circulation area.

Council passes 188 Broadway redevelopment plan

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

WOODCLIFF LAKE

The Borough Council has voted to accept the Planning Boardʼs recommendation to designate 188 Broadway as a “non-condemnation redevelopment area” and approved its planning consultant to create a redevelopment plan for the 3.3-acre site.

The Dec. 22, 2022 vote was 4-1. Councilwoman Josephine Higgins voted no; councilwoman Angela Hayes was absent.

As yet we have no timetable on when a redevelopment plan would be ready.

Prior efforts by 188 Bradway LP to develop the 188 Broadway site — once for 60 apartments and once for 53 apartments — were both unanimously rejected by the Zoning Board in 2019 and 2021.

The Borough Council voted, 5-0, on Dec. 6 to approve a “memorandum of understanding” between 188 Broadway LP and the borough that calls on Wood-

cliff Lake to rezone the 188 Broadway site, based on a redevelopment plan to be approved by the Planning Board and Borough Council. (See “Itʼs settled: 46 housing units at 188 Broadway,” Pascack Press, Dec. 12, 2022.)

The MOU agreement calls for a 46-unit development on the site, converting the existing office building into 37 rental apartments and constructing nine townhomes behind the rental apartments.

In a separate letter to Pascack Press printed in our Dec. 19 issue, councilwoman Josephine Higgins and former councilman Craig Marson wrote a letter that opposed the rezoning of 188 Broadway as an area in need of redevelopment.

Dec. 26, 2022, we printed a letter from Mayor Carlos Rendo and Councilman Richard Schnoll taking issue with the Marson/Higginsʼletter. (See our archive at issuu.com/thepressgroup to read the two prior letters.)

During public comment Dec. 22, two residents questioned aspects of future redevelopment at 188 Broadway.

Resident Alex Couto said he wanted to offer input on maximum building heights and landscaping. Padilla said to forward an email to him or Borough Clerk Debbie Dakin and that he would forward the comments to Planner Liz Leheny, who is drafting a redevelopment plan.

Rendo told Couto that the public will have “a chance to comment every step of the way” in 2023 when the redevelopment plan comes before the Planning Board and Borough Council. No redevelopment plan timetable or cost was provided in Resolution 22-208.

Resident Veronica Appelle, a longtime critic of residential development at 188 Broadway, said she was “obviously curious” about the future redevelopment plan for 188 Broadway.

“Still in the back of my mind is the idea that that (redevelopment) would be used as the standard for anyone who wanted to try to get a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) program, and would be able to say, ʻWell, you gave it to 188,

why not us?ʼ,” Appelle said. Neither the mayor nor council members replied to Appelleʼs comment.

Previously, planning consultant Liz Leheny, of Phillips Preiss Grygiel Leheny Hughes LLC, Hoboken, had said a redevelopment plan would only apply to the 188 Broadway site, and nowhere else in the borough.

The Planning Board study on whether to declare 188 Broadway as an “area in need of redevelopment” was done by Leheny, upon request by the council. She found two of eight criteria applied to the 188 site as defined in New Jerseyʼs Local Redevelopment and Housing Law.

Parts of the two criteria that applied related to discontinuance of the use of a building or buildings previously used as office parks; and areas with buildings…” detrimental to the safety, health,

morals, or welfare of the community.”

The resolution notes that upon receipt, the council will provide the Redevelopment Plan to the Planning Board, who “shall within 45 days” provide a report to council with its recommendations on the plan. If a response is not received within 45 days, the resolution notes this “failure to respond” relieves the council of its obligation to consider Planning Board recommendations.

The resolution adds, “The Planning Boardʼs report shall include an identification of any provisions in the proposed Redevelopment Plan which are inconsistent with the Master Plan and recommendations concerning these inconsistencies and any other matters as the Planning Board deems appropriate.”

DELAYSTAKETOLLON ‘GALAXY GARDENS PARK’ FUNDING; RENDOURGESACTION

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

WOODCLIFFLAKE

Mayor Carlos Rendo expressed disappointment Dec. 22, 2022 that at least five years of mayor and council efforts to establish a long-sought Galaxy Gardens passive park at Woodcliff Avenue and Werimus Road have not yet resulted in a park for residents to use and enjoy.

Delays appear to have jeopardized major funding.

The council purchased the property in January 2018 for $1.65 million and spent $400,000 to clean up the soil contamination from prior uses as a garden center and gas station.

“Iʼm disappointed that it hasnʼt gotten done, the process has been slow,” said the mayor.

He said he hoped that councilwomen Jacqueline Gadaleta and Josephine Higgins and whoever is selected as the new council president, “can move this project along. Hopefully, we can get this done or at least started by 2023. If not, I donʼt know when itʼs going to get done.”

Rendo said due to delays, an anonymous lead donor had backed away from her $750,000 commitment to the park. He also said there were questions about Party Cityʼs nearly $250,000 commitment, as well as whether state funding dol-

lars may be held up.

Rendo said he “hates to lose those grants” but noted that the council may be able to save the $750,000 donation “depending on when we do it and what is included in the project.” He said the grants may yet be saved if the council makes the passive park “a priority.”

He cited councilwoman Jennifer Margolisʼs efforts to move along the Woodcliff Lake Reservoir Nature Trail — planned to open around April 22 — as a successful project outcome.

Rendo said that efforts to acquire and convert the property to a park actually started a decade ago but “havenʼt gotten it done” for the residents.

“The process has been slow, so hopefully we can move this process along in 2023,” Rendo added.

In June 2022, the parkʼs architect, Frances Reiner, of DMR Architects, told council that the parkʼs opening date was likely late summer to early fall of 2023. He estimated construction costs at $3.5 million. It was not clear what timetable might be possible now.

Rendo said in June that most of the parkʼs costs had been underwritten by county grant funds, municipal Open Space funds, and private donations. “The park is finally coming together. Itʼs a great thing to take an environmentally impacted area, clean it up, and give it back to the community.”

He called the parkʼs development a partnership of the county, community, and council and nearly a decade in planning and development.

So far, no official name has been selected for the park, which is informally called “Galaxy Gardens Park,” and sited on approximately 2.1 acres at a busy intersection of two county roads.

The naming rights are one fundraising item up for negotiation, said Rendo in June. He said in June that an anonymous individual had donated $750,000 to the park and that Party City kicked in $250,000.

The estimated costs to develop the park were noted as:

• $599,340 for a Party City Pavilion;

•$201,120 for bathroom facil-

ities; •$631,400 for landscapes, planting and site work; •$790,900 for other park improvements; • $542,600 for site lighting/electrical work; and • $691,340 for the general contractor, bonds, insurance and contingency (25%).

Reiner offered a brief video and site renderings at the June 20 Borough Council meeting to provide an overview of what residents can expect to see in some 15 months.

“This will be a truly transformative project that will provide an outdoor gathering and recreation space in a borough that doesnʼt have an official downtown district,” said a statement from Axiom Communi-

cations, a public relations firm hired by the borough.

Reiner said the park will include a performance space, including an amphitheater with seating for 250–300, a shade structure, a pergola, quarter-mile walking paths, a playground for children, a pavilion, benches, a dog park, a large central water feature, and a space for community events such as holiday tree lightings, menorah celebrations, plus arts and music festivals, and shows and presentations.

The park will include 13 parking spaces, and Rendo said in June that residents will be encouraged to walk to the park. He noted the dog park would feature play areas for small and large dogs.

Special events at Hillsdale library

• Knitting Group: Jan. 3 and 17 at 10 a.m., join Ellen and work on your own projects in our friendly group. Bring your own materials.

• Hillsdale Matinees the first Wednesday of the month in the first floor meeting room at 2 p.m. Jan. 4:“Ticket to Paradise” (2022, PG-13) with George Clooney and Julia Roberts. Titles will be listed on the libraryʼs online calendar when confirmed. Drop in.

• Chair Yoga in January and February: New chair yoga instructor Cherlyn teaches Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Registration required; space limited in bad weather.

• 2023 New Yearʼs Resolution: Make a Will: Thursday, Jan. 19 at 10:30 a.m. Carolyn J. Strassberg LLC on writing a last will and testament. Help with related legal questions. Registration is requested.

• Family Bingo: Monday, Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m. Chocolate prizes, registration required, spaces fill fast.

• Valentineʼs Day program

at the library, Monday, Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. An evening of games, giveaways and fun to get a head start on the sweetest holiday of the year. Registration required. Appropriate for teens and up, this

program features a repeat of Kevin Woyceʼs lecture on the history of Valentineʼs Day that the library hosted in 2022.

• Mardi Gras with the Florian Schantz Jazz Combo, Saturday, Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. We bring the Big Easy to you as Florian Schantz and his band follow up their Oktoberfest concert with this musical tribute to Fat Tuesday. Beads will be thrown! (You can bring your own but we will have some too). Drop in — bring your friends!

• Family Bingo, Monday, Feb. 27 at 7:30 p.m. Chocolate prizes, registration required, spaces fill fast.

Coming soon

• Bob Dylan Revisited, Monday, March 6 at 7 p.m. Led by music historian Vincent Bruno, this program travels on the road with Bob Dylan as he navigates the turbulent 1960s. From Minnesota to folk Greenwich Village to his groundbreaking albums en route to becoming the rock/poet enigma of his time.

Hillsdale Matinees

first Wednesday of the month in the first-floor meeting room at 2 p.m. Jan. 4 brings the rom-com “Ticket to Paradise.”

Westwood true-crime podcaster on the job, ‘Lost in Lindy’

BY JOHNSNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

WESTWOOD

After more than six months investigating the tragic case of Laura Ann Parker — the teen went missing in 1984 and was found dead of questionable “natural causes” (and in unusual circumstances) — a journalist who graduated WestwoodRegional High School and lives in the borough says her related true-crime podcast is set to drop.

Alex Palacios has released a t railer to her series, “Lost in Lindy,” which she tells Pascack Press should “reignite the conversation” around Lauraʼs disappearance, death, and the aftermath.

Says Palacios, “Laura Parker was like any other 14-year-old girl in 1984, until she went missing in Lindenhurst, Long Island. After a week of searching, the Suffolk County Police Department labeled her a runaway — but that was far from the truth. Not only were they wrong, but Laura was much nearer than anyone could have ever imagined.”

She says, “Found just three blocks away from Lindenhurst High School, covered in carpet, at the bottom of a ditch, lay the body of Laura Parker. According to police, Laura died of natural causes… an unbelievable result. Almost 40 years later, the disappearance and murder of Laura

WESTWOOD

The trailer for Alex Palacios’ podcast “Lost in Lindy”is out.The series aims to “reignite the conversation” around the disappearance and death of Laura Ann Parker.Palacios,of Westwood,says her mom,a classmate of the victim,introduced her to the mystery. At right: Discovering Laura Parker through effects her late mother kept,and which were sealed for decades.

Parker is still unsolved and shrouded in mystery.”

Among the questions:Was Laura kidnapped? Did she know her killer?

Uncovered , a resource on cold cases, says Laura was a freshman softball player and member of the schoolʼs chorus, and had talked about becoming a singer. On May 25, 1984, Laura missed softball practice and didnʼt return home.

The next day, her parents contacted the Suffolk County Police Department to report her

missing.

Uncovered says, “Her parents grieve over the careless manner she was left to be found. They buried her ashes at their church, St. Boniface Episcopal, [w]here they gathered years after her murder to mourn with other families who also experienced the tragedy of having their children mur-

St. Andrew’s 50+Club meets Jan. 4

“Getting to know you” is the theme of St. Andrewʼs 50+ Clubʼs first meeting of the New Year, Wednesday, Jan. 4 at 1 p.m. in the

gym. Dues for the new year of $13 will be collected. New members are always welcomed. Cake and coffee will be served. Please bring

an item/donation for the food pantry.

For more information call Elaine at (201) 664-7037

dered.”

I t added that i n 1989, the New York Times reported that two homicide detectives who also reside i n Suffolk County sent a letter to 1,000 of Lauraʼs former classmates to ask for leads. “The letter is trying to get some sympathy,” lead detective Carmody said. “We never give up on looking for new information.”

Telling her story

Palacios says “This story is p ersonal to me because my mom, Barbara, grew up in Lindenhurst, N.Y. and went to school with Laura. They were f reshmen when Laura disappeared. My mother always remembered what happened to her. When she first told me this story, I was left with many questions and knew I had to dig

PALACIOS

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

WOODCLIFFLAKE

Two departing council members — two-term Democratic councilwoman Angela Hayes and one-term Republican councilman Stephen Falanga — were honored for their service at the Borough Councilʼs final meeting of the year, Dec. 22, 2022, held on Zoom.

Both had declined to seek reelection, and both were recog-

HAYES FALANGA

nized by the mayor and council for their public service. Hayes served two terms over six years; Falanga served one term over three years.

Hayes was absent from the meeting but Falanga attended. Democratic newcomers Benjamin Pollack and Nicole Marsh narrowly topped Republican challengers Joshua Stern and Brian DiStefano in the Nov. 8 General Election to secure seats.

With Pollack and Marshʼs election, the six-member council is composed of all Democrats, overseen by Mayor Carlos Rendo, whose four-year term of office expires Dec. 31.

Rendo read a plaque recognizing Falanga. Councilwoman

Josephine Higgins read a plaque honoring Hayes.

Hayes served six years from 2017 through 2022. Higgins said she served on “countless” committees including Planning Board, administration and finance, shade tree, building department, police department, mental health, welfare, and education.

Higgins said Hayes was honored in 2021 to be elected as council president by the board. Higgins said she exhibited “tireless efforts to serve the residents of Woodcliff Lake.” Higgins noted that it was a pleasure working with Hayes.

Rendo thanked Falanga for “your tireless efforts” as a council member and committee liaison, and reading the plaque said, “A grateful community thanks you.”

Higgins thanked Falanga for all he had done, noting “Youʼre young, you could be like me and go another round.”

Margolis told Falanga, “What a pleasure it was for me coming on and working with you immediately.” She said Falanga answered all of her calls and listened to “all of my crazy ideas.” She said he was a wonderful partner to work with, and recognized Falangaʼs “positivity and unrivaled steadiness.”

Margolis also thanked Angela Hayes “for the work sheʼs done for the borough and the town. She said Hayes asked some tough questions, got involved, and she “really appreciates anyone who puts themselves out there.”

Councilman Richard Schnoll said that Falanga was “always level-headed when things got emotional” and called him “a voice of reason, sometimes in times when people are not being reasonable.”

He said he wished him the best and hoped he might come back to the council, possibly as mayor, though that might not pan

Complimenting Angela Hayes, Schnoll said he “really enjoyed working with her” and

said he knows she devoted “a lot of time in the last six years to the town and she should be commended for that and she always had very insightful questions regarding the economics of our budgets, which is always an important thing.”

Councilwoman Jacqueline Gadaleta said sheʼd known Hayes for six years, and “It was a pleasure working with her” and noted she had many “insightful thoughts and good comments and has made a positive impact for the town.”

Gadaleta, a Democrat, said sheʼs known Falanga, a Republican, for over 20 years as their daughters were best friends since preschool. She said Falanga was a good friend, wonderful husband, an outstanding councilman, and as her husband reminded her, “always a gentleman.”

She noted that the borough has been “so fortunate” to have Falanga on council, noting the Causeway improvements, adding with his help and othersʼ help, “We got it done. So now we can drive over there with a smile on our face,” said Gadaleta.

She noted that the Causeway has a “new walkway, a new fence, and itʼll look beautiful and itʼll be a central focal point of Woodcliff Lake that we can be proud of.”

Falanga thanked everyone for their kind words and said the reason he ran for office “was to give back to the community that I love and embraced my family and continues to do amazing things to this day.” He said heʼs happy to have given the nearly three years of service he did, especially with Covidʼs impacts on the town and government.

He thanked administrator Tom Padilla, clerk Debbie Dakin, attorney John Schettino, and all Borough Hall employees.

“Iʼm not going anywhere, Iʼm still living in town, so Iʼm going to see you guys. Thank you,” said Falanga.

ambulance corps seeks key aid

FROM PAGE 1

The $100,000 request would be to start a stipend program to compensate volunteers who contribute over 60 hours per month, which would accrue to $750 monthly.

Right now, some volunteers receive nominal pension compensation via the stateʼs LOSAP program, which is for emergency services volunteers enrolled (generally after five continuous years of service) in the Length of Service Awards Program.

The volunteer ambulance corps has served the tri-borough area for 84 years, and lately has experienced declines in volunteers due to Covid-19, lack of volunteer time for two-income families, plus growing state certification demands for EMS volunteers.

In a letter, TBVAC Stipend Proposal, sent to Montvale councilman Chris Roche on Oct. 19, the corps said the Covid-19 pandemic made volunteer recruitment and retention difficult.

“For years we have kept the mayors updated on our troubled volunteer status, but COVID has made our situation dire, as some of our members chose to stop riding for their own personal safety and that of families. Similar to our mutual aid partners, our own volunteer numbers are down and we can no longer provide nor rely on those mutual aid partners moving forward,” said the letter, signed “All the members of Tri-Boro Vol-

unteer Ambulance Corps.”

“As we are a required service for the towns/boroughs we serve, we are hoping to come up with an amicable solution to keep us operating as a volunteer agency. We would like the towns to offer our members a stipend which will need to be supported by the three towns, both financially and administratively. We think this will help in staffing scheduled crews, 24/7,” the volunteers said.

“We feel this is the last resort before having to turn into a paid service. An estimated cost could be over a million dollars a

BERGEN COUNTY

Prosecutor: We don’t need vigilantes

The Bergen County Prosecutor has issued a warning regarding vigilante activity, to wit: knock it off.

Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musellaʼs office sent a press release out on Dec. 22, 2022 advising that “Over the last few months, Bergen County has experienced several instances of a private citizen using the Internet to identify individuals who are attempting to lure minors into sexual activity and arranging for the arrest by law enforcement of these targeted individuals.”

The scenarios and arrests are then publicized on YouTube.

Musellaʼs office said, “The Bergen County Prosecutorʼs Office and Bergen County law enforcement do not condone this vigilante activity. Bergen County law enforcement strongly discourages this activity, which holds the potential for violence and injury to the individuals involved as well as innocent bystanders.”

The office added, “It also jeopardizes the due process rights of potential targets, puts private citizens in danger, and risks involving law enforcement in illegal activity.”

According to the release, “Private citizens are advised not to involve themselves in these activities. Bergen County law enforcement will file appropriate charges against individuals who violate the criminal law when pursuing these activities.”

The warning says, “Private citizens who lure potential defendants will be called to testify as witnesses throughout court proceedings as this practice ensures they are witnesses to an alleged crime.”

And the warning notes that individuals who engage in this vigilante activity may also be subject to civil liability

—

Staff report

The Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corps, serving Woodcliff Lake,Park Ridge and Montvale,is seeking up to $100,000 in stipend funding from each town.It receives $20,000 in support from each town now.(Courtesy photo)

Dental benefits are not similar to your medical insurance because it is not held responsible for covering your justified dental needs. In a dental benefits plan, you have a set amount of benefits which is usually $1000$1500/year, for a private PPO plan. This can include two cleanings and annual X-rays a year, generally

speaking, which will amount to about 30% of the value of the benefit package itself, approx. $300400 value.

If you were to need more work then two cleanings, then you must match the payment of the dental insurance in co-pays in order to use the remaining benefits. Therefore, in essence, it is only worth $1000 to $1500 if you pay $300-700 in co-pays.

If these plans are self funded, their general cost is $60/month. Therefore, for a $1500/year plan, the net benefit after paying

$720/year in fees is $780 of benefits, again to only be utilized if you match in co-pays. Keep in mind the high costs of dental treatments and how fast you are going to hit the ceiling with these plans.

Its public knowledge that 90% of time, people only need routine cleanings from their dentist. Therefore the need for dental insurance seems quite ineffective because when a dental problem does occur, the maximum of the plan is reached prior to even addressing the problem.

Dental coverage seems like a

really expensive means for very little coverage therefore, dental benefits does not drastically improve your access to dental care.

On the clinical or dentist side, dental benefits works against the patient as well. Even though preventive care (cleanings & X-rays) have 80-100% coverage for the patient, for an in-network dentist, these services have the lowest reimbursements. The largest insurers in Bergen County expect dentists to work "at cost" for preventive care services like cleanings. That business model lowers the standard of care for the public. It fosters an environment that compromises time, products and attention to the patient. This is the main reason I stay out of network with these companies and the same reason you should not allow them to decide who your dentist is.

When you have a PPO dental

plan, you can see an out of network dentist and still utilize your benefits, but you will have a slightly higher percentage OUT of pocket expense.

It is much more importance to see the dentist that provides the best service vs. one who is in your plan because when you have a problem, your dental insurance has no responsibility to cover your dental needs anyway.

On behalf of my team at Westwood Periodontics, I welcome you to my office for a cleaning with one of highly trained and experienced hygienists who will take the time to address your needs and concerns.

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

PRIYU

The late-night revelry of New Yearʼs Eve has made New Yearʼs Day brunch a go-to tradition for millions of people. Staying up until the calendar officially turns from one year to the next at the stroke of midnight can make it harder to get out of bed on the morning of January 1, so there may be no better day to plan a brunch than the first day of the calendar year.

Many restaurants offer brunch specials on New Yearʼs Day, but people need not leave home to ensure their first meal of the new year is delicious. This recipe for “Pan-Fried Eggs and Mixed Mushroom Saute on Toasted Sourdough Slices” from “Sunday Brunch” (Chronicle Books) by Betty Rosbottom can be just the dish to begin a new year.

Pan-Fried Eggs and Mixed Mushroom Saute on Toasted Sourdough Slices

(Serves 4)

Mushroom Saute

11/4ounces mixed dried mushrooms

11/2cups boiling water

3 tablespoons olive oil

8 ounces sliced brown mushrooms

Year’s Day brunch HOLIDAY DINING

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1 teaspoon dried crushed rosemary (see tip)

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Toast and Eggs

4 1/2-inch thick sourdough slices Olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 eggs

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper Rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)

1. For the Mushroom Saute: Place the dried mushrooms in a medium bowl and cover with the boiling water. Let stand until softened, 20 minutes. Strain in a sieve lined with a double thickness of paper towels and reserve the soaking liquid. Coarsely chop the mushrooms.

2. Heat the olive oil in a medium, heavy frying pan set over medium heat. When hot, add the brown mushrooms and saute, stirring often, for 6 minutes.

Add the reserved mushrooms, garlic, rosemary, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; stir for 1 minute. Add the mushroom liquid and cook, stirring, until it has evaporated, 4 to 7 minutes.

Season with salt and several grinds of pepper. Remove the frying pan from the heat and cover with foil to keep warm. (The mushrooms can be prepared 1 day ahead; cool, cover and refrigerate. Reheat, stirring, over medium heat.)

3. For the toast and eggs: Brush both sides of the bread slices generously with olive oil. Set a 10- to 11inch nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat, and, when hot, add the bread and cook until lightly

browned, about 2 minutes per side. Remove the toast and cover loosely with foil. When pan is cool enough to handle, wipe it out with clean paper towels.

4. Add the butter to the frying pan and set it over medium heat. When the butter starts to foam, break an egg into a saucer, being careful to remove any shell fragments., and gently slide it into the frying pan.

Repeat with the remaining eggs. Immediately reduce the heat to low and cook, basting the eggs with some of the butter in the pan frequently, until the whites are firm and the yolks are still soft and runny, 3 minutes.

5. While the eggs are cooking, arrange a toasted bread slice on each of four plates. Mound the mushrooms evenly over the toast.

6. Remove each egg with a spatula and arrange on top of the mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper and, if desired, garnish each serving with a rosemary sprig. Serve immediately.

Tip: If you canʼt find dried crushed rosemary, crush regular dried rosemary in an electic spice mill, or place it in a self-sealing plastic bag and roll over it with a rolling pin.

This recipe for “Pan-Fried Eggs and Mixed Mushroom Sauté on Toasted Sourdough Slices” can be just the dish to begin a new year.

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON SCHOOL EXPANSION PLANNED

An anticipated influx of schoolchildren — from a variety of causes — is driving an expansion plan for Washington Elementary School, 600 School St.

According to superintendent Jill Mortimer to families on Dec. 9, 2022, “The district initiated the process of planning for an expansion to Washington Elementary School in order to accommodate an anticipated increase in enrollment in the Township. We are starting with a site survey, and then our architect will make a schematic application to the NJDOE.”

She said, “We have been advised the review of that application will take at least six months. Construction could start in the fall of 2024 and could be finished in the fall of 2026.”

Mortimer said “At this time, we are unable to plan for modular space in the meantime because we are waiting for PSE&G to install the new electrical transformer. Hence, there is not enough power for modular space. A presentation on this topic will be made at a board meeting once we have blueprints and a more solidified plan.”

Mortimer told Pascack Press last week that the districtʼs 2020 demographics study called out the need for more space. That study,

conducted by Richard S. Grip — who holds a doctorate from Rutgers University Graduate School of Education in Educational Statistics and Measurement — projected grade-by-grade enrollments from 2020-21 through 2024-25, a five-year period.

Grip analyzed community population trends and age structure, and birth and fertility rates; examined the districtʼs historical enrollments, both districtwide and by grade configuration; and considered the impact of new housing developments on enrollment.

The study looked at trends and need in both the Township of Washington and the Borough of Westwood, which constitute the K-12 regional school district.

According to Grip, projected growth in the Township of Washington owes in part to:

•57 children (K-12) projected from new developments.

•Rough estimate as bedroom distributions were not available.

•American Dream Estates –50 (23 K-5, 13 6-8, and 14 9-12).

•34 Maple, LLC – 7 (3 K-5, 2 6-8, and 2 9-12).

• Baseline projections were not adjusted for new students due to uncertainty of timeline of construction and occupation.

• Enrollments were projected

WWRSD towns’ historical and projected populations 1940–2040. Source: “Demographic Study For the Westwood Regional School District,” June 25, 2020.

by individual school from 202021 through 2024-25.

•PK-12 enrollment is projected to be 2,905 in 2024-25 (+118).

•Washington elementary is projected to have the largest gain (+63) of the four elementary schools.

Enrollments (PK-12) were projected to increase in the next five years, “particularly at the ele-

mentary level.”

Factors leading to projected enrollment gain include “inward migration of students in each community (likely due to increase in home resales) and increase in Washington Township birth rate.”

Grip reported inward migration is particularly evident in the elementary grades.

The report drills into some detail, including a graph of histor-

ical and projected populations 1940–2040.

Asked if the school footprint would change, Mortimer told Pascack Press, “We are in the process of determining the full scope of the project, which will result in architectural designs. The first step was to engage in a site survey in order to determine our boundaries.”

John Snyder

HOLIDAY DINING

Tips for a safe New Year’s Eve

New Yearʼs Eve is one of the most festive nights of the year. Despite its reputation for revelry, New Yearʼs Eve also can be dangerous, which underscores the need to celebrate responsibly when ringing in a new year.

American Addiction Centers surveyed 1,000 Americans regarding their alcohol consumption habits on certain holidays.

The survey found that the average person consumes 4.4 alcoholic drinks on New Yearʼs Eve, making the holiday second only to Mardi Gras in terms of drinks consumed. Alcohol lowers individualsʼinhibitions and adversely affects their judgment, which could make them vulnerable to criminals and more likely to make bad decisions, including driving after a few drinks. In fact, the National Safety Council estimates that 427 people may die on U.S. roads during the 2022 New Yearʼs holiday period.

A new year is worthy of celebration, and the festivities can be even more enjoyable when individuals take these safety tips to heart.

• Recognize the risks. R ecognition of the potentially serious threats that can be lurking on New Yearʼs Eve is vital to celebrating safely. In 2016, leaked documents indicated that more than 1,200 women were sexually assaulted on New Yearʼs Eve in various German cities.

A 2011 report from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research in the United States noted a significant spike in the rate of assaults, murders, sexual assaults, and robberies on New Yearʼs Eve, linking that increase to higher levels of alcohol consumption.

Indiv iduals who recognize how vulnerable overconsumption of alcohol can make them may be less inclined to overdo it this

year.

• Avoid the roads. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that 68 percent of drunk driving traffic fatalities on New Yearʼs 2016 involved drivers with a high blood alcohol concentration. One of the safest things individuals can do on New Yearʼs Eve is to avoid the roads. Consider celebrating at home or staying in a hotel or the home of a loved one. If you must be on the road, call a cab or book an Uber when you need to get to and from a party.

• Be careful even if youʼre hosting. New Yearʼs Eve celebrants also must be vigilant if theyʼre hosting a gathering at home. Laws vary, but social host liability laws generally hold hosts who serve alcohol responsible for the actions of their guests after they leave their homes.

So hosts could conceivably be vulnerable to criminal or civil

Start the New Year with Westwood Rec

Start off 2023 by registering for fitness and enrichment classes with the Westwood Recreation Department. Registration for Winter Programs begins January 3 for Westwood residents. Nonresidents may register beginning Jan. 9, 2023, space permitting, for an additional $25 per class.

The 2023 Winter Programs brochure can be viewed at westwoodnj.gov/recreation Classes for kids in the session offer something for every age range including Parent & Me Movement, Soccer Squirts, Ballet/Tap 1 & 2, Kiddie Hop, Piano, Crafting, Pickleball For Teens, Indoor Tennis, Solar Robots and Theatre Games & Improv.

This session also includes some new classes including Parent & Me Art, Chess and Clay Art. Westwood kids in grades 4 and 5 are also invited to participate in Friday afternoon kids club.

Adults can participate in Adult Volleyball, Menʼs Open Gym Basketball, Yoga, Zumba, Painting/Art and a Valentineʼs themed Paint Party. Rounding

out the adult offerings are two evenings of Pickleball – Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. and new for this session: Saturdays from 9 to 11 p.m.

Anyone interested in registering for classes are encouraged to read through the program guide for all class information as well as details on Westwood Baseball Association and Westwood Softball Association registration, Teen Center, Special Needs Activity Program, Forever Young, Westwood Recreation Preschool Registration and news about recent and upcoming facility improvements. To view the

program guide visit westwoodnj.gov/recreation Westwood Recreation uses Community Pass for registration. Interested parties who don't already have a Community Pass account should go to westwoodnj.gov/recreation and click the Community Pass Registration page to be guided through the setup process.

To register for classes and programs visit https://register.communitypass.net/westwood Visa/MasterCard are accepted. To pay by cash or check, stop in the office at 55 Jefferson Ave.

proceedings if they serve alcohol to guests who are then involved in traffic accidents or other incid ents after they leave hostsʼ homes.

New Yearʼs Eve is a time for c elebration. Taking steps to ensure celebrations are safe can make the night even more fun.

A new year is worthy of celebration, and the festivities can be even more enjoyable when individuals take these safety tips to heart.

WESTWOOD

GLUTEN FREE PIZZA AND RAVIOLI!

Giulioʼs Restaurant meets a full array of dining and entertaining needs. Giulioʼs welcomes walk-ins, but takes reservations and offers takeout.

Giulioʼs will be delighted to host your holiday business of family parties. Seating is available for up to 100. Catering is also offered and the restaurant has a full bar, including over 100

and dinner. Visit Giulioʼs website for its m enu:

for 8–10 min. (ovens vary). •Buon Appetito!

Giulioʼs Restaurant is located at 154 Washington Street, Tappan NY. Open 7 days a week for lunch

www.giuliosrestaurant.com For reservations, takeout, catering, and more, call (845) 359-3657

PARAMUS

Winter Wonderland bumper cars

Skip the bridge and tunnel toll this winter break and bring the family to Van Saun County Park for Bergen Countyʼs Winter Wonderland presented by Bergen New Bridge Medical Center

Bergen Countyʼs Winter Wonderland is open daily from Dec. 26 through Jan. 2, 2023.

New to the 2022 season, the Rink at Winter Wonderland features ice bumper cars. Get the most out of Bergen Countyʼs Winter Wonderland and strap in for 16 minutes of exhilarating fun!

With open-air ice skating, a heated hospitality tent, games,

activities, food trucks, an indoor/outdoor beer and wine garden, an iconic 30-foot centerpiece Christmas tree, and now ice bumper cars, Bergen Countyʼs Winter Wonderland offers families a winter paradise here in Bergen County.

General admission tickets for Bergen Countyʼs Winter Wonderland are $10, with an additional $10 for ice skate rentals. General admission for veterans, active-duty service members, and senior citizens are $5 and children under 3 are free to enter. All tickets are available for purchase at

BergenCountyWinterWonderland.com

.Ice bumper car sessions are $20 and must be purchased separately. Ice bumper car sessions are sold in 45-minute intervals and offers each ticketholder the opportunity to go on the ice for two eight-minute rides. Riders must be 5 years old and at least 42" tall to ride.

For session times visit bergencountywinterwonderland.com/icebumper-cars

After the New Year the rink is open for ice skating and ice bumper cars through Feb. 26. Visit BergenCountyWinterWonderland.com.

RAISING KIDS TO HAVE MONEY SMARTS

Parents have a responsibility to teach their children about finances—and t hatʼs true for wealthy families and less affluent families alike.

Kids are smart enough to pick up on signals that their family may have more than others. But if the conversation stops at the benefits that money can bring, youʼre missing out on important life lessons. Theyʼre not

really being taught how to be financially responsible once they leave the house and become independent. What steps can parents take to teach both sensitivity and responsibility about money?

S tep 1: Find teachable moments. It can be difficult to find time to sit down and talk specifically about wealth, but natural opportunities to teach pop up every day.

For example, you can incorp orate financial responsibility into an impromptu math lesson about money: If you find some-

thing that originally cost $100 and itʼs on sale for 30% off, you can ask kids how much the new price is—and, now that they are only spending $70, what they might do with the $30 thatʼs left.

Step 2: Take a lifelong view toward financial literacy. Every child, and especially those who will one day inherit substantial wealth, should have a tool kit of basic financial literacy skills by 18, including concepts such as how to spend, how to save, how to give, and the value of a dollar.

This can start very early with

an exercise as simple as a three piggy banks analogy. You encourage the child to divide any money he or she receives into three piggy banks: spending, saving, and community/charity. This shows the concept of different types or purposes of money as opposed to all being for spending. Repeating this exercise can help ingrain the habit of saving regularly.

By late childhood or adolescence, parents can add concepts such as what it means to invest, what companies one might invest in, and how you assess risk with an investment.

begins with an open and honest relationship within a family that models good money behavior. These discussions can be challenging, but the fruit is well worth the labor.

Stress education and expect them to do well in school. The parents who do really well in teaching financial literacy typic ally lead by example—they tend to be savers, and theyʼre more careful with spending money. Remember to be that example..

Online option for pet licensing

New for 2023, pet licensing can now be done online. Visit westwoonj.gov and click on Board of Health/Pet Licensing to find the link to Westwoodʼs new Resident Portal.

The fee for each neutered pet is $10 and each non-neutered is $15. Renewal letters have been mailed out and all previously licensed pets must be licensed by Feb. 28, 2023 to avoid the $25 per animal late fee.

All dog/cat licenses expire on Dec. 31 of the year issued, regardless of when the license was obtained.

A current rabies vaccination certificate from a licensed veterinarian must be provided, and valid through Nov. 1, 2023. Pet Licensing forms can be found on the borough website under Board of Health/Forms

New Jersey State Health

Department mandates all dogs and cats age 7 months or older be licensed. Newly acquired dogs/cats over the age of 7 months must be licensed within 10 days of acquisition.

If your pet is unlicensed and

involved in a bite incident or found running at large, a summons will be issued — resulting in fines and court costs.

For more information call (201) 664-7100 ext. 129.

You can encourage children in high school to think about college expenses logically by examining the costs and coming up with a credible college budget. Ask them to consider basic questions: What will you need in order to make this happen? What will the family need to supply, and what is the student expected to supply, in terms of tuition, books, room and board, transportation, and normal spending money?

And parents and grandparents can continue to encourage responsible, long-term financial responsibility by giving young adults an incentive to begin saving for retirement early. If youʼre able, and they have earned income, offer to match what they save into a Roth IRA. Itʼs also wise to coax contributions to a 401(k) at work.

Step 3: Sho w your kids how itʼs done. Your childʼs healthy relationship with money

Wells Fargo Advisors does not provide legal or tax advice. Be sure to consult with your tax and legal advisors before taking any action that could have tax consequences. Any estate plan should be reviewed by an attorney who specializes in estate p lanning and is licensed to practice law in your state.

This article was written for Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Eric Kohlmeier, Senior Financial Advisor, Managing Director–Investments in Park Ridge at (201) 505-0472.

Investments in securities and insurance products are not FDIC-insured/not bank-guaranteed and may lose value.

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.

© 2022 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved.

ERIC KOHLMEIER

THE SAVVY SENIOR: Little Known Property Tax Relief Programs

Dear Savvy

Senior,

I recently learned about a property-tax relief program for seniors in the county where I live.

Great question! Residential property-tax refund and credit programs exist in nearly every state, but unfortunately few people know about them. These programs can help retirees and many other Americans by reducing their property taxes. Hereʼs what you should know.

BY JIMMILLER

Apparently, there are hundreds of these programs across the country that many retirees, like me, are eligible for but donʼt know about. What can you tell me about this?

Dear Eddie,

—Overtaxed Eddie

Rising Property Taxes

Property taxes are a major source of income for local governments, but while they help fund key public services, they can be a financial drain for many homeowners, especially retirees, many of whom live on fixed incomes.

According to Attom Data Solutions, a property-data provider, the average American household payed $3,785 in property taxes in 2021, but this amount varies widely depending on your stateʼs tax rate and your homeʼs estimated value. For example, New Jersey residents paid $9,476 per year on average in 2021, while West Virginia residents paid $901.

To help ease this tax burden, most states offer a number of property-tax relief programs. But states arenʼt always proactive in letting people know. Itʼs up to you, the homeowner, to find out whatʼs available in your county or city that

you may be eligible for, and to apply.

Relief Programs

Property tax relief programs, sometimes called exemptions, release eligible homeowners from paying some or all of their property tax obligation. How long the exemption lasts can vary depending on where you live, and the reason youʼre applying for the exemption.

to visit your county, city or state website that collects your property tax. Most of these sites also provide applications and instructions, and will allow you to apply either online, by mail or at your local tax office.

Get fit, relieve stress, with ForeverYoung

Are you a senior looking to get fit and relieve stress as the holidays approach? Look no further than Westwood Recreationʼs ForeverYoung programʼs yoga, chair yoga and tai-chi classes for resident and non-resident adults, age 55 and up.

Certified yoga instructor Tori Karach leads ForeverYoung participants, beginners to advanced, in a 60-minute class designed to increase overall flexibility, assist in improving balance and posture, boost mood, increase muscle tone and ease aches and pains.

Yoga is held in the Westwood Community Center on

Thursdays from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. Chair Yoga with Tori is also held in the Westwood Community Center on Thursdays from noon to 12:40 p.m. The ForeverYoung yoga classes are free to Westwood residents 55 and up; $20 per month non-residents.

Local residents 55 and up who are looking for a new challenge are also encouraged to try Tai-Chi with instructor Hasmig Mekjian. Tai-chi is a Chinese martial art that incorporates slow continuous movement from one pose to the next. It is widely hailed as a beneficial way to reduce stress and anxiety and regular practice pro-

motes better sleep and weight loss. Tai-Chi might also improve cognition and balance and relieve symptoms of arthritis.

ForeverYoung Tai-Chi classes take place on Tuesdays at 8 a.m. and Thursdays at 1 p.m. The program is free for Westwood residents; the non-resident fee is $30 per month and includes entrance to both classes.

To register for these classes, adults 55 and up should go to the Westwood Community Center office at 55 Jefferson Ave. any day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information call (201) 664-7882.

The tax-relief process varies by county, city or state. In general, youʼll have to meet certain eligibility requirements, submit an application and provide documents that support your request. Most programs will either reduce, waive or freeze property taxes for seniors, veterans, surviving spouses, disabled and low-income residents.

But there are some counties that also offer basic homestead exemptions to homeowners regardless of age or income, and others that may provide exemptions to homeowners that have recently made energy-efficient improvements to their home.

Where to Look

The best way to learn about local property-tax relief programs and their eligibility requirements is

Another good resource for locating programs in your area is the Lincoln Institute, which has a property-tax database that lets you to browse programs across the country. To access it, visit ResidentialPropertyTaxReliefPrograms.org.

AARP might also be able to help through their Property TaxAide service – see PTAconsumers.aarpfoundation.org. This free program, which is available in 13 states (Arizona, Colorado, Florida–Miami Dade County, Illinois-Cook County, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York and North Carolina) and the District of Columbia helps eligible homeowners and renters apply for relief.

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.

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

WESTWOOD

Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide

DR. KAPLAN: Holistic solutions to traumatic brain injury

There are different types and causes of traumatic brain injuries. Falls are the leading cause of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in all age groups, not just in the senior community. Although, adults who are 75 or older have the highest percent (79%) of having a hospitalization or death.

proteins form abnormally and cling to other tau proteins to form “tau tangles” inside the brain cells. Tau tangles and beta-amyloid plaques are large accumulations of microscopic brain protein fragments that slow a personʼs ability to think and remember.

ated more than 30 years after TBI.

DR. ERIC KAPLAN, KAPLAN BRAIN & BODY

The next two causes of TBIs are car accidents and sports injuries. We see a lot of people who have had head injuries from shockwaves in battlefields, bullets hitting the head, and unfortunately domestic violence, as well.

TBIs can result in losing consciousness, forgetfulness, temporary amnesia, confusion, visual disturbances, headaches, dizziness, light and sound sensitivity, trouble with focus, memory loss, trouble with walking, trouble with talking, and many more problems.

Many researchers have even come to the conclusion that if the head injury is more severe, it can even lead to neurological disorders such as Alzheimerʼs disease. Alzheimerʼs disease is one of the fastest growing health conditions. Many people have linked Alzheimerʼs disease to traumatic brain injuries, but there are also many studies showing if there was just one very mild TBI, it may not lead to a neurological problem later on in life.

One of the problems with researching Alzheimerʼs disease is that scientists have to rely on the autopsy at death to really determine Alzheimerʼs effects on the brain. They look for tau proteins and amyloid plaques. These tau

These are very apparent in Alzheimerʼs disease. Since it is hard to determine whether these proteins and plaques are present before an autopsy is done, it is important to address other factors that may contribute to Alzheimerʼs disease.

One of the most researched topics in Alzheimerʼs disease is traumatic brain injuries. Although research with mild traumatic brain injuries has been inconclusive, if there is a major head injury with loss of consciousness, especially if it lasts more than five minutes, the outcomes can be really bad.

Also if you have had multiple head injuries that result in what is called CTE, your chances greatly increase as well. In football or hockey for example, the playerʼs heads are hit over and over again. Although the risk of brain dysfunction or dementia is highest after the first year of a head injury, research has shown damage can be sustained 30 years later.

In a recent study, the risk of a dementia diagnosis was increased by about 80% during a mean follow-up period of 15 years for individuals diagnosed with TBI. The study also found that the risk of being diagnosed with dementia in the first year after TBI was four to six times higher when compared with individuals with no TBI.

Afterward, this risk declined rapidly. The development of dementia, with impaired executive function, an increased risk of falling, and reduced cognitive function was significantly associ-

This means that your history can dictate your future. If you have had any type of head injury, whether it is from playing sports, a car accident, or a slip and fall, it is super important to get your brain analyzed now to figure out what areas are most damaged and are not functioning at optimal levels.

Many who complain of brain fog, trouble with focus, low energy, headaches, dizziness, visual disturbances, poor memory, decreased motivation, depression, or anxiety, do not realize that their neurological problems may be related to a head injury.

Great offer! Act fast!

The best way to determine this is to do a complete one hour neurological evaluation, which includes a VNG to measure each area of the brain to see how it is functioning and what areas need the most help. This is normally $500 at my Emerson office, but if you respond by the end of January, you can receive the entire test for only $97.

The next best test is called a qEEG which is a noninvasive test that measures your brain waves to determine any damaged areas. This test is also normally $500 and now you can receive this entire test for only $97 as well.

To top it off, for the first seven people that sign up, you can get both tests (which would normally cost a total of $1,000) for only $150 if you mention this article and schedule your two-hour appointment before the end of January.

ʻ The time is nowʼ

The best way to deal with TBIs is to get the proper diagnosis and then we can determine which neurological exercises are most appropriate. Sometimes it may be

eye exercises, sometimes it may be postural therapies, sometimes it might be breathing exercises, sometimes it may be balance exercises, or sometimes it may be memory or focus exercises.

All types of neurological exercises can be done to improve your brain function so you do not have problems in school, in work, or as you get older. The key is to take action now and not let the

brain get worse as time goes on. Remember, if you function better, you will feel better, and you will live better. Letʼs work together to improve your quality of life and your mood. Please call (201) 261-2150 or email info@kaplanbrainandbody.com to set up your initial evaluation. Looking forward to helping you live the happiest and healthiest life possible.

RVPDfriends indeed

Left to right: P.O Anthony Feorenzo,P.O.Goran Krasic,Sgt.Dino Dinelli, administrative assistant Lazime Delihasani,P.O.Tyler Mills,P.O.William MacRae,and Sgt.Christopher Yoo.Not pictured:Capt.Christopher Bulger,Lt. Joshua Wisse,Lt.John Gugliemotti,P.S.Michael Monforte,Det.Daniel Kristan, P.O.Kimberly Pane,and P.O.Matthew Lanza.

THE RIVER VALE SENIOR FRIENDSHIP CLUB thanks the River Vale Police Department for the wonderful holiday luncheon they hosted for the club. It was a fun afternoon and these young men made it a very memorable holiday with all their hard work and assistance to all the seniors during the luncheon. We wish them all a happy and healthy New Year!

Hilda Gonzalez

River Vale Friendship Club

RIVER VALE

Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide

FROM PAGE 1

t ion will bring some holiday cheer to families served by these great organizations.”

Helping Hand Food Pantry is a nonprofit charitable organization that serves the citizens of Emerson, Hillsdale, Montvale, Oradell, River Vale, Washington Township, Westwood, and Woodcliff Lake.

It operates amid the mutual support of the Hillsdale Clergy Association: Hillsdale United Methodist Church, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Pascack Bible Church, and St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church.

The pantry is entirely staffed

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

b y dedicated volunteers and relies on private donations, grocery stores, fundraisers, food drives and grants to serve those in need.

It serves approximately 1 ,250 neighbors every month, including senior citizens, the disabled, active military members, and military veterans.

The pantryʼs annual turkey drive brings together volunteers from across the valley to help families in need at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Pantry coordinator Mark Loblanco told Pascack Press in November 2022 that “During this time of the year it is not about what you receive but what you

already have is what is important to remember.”

He added, “Itʼs so amazing to see a community come togethe r with donations of not just turkeys but bags of food and gift cards. The youth of community working in unison with adults is wonderful to watch. The many volunteers make this turkey drive a success. It is that simple.”

Loblanco said, “Our client list has been steadily increasing while our food donations have been decreasing” and noted donations have been harder to come by. He explained the pinch is due to “price increases on food and other household items. People are finding it hard to donate

Winter reading challenge, much more

Township of Washington Library at 144 Woodfield Road and twpofwashingtonpl.org offers terrific events to kick off the New Year:

• Winter Reading Challenge: Through Jan. 31, settle in for a cozy winter by reading along. Log your minutes and complete challenges via the ReaderZone app. Our top readers will receive prizes. For children through adults for any type of reading: reading aloud, reading together, listening to audiobooks, catching up on magazines, and more. Visit website for more.

• Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 5:30 p.m.

Sign up for Coloring & Crafting on Friday,Jan.6 at 1 p.m.Refreshments are provided.

and Saturday, Jan. 7 at 10:30 a.m.:

Mat Yoga open to all levels of practice. Bring your own yoga mat and any props you may need, such

as yoga blocks, straps, or bolster blankets. $5 per class. Drop in.

• Wednesday, Jan. 4: Movie Matinee at 1 p.m.

• Chair Yoga, Thursday, Jan. 5. Registration was still open at press time. Regular class at 11 a.m.; advanced class at noon. Cost for four classes: $8 for town residents, $20 others.

• Coloring & Crafting on Friday, Jan. 6 at 1 p.m. Calling all coloring fans, stitchers, knitters, crocheters, and more: craft and chat with friends. Refreshments and coloring supplies will be provided, or bring a project to work on.

when they need first to take care of their own family.”

One thing going consistently strong is the volunteer force.

Loblanco said, “We have a great board of trustees but the actual volunteers that work at the pantry is the motor that keeps the train rolling on the tracks. We can always use more volunteers. Many hands make light work.”

T his time last year, we reported that Helping Hand Food Pantry received a $15,000 donation thanks to the foundation of consulting firm POWER Engineers Inc., an engineering, environmental and technology cons ulting fi rm headquartered in Hailey, Idaho and with its nearest office in Oradell.

Unity Bank delivers

Unity Bank said donations of $1,600 were presented to a local food bank by each of Unityʼs 19 community branches, including:

• Union Food Pantry from Union Branch;

•Helping Hand Food Pantry of Hillsdale from Emerson Branch;

•Washington Community Food Pantry from Washington Branch;

• Middlesex Elks #1488, from Middlesex Branch;

•Feeding Hands of Bridgewater from Somerville Branch;

•Sacred Heart Social Concerns Ministry in South Plainfield from South Plainfield Branch;

•Alliance Center for Independence Food Pantry in Edison

from Edison Branch;

• Flemington Area Food Pantry from Flemington Branch;

•Society of St. Vincent de Paul from North Plainfield Branch;

•Franklin Township Food Bank from Somerset Branch;

• Highland Park Community Food Pantry from Highland Park Branch;

• Home First Interfaith Housing & Family Services of Plainfield from Scotch Plains Branch;

• Linden Interfaith Network for Community Service (LINCS) from Linden Branch;

• River of Life Food Pantry of Phillipsburg from Phillipsburg Branch;

• Open Cupboard Food Pantry of Clinton from Clinton Branch;

•Readington Area Starfish from Whitehouse Branch;

•Bikur Cholim of Lakewood from Lakewood Branch;

•New Bethany Ministries of Bethlehem from the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Branch; and

•Easton Area Community Center from Forks Township, Pennsylvania Branch.

Unity Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: UNTY), the parent company of Unity Bank, its primary and wholly owned subsidiary, is a financial services organization headquartered in Clinton.

For more information, visit HelpingHandFoodPantry.com or write TheHelpingHandFoodPantry @gmail.com

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

Westwood: True-crime podcaster on the job

FROM PAGE 7 deeper.”

She adds, “Itʼs time to reignite the conversation” and invites listeners to join her on her “journey to discover the truth” in “Lost in Lindy” (found wherever you get your podcasts).

Palacios is an independent journalist from Westwood. She graduated Westwood Regional High School in 2018 and from Penn State University as a broadcast journalism and political scie nce double major, womenʼs studies minor, in May 2022.

Sheʼs spent most of her life in Westwood, where her mom l ives. At Westwood Regional Jr./Sr. High School, Palacios represented as a national youth correspondent to the 2017 Washington Journalism & Media Conference. She also was editor in chief of Cardinal Chronicle, the high schoolʼs student news site.

Since graduating Penn State — she earned spots on the deanʼs list at Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications in fall 2019 and spring 2020 — sheʼs had coveted media internships and works as a freelance production assistant at MSNBC and NBC News in New York City.

Her probe of the cold case, inaugurated amid a podcast production class, is mentored by Penn State University professor Katie OʼToole, Pulitzer Prize-

winning journalist Rick Tulsky, and criminologist Tamson Six.

Tulsky was a founder of Injustice Watch and served as editorial director until he retired in 2020. Most recently he was the founding director of Medill Watchdog, a program at Northwestern Universityʼs journalism school to undertake collaborative projects on systemic problems while mentoring students in such work.

Palaciosʼfirst original podcast is “The Biracial Beat” (2022), which she says is on hold.

Palacios and her mom are rapt fans of the “Crime Junkie” podcast, NBCʼs“Dateline,” ABC Newsʼ“20/20,” and “Unsolved Mysteries” on Netflix. They listen to stories in the genre on car trips. “We throw it on and see if we can solve it.”

Palacios says sheʼs come “closer and closer” to solving the Parker case, though given its richness sheʼs particularly drawn to its effects on the community.

She says, “I have spent over six months investigating this story, working with Lauraʼs family and interviewing people across Long Island” in her journey “to make sense of this tragedy.”

She says she interviewed the daughter of a man who died in 2005 whom she calls the caseʼs prime suspect — there are several suspects — as well as the lead homicide detective on the case.

Sheʼd call the project a success if she could bring closure to those for whom this story lingers as questions and frustration.

She says she has information the Parker family was never made aware of. Conversely, part of the series centers on the opening, w ith younger brother, James Parker, of 12 boxes Lauraʼs mom, Patricia, had stored in her attic, c ontaining her late daughterʼs personal effects — including diaries, records, and clothing.

“James (Laura has an older sister as well) had never looked through them, he just put them in a storage unit” after their motherʼs recent death, Palacios says. “This was the first time these boxes had been opened in 40 years. It was as if Mrs. Parker had packed up Lauraʼs bedroom and threw them in these boxes and never looked at them again.”

Palacios adds that sheʼs grateful to everyone who has opened up to her and entrusted her with their stories and hopes for a fair, illuminating narrative.

The work has been emotional, Palacios says. Part of the challenge for her is not to overly identify with “the family,” the Parkers. She has been practicing an investigative journalistʼs fairness, balance, and ranging curiosity.

She takes a step back, for days or a week as needed, after holding space with her subjects no matter their connection to the

story, to process her feelings.

Palacios says for James Parker, “This was an opportunity to get to know who his sister was as a teenager, to read what she was writing about, to find out who she was getting involved with, and the path she was kind of going on. Itʼs really been a roller coaster.”

One thing that stands out for Palacios is the list of missed opportunities. “This was the 1980s. They were just starting to put pictures of missing kids on milk cartons; the National Center For Missing & Exploited Children had just been founded, so it was really early on before any of those procedures came about.”

And when Laura was found — she was identified by dental records — “It was something like four months she had been missing. There was no formal search of any sort — sheʼs found three blocks away from the high school in a wooded area. She was last seen on school property, and no one thought to look in this wooded area where a lot of kids hung out?”

She says, “Every time I tell this story I get the same reaction,

which is, ʻHuh. How does a 14year-old girl wrap herself in a carpet, throw herself in a ditch, and just pass away?ʼThat doesnʼt happen. But that was just what they went with.”

She says, “No one really wanted to listen to the family, and eventually the family moved from Lindenhurst to Holbrook, out on Long Island, more east, and they never stopped fighting.”

Palacios says, “Ireally didnʼt want to continue to the project without the familyʼs permission, because it is so personal. And thank God, luckily they were thrilled I was doing it and they were happy to help.”

Overall, she says, “Lost in Lindy” is “about the impact on the community, and trying to keep Laura alive — her memory alive. It was just really wrong the way she was treated. Itʼs giving her a voice.”

The first episode is planned to be released this month. There should be approximately six in all.

For more information visit lostinlindy.com and facebook.com/LostinLindy

Club News?

Tri-Boro: Volunteer ambulance corps seeks key aid

FROM PAGE 9

year in operating and capital expenses per town,” said the TBVAC.

Reached Dec. 23, Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corps president Heather McGee declined to comment, citing the upcoming meeting with the mayors on the matter.

Typically, said the ambulance corps website, the service responds to “as many as 1,600 calls for help including serious medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, injuries suffered at home, at work, in school, or on the many sport and recreation fields in our communities.”

Briefly, the corpsʼproposed stipend program would pay a qualified volunteer a flat $750 monthly for meeting 60 or more volunteer hours per month. Compensation only applies to months where 60 or more hours are contributed.

Members can qualify for one, two or three months of a quarter; volunteers do not need to meet the 60-hour mandate for all three

PASCACK VALLEY

For the veterans

Representing Hillsdale, Police Chief Robert Francaviglia, Captain Sean Smith and American Legion Post 162 of Hillsdale, Woodcliff Lake and Old Tappanʼs past commander, Zoltán Horváth, had the honor of attending and participating in the Dec. 11, 2022 Bergen County Police Chiefs Association celebration and homage to veterans at the state-run veterans home in Paramus.

Police departments from the Pascack Valley were well represented.

months to receive compensation, said the letter. A volunteer who meets monthly 60-hour requirements for 12 months could receive $9,000 yearly if the stipend program is funded.

“We believe that the time has come for a stipend program to maintain the ambulance corps and to continue to provide ambulance service to our community and save the boroughsʼmoney. A generous estimate foreach town to budget would be $100,000 a year. We are estimating approximately 20 members to qualify each month, some months may be less and some months, like summer when college members are home, may be more. Please note that this stipend would be independent of our already operational stipend of $20,000 a year per town,” said the TBVAC.

The letter suggests one way for towns to recoup some costs of a stipend program would be for towns to hire a “per diem ambulance corps administrator to bill insurance companies” as well as medical facilities using Tri-Boro as a transport service.

“While we take no issue with being called to true medical emergencies at these sites, more often than not we are called for protocols that a patient must go to the hospital based on something happening, with no injury. We are happy to discuss in further detail with you at any time,” added the service.

Park Ridge Mayor Keith Misciagna said Tri-Boro “is an important part of our community and their service is extremely valuable as they provide the service at no charge.” He said the mayor and council would discuss the corpsʼ request at its next meeting.

He said following a meeting with mayors Rendo and Ghassali on the matter, “We all feel that we can generate much of the necessary funding by submitting bills to insurance companies of those individuals using Tri-Boro that have medical insurance while still providing the service free of charge to those individuals that do not have coverage. That would be a change in how Tri-Boro does business but may just be the answer we need,” Misciagna told

Pascack Press on Dec. 26.

“Much of the detail would have to be worked out but we believe itʼs a viable option and we are exploring it,” he added.

1,600 calls a year

Councilwoman Josephine Higgins, a Tri-Boro volunteer, said preliminary research that she conducted found out that a paid ambulance service would be costly to taxpayers.

Higgins said volunteers often must come directly from work to respond to calls and stressed itʼs difficult to be a volunteer. She said her research showed “it would be close to a million dollars” to run a local ambulance service with paid professionals 24/7 for residents.

She said she hoped that upcoming meetings with mayors and council members could “move this forward” to help the ambulance corps.

“People donʼt realize how many calls we make until they need an ambulance. And so please support the ambulance corps, Higgins said.

During the Borough Coun-

cilʼs Dec. 22 meeting, Mayor Carlos Rendo said a letter to all three towns from Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corps said they were losing several volunteer members, and noted they were asking for an annual funding increase from all three towns covered by the ambulance service.

Rendo said he met with mayors Michael Ghassali of Montvale and Keith Misciagna of Park Ridge about the request. “Theyʼre seeking $100,000 per community, per town.”

“We are discussing it during the budget meetings coming up. We need to support our ambulance volunteers and are working with our hospital and assisted living facilities to have them use their own ambulance services,” emailed Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali Dec. 23.

Rendo said that it was up to the Borough Council to decide how much they ultimately wanted to contribute to the corps “to keep the ambulance corps functioning at levels that we need to

—Zoltán Horváth photos

Bergen County Police Chiefs Association celebrates veterans at the state-run veterans home in Paramus.

County. I witnessed the extraordinary learning that these students had with their innovative state of the art facilities like their media production studio, a STEM and maker-space lab, a spacious media center, a separate chorus and band room, a cafeteria, and a gym that hosted their events like graduation and plays open to the public.

In March I attended a referendum communication meeting at George White Middle School. Upon arrival, guests were able to tour the 100-year-old building. I was surprisingly taken aback. Not o nly was the building falling apart, there were various shared spaces, which meant not enough room to hold our children. I left the meeting a very concerned parent. I came home and shared with my husband, “I canʼt believe we pay taxes for that.” I still today sit with these two questions:

• Why canʼt the children of Hillsdale have the same opportunities as their neighboring districts?

• How could we expect our teachers to offer 21 century state

WESTWOOD

of the art education and for our children to learn, when we are not providing them with the resources they need?

Our children are the hope of our future. They are next in line for building a better Hillsdale, so let us invest in this plan and provide them with the essentials t hey need to improve themselves, our town, and the world.

Cristina Kouvel Hillsdale

WT’s Romano on leaving school board

To the editor:

O N DEC. 22, 2022, I submitted the following letter of resignation to the Westwood Regional School District Board of Education. It feels only right that I share my letter with those whom Iʼve represented for the past four years, especially those who have supported me during the past two elections and throughout my service.

As I hope you will gather, my reason for leaving the board prior to the end of my second term [ representing the Township of Washington] has less to do with the challenges that come with a seat on our board and more to do with the need to balance and prioritize responsibilities. It has been an honor to serve our school community. [Resignation letter follows.]

** *

MEMBERSOFTHE Board of Education:

Please accept this letter as my formal notice of resignation from the Westwood Regional School District Board of Education, effective Jan. 1, 2023. I am grateful for having had the opportunities to both serve our school community for these past four years and also lead our board for the latter part of that.

During my tenure, our school community has faced unprecedented challenges—some universal and some local. I am proud to have led those who have been willing to join me in pursuing the selfless cause of providing support, order, and decency. I am thankful for those who truly believe in the value of the following: “Take care of yourself. Take

Claim your bench in Veterans Park

If you visited Veteran Memorial Park in recent months you might have noticed eight new concrete bases along several pathways. These are the last available locations for eight memorial benches in the park before the borough reaches program site capacity.

The first of the eight memorial benches has just been placed near the bandstand.

Westwoodʼs Municipal Bench Donation Program began in 2011 as a way to honor loved ones in lieu of memorial trees.

The benches relay a positive message, are sustainable, and are a benefit to the many who fre-

quent the park and are looking for a place to relax and take in the view and sounds of the town. And unlike memorial trees, benches are not affected by climate, disease, or a renegade saw.

The Municipal Bench Program also offers memorial and commemorative benches that can be placed in any of the parks in town. There are 53 benches in seven parks and locations.

Bench program manager Peter Grefrath, and Lisa Bontemps, program manager of Westwood for All Ages, tell Pascack Press theyʼre working together to install several benches as part of the age-friendly initiative funded by the Henry and

Marilyn Taub Foundation through Meals on Wheels North Jersey.

Grefrath and Bontemps are considering various locations older residents may need to stop on a walk into town, as well as in McKinley Park, where many activities for older residents such as pickle ball are held. A brochure describing the bench program is available in the clerkʼs office in the Municipal Center, at the Recreation Department in the Community Center, and at the Westwood website.

Organizers said, “Letʼs maintain the positive momentum regarding this program. We thank everyone for their continued support.”

care of each other. Take care of this place” (Wheatley 2007).

Know that I do not take the responsibility of holding a board seat lightly and that ultimately, my decision to leave has to do with p ersonal responsibility and a desire to maintain a balance in my life that allows me to support those whom I love and to whom I have made unconditional commitment. Current responsibilities make it increasingly harder to reconcile the time and attention that a seat on our board requires.

I offer my best wishes for future success.

Sincerely, Frank Romano III, Ed.D. Board of Education president

Colombo quits as WWRSD trustee

To the editor:

I WANTEDTO inform you of my recent resignation from the Westwood Regional Board of Education. I want to take this time to

thank the community members who supported me and voted for me. I apologize for not finishing my final year and I hope they understand how much I value their voices, their opinions and their commitment to our district. Wishing everyone a successful and happy new year. [Resignation letter follows.]

** *

DEAR DR MORTIMER, Dr. Romano, Mr. Rosado and BoE members,

After a lot of thoughtful consideration, I have decided to resign from my current position as an elected member of the Board of Education for the Westwood Regional School District. Please accept this letter as a formal notice of my resignation effective immediately.

I appreciate the community members who elected me and I want to thank them, as well as Dr. Mortimer, Dr. Romano, Mr. Rosado and the other BoE members for this valuable experience in serving the district for the past two years.

I wish everyone luck and continued success in the new year.

Sincerely, Maureen Colombo Township of Washington

As the holiday season approaches, crimes of opportunity become the objective of the criminal assailant. Vehicle thefts are up 25% in New Jersey. To curtail vehicle thefts, especial ly in Bergen County, the Bergen County Sheriffʼs Office will showcase bumper sticker magnets on marked vehicles, reminding drivers to take their key fobs when exiting their vehicles.

“Vehicle thefts are at a high in our county. Itʼs imperative for drivers to make sure they are in possession of their keys and key fob to deter motor vehicle thefts and/or other crimes of opportunity,” Sheriff Anthony Cureton said.

DORCHESTER KINDERGARTENREGISTRATION

The Dorchester Elementary School is accepting applications for kindergarten registration for the 2023-24 school year. To be eligible for kindergarten in September 2023, children must be 5 years of age by Oct.1, 2023.

For a complete registration packet, visit the school website at woodcliff-lake.com Click on Dorchester School under schools,

WOODCLIFF LAKE Club News?

and then 2023-24 Kindergarten Registration under Links & Announcements.

The school requests you email a completed registration form and all required documentation as directed on the Kindergarten Registration page by Friday, Feb. 10, 2023.

For help, call the main office at (201) 930-5600 ext. 100.

The Bergen

longer in the vehicle. This is an easily visible sign for would-be thieves

•Lock your car doors and keep windows up while vehicle is parked

•For extra security, install a car alarm or steering wheel lock

•Remove valuables from your vehicle

•Store accessory items, including phone chargers and dash mounts, in glove compartment or trunk

• NEVER leave your key fob in your vehicle.

•Many luxury vehicles have side mirrors that fold inward once the key fob is no

•If applicable, turn on outside lights around your residence Keep your residence doors locked

The Bergen County Sheriffʼs Office notes itʼs dedicated to protecting and serving our community

County Sheriffʼs Office tips to help combat the uptick of vehicle thefts and breakins:

Festival: Valley Chabad, B’nai Israel celebrate

FROM PAGE 4

Dov Drizin and Teen Leadership Initiative leader Rabbi Yosef Orenstein, and added his best wishes for a joyous Festival of Lights.

He hosted with his wife and at least two members of the township council: Daisy Velez and Stacey Feeney. Rounding out the fun were latkes, doughuts, gelt, hot cider, music, and kidsʼprizes.

Valley Chabad set public menorah lightings on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. at the Montvale train station, 5 p.m. at the Westwood train station, and 6 p.m. at the Township of Washington town hall.

It said it would fly what it billed as New Jerseyʼs first drone

menorah, or “dronora,” at its main Chanukah event outside the River Vale Town Hall on Monday, Dec. 19 at 5:30 p.m.

Rabbi Dov Drizin tells Pascack Press, “Chanukahʼs message is about spreading the warmth and light of the menorah. We want to bring families together to stand proud and tall with their Jewish heritage. The drone menorah idea is an exciting way for the children to enjoy the holiday in a fun creative way.”

This yearʼs Chanukah take on added significance in the face of growing public anti-semetic rhetoric by rapper Kanye “Ye” West and others, Drizin said.

At the event: a large menorah lighting, hot food, donuts, latkes and prizes for the children. There

wwas also a fire truck chocolate gelt (“coin”) drop. The River Vale childrenʼs choir performed.

Congregation Bʼnai Israel in Emerson hosted several familyfriendly Hanukkah events in December.

• The annual family Hanukkah dinner on Friday, Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m. was followed by a Shabbat service at 7:30. Latkes, singing, chocolate gelt, and dreidels were part of the fun.

•The acclaimed Tizmoret a c appella group performed on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 10 a.m. Tizmoret, based in Queens College, C ity University of New York draws singers from colleges throughout the New York City area and performs classic Jewish melodies, American pop music,

and contemporary Israeli tunes. The invitation said “Come before the performance for a 9 a.m. service and 9:30 bagel breakfast, and stay for Hanukkah treats.”

• The annual “Night of Giving” childrenʼs program was Tuesday Dec. 20 at 5 p.m. In addition to lighting Hanukkah candles, singing Hanukkah songs, and eating latkes and apple sauce, participants created and donated “no sew” blankets to comfort the kittens and cats in a local fosterbased, all volunteer cat rescue facility focusing on homeless cats and kittens in Bergen County.

Congregation Bʼnai Israel is a warm, welcoming, innovative synagogue at 53 Palisade Ave. in Emerson, near the Emerson Public Library.

A Chanukah menorah, or hanukkiah , is a nine-branched

candelabrum lit during the eightday Jewish holiday of Chanukahʼs. Eight of the nine branches hold lights (candles or oil lamps) that symbolize the eight nights of the holiday; on each night, one more light is lit than the previous night, until on the final night all eight branches are ignited.

The ninth branch holds a candle, called the shamash (“helper” or “servant”), which is used to light the other eight.

The Chanukah menorah commemorates, but is distinct from, the seven-branched menorah used in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. Along with the sevenbranched menorah and the Star of David, it is among the most widely produced articles of Jewish ceremonial art.

FROM PAGE 1

re-election, and ahead of the ninemember boardʼs annual reorganization meeting, Jan. 5.

In letters to the editor, this issue, Romano and Colombo express gratitude for their support and experiences, and both share their official resignation letters.

Romano rose to president in 2022, after six months on the board, when the previous president, also from the township, left under fire over a note heʼd issued on behalf of the board thanking the former district superintendent for his service and apprising the community of next steps in the replacement search process.

Romano, an ex-officio member on board committees, told Pascack Press on Dec. 28, 2022 that he resigned on Dec. 22 and that “It feels only right that I share my letter with those whom Iʼve represented for the past four years, especially those who have supported me during the past two elections and throughout my service.”

He said, “As I hope you will gather, my reason for leaving the board prior to the end of my second term has less to do with the challenges that come with a seat on our board and more to do with the need to balance and prioritize responsibilities. It has been an honor to serve our school community.”

Romano was reelected on Nov 2, 2021, 64% to 35%, over challenger James Schembari. Romano is an experienced educator and a retired superintendent.

Colombo, 2022ʼs chair of the policy and governance committee, was New Jersey School Counselor Associationʼs Bergen County Counselor of the County for 2021.

She gave no specific reason for stepping down in her letter to the editor or attached letter of resignation. She apologized for her early departure and added in part, “I appreciate the community members who elected me and I want to thank them, as well as [superin-

tendent] Dr [Jill] Mortimer, Dr. Romano, Mr. Rosado and the other BoE members for this valuable experience in serving the district for the past two years. I wish everyone luck and continued success in the new year.”

(See “Maureen Colombo is countyʼs top school counselor for ʼ21,” Pascack Press, April 17, 2021.)

Asked to comment on these developments, Mortimer told Pascack Press, “Both Mrs. Colombo and Dr. Romano were highly valued members of the board of education. They worked tirelessly for the students of this district, and much was accomplished during their tenure on the board. They will be missed.”

Meanwhile, three other departing trustees were honored for their service to Westwood Regional School District Board of Education, the K-12 school district serving families in Westwood and Washington Township.

Two of the trustees lost reelection Nov. 8.

Honored in December with plaques and proclamations were Westwoodʼs Roberta Hanlon (18 years of service) and Michelle Sembler (three years of service), and the Township of Washingtonʼs Joseph McCallister (one year of service).

(See “School board honors Hanlon, Sembler, McCallister,” Pascack Press, Dec. 26, 2022.)

During his year-end-meeting update, Rosado confirmed the official Nov 8 election results. He said in the township, one three-year term went to Douglas Cusato with 1,737 votes, versus 1,462 votes for Joseph McCallister.

In Westwood, two open seats for three-year terms went to Jason Garcia, with 1,940 votes, and Laura Cooper, with 1,803. Sembler rallied 1,699 votes.

Applicants sought

The districtʼs Dec. 22 post seeking applicants for Romanoʼs seat was later amended to seek applicants for two township seats.

Interested individuals must be registered voters in the Township of Washington. Send a resume and letter of interest describing your interest in serving on the board no later than Jan. 17 to Keith A. Rosado, board secretary, Westwood Regional Board of Education, 701 Ridgewood Road, Township of Washington, NJ 07676 or via email at keith.rosado@wwrsd.org Call Rosado at (201) 664-0880 ext. 2004 with questions.

WESTWOOD

Monthly Child Health Conference

The Westwood Board of Health offers a monthly Child Health Conference for Westwood children from birth through age 6 where they may receive complete medical physical exams and all required immunizations. Children 7–18 years of age may receive immunizations only Services are free and provided by a pediatrician and public health nurse. Appointments required. For more information call (201) 666-4800 ext. 1528. Sessions are held at the Borough of Hillsdale, 380 Hillsdale Avenue, in the lower level.

PARK RIDGE

KINDERGARTEN ORIENTATION/REGISTRATION

Park Ridge children who will be 5 years old by Oct. 1, 2023 will be eligible for full day kindergarten registration for the 20232024 school year.

Children living west of Pascack Road will attend West Ridge Elementary School. Children living on or east of Pascack Road will attend East Brook School.

Kindergarten orientation will be held on Thursday, Feb. 2 as follows: East Brook – 6 p.m. and West Ridge – 6:30 p.m. Kindergarten orientation is for parents only.

Kindergarten registration will be held Monday, Feb 6, through Friday, Feb. 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at both schools.

Access the online portion of the registration materials at parkridgeschools.org/domain/17 starting on Friday, Feb 3.

You can access and print the following required forms which you will need to bring into the school during registration hours.

•New student medical forms

•New student home language form

•New student owner/landlord affidavit form

In addition to the forms listed above, the following documents are also required when you register your child for kindergarten:

• Original and a copy of your childʼs birth certificate

• Proofs of residential identification

• Most recent immunization history from pediatrician

For assistance, call Mrs. Syring at East Brook School at (201) 573-6000, ext. 2000 or Ms. McCarthy at West Ridge at (201) 573-6000, ext. 3000.

ROMANO COLOMBO

ON THE ROAD

Why

The first things to come to mind when many people ponder vehicle maintenance are oil changes and routine tune-ups. Though each of those things are vital components of automotive maintenance, itʼs important that drivers recognize the value of a thorough car wash as well.

Drivers may see a car wash as a way to make their car look good, and thatʼs not untrue. An effective car wash can give a car a look that mirrors how the vehicle appeared the moment it was driven off the lot. But an effective wash is more than just cosmetic.

According to Consumer Reports, a thorough car wash removes grit and residue, thus protecting the carʼs paint job and reducing the likelihood of corrosion. Though late model vehicles arenʼt as susceptible to rust, fading and peeling as cars made decades ago, they still need a thorough and routine wash to remove dirt, grime and bird droppings that, over time, can adversely affect the paint job and, if left unchecked, eat away at the metal.

Another benefit to routine car washes is they can prevent damage related to seasonal issues.

F or example, individuals who live in regions where winter snowfall is common may routinely drive on roads that have been salted. Deicing the roads

important to wash your car

makes driving safer, but salt can accumulate on the undercarriage of the vehicle and contribute to corrosion.

Winter may not be a time many drivers visit the car wash, but itʼs important to do so after snow has melted and salt on the roadways has been washed away by rain. Most car washes now offer high-pressure undercarriage treatments that can wash off salt and prevent corrosion and the formation of rust.

But itʼs not just the exterior of the car that can benefit from routine washing. When taking their cars to get washed, many motorists pay a little extra to have their vehicle interiors cleaned. Sometimes referred to as “interior detailing,” cleaning the cabin of the car helps to maintain the interior so it looks new longer.

Routine interior cleaning also can remove dust and other particles that can serve as irritants if allowed to build up over time. Resale and trade-in value is another factor to consider.

The automotive experts at Edmunds note that the average transaction price for a used vehicle in the second quarter of 2021 was $25,410, which marks a 21 percent increase over the year prior.

Much has been made of the microchip issues that have compromised auto manufacturersʼ

ability to produce new automobiles, and that led many motorists to the preowned vehicle market.

Dealerships also offered incentives to drivers willing to trade in their late model cars. By taking care of a vehicleʼs interior,

drivers are putting themselves in position to capitalize on the increased reliance on the preowned market.

Prospective buyers, whether theyʼre private citizens or dealerships, will see more value in a vehicle with a well-maintained

interior than one with a cabin thatʼs seen much better days.

Car washes may be seen as a purely cosmetic form of vehicle maintenance. But the benefits of routine and thorough car washes extend far beyond aesthetic appeal.

Savvy drivers recognize that maintenance is essential to keeping their vehicles running strong for years on end. Such maintenance ensures vehicles are safe to take out on the road, and basic upkeep also protects driversʼ financial investments in their cars and trucks.

Drivers who are not mechanically inclined tend to put their vehicles in the hands of a trusted mechanic to perform routine maintenance like oil changes. But s a host of simpler vehicle maintenance tasks that drivers ant to overlook, some of which can be performed without visiting the auto body shop.

• Brake inspections: Brake inspections are best left to the professionals, who can check the thickness of brake pads and look for other indicators of excessive

The automotive resource Cars.com recommends having es inspected during routine tire rotations, which many automotive professionals suggest should be done every six months.

• Car wash: Car washes might not be the first task drivers

associate with vehicle maintenance, but they can prevent longterm damage to cars and trucks.

Damage from bird droppings and road salt and ice melt products in the winter can damage a vehicleʼs paint job and its undercarriage. Wash the car on your own at home or visit a professional car wash to perform this simple yet vital maintenance at regular intervals and whenever you notice significant buildup of dirt and grime on the carʼs exterior.

• Air filter: The air filter on a

car or truck prevents debris, dirt and other contaminants from getting into the engine. The auto insurance experts at Allstate® advise drivers to inspect their vehicle air filters once a year. Air filters in need of replacement may appear dirty, and reduced fuel economy, unusual engine sounds and reduced horsepower are some other potential indicators that an air filters needs to be replaced.

• Windshield wipers: Windshield wiper blades are easily overlooked, but various automotive experts recommend replacing wiper blades every six to 12 months. Old wiper blades wonʼt perform at peak capacity, dramatically reducing visibility during heavy rain and snowstorms. Anyone can replace their own windshield wiper blades in a matter of minutes, and new blades wonʼt break the bank.

Vehicle maintenance is not exclusive to tending to whatʼs under the hood. Keeping a car running smoothly for years involves routine tasks that many drivers can perform without professional assistance.

There’s a host of simpler vehicle maintenance tasks that drivers don’t want to overlook, some of which can be performed without visiting the auto body shop.

How to approach a basement remodel

A fully finished and functional basement is a dream for many homeowners. Such a space, when completed, can serve as an entertainment space, a man cave, an artistʼs studio, or any number of additional functions.

Despite their usefulness, finished basements are something of a

rarity. In an analysis of data from the U.S. Census Bureauʼs Survey of Construction, the National Association of Home Builders found that only around 24 percent of single-family homes built in 2018 have basements.

Homeowners who do not currently have a finished basement but

are considering such a project can approach the remodel with a few key factors in mind.

Careful consideration of these factors can ensure the project is budget-friendly and worthy of homeownersʼinvestments.

• Investment value: Conventional wisdom among home renovation and real estate experts suggests that a basement remodel is best if done to satisfy current inhabitants and not necessarily to appeal to prospective buyers once the home is put up for sale. Remodeling magazine reports that a midrange basement remodel costing around $70,000 will provide a

return of around $49,000 (or 70 percent) at resale. Though thatʼs not a poor return on investment, homeowners who are remodeling a basement solely for the potential ROI at resale can find other projects that provide a greater return.

• Foundation: The foundation of the home must garner ample consideration before beginning a basement remodel. Certain foundation issues, such as soft concrete, cracked or curved outside walls and cracks in the flooring, are indicative of significant issues with the foundation.

These issues can be costly to address, and they must be remedied before the basement remodel can

begin.

• Existing space: Some homeowners may have bought their homes with partially finished basements or even finished areas that they simply want to remodel.

In such instances, a preremodel inspection from a licensed home inspector can save homeowners lots of money and heartache over the long haul.

Partially finished or even aging finished basements might not have been renovated in adherence to codes, which could lead to costly violations down the road.

An inspection in advance of a remodel can give homeowners an idea of what they will need to do to bring the basement up to code. Local officials also can provide a list of necessary permits and a detailed description of requirements to ensure the remodeled basement adheres to code.

• Soil: Soil surrounding the home should be tested prior to beginning the project. Radon is an odorless gas found in soil that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes can increase individualsʼ risk for lung cancer Radon can seep into basements and increase that risk even further if it is present at elevated levels in the soil surrounding a home.

Radon tests are simple and inexpensive, and no basement remodel project should begin without first conducting such a test.

Finished basements are valuable spaces. Homeowners who want to finish or remodel their basements should consider a host of factors before beginning the renovation.

Homeowners who do not currently have a finished basement but are considering such a project can approach the remodel with a few key factors in mind.

Six signs you may need a new HVAC system

Thereʼs no place like home, especially when that home is a comfortable and safe haven. One of the ways residents find comfort in their homes is by maintaining the right indoor temperatures, which fluctuate along with the seasons. While there is much to be said about opening windows and doors to let Mother Nature do her thing, indoor comfort is often maintained with an HVAC system.

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. It can include heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioning units. It is an automated system that works by adjusting a thermostat to regulate air temperature, and sometimes humidity, in the home. According to Enviguard, a commercial contracting provider, HVAC systems also may be used to improve indoor air quality through filtration and oxygen replacement.

As with any mechanical device, an HVAC system has a life span that must be considered. Should any of the following conditions be present, it is likely time to consult with an HVAC technician to see if repairs or replacement of the entire system is warranted.

1. Age

If the HVAC system is more than 10 years old, it could be time to begin budgeting for a new unit. Many modern, efficient systems may last 12 to 14 years with rou-

Should any of the following conditions be present, it is likely time to consult with an HVAC technician to see if repairs or replacement of the entire system is warranted.

tine maintenance. But itʼs good to keep an HVAC systemʼs age in mind so you can readily recognize when it might start to fail.

2. Longer or constant running times

An efficient, properly working system will quickly heat or cool the home and then turn off. A system that is turning on repeatedly or having to run for awhile before the set temperature is reached could be nearing the end of its utility.

3.

probably signs that itʼs time to consider a system replacement.

5. Higher bills

Sticker shock when receiving electricity or gas bills likely mean the HVAC system isnʼt working efficiently and might need to be replaced.

6.

Poor indoor air quality

If the home is dusty or humid or even if allergies seem to have cropped up out of nowhere, this could indicate a poorly functioning HVAC system.

HVAC systems are vital to keeping indoor environments comfortable and safe. Such systems may exhibit certain signs that indicate they need to be replaced.

Strange noises

Groaning, banging or loud humming noises should be addressed. While these noises may indicate that certain components need maintenance or replacement, they also could be symptoms of age and a system nearing failure.

4. Frequent repair visits

Knowing the HVAC companyʼs repair person by name is a sign that the system has required too much work in recent months. Repeated issues and repairs are

OBITUARIES

Susan E. MARRELLO

Susan E. Marrello, 70, of Township of Washington, formerly of Ridgefield, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022. Susan is survived by her beloved husband, Raymond Sr.; her children Raymond Jr. and his wife Nicole, Jennifer and her husband Dean, Daniel, Michael and his wife Daniela, Eric and his wife Tiffany and youngest daughter Tiffany; her grandchildren Olivia, Alexa, Giovanni, Jazzlyne, Zayn, Isabella and Luca. She is predeceased by her father and mother, Joseph and Dolores Shockey, and her sister Dale Powasnick.

Susan forever left her mark by raising six children into kind, loving and successful adults, especially for each other. Her selfless approach to life, kindness to people and passion for animals will be her legacy.

The family will receive guests at Becker Funeral Home on Thursday, Dec. 29 from 3 to 8 p.m. A Mass celebrating Susanʼs life and faith will be held at St. John The Baptist R.C. Church in Hillsdale on Friday, Dec. 30 at 10 a.m. An interment at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus to follow. Memorial contributions can be made in Susanʼs name to the ALS Foundation at ALS.org/donate.

Doris M. MARTELLI

Doris M. Martelli (née Di Chiara), 88, of Washington Township passed away

peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022. Beloved wife of the late Homer A. Martelli for 57 years. Devoted mother of Wayne Martelli, Lenore Oregero, and Leslie Hines. Cherished grandmother of Joseph Martelli, Joseph Oregero, and Max, Jack, and Quincy Hines. Predeceased by her beloved sister Claire.

Doris graduated from Hunter College, New York City (Bronx campus), with a bachelorʼs degree in psychology.

She was office manager of the Village of Ridgewood Building Department until her retirement in 1996. Homer and Doris were active members of the Disabled American Verterans (DAV) for many years, with Homer serving as chaplain and Doris as commander of the ladies auxiliary.

Visitation at 8:30 a.m. and funeral service at 9:45 a.m. at Robert Spearing Funeral Home, Inc., 155 Kinderkamack Road, Park Ridge (rsfhi.com), followed by interment in Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown at 1 p.m., all on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022.

Mary PERINI

Mary Perini, 86, of Hillsdale, passed away on Friday, Dec. 23, 2022. Mary was predeceased by her husband, Robert, and is survived by her children Robert and his wife, Jennifer; Stephen and his wife, Samantha; David and his wife, Rosanna; and Gregory and his wife, Rachele; and her grandchildren Carly, Tiana, Jillian, Luciano, Nikko, Dominique, Serena, Stephen, Jake, and Emma.

The family will receive guests at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood on Wednesday, Jan. 4 from 4 to 8 p.m. A Mass celebrating Maryʼs life and faith will be held at Saint John the Baptist R.C. Church in Hillsdale on Thursday, Jan. 5 at 10 a.m.

Memorial contributions can be made in Maryʼs name to St. Jude Childrenʼs Research Hospital, stjude.org/donate. Becker-funeralhome.com.

Jean C. DEER

Jean Calvin Deer, surrounded by his wife and daughters, peacefully took his last breath on Dec. 26, 2022 in his Westwood home. He was born on Jan. 8, 1941 in Teaneck to Charles and Jean (née Culligan) and raised in Englewood.

He was an affectionate husband, a loving father of three daughters, and an adoring Grandpa to his four grandchildren.

Jean served in the United States Army, 1960–1962, followed by an additional four years in the Army Reserves.

Jeanʼs passion for the arts put him on a path to become a professional portrait photographer, spending a majority of his 30-year career at his successful studio in downtown Westwood.

On May 31, 1997, Jean survived a massive stroke resulting in global aphasia and right side paralysis. He may not have taken a photograph in over 25 years but his photography continues to be cherished to this day by families everywhere.

His art did not stop there, however:He taught himself to use

his left hand and spent his days drawing. At last count he had created almost 18,000 works of art. Jean loved to share his artwork. To see some of it, visit jeandeer.com.

Jean was predeceased by his parents, along with his brothers, Clark and Ronald. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Ellen, who has been his devoted caregiver for over 25 years; his daughters Trine and her husband Pete Wagner, Erika and her husband Chris Kelley, and Kristine; his grandchildren Shane, Colleen, Bryn, and Axel; and countless in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation is Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Becker Funeral Home, Westwood. Funeral services are Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, at 10 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Westwood. Interment at the Garden of Memories, 300 Soldier Hill Road, Washington Township.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Jeanʼs name to the Adler Aphasia Center. Donations can be mailed to 60 West Hunter Avenue, Maywood, NJ 07607, or submitted via adleraphasiacenter.org/donate-now.

Sharon M. FALLON

Sharon

Also survived by many wonderful nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. Sharon, like her mother, Therese, never liked to use the words “in law.” She thought of Bobʼs sisters and brothers as sisters and brothers who loved her dearly; Patricia and Thomas Lamantia, Elizabeth Fallon, Timothy Fallon, Michael and Grace Fallon, James “Jimbo” and Debbie Fallon, Joseph and Donna Fallon, Patrick Fallon and Katie Harrop. All fondly remember Sharon for her laughter, love, and compassion She will be missed by all who knew her.

Sharon had been a sales executive for Campbell Soup Co. for 15 years and retired as an account executive for World Insurance Company, PIA, where she taught public safety to local police departments.

Funeral Mass 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 30, 2022 at Our Lady of Mercy R. C. Church, Park Ridge. Interment in Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah. Visitation 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022 at Robert Spearing Funeral Home Inc.

Harry J. HOUSE JR.

Harry J. House Jr., 99, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022.

Beloved husband of the late Mamye F. House for 71 years. Devoted father of Robert, Linda, and the late John. Cherished grandfather of Blaine, Ariana and Sienna. Great grandfather of Maisie, Nora, Sophie and Avalyn. Harry was a veteran of WWII and co-owner of Miller Northern Corp., a printing and engraving company, for 45 years. He

Tips to help cope with the loss of a loved one

The loss of a loved one can be difficult to confront. That difficulty might have been heightened in recent years, when a global pandemic has caused the death of millions, including many people who were otherwise healthy prior to contracting the COVID-19 virus.

Each individual may experience the grieving process in their own unique way, but the American Psychological Association notes that researchers have found that social support and healthy habits can help most people recover from loss. The APA also urges individuals to speak with a licensed mental health professional if they are dealing with severe or complicated grief, a condition marked by broad changes to all personal relationships, a sense of meaninglessness, a prolonged yearning or searching for the deceased, and a sense of rupture in personal beliefs.

The APA reports that some additional strategies may help grieving individuals process and come to

terms with the loss of a loved one.

• Discuss the death of your loved one. The APA notes that avoiding talking about a deceased loved one

can lead to isolation and a disruption in the healing process. Speaking about the death of a loved one can help individuals understand what

happened, and that understanding can facilitate the healing process.

• Take care of your health. Mental Health America, a community-based nonprofit committed to promoting mental health, urges individuals dealing with the loss of a loved one to take care of their own health. After losing a loved one, some people may be in danger of developing a dependence on medication or alcohol that theyʼre using to deal with their grief Itʼs important that grieving individuals recognize that threat and the role that maintaining oneʼs personal health can play in the healing process.

Regular contact with your physician, routine exercise and a healthy diet can promote personal health and may help individuals avoid the pitfalls of addiction after the death of a loved one.

• Accept your feelings. The APA notes that itʼs normal for grieving individuals to experience a range of emotions, including sad-

ness, anger and exhaustion. Individuals who feel overwhelmed by their emotions are urged to speak with a licensed mental health professional. Such professionals can recommend various strategies to cope with emotions that can sometimes feel overwhelming.

• Celebrate your loved one. The APA recognizes that many people find the anniversaries of a loved oneʼs death to be especially difficult. The APA recommends individuals use such anniversaries as opportunities to celebrate their loved oneʼs life. Plant a garden in a loved oneʼs memory or honor them with a donation to a charity they supported. Such gestures can add some positivity to the anniversary and help in the healing process.

The death of a loved one can inspire a range of emotions. Various strategies can help individuals cope with such losses. More information about grieving is available at www.apa.org.

M. Fallon (née Foley) passed away peacefully at home in Park Ridge on Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022. Beloved wife of Robert M. Fallon for 34 years. Dear sister of Michael Foley and his wife, Liz; Kathy Foley; Daniel Foley and his wife, Joan; and the late James Foley. Devoted mother of Kristen Kerber and her husband, Rich, and Ryan Fallon. She raised her children with love and devotion. Sharon always made time for and provided support in caring for her family

Grief and bereavement can be helped along by taking care of your own health and celebrating your loved one.

Tri-Boro: Volunteer ambulance corps seeks key aid

FROM PAGE 21

have them functioning at.”

Rendo said that some nursing homes in the tri-borough area were using the ambulance service to provide medical assistance and transportation, despite previously agreeing to contract with private ambulance services for their residents. He said administrator Tom Padilla was helping with the situation and trying to act as a liaison.

Noting Tri-Boroʼs request for funding, he said, “But still they need help in recruitment, in keeping the levels of participation at its high and to make sure that our communities are serviced,” he said.

Rendo said the councilʼs next

Obituaries:

FROM PAGE 30

was an active member and Elder of the Pascack Reformed Church for 80 years and served on the Board of Education of Park Ridge schools and the townʼs planning commission. Harry loved spending time outdoors, playing golf and tennis, traveling and hosting his friends and family.

Funeral service 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022 at Pascack Reformed Church, Park Ridge, with burial to follow in the church cemetery.

Arrangements by Robert Spearing Funeral Home, Inc., 155 Kinderkamack Road, Park Ridge, NJ. rsfhi.com.

step is to “figure out the level of funding” for [2023ʼs] ambulance budget.

Rendo said that Josephine Higgins, an ambulance corps member, has been involved in negotiations, and councilwoman Jennnifer Margolis said she would volunteer to meet with other town and corps representatives to reach a mutual agreement on funding.

Padilla said when administrators recently met to discuss the reservoir nature trail, the ambulance corps situation was briefly noted, and administrators agreed that an early 2023 meeting with administrators, mayors and council members be held, “so that weʼre all on the same page,” regarding the ambulance corps.

Gadaleta said that she spoke with recently elected Democratic councilman Benjamin Pollack and recommended that Pollack be part of the upcoming Tri-Boro ambulance meetings, based on some ideas he expressed to her.

“The more the merrier,” said Rendo, agreeing with Padilla that the committee must be kept to three people.

Padilla noted that the committee should be set up after the reorganization meeting on Jan. 5.

Higgins said the ambulance corps has been around since 1938. She said though many nearby nursing homes had “developer's agreements” where they agreed to employ private ambulance services for residents, the Tri-Boro

squad has been getting “more and more” calls from nursing homes.

She said some nursing homes had agreed to do shared ambulance arrangements with other nursing homes but these were never done. She said the three mayors had been meeting together to discuss the corpsʼsituation.

According to the corpsʼwebsite, “Today's members are trained EMTs putting in some 160 hours plus in training. They currently have three ʻstate of the artʼambulances and are often assisted by an Advanced Life Support unit which are dispatched from area hospitals,” says the site.

The site notes the corps currently has 62 members, active and inactive. It provides no breakdown for either group.

tem of Mutual Aid that covers the Pascack Valley towns. When one town cannot get an ambulance in service another town with an ambulance crew available will answer the call,” notes the website.

The corpsʼambulances are often seen at community events, picnics, fireworks, and other special occasions. The corps is an independent, not-for-profit organization “dedicated to providing emergency medical services, non-emergency ambulance transportation and safety training to the Tri-Boro community,” reads its mission statement.

Anne T. MCCRORY

Anne T. McCrory (née Scanlan), born July 17, 1949, died Dec. 16, 2022. Anne was a devoted daughter of the late James and Helen Scanlan. Anne is survived by her loving husband, Michael J. McCrory, devoted son, James (Joanna) McCrory, her adored granddaughter, Emilia Kate McCrory, and her dear sister Mary Ellen, and her brother James (Nareerat) Scanlan.

Also mourning are her brother-in-law, Gerard McCrory, cousins, a niece and a nephew, great-nieces, great-nephews, colleagues, and friends.

Anne graduated from Immaculate Heart Academy,

Notre Dame University (Baltimore, Md.), Baruch School of Business, Felician University, and Dominican University.

Visiting at Becker Funeral Home, Westwood on Tuesday Dec. 20, 2022 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral Mass at St. John the Baptist Church, Hillsdale, on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022 at 10 a.m. Burial at Ascension Cemetery in Airmont, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. John the Baptist Church, Hillsdale, or Memorial Sloan Kettering are appreciated. Thanks to Hillsdale Volunteer Ambulance, the doctors and nurses at Memorial Sloan Kettering and Hackensack University Medical Center, and VHS Hospice for compassionate care. Becker-funeralhome.com.

“They operate by assigning crews to cover specific hours during every 24-hour period. If more than one ambulance is needed this then requires a “general call.” This type of call relies on the availability of off-duty members. As in most every community, the daytime demand for members is high. Currently there is a complex sys-

“We are staffed solely by volunteers and are funded mainly through contributions and the generous support of the three municipal governments. All of our services are provided free of charge. The corps is run by officers and a Board of Governors,” the statement concludes.

A bolded headline on the ambulance website reads “Urgent — Members Needed.” For more information on membership write at tbvacnj.org.

ADVERTISEYOURSERVICEINTHE SERVICE DIRECTORYINTHE PASCACK PRESS.

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

P/TPOLICE DISPATCHERS – EMERSON BOROUGH, Bergen County

The Emerson Police Department is accepting applications for P/T Dispatchers (weekend shifts). Applications can be picked up at the Emerson Police Headquarters, 1 Municipal Place, Emerson, NJ 07630. Basic telecommunicator certification preferred. Please contact Sgt. Randy Velez at 201-2622800 for more info. EOE

FINANCE SPECIALIST – Borough of Hillsdale, Bergen County. The Borough of Hillsdale is accepting applications for an immediate, full-time Finance Specialist. Experience and proficiency are required in municipal accounting; Edmund’s software; as well as Word, Excel and general municipal-government practices. Must be highly organized, detail oriented and able to perform various, financerelated functions and multi-task. Responsibilities include accounts payable, including end of year requirements; purchase requisitions and purchase orders; bill lists; payment and check processing; revenue and expenditure/budget reports. Finance Specialist will perform additional, various duties and functions as assigned by the CMFO or Administrator. Salary DOQ. EOE. The Borough reserves the right to interview and hire while this advertisement is active and will also accept applications from candidates interested in part-time roles – as a Finance Specialist and/Accounts Payable Specialist. Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter that includes salary requirements to the Borough Clerk, Denise Kohan at dkohan@hillsdalenj.org.

Hairdresser wanted for a busy shop in Westwood. Contact Colleen at 201664-4663.

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

SERVICES - CLEANING

Cleaning business that values honesty and integrity with many years exp. Competitively priced with close attention to detail. Ref. Avail. Satisfaction Guaranteed. Call or text Analu for free estimate. 973-474-7383

HOUSECLEANING

Polish lady will clean your house, apt, office. Free estimate. Refs available. Call Maria at 201-4782236.

BOROUGH OF WESTWOOD seeks a qualified, dependable individual for part-time alternate deputy registrar. Strong organization, communication and customer service skills required. Successful candidate must maintain confidentiality, have a professional demeanor, ability to work independently and deal effectively with residents and members of the public. Candidate will be required to manage multiple tasks with changing priorities. Current experience with MSOffice required. CMR certification preferred or willing to obtain.

Email cover letter and resume to sgravina@westwoodnj.gov. Westwood is an EOE.

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

Service/Lunch

Aide positions available - in our K-8 unique lunch program. Duties include food prep, cooking, serving, cleanup and computer entry. Position is available five days per week, 3 hours per day. Substitute lunch positions also available. Criminal background check and fingerprinting required upon hiring. Send brief resume to Debra Rinaldi at rinaldid@nvnet.org or apply online.

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