PVHS alum signs debut novel Feb. 3

BY JOHNSNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

Hillsdale native Jackson Rezen is debuting his first novel, “The Captain of The Crew,” at Bergen Book Studio on Friday, Feb. 3 from 4 to 6 p.m.

The free event will feature a meet and greet with the author, refreshments, book sales, and a signing.

This is the first of several upcoming author events planned by Bergen Book Studio, which opened for business in fall 2022 at 132A Broadway in Hillsdale, promising “books, art, and other necessities.”

Rezen, a member of Pascack Valley High School Class of 2013 now living in Cranford, earned a BFA in filmmaking from Montclair State University in 2017 then moved to Colorado, where he earned another degree in paramedics, enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard, and became a small-business owner (he and his wife opened an art studio and bar) all the while developing his writing craft.

In 2022, Sgt. Rezen returned to the Garden State, where he continues both his paramedic and Army work, and his foray into fiction writing.

His first novel “The Captain of The Crew,” based on a screenplay heʼd written, was published by Trichotomy Media in October 2022. Trichotomy describes the work as “a heist thriller with a heart. Set in a near-dystopian future with economic disparity at an all-time high, the fast-paced, thrill ride of a story is punctuated b y daring bank heists, whiteknuckle car chases, and crippling existential dread. Follow the Captain and his tech-savvy Cut Wrist Crew as they steal from the rich and run from their past.”

Rezen told Pascack Press on Jan. 24 he was inspired at PVHS by two English teachers in particular:Shawn Buchanan, for his work ethic and motivation, and “top of the top” William Rawson.

Bergen Book Studio owner Art Kieres told Pascack Press he was pleased to have Rezen as first guest author, and promised many more such events.

“Heʼs our kickoff. We have t wo or three book signings a month as part of the plan. We have Jackson, we have another author event in February [Lisa Greenwald, Feb. 19 from 2 to 4 p.m.], and we have a three-author panel discussion coming up in March.”

He said, “Weʼve got a lot of things coming up. Itʼs going to be fun.”

Bergen Book Studio, bergenbookstudio.com, is at 132A Broadway. Call (856) 838-3416.

Mm! Valentine’s Day tasting Feb. 8

Mayor Danielle DiPaola hosts a free, healthy Valentineʼs Day Tasting on Wednesday, Feb. 8 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Emerson Senior Center.

Renowned Chef Michael Merida, winner of Food Networkʼs “Beat Bobby Flay” and owner of RockinʼRoots in Hills-