Pascack Press 10.31.22

Curtain rising

STATE LEAGUE ENDORSES

FLOODBILL

Timing

BY JOHNSNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo told Pascack Press on Oct. 24 that the New Jersey State League of Municipalities Legislative Committee has voted to endorse S-790, a bill by state Sen. Holly Schepisi (RRiver Vale) that Arroyo says has languished in committee since Jan. 18.

The legislation requires the state Department of Environmental Protection and owners of certain reservoirs implement certain flood control measures, and authorizes Office of Emergency Management to order lowering of reservoir levels in response to severe weather events.

Arroyo urges action that he says is desperately needed to stave off storm-related havoc in costs meas-

See

BY JOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

THEREPORTFROM the Park Ridge Rotary Club is glowing:The club, in joining with more than 700 regis trants at the Bergen-Passaic Alzheimerʼs Association Walk to End Alzheimerʼs, held Sunday, Oct. 16 at Overpeck County Park, could not have asked for better weather or finer company.

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the event is is the worldʼs largest fundraiser for Alzheimerʼs care, support and research. Organizers

say the event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight.

“While there is no fee to reg ister for Walk, all participants are encouraged to raise critical funds that allow the Alzheimerʼs Association to provide 24/7 care and support and advance research toward methods of prevention, treatment and, ultimately, a cure,” read the invitation.

The Park Ridge Rotary Club, with the Alzheimerʼs Association Greater New Jersey Chapter as a Select Level sponsor, told Pascack Press one of the most significant features of this Walk is in honor-

ing those affected by Alzheimerʼs with a poignant Promise Garden ceremony — “a mission-focused experience that signifies our soli darity in the fight against Alzheimerʼs/dementia. The colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent peopleʼs connection to Alzheimerʼs — currently living with Alzheimerʼs, loss of life, caregiver, or supporting the cause.”

Again this year, Rotary District #7490 clubs servicing Bergen and Passaic counties marshaled a strong presence at the

HEADSUP FORDRIVEN, LUSTYDEER

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

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

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

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

“Deer are involved in thousands of collisions with motor vehicles in New Jersey every year, most of which occur during the fall mat ing season,” New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Assistant Commissioner David Golden said in a joint DEP/NJDOT press release.

“We urge all drivers to be especially alert to the possibility of deer suddenly darting onto roadways, as well as know how to reduce the risk of a collision and possible serious

B kintime...

Atkins

Park Ridge native Gianna Grosso to join Broadway icon Linda Eder at bergenPAC.

PASCACK VALLEY

PASCACK VALLEY

Park Ridge Rotary helps power Alzheimerʼs walk

Park Ridge Rotary Club’s 2022 Bergen-Passaic Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s planning committee.Linda Wells,Peter Wells,Dan Antakol,Terry Ciulia,and Diane Saccoccia,all of Park Ridge.The walk,which drew more than 700 participants, was Oct. 16 at Overpeck Park in Paramus.

PASCACK PRESS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

WT,vote for Cusato at WWRSD BOE

To the editor:

M YNAMEIS Christopher OʼConnor, resident of Washington Township and father of four children, three of which are in elementary school. I have been very involved with the education and school experience of my three children that had attended Washington Elementary School. The current direction of the district has not been positive

over recent years. Doug Cusato is running for the Board of Education and has the ideas and platform to correct the direction of the district.

Doug is a committed family man, has four school age children himself and I am confident that he has the studentsʼinterests as his primary concern. Doug has shown that he will stand up for what is right for the children no matter what obstacles may be in his way. Doug is also a solid member of our community, showing up at school events, coaching his children and always willing to have a conversation with anyone in town.

Dougʼs platform is very simple, get back to the basics of education by focusing on core sub jects, raise the bar of success, keep

our students physically safe and do all of this with a financially responsible mindset. Please remember to vote on Nov. 8, Column 1, Doug Cusato. The stakes are high and our children depend on your vote.

Chris OʼConnor Township of Washington

Cooper, Sembler for WWRSD

To the editor:

I NTEGRITY, HONESTY , selfawareness, perseverance, open-minded, responsible, trustworthy, humble and authentic are all attributes of strong and successful leaders. The truth is that anyone can paint themselves as a person who demonstrates these qualities, but the actions of a person has far greater impact than what they say. Leaders walk their talk and are selfless in their approach, realizing that their role is solely about those they serve rather than themselves.

possess extensive leadership experience. They both bring unique but complementary skillsets to the table that would greatly benefit our community as we strive to build and maintain a top performing and highly respected school district. Laura and Michelle walk their talk; they lead by example.

On Oct. 25, a well-organized candidate interview was conducted at the high school; all WWRSD board candidates across Westwood and Township of Washington participated. Laura and Michelle clearly operate well under pressure, as they remained poised and professional at all times while sharing innovative ideas and offering additional insight into their vision for our district. I urge all community members to watch the candidate interviews and see first-hand why they should vote for Laura and Michelle. The interview can be viewed here:

youtube.com/watch?v=RJeial_3Mdw

The choice is clear for Westwood. On Nov. 8, Vote for TWO Laura Cooper and Michelle Sembler.

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.

Backing Polvere, Graulich

To the editor:

IʼM ARESIDENT of Emerson and a mother of two children, ages 7 and 9, who attend the schools of Emerson. Iʼve never written to the paper before, and while I always vote for whomever I think will do the best job in office, Iʼm not one to often share my political views with others.

That said, the current BOE election in Emerson is a very important race for our childrenʼs education and ultimately their futures, and I believe there are two candidates that would shine in the open BOE positions.

since 1978

Laura Cooper and Michelle Sembler are highly qualified Westwood Regional Board of Education candidates. As mothers and community volunteers, their purpose is selfless and as successful business women, they

As a seated board trustee, I must disclose that this letter is coming from a personal capacity and not from the Board of Education.

Kristen Pedersen Westwood

We moved from the Midwest to New Jersey eight and a half years ago seeking more diversity and a larger city, but also a welcoming community. We chose to settle in Emerson as we liked the proximity to the city, the walkability/neighborhood feel, and the education system for our kids. We have been tremendously pleased with the school system as a whole, from academics and programs for students to good communication from the administra tion, as well as the wonderful spe cial services offered. Our son with a rare genetic condition requires these services to succeed in his education.

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

A n applicant approved to build a 44-unit rental apartment complex off of Van Emburgh Avenue — including seven affordable units — will appear before the Planning Board to eliminate one of two single-family homes approved.

Franklin Court Management LLC, was approved 4-1 on Feb. 2, 2022, to build a 44-unit apartment complex and two single-family homes off of Van Emburgh Avenue. Franklin Court Management LLC is based in Roselle.

Applicant attorney Donna Jennings told Pascack Press, “The NJDEP wetlands area and buffer were greater than originally anticipated leaving too small of a building envelope to construct two single family homes. The project should be an improvement as many of the neighbors on the cul-de-sac preferred one lot over two during the original hearing.”

The matter next comes before the Planning Board on Wednesday, on Zoom, Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

The applicantʼs amended request seeks permission to subdivide the four existing lots into two new lots (instead of three) as follows: “Proposed Lot 1.04 to contain a multifamily residential inclusionary building approved by Resolution PB 22-09 and Proposed Lot 1.05 to contain a single-family home.”

The amended application seeks variance relief from ordi nance sections 580-33 and 580-35 with regard to the minimum street

frontage and minimum front yard setback with respect to Lot 1.05 and the proposed single family home.

Jennings said, “The application should be approved; there is no change to the 44-unit multifamily inclusionary building and by reducing the single family lots to one there are less variances and so an improved plan overall.”

The controversial application to construct the 44-unit complex, which was part of the townshipʼs a ffordable housing settlement, included seven affordable units and also required the developer to pay $250,000 to the townshipʼs affordable trust fund in lieu of construction of additional units.

In a memo she wrote in early 2022 to summarize issues for the Planning Board, Jennings highlighted details of the site plan application, subdivision application and bulk variances, approval by outside agencies, and offered conclusions.

Jennings said that should the Planning Board deny the application, “The Township risks losing its immunity from builderʼs remedy lawsuits.”

The same thinking would likely apply to revisions of the proposal.

Jennings said, “The boardʼs review of the site plan application is generally limited to determining whether the plan conforms to the ordinance and the board may not request the applicant go above and beyond what is required by the ordinance. The Board also may not deny the site plan application based upon off-site conditions such as traffic.”

Since Planning Board hear

ings started, a host of legal, building code, variance and safety issues had loomed over Franklin Court Management LLCʼs proposal to build its 44-unit apartment complex and two single-family homes off of Van Emburgh Avenue.

The applicantʼs nearly 3 1⁄ 2 hour third hearing in November 2021 focused on variances, fire vehiclesʼaccess, setbacks, stormwater, traffic and a host of criticisms from four adjacent homeowners. The homeowners had appeared at most other hearings to testify against what they alleged were the developmentʼs shortcomings.

The four opposed residents included Dan Sharma, Eric Uderitz, Richard Horwitz, and Darius Oggioni, who cited dozens of potential negative impacts.

These included loss of privacy, lack of fire vehicle access and fire protection, runoff impacts, improper landscape screening from the 44-unit development, building height, water pressure, parking, and traffic.

At the hearing, Oggioni read a detailed list of nearly five dozen concerns into the record. A copy is filed under the applicationʼs Planning Board documents

Uderitz questioned the safety of pedestrians needing to walk from the 44 apartment units out onto Van Emburgh Avenue. He said no nearby bus stop exists, and no access to mass transit.

Uderitz said then that the complex would add traffic to the “dangerous” Van Emburgh Avenue–Washington Avenue intersection, add pollution, decrease privacy, and have a negative

impact on his property value.

No documents for the amended Franklin Court application could be found online as of Oct. 24. Officials said the materials should be posted soon.

On Thursday, Nov. 3, the Planning Board will hear an amended major soil movement permit and final subdivision approval for 34 Maple Avenue

LLC, which was approved for an eight-lot subdivision in Sept. 2021 on about 5 acres off of Wearimus Road.

The permit is to allow 7,567 cubic yards of fill, about 544 cubic yards to be exported, for a total of 7,023 yards.

Moreover, it requests 111 trees to be removed and 268 trees to be planted.

Bckintime...

Historylovers unite Nov. 4

WESTWOOD

Save the date for a book signing and talk on “A History Loverʼs Guide to Bergen County” on Friday, Nov. 4 at 11 a.m. at Westwood Public Library, with Bob Nesoff and Howard Joseph Cohn, the bookʼs authors.

From the crossroads of the American Revolution to the construction of the George Washington Bridge, New Jerseyʼs Bergen County has a history that has shaped not only the metropol itan area, but the nation itself.

Nesoff and Cohn take readers on a fascinating journey through Bergen Countyʼs incredible past. Featuring narratives of key historical moments, legendary personalities and fascinating landmarks, this guide to Bergen

Ghostly folklore of the Glen

BY KRISTIN BEUSCHER SPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS

PASCACKVALLEY

ATKINS GLENHASBEEN a part of the culture of the Pascack Valley for generations. A deep ravine cut through the sandstone by the Bear Brook, the spot is a rare natural gem in the middle of our suburban landscape. A sun-dappled trail follows the murmuring brook and offers a relatively easy, and very scenic, outdoor adventure close to home. A walk through the Glen is like stepping back in time to experience the Pascack Valley as it once was.

In fact, our earliest photos of the spot, taken in the late 19th century, could just as easily have been snapped yesterday.

For all the beauty of this location, the early Dutch settlers of the valley saw it in a less sentimental light. A highly superstitious lot, those farmers of the 1700s called it Spook Bergh (pronounced spook baar ), which meant “Ghost Hill,” and they believed that negative spirits dwelled there. Perhaps this was because the deep ravine, with its canopy of ancient trees, was cast in shadow even on days of bright sunshine. The sound of rippling water coming up from the depth of the hundred-foot abyss gave color to fantastic tales of witches and ghosts.

Glen Road, which runs on the southern end of the park, was a hot spot in these legends. One of the widely accepted tales cautioned that near the top of the western hill on Glen Road, wagon wheels would refuse to turn, being held back by invisible ghostly hands. After a little while the wheels would be released, and this would be accompanied by the sound of demonic laughter

There was also a tale of how the evil

spirits on Ghost Hill put a bewitched grape leaf wreath around the neck of a gentle cow, and she thereafter gored her owner.

Of course, not everyone believed these and the other tales, but even the more pragmatic folks timed their passage along Glen Road so as to not be there after dark—just in case.

The following story, from a local family history, tells us just how ingrained these tales were in the minds of the people who lived here.

It seems a highly respected farmer in the vicinity was approached one evening by his next-door neighbor with some sad news: The neighborʼs infant child had just died, not uncommon in those days, and the man

requested that the farmer go to Hillsdale and notify the undertaker there.

The farmer drove to Hillsdale and, according to the custom in that era, received a wooden box containing ice for the body. The funeral director said he would attend to the arrangements the next day.

It was nearly dark when the farmer began the journey home with the box in the back of his wagon. As he drove along Glen Road, his mind drifted to the eerie tales of the hills. As he topped the first hill, the place was totally dark. The horse stopped to rest.

In the comparative silence was only the sound of water trickling from the ice box.

Pascack

Atkins Glen enchanted in the 19th century,just as it does today.

Authors Bob Nesoff and Howard Joseph Cohn to speak,and sign books,at Westwood Public Library.

In the 19th century,old superstitions about the ghosts of the Glen faded away and the spot became a favorite destination for picnickers.

Ghassali on road traffic, airplane noise

Mayor Michael Ghassali wrote residents on Oct. 21 to take up traffic issues. He said “Iʼve received more complaints about traffic in the past few weeks than any other time.”

Ghassali added, “Though [Iʼm] still receiving complaints about the trains clogging Grand Avenue intersection and not to mention complaints about airplanes in the air over our town. “

On that point, he said, “Short of [our] declaring a no-fly zone over Montvale … the pilots are given certain routes to take as they descend to Teterboro Airport and they have full discretion to deviate to alternate routes as they fit.”

Ghassali said, “We are working with other towns and with the Port Authority and the FAA, but the chances to completely eliminate air traffic from passing over our town realistically is slim to none, but will continue with attending the meetings and submitting our complaints.”

(At our deadline, Ghassali and other valley mayors were promoting attendance at a public meeting of the Teterboro Aircraft Noise Abatement Advisory Committee, set for Wednesday, Oct. 26 in the airport administration building. Weʼll report from that meeting next week.)

Of the train issue, he said, “I contacted New Jersey Transit yes-

terday and questioned why the railroad gates have to come down almost two minutes before the train arrives at the station, which backs up the traffic on the eastbound Grand Avenue all the way to Akers Avenue at times.”

He said, “About 10 years ago, we were told itʼs for safety: they come down in Montvale when the train arrives in Park Ridge.”

Ghassali said, “NJ Transit Railroad safety operations is looking at this again and hopefully newer technology installed may make a difference.”

He said the other request heʼs had is for the trains to pull all the way up to clear Grand Avenue and open the gates while the train is still at the station and let Grand Avemue traffic flow through.

“NJ Transit was very cordial and understanding of our issues and I am promised an answer within a week or so. My contact at NJ Transit will be a hero to many if they come through with these solutions,” the mayor said.

Utilities pile on Ghassali reported, “We were also hit with PSE&G, O&R and the

water company, all changing and adding services at the same time before paving Kinderkamack Road.”

He said “O&R installed a secondary power source lines for the event when we lose power, the secondary power source will kick in while they fix the primary lines. We want that!”

And he said “PSE&G replaced old gas pipes that were vulnerable, and we want that too.”

Veolia, he said, “replaced old and lead pipes with new pipes that will last for another generation, and we want that also.”

According to Ghassali, “The Magnolia Avenue bridge needed replacement from years ago. I suppose we couldʼve asked for a delay but with the increased number and strength of storms, public safety concerns became first, and we are thankful the county took on this project this year, and like you, I am looking forward to opening the bridge in January.” The mayor said, “I hope I clarified why and how we are dealing with these issues from the town side. After all, myself and the council members, we all live in town too and we see and hear and feel everything you are going through.”

He said he would continue to follow up with New Jersey Transit and the FAA, the county and the state “for more help to reduce the traffic in town.” —Staff report

SIP & PAINT NIGHTVETS FUNDRAISER DEC. 11

American Legion Auxiliary #206 is hosting Fair Lawn Auxiliary #171 for Sip & Paint Night, Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. at 264 Washington Ave.

Pick your project:two ornaments, a glass, or a holiday canvas. The cost is $25 per person. Pro-

ceeds support veterans programs. Reservations are required. “When you register, let us know what you want to create.” Refreshments and snacks are included.

For tickets, call (201) 5227619, (201) 925-4389, or (551) 427-5046.

Calamari eyes commuter lot’s return

Mayor Peter Calamari took to Facebook on Oct. 20 to advise his followers on the status of commuter parking.

“We are discussing the options for the location next to the Emergency Services Building, elocating the Fire Memorial, and establishing an Ambulance Corps Memorial. Engineering studies taking place, meetings are being held and ideas are being

According to Calamari, “A plan for commuter parking was not included as part of the new ESB because at the time of securing the funding and working out the logistics for the firehouse, there were different ideas and proposals in the air from the private sector for commuter parking. The old firehouse was in critical condition and we could not wait for those ideas before starting work uilding.”

He said, “Unfortunately, at

this time, none of those private sector plans have moved forward or come to fruition. And the old firehouse will soon be coming down and removed from the property. So now is the time to act on providing this much needed and requested amenity.”

He said, “Therefore we are moving forward with the feasibility and logistics of returning commuter parking to the vicinity of the Emergency Services Building.”

The post drew three residentsʼcomments:One thanked Calamari for the update and acknowledged “folks donʼt always realize all the elements that go into planning: balancing the ideal and the real, balancing the possible with the probable.”

Then she ventured, “It makes more sense to put commuter parking off of Pascack [Road], where the bus stops are. For pedestrian safety, commuters shouldnʼt have

to cross a major road, ideally ” Another said, “Definitely a long dangerous walk. And who wants to walk in the nasty weather. Ideally the perfect spot would indeed be off Pascack since thatʼs supposedly where the new pick-up spot is going.”

The third, Michael Werfel, who ran unsuccessfully for a council seat in the most recent election, asked Calamari, “Did the council request parking move here or did you? Wondering who is financially authorizing all of these engineering and architectural design items? Was this in the budget?”

Weʼve reached out to Calamari and council president Desserie Morgan for comment.

—John Snyder

CALAMARI

Mayor Peter Calamari posted this Google Street View of the former commuter parking lot on the footprint of the emergency services complex.He posted Oct.20,“We are discussing the options for the [lot] location next to the Emergency Services Building,relocating the Fire Memorial,and establishing an Ambulance Corps Memorial.”

Police

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

HILLSDALE

A unanimous council has voted to override Mayor John Ruoccoʼs partial veto of an ordinance that provides the police department “flexibility” to hire when circumstances such as r etirements and resignations might leave the department without proper personnel in place.

After a brief discussion at the Oct. 25 meeting of the governing body — where Ruocco questioned the process being used to possibly replenish the number of police department officers via an ordinance the council approved Oct. 11 — members voted to override the mayorʼs veto.

Ruocco took pains to explain that his partial veto “assumed nothing about the level of police needed now or in the future.” He said his partial veto was “more concerned with process” and “a poor policy choice on the councilʼs part.”

Nearly 30 online participants joined the 2 p.m. special meeting, where council also approved $290,000 bonding to repave three local streets. An approval was needed so that grant funds could be expended for the street improvements.

At one point during the override discussion, over ordinance 22-16, Police Chief Robert Francaviglia said he was a “little disappointed” about the mayorʼs “lack of trust” and characterized his partial veto as “absurd.”

as council overrides veto

In his partial veto of the ordinance, which revises the Police Department table of organization from 20 to 23 officers, including one chief of police, one captain, one lieutenant, six sergeants, and 14 patrol officers, Ruocco said he did not question the police departmentʼs staffing.

“I wish to make clear as permitted to me by law that my objection applies only to that portion of the ordinance which increases the maximum number of officers from 20 to 23 by virtue of an increase in sergeants from five to six, and an increase in patrol officers from 12 to 14. I approve all other portions of the ordinance,” said the mayorʼs partial veto, which he issued on Oct. 21.

Ruocco wrote, “The reasons

set forth in favor of adopting said ordinance were based on providing flexibility and speed for the department to respond to resignations or retirements in the future.

No hypothetical or anticipated i nstances were advanced to necessitate an increase. At the sergeant level, the department is operating with only four and thus is already authorized to add an additional sergeant.”

He explained, “It was said that the past practice of relying on an ordinance to change the Hillsdale legal code to accommodate future increases in staff would be too time-consuming and unwieldy. I find that argument unconvincing since the minimum number of days from ordi nance introduction to ordinance adoption need only be 10 days

and the usual 20-day wait period after adoption can be overridden and circumvented by council.”

The mayor cannot vote on ordinances, except in case of a tie, and can only veto or partly veto an ordinance by sending back the ordinance unsigned to the borough clerk within 10 days of council approval.

After explaining his veto, Ruocco asked councilman and police liaison John Escobar why his alternative approach — to allow the department to exceed hiring limits for a period up to six months to accommodate retirements or resignations — was not possible.

Escobar replied that he was following the advice of the business administrator and police

Food drive, Texas Hold

Save the date, make a note, and get involved:

• Our Lady of Mercy Church invites you to its Harvest Food Drive on Saturday, Nov. 5 and Sunday Nov. 6 at OLM, 2 Fremont Ave., in support of local food pantries.

•The Fire Department is hosting a Texas Hold ʻEm Poker Tournament, to benefit the Park Ridge Firemanʼs Association, on Saturday Nov. 12. Doors open 6

p.m. for check-in; gameplay starts at 7. For more information contact John Hansen at (201) 739-5044 or jhansen@parkridgeboro.com

• PKRG-TV is looking for volunteers! Park Ridge is extremely lucky to have excellent broadcast television coverage of PRHS sports events. However, in order to continue this top-notch coverage PKRG-TV needs new volunteers to help with filming football, basketball, volleyball

TV volunteers

and other local sports in order to continue to bring such programs to our community. If you have enjoyed seeing your kidsʼevents or you are Park Ridge athlete alumni yourself and have any time to give, please consider volunteering. Without volunteers, coverage cannot continue. All are welcome, no experience is required, and camera training is provided. For more information write pkrg@parkridgeboro.com.

EXCELLENCE

and job

a Town-

whoʼs

to Wells Fargo in

Eck started with the

“She start-

Pascack

need to do to succeed financially — banking, mortgages... whatever they need to get done.”

The firm added, “Itʼs all about being a relationship manager, figuring out the customerʼs goals and objectives and how we can help them, if we can help them.”

A proud Wells Fargo staffer told Pascack Press, “Weʼre happy that sheʼs still here in the same location. Sheʼs been working with me for about 20 years, here in Park Ridge.”

Karen Marie Eck started her career with Wells Fargo as a teller at 18. She’s just been promoted to premier banker.

Council clears

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

A unanimous Borough Council approved a $290,000 bond ordinance, Oct. 25, for the reconstruction of three streets, after concerns about possible utility work that could wreck the repairs were mostly eased.

The work will be mostly funded from a future $201,000 grant from the state Department of Transportation. The ordinance was approved, 6-0, at a special meeting the afternoon of Oct. 25 due to a grant funding deadline that needed to be met.

The streets affected are Shady Side Lane (from Mountain View Terrace to Horizon Terrace), Alpine Terrace (from Sierra Court to end) and Sierra Court (from northerly to southerly intersections with Alpine Terrace), including curb and drainage improvements.

Councilman Frank Pizzella wondered whether council could be assured that a utility company, such as Veolia or PSE&G, would not come and dig up the streets soon after they were repaved under the road repaving contract.

Administrator David Troast said if the council did not vote on the bonding ordinance that they might likely lose the nearly $200,000 in grant funding that had been awarded. The council must

pay the difference between the grant and total project cost, about $89,000 following completion.

Pizzella wanted to confirm that the utilities would not be disturbing the roads once they were repaved. Troast said the utilities told him that the roads planned for repaving would not be opened for utility work in the future except in cases of “emergency” where that was required.

improve three streets

“That could change tomorrow and we would have absolutely nothing to say about it,” said Troast to Pizzella, who was seeking assurances that the roads would not soon be dug up by utilities.

Pizzella questioned whether the borough could get PSE&G and Veoliaʼs schedules for utility work on local roads so they would know where road work was being planned. He said he saw on other

townsʼwebsites listings of upcoming utility work and wondered why Hillsdale could not get the utilitiesʼ schedules to prevent having recently paved roads dug up.

Council President Janetta Trochimiuk noted as part of due diligence that the consulting engineers will contact utilities to make sure they do not have the roads planned for paving on their upcoming schedule.

Meanwhile, councilwoman Abby Lundy said she went to PSE&Gʼs website, searched Hillsdale in its database, and said none of the streets planned for repaving were listed.

Pizzella said that made him feel a little more assured. He said he didnʼt want to create “a big mess” but was concerned that streets being repaved might be dug up, which had happened before.

— barring messy findings

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

Mayor Michael Ghassali tells Pascack Press that the borough hopes soon to take possession of the 28.4-acre parcel at 127 Summit Ave. for approximately $4.5 million. The borough plans to use the property mostly for passive recreation options.

The only potential holdup was whether a due diligence report on the site turns out to suggest “potential or existing environmental liabilities associated with the presence or discharge of hazardous substances and petroleum.”

Borough attorney Joseph Voytus told Pascack Press that the report, due the week of Oct. 23, would be reviewed in closed session. If the report looks good, closing would occur within the next two weeks of that date.

We requested a copy of the CED report but it had not arrived

by press time, Oct. 27. It was not clear whether an official report had been presented to council in closed session Oct. 25.

Voytus said the due diligence period for the borough ended Oct. 29, the last day the contract pro-

vides for the borough to back out of the purchase.

Ghassali said Oct. 24 that the borough would acquire the property after its engineering consultant, Colliers Engineering and Design — approved Oct. 11 to conduct a Phase I environmental assessment of up to $10,000 — had completed its probe of the property, which contains wetlands.

Ghassali said the final costs might come closer to $4.6 million, when attorneysʼfees, engineering costs, bond counsel costs and bond down payments are totaled.

He said that he could see much of the property eventually used as nature trails and paths.

Unverified information posted on nj.parcels.com lists Summit Avenue Holding LLC, 469 Buffalo Court, West New York, N.J., as the current owner of 127 Summit Ave. Its last listed sale date was May 3, 2018 and the price listed as paid was $750,000.

The CED contract says it will conduct a combined Phase I Environmental Site Assessment consistent with ASTM E1523-13 and a NJ-compliant Preliminary Assessment consistent with the NJDEP technical requirements and guidance document.

With both of these assessments, the borough may qualify for innocent purchaser protection under the federal “Superfund” (CERCLA) and the NJ Spill Act.

Ghassali said that residents he spoke with at Montvale Autumn

Street Fair on Oct. 23 told him they wanted to keep the expansive property as a walking trail.

“Now that we took it off the market, itʼs an asset for the town. Now we own that,” he said of the property. It had been slated for 170 units, then 157 units of “active adult” senior housing until the applicant, Waypoint Residential, which withdrew its last application in spring 2021.

Following a public hearing Aug. 30 where no residents spoke, the Montvale Borough Council unanimously approved a $4.6 million bond ordinance to purchase the tract, after it came on the market in early August. The council introduced the bond ordinance to purchase the site at its Aug. 9 council meeting.

Ghassali told Pascack Press that at least 17 acres were “buildable” and that the borough wanted to prevent the site from being developed. He said not a single resident he spoke to at the street fair was against acquiring the property.

“With all the new residents coming to town weʼre trying to find residents [more] recreational areas. Thatʼs what we want to do, and this will be their new recreational area,” he added.

He said, “Weʼre overdeveloped and we need recreation.”

Asked about the proposed senior and community center and town pool initially estimated at $15 million to $20 million, Ghas sali said more will be known later

this year when the pool/community center advisory committee reports back to council.

He said he had envisioned a 2024 grand opening if a new design is approved by late 2022 or early 2023.

ʻWeʼve met our obligationʼ Asked if 127 Summit Ave. might be considered as an affordable housing location, Ghassali said “Weʼve met our obligation” and that Montvaleʼs housing stock is now 10% affordable housing, or approximately 365 affordable units.

Ghassali has joined a dozenplus New Jersey mayors in a lawsuit against Gov. Phil Murphy, pressuring the governor to reappoint and restore the Council on Affordable Housing to mediate and allocate affordable housing requirements statewide.

Currently, Superior Courts work with towns in New Jersey to determine and enforce affordable housing settlements. Fair Share Housing Center, a housing not-for-profit in Cherry Hill, which was founded during the early days of Mount Laurel court rulings in mid-1970s, serves as a statewide advocate and intervenor to represent low-income households in court.

The state Supreme Court ruled that COAH was “moribund” and ineffective in 2015, following 16 years of inaction

Montvale

Michael Ghassali

due to political squabbles, stalemates and COAHʼs failure to impose a statewide affordable housing formula. The Supreme Court returned jurisdiction over affordable housing to state Superi-

or Courts for “Round 3” of affordable mandates, 1999–2025.

In 1985, when COAH was created by the stateʼs Fair Housing Act, it presided over two rounds of affordable housing through 1999 and then became mired in stalemates and lawsuits over imposing

a new affordable formula.

After Robert Hanrahan, chair of the Montvale Environmental Commission, presented on borough environmental resources Oct. 11, he added a caveat. He told Ghassali and the Borough Council that “This unusually high restrict-

messy findings

ed amount of land we have in Montvale could be utilized as a negotiating point when the next [affordable housing] calculation is performed.”

He said that remains “a card that could be played.”

“Good to know,” Ghassali said.

Editorʼs note: Anyone interested in the history of affordable housing in Montvale should check out the boroughʼs “Affordable Housing Midpoint Report,” June

29, 2020. The report “is tailored to reflect the conditions in the municipality, the settlement agreement with Fair Share Housing Center, the settlement agreements with the intervenors, The S Hekemian Group, LLC, Hornrock Properties MPR LLC, and 2 Paragon Drive LLC, and the court-approved Housing Element and Fair Share Plan.”

The 2017 settlement agreement with FSHC requires the midpoint review be posted on the borough website, montvale.org

FROM PAGE

chief. He said of that advice, reflected in the ordinance, “And I think itʼs a good idea.”

After councilman Zolt á n Horváth a frequent Ruocco ally, as votes go — moved to table the override motion to do more research, and his motion failed to receive a second, administrator David Troast alleged the mayor was offering his alternative at the 11th hour.

Ruocco disputed that, saying he offered the alternative during either ordinance introduction or the public hearing.

Troast said with the ordinance the number of active officers remains the same.

Francaviglia also said he was following the counsel of the borough labor attorney in supporting the ordinance.

Councilwoman Abby Lundy wondered aloud whether Ruocco b elieved the ordinance was “automatically increasing the size of the force.”

Ruocco said he did not think that but questioned the process being established by the ordinance.

The mayor, who often clashes with the council majority, told

Pascack Press via email, “The issue before the council on Oct. 11 and now again this (Oct. 25) is one of proper policy, about recognizing the importance of police staffing decisions that have a tremendous financial impact on the borough and treating it with the attention that it deserves in a public hearing. This was recognized and respected by past councils. But this council has decided to change the law to allow in one sweep future increases in the size of the department in the name of flexibility subject only to a simple resolution process that reduces the opportunity for public input and permits hasty deci-

PARK RIDGE

sion-making on weighty matters.”

He added, “It is not good government because it eliminates a policy control. It continues a pattern of behavior and decisionmaking on the part of this Council that I have tried to point out and change, but to no avail.”

And he said, “The matter of the proper size of the Department is not being challenged or debated. That is a question for the future, when and if the Chief recommends an increase in size to the Council's Police Committee, and ultimately to the full governing body. He has already said that he does not anticipate the Depart-

ment being above 20 for the foreseeable future.”

Ruocco emphasized, “My objection to the council's adoption of Ordinance 22-16 is that it radically changes the past practice of making those types of decisions, and eliminates the good aspects of having a cap specified in the law (e.g., a public hearing with a reasonable amount of time allocated for the council to make its decision) without adding any benefits.”

He added, “So why do it? For flexibility? That can be addressed in other ways, and I suggested one of them.”

Ragamuffin parade Saturday, Oct. 29

The Park Ridge Recreation and Cultural Committee Ragamuffin Parade, for Park Ridge children 12 and under, is set for Saturday Oct. 29 at 3 p.m. at Depot Square.

Ghosts and goblins with families march down Park Avenue to Memorial Field (behind Borough Hall). There will be a costume contest, refreshments, games, and music.

Please bring a non-perishable food item for the Tri-Boro Food Pantry.

The rain date is Sunday, Oct. 30 at 3 p.m.

For the latest information call

Borough Hall at (201) 573-1800 ext. 521 or visit ParkRidgeBoro.com.

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

PARKRIDGE

The most competitive local school board race Election Day, Nov. 8, is in Park Ridge, where six candidates are vying for two open three-year seats: Erin Kate Comeau, Timothy J. Carroll, and the teams of LeeAnn Frank and Liza Falato-Lau and John P. Bierotti Jr. and Joseph Bucco

We asked for their platforms, their best sense of where money can be saved — the school budget takes the lionʼs share of property taxes — and what they feel are their districtʼs strengths, particularly in responsiveness to families and other stakeholders.

Of those who replied, here are highlights of their responses:

Erin Kate Comeau

Erin Kate Comeau said, “Along with my husband, I am a product of the Park Ridge School District, having attended West Ridge Elementary and Park Ridge High School. We decided to settle here and raise our family. Our two children are second-generation Park Ridge students.”

She said, “All students, no matter their skill level, background or financial status deserves a great education. Their schools should be a safe space to learn and to grow socially and emotionally.”

Comeau noted residential development of the former Sony property will affect the entire community “Any increase [in student enrollment] will affect what we provide in the way of facilities and student-teacher ratios. It is vital that the board prepares and plans for this eventuality.”

If she could accomplish just

one goal in her term, Comeau would want to address a dire effect of the pandemic, which she said “disrupted the ways in which we all communicate and interact. This is especially true in our school setting. I would like to build stronger levels of communication and transparency between all stakeholders: students, staff, board members, and the town public.”

Comeau said “Overall, I believe that the board is very responsive to stakeholdersʼconcerns. The public may be shocked to discover how many hours we volunteer each week on board of education business.”

She said, “Due to legal guidelines and state regulations, the required etiquette of a board of education meeting can lead to an appearance of unresponsiveness. While I have been a board member for a short period of time, I have listened to the concerns of the public and have taken steps to address them, and I know that my fellow board members have as well.”

And she said, “While not every suggestion or complaint results in an action, we seriously consider all suggestions and con cerns that are brought up and do our best to address them within the guidelines of fiscal responsi bility and concern for the needs of all stakeholders.”

On taxes, she said, “No one is interested in raising taxes for taxesʼ sake, including myself As a lifelong resident of Park Ridge, I have seen many people run for office using a platform of reducing

taxes. This has never come to pass.”

She explained, “Given the imminent development in Park Ridge, evolving state curriculum guidelines, upcoming teacher contract negotiations, and everincreasing facility maintenance costs, it is unlikely that taxes will go down. I see the role of a board member as addressing these potentially costly trends in a fiscally responsible manner, to minimize the impact on Park Ridge taxpayers while maintaining the quality of education, which will in

inform BOE race

turn keep our property values high.”

Comeau said she enjoys collaborating in a group. “I have been active in public service in a variety of ways, including many years spent as a volunteer and president of the East Brook PTO. I was appointed to the Board of Education in May of this year.”

She called that tenure to date “a great and challenging experience. It has opened my eyes to how much I love giving back to the community that educated me so well. I hope to have the oppor-

tunity to continue working with the board for a full term to ensure that our schools continue to provide a safe environment for our students to learn and grow.”

John P. Bierotti Jr. and Joseph Bucco

This team said theyʼre running together (theyʼll be bracketed on your ballot) as “Excellence Continued.”

They said “Park Ridge is a growing and close-knit community with an excellent school dis-

Ask the Dentist: 7 reasons to get Dental Implants

Dental Implants have b een vastly improved during the past few decades.

Implants have become the standard of care for tooth replacement and are now not only more widely available than in the past but also often considered a covered benefit by many dentalinsurance plans.

Here are 7 reasons to consider getting a dental implant:

• Esthetics

Loss of a front tooth is an obvious esthetic issue, but the loss of a back tooth can also become a problem, because the loss of one or more back teeth can lead to an appearance of facial collapse. Back tooth loss can cause a personʼs bite to over close causing the chin and nose to appear to come together during closure resulting in a premature aging appearance. When a person has less that a full complement of teeth to chew on, the remaining teeth tend to wear down more rapidly, which also may lead to a progressive collapsing of the bite.

• Function

Most people do not under stand the complexity of the masticatory or chewing system. People do not just bite up and down, but in a complex, wellchoreographed sequence of motions which allow efficient chewing, while also acting to protect the teeth. Chewing occurs in an arc-like manner with the muscles, jaws and teeth functioning in harmony with one another. When just one tooth is lost, the system does not function with peak efficiency and chewing movements must be altered in order to maintain efficiency. Think about a complex mechanical watch with one or two gears missing. It may function, but problems will eventually occur if all itʼs parts are not present.

• Prevention of Bone loss

Realize it or not, bone is a living organ in our body, and it requires some stress for stimula tion in order to maintain a strong healthy state. If bone is taken out of function it will atrophy or shrink. Our teeth act to stimulate our jaw bones as we eat and chew. When we lose a tooth or teeth, the stimulation of the bone in the edentulous area no longer gets stimulation and bone and volume density is lost. Replacement of a tooth with an implant will act to stimulate the bone much the same way as the origi nal tooth and therefore preserve the bone in the area.

• Prevention of Tooth Shifting

Many people are aware that when a tooth is lost, teeth in the surrounding area begin to shift because the stability of the dental arch is lost. This phenomenon can be most pronounced when a back tooth is lost. Teeth behind a lost tooth will drift forward and teeth above or below will move down or up into the newly created space. This shifting can ultimately affect the front teeth as the instability and shifting affects the bite and the changing positions of teeth eventually can cause front teeth to look overlapped or protruded. As teeth move into improper positions, they tend to also wear unevenly.

• Prevention of Fracture and additional tooth loss

When people lose a back tooth on one side as an example, they tend to avoid that side during chewing and use the opposite side. By chewing on one side, people have a very high risk of breaking teeth or dental restorations on the side that they are heavily chewing on. Dentists often see a cascading effect in their patients where once one tooth is lost, others will follow. Another reason for accelerated damage to back teeth following tooth loss is that heavy chewing forces are being distributed to less teeth. Think of driving your car

on three tires or removing some of the main beams from your house. Forces placed on back teeth can easily exceed a hundred pounds per square inch during function, which is greatly increased in people with missing back teeth. These overtaxed teeth are often prone to fracture and or nerve problems, necessitating root canal treatment or extractions. The whole process can become a vicious cycle over time as more and more strain is paced on less remaining teeth.

• Prevention of Jaw Pain/ TMJ Problems

We have discussed the complexity of the masticatory system which is made up of the jaws, muscles, teeth and the brain along with peripheral nerves supplying neurological input.

As mentioned, when this system is out of balance, we may adapt or if that adaptation is not sufficient, we will often have problems. These problems may range from jaw muscle and joint pain to headaches and in rare cases, devastating debilitation.

In our practice, we have often solved long term painful jaw and tooth complaints by replacing a missing tooth or teeth and/or adjusting a poor bite often caused by tooth loss.

• Implants are not susceptible to decay

Tooth decay is and always has been a common disease and the dietary trends of today only act to increase the susceptibility of teeth to decay. So many of the foods and drinks that are consumed by people of all ages will act to break down the protective enamel layer of teeth. Implants are made of titanium and are therefore immune to tooth decay Implants are not immune to gum disease however, so they do require maintenance, at home aa well as with the dental hygienist.

For all of the reasons mentioned, overall it is often a good idea to explore the possibility of getting a dental implant or implants. If you have further questions regarding the feasibility of dental implants please contact the dentists of Pascack Dental Arts in Montvale at 201-391-5565.

PASCACK VALLEY

ROBERT H. GULLER, D.M.D OF PASCACK DENTAL ARTS

eats Dining & Cooking Guide

125th Anniversary logo design contest

Next year the Borough of Hillsdale will be celebrating its 125th anniversary. The Borough of Hillsdale 125th Anniversary C elebration Committee is excited to announce a logo contest open to all residents.

The invitation reads, “We are seeking help to create a logo t hat will be used for a variety of

purposes, including the website, correspondence, social media platforms, signs, etc. Help us create a logo that reflects what we love about our borough and its unique characteristics.”

The invitation says the top submissions will be selected by a panel of community members, who have design experience, and

then presented to the committee for a final decision.

For contest rules, technical requirements, submission info, a nd the deadline, visit https://tinyurl.com/4y4cu2x5

Contestants also are encouraged to refer to hillsdalenj.org

GRAND OPENING

MASTERGARDENER SICHAKPRESENTS NOV.

The Sundial Garden Club is pleased to announce a presentation, “The Art, History, and Benefits of Indoor Gardening,” by Mary Jo Sichak, on Monday, Nov. 7 at 4 p.m.

The club meets at Hillsdale Library, 509 Hillsdale Ave.

Sichak is a master gardener and photographer with extensive teaching and speaking experience. er garden was featured in the Garden Conservancy Open Days program. Her goal is to use phoography to capture the natural

beauty of the moment and share it with others.

In this program, as the seasons change, Sichak will discuss how to enhance your life and home by bringing the green in. The talk will include a history of indoor gardening, how to choose and care for the right plant, decorating with live plants, and the health benefits of house plants.

The club welcomes all gardeners and would-be gardeners from the Pascack Valley. For more information visit sundialgc.org

Hillsdale 50+Club Octoberfest, more

The Hillsdale 50+ welcomes all residents and non-residents to join and meet other folks. Meet ings are the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month. (There are no meetings in July and August.)

On Wednesday, Nov. 9, theclub rides to Spring Lake to enjoy delicious lunch at The Shore Club, formerly Doolanʼs RestauAn open bar, delicious lunch

and dessert await. There will be a live band, dancing, and a comedian. Meet at 10 a.m. at Hillsdaleʼs Stonybrook Pool for the ride to The Shore Club. The cost is $59. Call Evelyn Pachner at (201) 666-7675.

On Wednesday, Dec. 14, the club holds its holiday gathering at Seasons in Washington Township. There will be holiday music, entertainment, and a delicious lunch.

“[Baseball]

is

in the

when

else begins again, and it

in the summer, filling afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall all alone. You count on it, rely on it to buffer the passage of time, to keep the memory of

and high skies alive, and then just when the days are all twilight, when you need it the most, it stops.”

eats Dining & Cooking Guide

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 fam-

ily parties. Seating is available for up to 100. Catering is also offered and the restaurant has a full bar, including over 100 wines.

Salmon

celery

on

•

(201)

•

crabmeat

What youʼll need:

oz.

tbs Colossal

•

Filet

•

• Dash of honey & balsamic

pepper diced

• Stalk celery diced

Salt & pepper to taste

What to do:

Salmon down center (lengthwise). Dice up peppers &

Pull up a chair at

-and

ter of salmon. Cook 10 minutes at

degrees Fahrenheit. Drizzle with a dash of honey & balsamic vinegar dressing

• Buon Appetito!

Giulioʼs Restaurant is located

at 154

week for

Street, Tappan NY.

Restaurant, where elegance

-Italian cuisine.

Visit Giulioʼs website for its menu: www.giuliosrestaurant.com

reservations, takeout, catering, and more, call (845) 359-3657

Salmon Giulio stuffed with crabmeat

eats Dining & Cooking Guide

We want to see this strong tradition of education that supports all students, promotes their growth, and encourages them to be open-minded and inclusive individuals who think and care about the world around them to continue into the future.

I know that Joseph Polvere will support our BOE and ultimately our students and their families in this way. Iʼve known Joe for quite a few years, from attending the same family library programs to chatting at school drop off to school-sponsored concerts and events.

He is a great father as well as a great teacher. His background in education as well as having two children of his own allows him to understand the complexities of the educational system from both the teachersʼand parentsʼviewpoints. He has a son with autism, and he understands firsthand the necessity of special services so that every student can succeed and thrive.

Finally, he is both openminded and fair. He makes himself available and truly listens to the opinions of all. He honors that people come from different places and viewpoints and takes those into account when making decisions.

I know Will Graulich from working with him on Emersonʼs Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. He is similarly wellspoken, thoughtful and openminded. He listens to everyoneʼs opinions with respect and his input is heartfelt and meaningful - I know he would be the same in a BOE position.

It is important for everyone to have a voice and to exercise their right to vote. I implore everyone to research the candidates before doing so and to cast their votes for the candidates who will best support our childrenʼs education and futures.

Joe and Will attended a BOE candidate forum on Oct. 26 to introduce themselves and answer questions, and they continue to make themselves available to the public to answer any questions/concerns.

Through our votes, letʼs help Emerson truly live up to its nickname of The Family Town. Letʼs put education first, our children first, and elect candidates who will truly support us in doing so.

Shelley Sontag Emerson

Park Ridge sees paving progress

To the editor:

THANKYOUTO everyone for your patience with the countyʼs paving of Kinderkamack Road I also want to give a shout out to the Park Ridge police for helping direct motorists and shoppers and assist business owners in getting their customers to them safely while the paving was being completed. The boroughʼs road project, many times delayed by PSE&G, will continue through the end of October and the first week of November.

We are also hoping to authorize some additional paving … to be completed in conjunction with PSE&Gʼs restoration project that will enable the roads that PSE&G has worked on to be paved curb to curb rather than the half roads that PSE&G proposes.

The gas upgrades and infrastructure improvements that PSE&G has been performing have been frustrating to say the least, leading to many schedule changes and paving delays but we hope the end of that work is in sight and we will work to make sure that all roads are restored and/or improved when their work is complete.

Mayor Keith Misciagna Park Ridge In an Oct. 21 email to residents

Voting Dell, Bicocchi on their record

a landscaper, which is a pretty competitive field. My livelihood d epends upon the lush green lawns attached to the homes I service.

Westwood is a wonderfully diverse community. It has almost the perfect combination of small scale residential units with two and three family homes, larger apartment complexes, and the single family homes which are my bread and butter. Itʼs a town where both business owners and employees can find a suitable place to live.

I know Rob and Beth have w hat it takes, the experience, knowledge and determination, to keep our small town green and safe from the wall-to-wall concrete that comes with overdevelopment.

On Election Day we will be voting for the candidates with an established record. The ones who have been on council and have made the right decisions to preserve the best possible Westwood. We will be voting for the incumbent team of Rob Bicocchi and Beth Dell.

Brian Tofel Westwood

Support for Garcia, McCallister

To the editor:

struggles, obstacles to overcome, turmoil to live through, yet each one had its advantages as well. I canʼt imagine how hard it is for a teen today to deal w ith bullying in an age of smartphones and social media, or how quickly a party with a few friends can turn into a house full of strangers thanks to open invites on social apps. Now, with misinformation and reactionary adults using falsehoods to fuel the fire, weʼre at risk of endangering the most vulnerable populations of students.

We need to right our course to shift focus back to excellence in education, while focusing on creating school environments that are safe for all students, teachers, and staff. We need to elect Board of Education members who can analyze an issue, and make an informed decision. We need less fighting and more collaborating. The children in our district depend on us to make the right decisions, so that we can set them up for success.

words,

VERYGENERATION at some point mutters

After watching nonsense unfold on social media, the two candidates who remained above the fray, who addressed every member of the public, whether for or against, with respect, who have run positive campaigns focusing on collabora tion, community engagement, innovation, and communica tion, and who have proven histories as active members of the community, are Westwood candidate Jason “Jay” Garcia and Township of Washington candi-

19

To the editor: I AMASMALL BUSINESSOWNER who lives with my wife and three children in Westwood. I am

date Joe McCallister.

I have the good fortune of knowing Jay, his wife, and daughter. He is one of the most genuine people I have ever met. When he stepped up and put his name on the ballot, he did it for the right reasons. Like many of us, he saw the fighting on the board and knew something needed to be done. As a parent, I appreciate his g oal to improve community engagement, and return the focus to excellence in education.

While I cannot vote for Joe McCallister, I would encourage everyone in the Township of Washington to do so. He has been the picture of class and integrity, and the fact that he has maintained that throughout this election is commendable. We need someone with his experience and level-headedness on the board.

I ask that you support Jay and Joe, as the students in our district deserve the best!

Jodi Murphy Westwood

Backing Polvere for Emerson BOE

To the editor:

IHAVEKNOWN Joe Polvere for nearly a decade and have been continually impressed by his dedication to bettering himself pro

fessionally and to understanding history and the world around him. The insights heʼs worked hard to gain would make him an asset to the Emerson Board of Education. Joeʼs longtime experience asan educator and s chool administrator will help him ensure that Emersonʼs curriculum prepares children well for the outside world.

J oe has already proven to the online hometown community that he is a moderate voice o f reason. When he writes his opinions on the boroughʼs controversial issues, Joe is articul ate and assertive yet never condescending or patronizing to others who may disagree.

A s a result, his “vo ice” and points of view have become widely respected as an individu al who doesnʼt cater to any one line of politics and demon strates tolerance as well as a willingness to consider all views to develop a fully reasoned opinion.

I have had many lively discussions with Joe. While we donʼt always share the same views, he has proved to be a strong listener and holds respect for alternate points of view—this will be important when serving the public in a town where debate often gets heated and can be divisive. I know Joe will not cower to placating only the loudest voices.

On a personal note, Joe is also just an all-around good guy who is a caring member of the community. As a father to a child with a special-needs, he is sensitive to looking out for

t he best interests of a ll t he townʼs children and not just those who are the top performe rs. He and his wife take the time t o do so much volunteering behind the scenes and have taken time to genuinely get to know people in the school system they love so much.

Importantly, at the same time, Joe works more than one job to provide for his family, and I know fiscal responsibility is a huge con-

cern of his. Like many others in town, he wants the best for children but not at the expense of our seniors and parents (like me) who are struggling greatly with inflation and annual tax increases. He has promised to consider every budget line very carefully, and I fully believe he will do this.

I urge you to consider voting for Joe Polvere this November!

Jennifer Whitney Emerson

Huge thanks for help on fundraiser

To the editor:

HE GFWC WOMANʼS CLUB of Westwood recently held a bunco night fundraiser

27

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

PVHS lauds Nat’l Merit Scholarship Program high achievers

Pascack Valley High School

is pleased to announce that Grace Jansen, Class of 2023, has been recognized as a Semifinalist in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Jansen is one of more than 16,000 Semifinalists in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program recently recognized by officials of National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).

These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the c ompetition for some 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be offered next spring.

High school juniors entered the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2021 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which served as an initial screen of entrants.

The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. The number of Semifinalists in a

state is proportional to the stateʼs percentage of the national total of graduating seniors. New Jersey has among the most competitive scores in the United States.

Pascack Valley High School also recognizes Jack Benson, Zach Berde, Ethan Chiu, Rowan Gokhale, Ciaran OʼBrien, Danny Pellegrin, Danny Schwartz,

Kareena Shah, and Kiera Tracy have who have been named Commended Students in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program.

A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the pro-

gram, will be presented by the principal to these Scholastically talented seniors.

Approximately 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2023 competition for

National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2023 competition by taking the 2021 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

Get your shopping on! Brookside Bazaar Nov. 5

The Brookside Bazaar will be held Saturday, Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. indoors at the Westwood Community Center More than 30 local businesses, artists, crafters, creatives, mom and daughter duos, and

entrepreneurs of all ages have been selected to showcase their work in the family-friendly fair.

Perfect for early holiday shopping, unique items including handcrafted childrenʼs toys, journals, hand-poured candles, vin-

tage treasures, children and baby apparel, personalized gifts, jewelry and accessories, artisanal soaps, body scrubs and self-care items, small-batch dog treats, embroidery and crochet work, and much more will be available to shop.

The free-to-enter event will host activities for little shoppers, from a braid bar by Polished Pub and temporary tattoos by Light house Tattoo Parlor, to craft bear building by Bear Magic and a slime table with Morgan & Olivia's Unique Boutique Slime Shop.

There will be several exciting tricky tray items and limitededition event tote bags will be provided to the first 300 attendees — one per family — while supplies last.

The Brookside Bazaar will provide a sneak peek to Frenchinspired Le Carré Café & Patisserie, expected to open in Hillsdale before this holiday season. Le Carré will have cider, coffee and sweet treats including seasonal macarons, apple turnovers and croissants for purchase, with a percentage of each sale benefitting Brookside Elementary School.

Save the date and plan to join the community and shop small on Nov. 5 for this fun event. Follow @BrooksideBazaar on Facebook and Instagram for more information and a behind-the-scenes look at the Bazaarʼs talented vendors and their wares.

The Brookside Bazaar is hosted by Westwoodʼs Brook side Elementary School PTO (Parent Teacher Organization), and sponsored by local businesses Chased Treasures, Conradʼs Confectionery, Fawn & Sage, Flawless Finish, Hoop Dreamz, Lighthouse Tattoo Parlor, Patriot Home Inspection Services, and Polished Pub.

The full list of confirmed vendors includes: A Journal For Your Thoughts, Angelique Soap Co., Bear Magic, Ceramar, Chased Treasures, Conradʼs Confec tionery, Designs by Lori, Emma Teng Indoor Plants, Fawn & Sage, Hadley's Woofie Cookies, Jill Chisesi Pettit Art, Just Jewelry by Katie, Kathleen's Loops, Le Carré Café & Patisserie, Lady Diss Designs, Lighthouse Tattoo Parlor, Mina's and E Magical Boutique, Morgan & Olivia's Unique Boutique Slime Shop, Nicole & Talia Rutigliano, Nicolette Designs, Once Upon A Board, Polished Pub, Saltso, Suds by Nic, that embroidery co., The Feisty Pup, Totally Tiff Creations, Vyoma Essentials, Westwood Candy Co., Yellow Door Art Studio, and Zoo Modern.

Although this yearʼs Brookside Bazaar is at capacity for participating vendors, if you are interested in vending, or want to get on the wait list or participate in upcoming events, write BrooksideBazaar@gmail.com

Nicely done! Grace Jansen,PVHS Class of 2023 and National Merit Scholarship Program

Semifinalist,with her guidance counselor,Jordan Kapp.Group photo:PVHS Seniors and National Merit Scholarship Program Commended students (left to right):Ethan Chiu,Ciaran O’Brien,Zach Berde,Kiera Tracy,Danny Schwartz,Kareena Shah,Rowan Gokhale,Jack Benson,and Danny Pellegrin. PVHSphotos

reducing stress and living better

Your body responds to stress as if it were a disease, so do your best to avoid it. The three most significant stresses are physical, emotional, and biochemical.

To combat physical stresses, get the body moving. If you are sitting at the computer all day, make sure you

participate in the 20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break, walk 20 feet, and look 20 feet away. Then you can get back to the computer.

Keep balance. If you are playing golf and are always twisting in one direction, practice swinging the other way, so you donʼt just build the muscles on one side of your body. If you are a sanitation worker and are always tossing garbage over your left shoulder, start tossing it over your right shoulder. Make sure you do not do activities that only use one part of

your body. This prevents helps your brain and body function better and feel better.

Emotional stress is even more important to deal with than physical stress. It's a true “silent killer.” Monday morning is the most common time for a heart attack. People are stressed out about going to a job they hate. The worst phrase in the world is “Thank God itʼs Friday.” It means that people do not like their jobs, and canʼt wait for the weekend. You should love to wake up Monday morning full of energy and excited to go to

work. Your job should be rewarding and related to your passion. It should involve helping others and allow room for growth and progress, which is vital to boost your brainpower. Climb the ladder to success and keep on increasing your income so you can increase your charity and help more people. Give bigger tips and give people more compliments. Thank people more and have more gratitude. Pray more and meditate deeper. Be more mindful and improve your physical and mental fitness.

Eat healthier and get more restful sleep. Love more people and bring more joy. Have more fun, tell more jokes, smile more frequently, and make others laugh. Biochemical stress includes the chemicals we are exposed to in many cleaning products, fragrances, candles, and suntan lotions. Limit your exposure to such metals as aluminum, mercury, lead, and arsenic. If you check your levels of these metals and they are high, you might want to discuss with your doctor

trict. One of the most cherished attributes is that we are a standalone K-12 district, which is very rare in northern Bergen County.

Over the course of the last few decades, our schools have flour-

ished. The district continually makes upgrades to academic curriculum as well as addressing many other needs, such as, advancements in technology, facility upgrades, and extra care for parents that need it just to

name a few.”

They said, “We want to ensure that our childrenʼs educational experience continues to move forward on the right path, while still maintaining fiscal responsibility for the entire community and fulfilling the needs of the district.

The top two concerns they would like to address are safety and security, and overdevelopment.

“Safety and security has been a priority for both of us for over 20 plus years. As career public servants, we are well versed on the different issues that districts are facing in the wake of both physical security threats as well as health related challenges—all of which affect our childrenʼs learning,” they said.

They added, “There have been physical security upgrades that have been made in the last few years. These upgrades are the building blocks on the overall security and safety of the students and faculty that we hope to expand on.”

They said “Overdevelopment is an issue that will undoubtedly pose a challenge to our district with both state housing mandates and previous development approvals within the near future. The size of our student body will continue to steadily increase over the years to come.”

In that light, they said, “Our goal is to continue to provide the level of education and student class size that Park Ridge is accustomed to, all while maintaining our promise to the taxpayers to remain fiscally responsible.”

They said “It is an issue that cannot be looked at lightly. There needs to be a balance of class size, which is building space, and keeping it fiscally responsible for the community as a whole, that we as potential board members will be a part of. Itʼs definitely a balancing game that is going to need constant attention.”

Pressed for a singular goal theyʼd like to achieve, they said, “To effectively serve our community, which has entrusted us to represent them and to leave the

district better than we found it. During our term, we plan to keep the mindset of Excellence Continued. We will continually build on the excellence that has been established and what brought most of us and our families to this great town.”

Their assessment of this districtʼs responsiveness? “There are a variety of obstacles and challenges that are facing our district. As far as responsive vs. non responsive, it would depend on the issue. The board/district as a whole has been very responsive on some issues and sub-par on others.”

They said, “Any group that is made up of multiple people, all having different opinions and life experiences, will always have different priorities when it comes to hot topic issues. The most important thing is that every board member should work collectively without being guided by one individualʼs influence. Board members are elected at large and it is

DR. ERIC KAPLAN, KAPLAN BRAIN & BODY

Grosso to perform with B’way icon Eder at bergenPAC

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

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

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

Eder made her Broadway debut in the 1997 new musical “Jekyll & Hyde” and released dozens of albums and collaborations across styles, including “The Other Side of Me,” a country-pop blend of contemporary music; a duet cover of Roy Orbisonʼs “Crying” with Clay Aiken; and a unique twist on the classic “Baby, Itʼs Cold Outside,” which she rewrote and recorded with her son, Jake. Audiences can expect to be amazed at the ease with which she moves back and forth between genres.

“Linda

as

Lindaʼs

for

and

her,”

“I am beyond grateful

Grosso received her BFA in musical theatre from Montclair State University.

include Countess Aurelia in “Dear World,”

Sakarian in “Baby,” and Georgie Bukatinsky in “The Full Monty.”

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

227-1030.

bergenPAC is at 30 North Van Brunt St. Call (201) 227-1030 and

visit bergenpac.org and ticketmaster.com Founded in 2003, the 1,367-seat Bergen Performing Arts Center, or bergenPAC, is the areaʼs cultural mecca.

Now it’s Depot Scare

—Carrie Rauschenberger

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

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

GIANNA GROSSO

LINDA EDER

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

Get a ‘Clue’ at Bergen County Players show through Nov. 19

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TICKET AND SCHEDULE

INFORMATION

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

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

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

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

For more information visit bcplayers.org.

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

Deer: Fall rut sees deer, drivers at greater risk

injury to themselves, their passengers or others.”

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

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

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

“While some adult males (bucks) can grow up to 3.5 feet tall at shoulder height and weigh up to 200 pounds, an average buck in New Jersey weighs around 150 pounds. Females (does) are typically smaller and average around 100 pounds,” the station says.

In April, bucks begin growing their antlers, which are covered in a

“velvet” layer of skin, consisting of soft hairs and blood vessels that provide nutrients to the growing tissue.

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

Antlers are shed annually each winter.

“Does generally reach sexual

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

Fawns are born beginning in early May.

BOE: Six vie in Park Ridge

imperative that they should be responsible to their constituents.”

On taxes, they said, “Being financially responsible to the community is of the utmost importance when making any large financial decision.”

One area that will require special attention: “The increasing class sizes with the looming development project slated to begin in the near future. People move to Park Ridge with their families or to start a family because we are a standalone district and we have manageable class sizes.”

They said the board of education “will be tasked with the balance of increased student population and keeping a heavy tax burden off of the community ”

Over the past three years, they said, the tax rate has remained steady, under the state 2% cap. “Financial stability is a good sign of fiscal responsibility. As the population increases, spe cial attention will have to be made to keep the tax rate manageable.”

As a closing note, Bierotti and Bucco said, “We have been pubic servants our whole adult lives. Our community comes first, whether it be serving as police officers or coaching our children in PRAA sports.”

They said, “Serving our com munity is a privilege and responsibility that we do not take lightly. If re-elected/elected, we will contin ue to volunteer our time to better our school district for all of our children while balancing the needs of our community.”

Safety tips to take you far

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

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

• Watch for “Deer Crossing” signs. Drive slower when traveling through areas known to have a high concentration of deer so there is enough time to stop, if necessary.

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

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

•Always wear a seatbelt, as required by law. Drive at a safe and sensible speed, following the speed

limit, factoring for weather, available lighting, traffic, curves and other road conditions.

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

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

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

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

report

ON THE JOB!

LeeAnn Frank and Liza Falato-Lau

LeeAnn Frank and Liza Falato-Lau, running as a bracketed team, told us, “All students can achieve educational success in an environment that builds confi dence, teaches critical thinking, and fosters emotional intelligence.”

They said, “We can accomplish this through better communication and collaboration between parents, students, and teachers — all of whom have faced many challenges in recent years. We are committed to getting every student back on track by bridging the gap between edu cation and emotional growth.”

They worried about “significant learning loss” in the pandem ic and said many students are struggling to catch up. “There is overwhelming evidence of mental health and social issues. The district has a responsibility to help the students get back on track by providing workshops addressing stress management, depression and social anxiety ”

Asked for the sole goal theyʼd be happiest accomplishing in their term, they said, “We plan to address many objectives through collaboration with parents, teach ers, administrators, and other board members. We want all students to read at, or above, grade level. We want them to excel in STEM and history. We want more after-school programs that encourage creativity and a love for learning.”

In their view, “Unfortunately, we have seen too many kids grow apathetic towards learning. Students should be excited to come to

school and feel success is within reach.”

Asked to rank the boardʼs responsiveness, they said “There should be more consistent com munications from the board to the stakeholders, including a website full of information. If we over communicate with parents, they will feel more comfortable and confident with what their children are learning and where they are academically.”

On the budget, they said, “The district should spend every dollar on things that benefit stu dents, such as building renovations, athletic equipment, special programs, and more. We need to look at wasteful spending, as well as spending on things ʻbecause we have always done it that way.ʼ”

In final thoughts, they said in part, “We are not running for us; we are running for the countless parents and taxpayers in town who want a seat at the table and to challenge the status quo.”

Elks Army of Hope sign fundraiser

Itʼs that time of year! The Westwood Elks is conducting its Elks Army of Hope fundraiser The initiative supports our troops who have been injured, maimed, or given the ulti mate sacrifice in performing their duties for our country

This support helps these heroes and their families financially with housing, necessities, schooling, and more. Please show your support

by decorating your lawn with a lawn sign for a $25 donation to the Elks Army of Hope.

This year brings a choice of signs. Pick one for your lawn.

Act now and have it for V eterans Day, Nov 11.

Call Carl at (201) 446-6047 or the Westwood Elks Lodge at (201) 666-1562. Please leave a message

Peak

EMERSON

Pascack Press reader Patty Paul writes, “Here’s a picture of my grandson Connor O’Brien, 22 months, tootling down Palisade Avenue in Emerson. He’s headed to recycle his diaper boxes along with other cardboard at the DPW Recycling Center.”

Patty Paul photo

scholarship fund and the New Jersey State Federation of Womenʼs Club special state project, Emmanuel Cancer Foundation. EFC helps hundreds of families in New Jersey with a free package of support services. The club thanks attendees for their support and the local merchants who donated prizes for the event. It was a successful and enjoyable evening.

Womanʼs Club of Westwood

Keep politics out of the board room

To the editor:

IʼM AFORMER elected member o f the Westwood Regional School Board and guided a child through the educational system here. I ran once and won, and ran another time and lost, so Iʼve been on both sides of the equation. I know how this process works. Iʼve been watching this yearʼs local race aghast at the level of Fox News politics that have been injected into the rhetoric.

Yeah, thatʼs right, I said it, but itʼs been on the minds, and in the campaigns, of everyone on both sides of the ideological divide. A divide that threatens the educational future of the districtʼs children.

The number one thing that everyone involved here needs to understand and yet little do, is that the school board does not run the school district. This is written into the charter of the state of New Jersey and administered by the NJ State Board of Education. This following passage is from their website FAQ:

“The school board has a dual role: To represent the concerns of the citizens, taxpayers and parents to the school administrators, and to represent the needs of the stu dents and school district to the citizens, taxpayers and parents of the community. The school board does not operate the district on a day-to-day basis; that is the job of the superintendent, who is the districtʼs chief executive. Rather, the school board sets the policies, goals and objectives for the dis trict – and it holds the superin tendent responsible for implementing the policies and achieving the goals.”

In other words, a school board member actually has very little power other than collaboratively working to secure a super intendent and holding that person responsible to implement the boardʼs policies. Those policies come about over a long arc of time, as the board functions as the in-between, deliberative panel that has to constantly weigh the studentʼs and schoolʼs needs with those of the community, and fair ly represent them both. Those concerns used to be about taxes,

facilities, budgets and student educational needs: the boring, unglamorous issues that legitimize the policy making process in a democracy. The issues that force a board member to sit at the table to fully listen to an entire budget meeting or learn how to accept and support an opposing position if it has value to the greater good of the district. But no more.

When I hear rhetoric in the campaigns that mimic “Iʼll fight for you” or “Iʼm the one to get this done” or worse, I know thereʼs something wrong with that candidateʼs position, that they think this is some position of power and influence that they will work as a zero-sum game and emerge victorious. I donʼt want them at the table. When I see the massive amounts spent on campaign literature, signage and voter activation, I know this candidate is not a grass-roots concerned citizen, but an agenda-driven ideologue with political support. I donʼt want them at the table. When I hear rhetoric of their supporters that spew words like “groomer” at opponents or laud their champions as “tireless fighters” I know the districtʼs issues of a better education are not in their minds, but instead a personal demon theyʼre battling. To them, theyʼre fighting for “traditional values,” which means dragging this dis trict back to the old days of smoke-filled rooms of likeminded ideologues that think theyʼre protecting their children from the ravages of a god-less society. Anyone whoʼs been around here long enough will remember what those days were like, when the district was rightly nicknamed “Wastewood.”

Hereʼs the bad news for these candidates and the parents that think like them: Your children are already in the future and youʼre playing catch-up

with a blindfold and a broken leg. Your children already know there is a wide world of unlimited influences that wonʼt be held back by you banning books or preventing them from learning the full history of our country — warts and all. They already know this and are prepared to understand that the human condition is more complex than binary choices and have created the capacity in their hearts and minds to accept this and learn to adjust their points of view and move forward.

School is about opening the world to our children and giving them the skills to navigate the rough waters as well as the capacity to enjoy the calm seas. Itʼs not about crippling them with your prejudices, lack of empathy, and fear so that they hew a course similar to your own. Itʼs their life, not yours. The best thing you can do is get their phones out of their hands for the better part of a day so that they can talk with each other.

So keep your politics out of the board room. Your children donʼt need or want it and as a taxpayer, neither do I.

Robin Robinson Westwood

Emerson, vote Smith, Mara for BOE

To the editor:

I T ʼ S UNDERSTANDABLE that most voters have little interest in Board of Education elections, since the candidates are usually unopposed. But this year there is a real choice, since there are four individuals running for the two open seats.

Thatʼs why Emersonʼs voters are fortunate to have two excellent candidates in Keith Smith

a nd Amy Mara. Both have impressive résumés, with a history of involvement in the community and professional expertise, including Amyʼs experience as an attorney, which would be a valuable asset to the board.

Whether itʼs the Borough Council, on which I served, or the BOE, Emersonʼs residents should have elected officials who will represent them, and who wonʼt be influenced by vested interests. For example, unlike one of their opponents, Keith and Amy are unconnected to the New Jersey Education Association, and will be capable of making independent decisions free of outside pressure.

Keith and Amy have already proven they have the courage to ask the tough questions, which they have done during the public p ortion of BOE meetings. As members of the Board of Ed, I have confidence they will openly address all matters, controversial or not, which not only provides transparency to the public, but results in better decisions for the school and the community as well.

And while Keith and Amy understand the hardship that excessive taxes can have on many homeowners, especially our seniors, they are also the parents of school-aged children. That puts them in the unique position of being able to balance the taxpayerʼs burden with the need to guarantee a quality education for all Emerson students.

Whether you have children in the school system or not, voting in this yearʼs BOE election is one of the most important electoral decisions you will make. On Nov. 8, I urge you to join me in voting for Keith Smith in Column 1 and Amy Mara in Column 2 in the School Election section of your ballot.

Kenneth Hoffman Emerson

Polvere, Graulich for Emerson BOE

To the editor:

I AMALIFELONG Emerson resident — a senior and former educator, who raised my children in Emerson schools. I still care deeply about our schools, and not just because their success is a factor in the value of my home! I am supporting Joseph Polvere and William Graulich for Emerson BOE because I believe their experience makes them the most qualified candidates. They are b oth professional educators, i nvolved community members and parents of students in the sys tem. They will be personally invested in the school district and the community for years to come. They, like me, are here for the long haul. The Emerson Public Schools are Emersonʼs greatest asset and we must entrust them to careful, impartial leaders who will keep up the good work.

Patricia Dinallo Emerson

Endorsing Garcia for WW BOE

To the editor: M Y NAMEIS John P. Sfakianos, MD, urologic oncologist, and associate professor at the Icahn School of Medicine and Mount Sinai Health.

It is my absolute pleasure to

o ffer without hesitation this endorsement for Jason R. Garcia, Westwood Regional School District Board of Education cand idate. My relationship with Jason began professionally, but as happens with many, I got to know him, and we became friends.

Jason was instrumental in bringing novel cancer care and technology to my colleagues and me at Mt. Sinai, educating our medical staff and patients.

There are not too many people like Jason in this world. His passion, selfless commitment, and troubleshooting aptitude set him apart from others. He is humble and always positive. He sees the good in people and all things, finding opportunities where others see only obstacles.

Jason and I have often spoken about how his patient-first focus for me matches his kids-first focus for his community. His leadership and “we are one” attitude will be a tremendous asset to your school district.

Another strength of Jasonʼs is his ability to bring out the best in everyone around him; he challenges my teams and me to do better for our patients and their families. Since meeting Jason, I think I have become a better physician.

If you elect Jason Garcia to your Board of Education, I am confident he will listen to all residents, keep your children the focus, analyze information, and always do whatʼs best to elevate

your district to new heights. He will give you his all, and I promise his impact will be positive and grand.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions at (917) 848-9470

John P. Sfakianos, MD

Pantry says demand is rising. Help!

To the editor:

TH E T R I -B O RO F O OD

PA NTRY is experiencing lower than usual inventory due to a high number of customers and inflation. We would be incredibly grateful for any unexpired non-perishable donations, especially pasta, tuna fish, canned soup, canned beans, hot or cold cereal, macaroni and cheese, and peanut butter. Donations can be dropped off at the pantry, in the back of the Pascack Reformed Church, 65 Pascack Road, Park Ridge, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m. or at one of our donation bins: at the Park Ridge Borough Hall, Montvale Borough Hall and Woodcliff Lake Police Department. Thank you for your generosity! For more information visit triborofoodpantry.org

Tri-Boro Food Pantry Park Ridge

Jason Garcia for WW BOE — he listens

To the editor:

WWRSD BOE debate was well done

To the editor:

community has a voice for our children.

I

AMPROUDLY writing this letter in support of Jason Garcia for the WWRSD BOE.

Having known Jay for several years, he has always shown himself to be a selfless member of our community. He is always the first person to step up and volunteer whether it be to coach, at a PSO event, or deliver food for the local food bank his hand is raised. Jay is highly engaged with the school board; having attended nearly all meetings over the last couple of years and speaking out on issues he believes he can influence to change. He does his homework and his research into the topics being discussed. He listens to all sides, asks questions to understand many points of view and engages in fact-based discussions. Jay does not shy away from tough questions or topics he listens to and gives an open, honest opinion.

Collaboration, communication, and community engagement are not just words to Jay. They are words he lives by on a daily basis. He does not have a personal agenda, he has shown our community that open discussion leads to broader understanding and acceptance. Our community may be divided right now and it is in the best interest of the children and professionals of the Westwood Regional School District for us to find ways to come together. Jay has always put the needs of all the children first. He will focus on making decisions that have a positive impact on students, staff, and facilities while representing the community.

Lisa Eidel Westwood

T HANKYOUTO the League of Women Voters and the Westwood Regional High School PSO for hosting a candidateʼs forum for the upcoming Board of Education election. I must admit, at first I was skeptical. I was worried that the event would possibly be poorly managed, favor one candidate over another, or not focused on the issues our community seems to be facing. I couldnʼt have been more wrong. The ladies of the LWV run a tight ship, ask the hard questions, and hold people to the rules. I hope to see them back in the future.

As I watched the debate, my inclinations of how I was going to vote were wholly solidified. The ideas and positions of Laura C ooper and Michelle Sembler stood out from the rest. Focusing on the important issues of school safety, rebounding from COVID learning loss, and fiscal discipline was exactly what I needed to hear.

Ms. Cooperʼs story of having to remove her daughter from the district is one that I believe we should all take to heart. While our district can be a great place for most of our students, the district failed her daughter in the most serious of ways. The bullying, harassment, and intimidation her child had to endure should happen to no one. After hearing her story personally, it is clear how it was her escalation and intervention in March that resulted in reform at Brookside elementary and dramatically improved the administration there. Iʼm convinced having her on the board, equipped with this knowledge and experience to navigate difficult challenges, will help us ensure our

Ms. Sembler had my vote before I walked in the room, but I now feel compelled to shout my endorsement from the nearest steeple. Her years-long efforts to see police backed security in our schools is a crowning achievement that we should all applaud. I tend to imagine that without her constant push, we would not have this program in place. If that werenʼt enough, her advocacy to increase teacher and staff pay in order to attract higher end talent while maintaining a flat budget is something that will pay dividends for years to come.

I am convinced these ladies will bring our district to the next level. They will hold the administration to the high standards our community has, they will put the right people in place to see their goals fulfilled, and they will make sure every single student goes to school bound only by their own potential. Please join me in supporting them both with your votes.

Joe Letizia Westwood

50+Club to Spring Lake; sets holiday lunch

Hillsdale 50+ Club welcomes residents and nonresidents to meet and mingle. Meetings are the second and fourth Thursday of the month (except in November and December, when itʼs the second Monday only).

On Wednesday, Nov. 9 the club will take a ride to Spring Lake for lunch at the Shore Club, formerly Doolanʼs. The Byrne Brothers (three Irish tenors) will perform. Enjoy your choice of entree: salmon, chicken, corned beef and cab bage, with open bar. Meet at 10 a.m. at Stonybrook Pool on Cedar Lane, off Piermont Avenue. To reserve a seat call Evelyn at (201) 666-7675.

Save the date for the clubʼs holiday lunch with a DJ at Sea sonʼs in Washington Township on Pascack Road: Wednesday, Dec. 14. The cost is $55, and you have your choice of entree. Call Fran at (201) 666-9364.

The Mount Sinai Medical Center

RETIREMENT PLANS CAN BE SIMPLE

Editorʼs note:

The following article is for informational purposes only.

If you own a small business (or are selfemployed), there are many retirement plan alternatives available to help you and your employees plan your financial future. One popular option for organizations such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and non-profit organizations to consider is the

SIMPLE (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees) Individual Retirement Account (IRA).

Unlike some retirement plans, there are specific criteria a business must meet to participate in a SIMPLE IRA plan. Here are the answers to commonly asked questions about this type of retirement plan:

Can any business establish a SIMPLE IRA plan?

Self-employed individuals and employers with fewer than 100 employees may adopt a SIMPLE plan. However, the business must not maintain any other employer-

sponsored retirement plan where contributions are made or accrued during the calendar year in which the SIMPLE plan is effective. (This does not apply to plans that cover only union employees who are excluded from the SIMPLE plan.)

What is the deadline for establishing such a plan in order for it to qualify for the 2019 tax year?

The IRS deadline for establishing SIMPLE IRA plans for the current year is Oct. 1. Afterward, plans can only be established for the next tax year. An exception to

Oct. 1 exists if the business is a newly established company and has never sponsored a SIMPLE IRA plan.

Which employees are eligible to participate in this type of plan?

An eligible employee is one who has received at least $5,000 in compensation from the employer during any two prior calendar years (does not need to be consecutive years) and who is reasonably expected to receive at least $5,000 compensation during the current year.

In the planʼs initial agreement, the employer is able to reduce the amount of compensation and the number of years required. However, there is no required participation for this plan – eligible employees can choose whether or not they want to participate and contribute.

How much can employees contribute to the plan through salary deferral?

The maximum salary deferral limit to a SIMPLE IRA plan for 2019 cannot exceed $13,000. If an employee is age 50 or older before Dec. 31, then an additional catchup contribution of $3,000 is permitted.

What are the maximum employer contribution limits for a SIMPLE IRA?

Each year the employer must decide to do either a matching contribution (the lesser of the employeeʼs salary deferral or 3% of the employeeʼs compensation) or nonmatching contribution of 2% of an employeeʼs compensation (limited to $280,000 for 2019).

All participants in the plan must be notified of the employerʼs decision.

When must contributions be deposited?

Employee deferrals should be deposited as soon as administratively feasible, but no later than 30 days following the last day of the month in which the amounts would otherwise have been payable to the employee.

These rules also apply to selfemployed individuals. The employer contributions deadline is the due date of the employerʼs tax return, including extensions.

Can there be a vesting scheduled with a SIMPLE IRA?

There is no vesting schedule with this type of plan – both employer and employee are immediately 100% vested.

How are withdrawals from SIMPLE IRAs taxed?

Withdrawals from this type of account are taxed as ordinary

income. However, if a participant is younger than age 59? and makes a withdrawal within the first two years of plan participation, he or she will owe a 25% IRS penalty and ordinary income taxes on the amount withdrawn.

After the initial two years of plan participation, the 25% IRS penalty is reduced to 10% for pre 59? withdrawals. Exceptions to the 10% penalty on traditional IRAs are also exceptions to the 25% penalty for SIMPLE IRAs. Direct transfers to another SIMPLE IRA will not be subject to this penalty.

Can the assets in a SIMPLE IRA be rolled over?

Participants are able to roll over funds from one SIMPLE plan to another at any time. After two years of participation, employees may roll assets to a traditional or SEP IRA without tax penalties.

As with any investment alternative, you should check with your Financial Advisor to evaluate the best option for your financial situation.

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 or legal consequences. Please keep in mind that transferring or rolling over assets to an IRA is just one of multiple options for your retirement plan. Each option has advantages and disadvantages, including investment options and fees and expenses, which should be understood and carefully considered.

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 or legal consequences.

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

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

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

© 2019 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. CAR #0119-03128.

ERIC KOHLMEIER

State:

PAGE 1

ured in dollars and quality of life.

Schepisi (R-River Vale) and Joseph Lagana (D-Paramus) introduced the legislation to regulate reservoirs in January. Assemblyman Robert Auth, (R-39) introduced bill A-4200, along with Assemblywoman DeAnne DeFuccio (R-39) and Christopher Tully (D-38).

Earlier this month Arroyo wrote the members of the New Jersey Senate and Assembly committees that have been tasked with reviewing S790/A4200.

Arroyo requested of the Assembly committee members, who hosted a hearing on Oct. 6 to acknowledge the 10th anniversary of Superstorm Sandy and discuss storm mitigation, preparedness and resiliency, that this correspondence be included as testimony for that hearing.

The New Jersey State League of Municipalities is a voluntary association “created to help communities do a better job of self-government through pooling information resources and brainpower.”

It says it is authorized by state statute and since 1915 has been serving local officials throughout the Garden State. All 564 municipalities are members of the League.

According to Arroyo — he later shared his comments on his Facebook page — “The Flood Group that councilwomen [Erin] Collins [a Democrat] and [Cheryl] Hodges [a Republican] is working with has now garnered over 800 signatures on its change.org petition in support of the legislation.”

Blue Acres looking at eight homes for buyout

Arroyo said, “The increasing importance of passing S-790 (A4200) is underscored by the recent communication the borough received from the [New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection] Blue Acres Program. Blue Acres is looking at eight SRL [severe repetitive loss] homes in Westwood for potential buyouts pending confirmation of eligibility and availability of federal funding.”

He said, “Should all eight come off the tax rolls that would represent a net tax revenue loss of $71,647 (school and municipal portion equals $63,197, per 2022 valuations and tax rates).”

(We have requested copies of the Blue Acres correspondence with the borough; a borough staffer said federal law prevented the borough from releasing the property list.)

Arroyo said, “That may seem

like a reasonable price to pay for additional green space. However, as we are a fully developed community, returning improved parcels to nature — on a scale that significantly reduces aggregate flood loss — can increase pressure for higher density redevelopment projects elsewhere in the borough, to offset that revenue reduction.”

He said “The stateʼs policy preference is to remove these floodthreatened homes, families and businesses through negotiated buyouts.”

In contrast, he said, the Borough would like its residents “to have the option of remaining members of the Westwood family, and not be forced to uproot themselves and their children to start anew someplace else. Weʼd like to keep the unique businesses that contribute to the serendipitous shopping and services Westwood offers.”

Since its inception in 1995, the state says, “DEP Blue Acres has worked to better protect public safety and the environment by relocating New Jersey families whose homes are subject to repeated flooding and acquiring property for use as natural flood storage, parks, and community open space.” Via its webpage, dep.nj.gov/blueacres, today, DEP Blue Acres has two core missions: disas ter recovery and preparedness.

Arroyo said “The stateʼs DCA [Department of Community Affairs] Ida Recovery program offers elevation funding as reimbursable grants — a harder option for most homeowners than a simple buyout.”

He explained, “The property owner must front the elevation expense ($150,000 on average) and get reimbursed up to 75% upon completion.”

He also said there is a FEMA [Federal Emergency Management Agency] program that reimburses qualified grantees 100% of eligible costs.

“A piecemeal loss of ratable extrapolated, at scale, over time, can eventually present revenue chal lenges that the governing body will have to flag as a ʻwhat if ʼ in its fiscal planning. Inflation and recession [...] place additional stresses upon municipal budgets,” Arroyo said.

The mayor said, “The responsible flood mitigation protocols required by S-790 can help keep residents in their homes and tamp down rising flood insurance premiums. It can help preserve the tax ratable that local government, county govern ment and school districts depend upon to deliver quality services and infrastructure improvements. It can

reduce pressure for high density overdevelopment.”

He added, “And itʼs a low-cost alternative to more effective, systemwide infrastructure interventions that neither county, state nor federal governmental entities have, to date, deemed worthy of pursuit.”

In for a dousing

The borough explains on its website, westwoodnj.gov (click Residents, then Flooding Information) that “Flooding occurs in Westwood along the Pascack and Musquapsink Brooks during severe rain events, although flooding may also occur in other areas of the borough due to various topographical and infrastructure conditions.”

It says “Stormwater runoff can elevate stream levels for hours, and even days, after the rain ends. Weather patterns to the north, including New York State, and the resultant drainage into the various brook tributaries, can result in flooding in our area well after a storm has passed.”

With the Woodcliff Lake Reservoir situated to the north of Westwood, the site says, many residents consider the reservoir and dam operations to be a contributing factor to local flooding.

The borough notes it has no control over the operations of the dam or the reservoir. “Seasonal water levels, and the release of water by Veolia (formerly Suez) prior to, during and after a storm event, are all subject to DEP regulations, which prioritize the preservation of the water asset and the structural integrity of the dam.”

Six buyouts led to passive park

In 2018, the borough dedicated Pfc. Richard F. Nugent Park, at Harding Avenue and Nugent Place, as the first new municipal park created since 2011.

Nugent, whoʼd attended Westwood High School and left a year shy of graduation, April 29, 1963, to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps, was kiled in action in Viet Nam on Feb. 28, 1966, three weeks shy of his 20th birthday. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

In May 1966, then-Westwood Mayor John G. “Bud” Stasse wrote to Nugentʼs mother, Madeline Nugent, advising her that a new street in the area of Harding Avenue would be named for her son.

Forty–five years later, the Borough of Westwood began purchasing homes in the area of Harding Avenue and Nugent Place in order to help

alleviate flooding that has ravaged the area.

Through FEMA and New Jersey Green Acres and Blue Acres funding, the borough purchased six homes.

The Bergen County Mosquito Commission razed the properties — before the sixth structure went down, Bergen County SWAT used it for training — and the borough returned them to their natural state, creating a pervious surface to absorb rainfall, reduce runoff, and potentially

decrease the level of water in the Pascack Brook during storms.

The boroughʼs Open Space and Recreation Plan was revised to include the six properties, and now the area is a passive park for neighborhood residents to enjoy.

In 2018, then-mayor John Birkner Jr. —who led meetings with a report on the reservoirʼs watery height — suggested that the property on Nugent Place be dedicated as a park and named, with respect, in Nugentʼs memory.

WFD warns not to park on leaf piles

The Westwood Fire Department, under the command of chief James Voorhis, was called 17 times for emergency assistance in September.

None of the calls turned out to be serious fires in Westwood.

Working under the mutual aid agreement, the Westwood Fire Department responded out of town four times, to assist the Emerson, River Vale, Washington Township, and Hillsdale Fire Departments.

The incidents in Washington Township and River Vale were serious house fires.

Looking ahead, the Westwood Fire Department and Fire Prevention Bureau remind readers that autumn is in full swing, and this presents a unique fire risk.

“We all would like a few more weeks of warm weather but the leaves are falling off our trees and need to be raked to the curb. The Westwood Department of Public Works does a great job picking up leaves but leaves do stay on the streets for a period of time,” the department says.

That said, firefighters urge residents never to park on these leaf piles. Many car fires are started by the heat from mufflers and catalytic converters on cars igniting the leaf piles. The fire then extends to the cars resulting in a family car being destroyed.

Hundreds of hours put in

The department told Pas cack Press that Septemberʼs 17 fire calls, two training sessions and one maintenance session required almost 400 hours of volunteer time.

Automatic activated fire alarms were received 10 times in September. Although no fires existed at any of these incidents a full fire department response is required. Firefighters check the entire building to determine if an actual fire exists. No cause for the alarm activations were found at two calls. Twice the alarms were set off by workers in the building. Unintentional activations of fire alarms occurred four times: twice for alarm testing, one for steam from a shower and one activation when a citizen was vaping near a smoke detector.

At one incident the Westwood Fire Department respond-

ed to a smoking fluorescent light ballast where fire crews disconnected the light and advised the owner to have r epairs made by a qualified repair person.

Send your Westwood Fire

Department-related questions to wwfdchief@westwoodnj.gov or call (201) 664-0526. Reach the Fire Prevention Bureau at wfpb191@usa.net o r call (201) 664-7100, ext. 308.

Grow the art of the season

HILLSDALE

FALL ‘FUN’ RAISER TOBENEFITLIBRARY

The Hillsdale Free Public Library Foundation, with assistance from the Friends of the Hillsdale Library, will host a fundraiser on Thursday, Nov. 17 from 7 to 9 p.m.

The event will feature wine and cheese tastings by Garyʼs Wine and Marketplace, chocolate tastings by Conradʼs, live jazz performed by the Baxter Quartet, and a silent auction of over 100

items.

Proceeds from the event will be used to purchase new meeting room chairs, furniture and to improve the technologies and equipment at Hillsdaleʼs popular community resource.

Tickets are $25 each and may be purchased in advance at the library or online. Attendees must be 21 or older. For more information visit hfpl.org

There’s something about fall in the Pascack Valley…Adults and children take advantage of seasonal Westwood Rec art offerings in October.

WESTWOOD

Artist Britt Sikiric guided budding artists in the creation of pumpkin paintings at the West wood Recreation Departmentʼs Autumnal Paint Party on Oct. 11. This event is billed as a fun way for adults to socialize and learn painting techniques.

Then on Oct. 17, Colorful Warriors art instructor Bernedette Flood led kids in an evening of pumpkin painting and crafting.

Westwood Recreation hosts these community events seasonally, with events planned for December and January. For infor

mation on classes, programs, and events visit westwoodnj.gov/recreation or facebook.com/westwoodnjrec

Via RoseAnn Ciarlante

Walk:also including Fair Lawn-

Englewood, Wyckoff-Midland Park, Wayne, and Paramus.

Rotary district governor Ray Cywinski

other leaders attended.

Highlights included a “Walk Rhythmic Energizer” featuring a Music Mends Minds drum circle with Mary Knysh — a specialized music rhythmic exercise during the Walkʼs opening ceremony

Park Ridge Rotaryʼs Terry Ciulla —chair of marketing and outreach and, with fellow Rotarian Vicky Meo, a chair of the Walk — told Pascack Press, “It was amazing

how the sounds of joyful music was an inspiration for all ages. You can see and feel how this reaches Alzheimerʼs, and all dementia patients, or patients of any trauma of the brain. Music strikes a chord of revival of the soul.”

Ciulla said the need for awareness and funding is essential, and pointed to a grim reality: Alzheimerʼs is the cause of 60% to 70% of cases of dementia.

The most common early symptom is difficulty in remembering recent events. As the disease advances, symptoms can include problems with language, disorientation (including easily getting lost), mood swings, loss of motivation,

self-neglect, and behavioral issues.

As a personʼs condition declines, they often withdraw from family and society. Gradually, bodily functions are lost, ultimately leading to death.

She said Alzheimerʼs, properly understood in the community, would be perceived as it is:an indiscriminate killer every bit as worthy of research, awareness, and resources as breast cancer.

From the heart Ciulla said of the Walk, “It was such a great, inspiring event. Iʼve supported it for years, for the loss of my mom and others. My mother was... Iʼve got to be the voice of the voiceless, and thatʼs what I do.”

She said, “Ilobby, too, the political figures, like Congressman Josh Gottheimer to pass the bills that the Alzheimerʼs AIM association is trying to get through, because weʼre lacking so much to take care of our seniors.

The nonpartisan Alzheimerʼs Impact Movement (AIM) says it “advances and develops policies to overcome Alzheimerʼs and all other dementia through increased investment in research, enhanced care and improved support.”

It says “We amplify the voices of our nationwide network of volunteer advocates to advance progress in the fight against Alzheimerʼs and all other dementia.”

Ciulla said infrastructure needs to catch up with real need in care taking. “Thereʼs millions and mil lions of mostly women who leave their jobs early to take care of a loved one, as I did. Itʼs a loss of income in the millions and millions of dollars [nationwide]. And so what part of this does is provide

them with a grant — the opportunity to obtain a grant to cover costs.”

“Itʼs also infrastructure for building [public] centers. We donʼt have centers for people with all phases of dementia. It should not matter, your income level,” she said.

She gave a shout-out to Gottheimer (D-5), who attended, “for his bipartisan efforts in sponsoring BOLD [Building Our Largest Dementia Infrastructure for Alzheimerʼs Act], which has passed through Congress, providing much relief on a federal and state level.”

The package, she said, includes “added assistance to push FDAapproved drugs at an affordable cost. More to come in 2022-2023.”

As for the Rotary Club, she said, “As Rotarians we have the opportunity to make a difference in our communities and around the world. Alzheimer's and dementia affects the person, their families, and the community. We need to raise awareness and funds to be able to continue medical research to learn more about the disease.”

Asked what the Bergen-Passaic walk means to supporters generally, Ciulla said, “What it means is beyond what you can think — because it brings people together who are separate, and have one cause all together: to bring hope, and never stop walking until the day we see the first survivor.”

W WA

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

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

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT – HILLSDALE

BOROUGH (BERGEN COUNTY) The Borough of Hillsdale is seeking a part-time administrative professional with experience in providing administra tive 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 by Nov. 18, 2022..

BOROUGH OF EMERSON FT POSITION –DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS LABORER. Emerson DPW is accepting F/Temployment applications for laborer/operator/driver. Must have valid CDL Class B

H HEELLP P W WAANNTTEED D

DEMAREST PUBLIC SCHOOL is seeking Food Service Lunch Aides. Duties include food prep, serving and check out. Criminal background

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

Hours are approx. 2.5 daily. Send resume to: RinaldiD@nvnet.org Debra Rinaldi, Demarest Board of Education, 568 Piermont Rd. Demarest, NJ 07627 or apply

http://demarestsd.scho olwires.net Board of Education tab, then Employment.

Park Ridge Rotary is at the fore in Alzheimer’s activism.

Westwood Volunteer Fire Department firefighter Kevin George May, 29, of Westwood suffered a cardiac incident after responding with the department on Sunday, Oct. 16 to a five-alarm house fire in Upper Saddle River. The department was called at approximately 6 p.m. and back in service Sunday at 8:18 p.m.

May awoke the next morning with chest pains and difficulty breathing. He was taken to a local hospital, where he received a stent. He was released under a doctorʼs care on Thursday Oct. 20.

On Monday, Oct. 24 at approximately 9:30 a.m., May was found at home, unresponsive. CPR was initiated, emergency medical services were called, but efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.

May was born on March 1, 1993 to George Jr. and Alison May. He grew up as the loving oldest brother to Dean and James. Kevin was their protector, confidante, and best friend. He is cherished by his grandmother Linda Sherikjian.

He is predeceased by his grandfather, Joseph Sherikjian, and his grandparents George senior and Marie May.

Growing up in Westwood, he participated in youth baseball, football, lacrosse and roller hockey. He went on to play ice hockey, and graduated from River Dell High School in 2011.

Kevin was working for FedEx.

He is recalled as a light shin ing throughout the community through his participation and love for the Westwood Volunteer Fire Department. A passionate firefighter for 11 years, he served as a proud vice president and softball team coach. He loved being a Santa Claus actor on their annual Santa runs and loved the holiday parades. The Westwood Volunteer Fire

OBITUARIES

Department was his second family.

May was an avid fan of the Mets, Giants, Rangers, and NASCAR. It was routine for him to watch these sporting events in his favorite seat at the firehouse with his fire department family.

Kevin Mayʼs personality was larger than life. His love for his family, friends, and community were extraordinary. He will be greatly missed and leaves a great hole in his family and every life he has touched.

The family will receive relatives and friends at St. Andrewʼs Roman Catholic Church, 120 Washington Ave., Westwood on Thursday, Oct. 27 from 3 to 9 p.m.

The funeral Mass celebrating Kevin Mayʼs life and faith will be held on Friday, Oct. 28 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Andrewʼs in Westwood.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Kevinʼs name to the Westwood Volunteer Fire Department.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at Becker-FuneralHome.com for the May family.

The department posted, “Kevin has left a hole that will be extremely hard to fill. Kevin loved and cared for everyone around him.”

The officers and members of the North Jersey Volunteer Firemenʼs Association extended their condolences “to the chiefs, officers and members of the WFD and to the May family. May he rest easy!”

The Westwood Police Department posted to express membersʼ deepest condolences to the May family and the Westwood Volunteer Fire Department.

“Firefighter May embodied the very best of the Westwood community He was a dedicated public servant who loved Westwood and he surely was loved in return. We are thankful for his dedication, commitment and his service. May he rest in peace,” the WPD said.

Line-of-duty death (LODD) services for Kevin May include a

wake, Thursday, Oct. 27 from 3 to 9 p.m. with department services at 7:45 at Saint Andrewʼs Church, 120 Washington Ave., Westwood. All departments wishing to attend, please arrive at 7:30. Apparatus parking will be available in the parking lot behind the church.

Robert ‘Bob’ McSPIRIT

Robert “Bob” Thomas McSpirit, 83, of Layton, passed away peacefully on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, surrounded by his loving family, at Newton Medical Center Bob was born in Hackensack on Sept. 1, 1939 to the late Edward James and Dorothea “Dolly” (Mack) McSpirit. Bob grew up in the Glendale section of Hillsdale which is now preserved as McSpirit Memorial Park. A graduate of Pascack Valley High School in 1957, he was an accomplished athlete in football, basketball, and track, and was one of the decision makers of the PVH Indian mascot and signature green and white school colors.

Bob attended the University of Tulsa, where he was president of Sigma Nu fraternity. He proudly served in the U.S. Army, overseas, 1962–1963.

After serving his country, Bob began his 38-year-long career with American Airlines, climbing the corporate ladder in various managerial positions. It was there where he met the love of his life, Barbara Herfurth. They married in 1966 and raised their family in the Continental Woods section of Emerson. Determined to complete his college education, Bob received his bachelorʼs degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1969.

After retirement, Bob and Barbara moved to Plymouth Lake in Stillwater in 2001 and last settled to their beautiful hillside farm

in Sandyston in 2018. Bob always enjoyed being outdoors. Fishing, boating, camping and birding were some of his favorite hobbies. He was fond of puzzles, reading books, and rooting for the New York Giants and Yankees.

Most importantly, Bob loved spending time with his family and cherished going on his annual family vacation to Lake George.

Bob was fun-loving and had a great sense of humor. He sang countless old time fun songs to his children and grandkids which are memories that will be cherished by them forever. He was a lung cancer survivor and a has always given the stern advice to all: Do not smoke.

Beloved husband to Barbara McSpirit for 56 years, Robert is survived by his children Kelly McSpirit (Christopher Hanlon), Laura McSpirit and Christine McSpirit; his grandchildren Summer McSpirit, Shane McSpirit, Brayden Grier, Lillian Hanlon, George Hanlon and Hudson Grier and his sister-in-law Margie McSpirit. Along with his parents, Robert is predeceased by his siblings Eddie McSpirit and Dottie Garrabrant, and brother-inlaw Bert Garrabrant.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3 at St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 210 US206, Sandyston, N.J. Interment will take place privately at Branchville Cemetery at a later date. The family kindly requests that attendees to the funeral partake in the wearing of the green.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Ridge Rescue Squad, PO Box 232, Branchville, NJ. Condolences can be offered to the family at woodfuneralhome.net.

Fred DEMMERLE

Fred Demmerle of River Vale passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side. He was born in St. Albans Queens, N.Y to Louis and Lucy Demmerle. Loving father to Gail Rear don and her husband David. Adored grandfather to Tyler and his wife Harli. His extended family includes Megan Demmerle-Geier, James Geier, and Derek Geier. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Loretta, and his adored son, Kurt Demmerle.

We are grateful to his caregivers Nana and Paulette and the Thau family for all their love and support.

Fred, a proud graduate of Brooklyn Technical High School, enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served with pride, 1944–1946. He then worked at Bendix for over 40 years.

Fred and Loretta resided in Paramus for 31 years before moving to River Vale in 1986. He was a parishioner of St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church in Old Tappan.

An avid hunter and trap shooter, he loved taking his bird dogs out.

Fred was also a history buff and loved reading about United States history, especially the Civil War, and Native American history. He loved learning about all types of birds and animals and delighted in taking Tyler to many zoos and parks. Upon their retirement, Fred and Loretta took many trips throughout the United States with the highlight being a cruise to Alaska. They also enjoyed trips to various national parks and other places where they could enjoy nature.

In lieu of flowers, donations to River Vale Ambulance Corps 333 Rivervale Road River Vale, NJ 07675 or Sammyʼs Hope, P.O. Box 7281 North Brunswick, NJ 08902 sammyshope.org, from where his sweet and gentle granddog, Otis, was adopted.

Ruth F. DALY

Ruth F. Daly passed away on Oct. 19, 2022 in Ridgewood. Born on a farm in Secaucus in 1925, Ruth had resided in Ber genfield, New Milford, Woodcliff Lake, and Westwood.

She was predeceased by her loving husband of 60 years, Robert L. Daly

She leaves behind children Deborah Priestman (John), Glenn Daly, Diane Daly, Kathy Moore (Steve), and Laura Wanamaker (Jeffrey); 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was the life of the party and she will be missed by all.

Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 25 at Robert Spearing Funeral Home Inc., 155 Kinderkamack Road, Park Ridge, rsfhi.com. Funeral Mass 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at Our Lady Mother of the Church, Woodcliff Lake. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude Childrenʼs Research Hospital, stjude.org.

Angela DeTORO

Angela DeToro, 88, a longtime resident of Westwood, has passed away

Born to Rocco Mastroly and Christina DePaula of Jersey City, Angie raised four children and was known for commanding the deli counter at the local ShopRite as well as working at various positions at Bergen Catholic High School. She was an expert Italian cook, loved gardening, and was an avid and opinionated fan of the New York Yankees.

She is survived by her children Anthony, Gerard, and Susan.

The funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, Oct. 29, at noon at St Andrewʼs Church, Westwood. Donations may be directed to the Westwood Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

Beuscher: Ghostly!

This farmer, in his boyhood, lived in a time and a family that talked much of supernatural events, and while his common sense told him not to believe these things, they came to his mind now and he felt nervous.

As he set out again, from the back of the wagon came a groan that scared him out of his wits. He continued on and reached the infamous westerly hill on Glen Road. Just as the top was near, a cold, clammy hand brushed the farmerʼs face, and filmy garments fluttered before him.

He closed his eyes to shut out the horrid sight, and something sharp pressed against his throat. He felt cold blood flow down onto his chest and believed his end had come. He gave a hysterical shriek that echoed back from the adjacent hills. The wagon jolted over the stony road as the horse bolted down the path towards home. The farmerʼs hat flew off, and the little wooden box rattled in the back of

the wagon.

As they neared home, the horse slowed and all came safely into the yard. As the farmer staggered out of the wagon, his wife, seeing his condition, helped him into the house and to bed. Someone else drove the wagon and its contents to the neighborʼs house.

The next afternoon, the farmer considered the previous nightʼs ghostly encounter in the light of a bright summer day. His common sense told him that there must be a different explanation for all that had happened.

He returned to investigate. The first discovery came in the spot where he had heard the groan. In the mud: the crushed body of a frog in the track of his wagon wheel. The sound had not been a groan but rather, the poor animalʼs final croak.

Near the top of the second hill the tracks showed where his wagon had drifted to one side of the road. A branch had a bunch of leaves that in brushing against his face were mistaken for wet, clammy hands.

The limb scraped across his

History: Unite

FROM PAGE 4

Countyʼs past is billed as essential for any resident or visitor.

Books will be available for sale; one lucky participant will

receive a free copy. Light refreshments will be served.

Registration is requred. Visit the library for more information. 49 Park Ave., Westwood and west woodpubliclibrary.org —Staff report

Kaplan: Stress

FROM PAGE 22

a way to lower them.

Cheap and easy ways to do this are drinking a blueberry detox smoothie, drinking celery juice in the morning or taking supplements such as bentonite clay

A more invasive and very risky procedure to eliminate these metals from your body is chelation therapy, but that should only be done as a last resort because it can cause other problems as well.

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The first seven people who sign up will get three bonus gifts: a free one hour oxygen chamber treatment, a quality vitamin D supplement, and my book “Boost Your Brain Power,” in addition to getting both tests (a total value of $1,000) for $150 if you mention this article and schedule your twohour appointment before the end of November.

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Disclaimer: This piece is advertiser-sponsored. We have not confirmed its claims and assume no liability for reader use of its content. Always check with your primary health care provider for medical advice and planning.

throat, shaking off some dampness that felt like cold blood as it trickled onto him.The much-relieved man retrieved his lost hat from the road.

By the start of the 19th century, ghostly tales of the Glen were seen as the silly superstitions of an older generation. Instead, the land became a popular recreation site—and the main element haunt ing it was careless visitors.

The Glen exists today thanks to successive owners who refused to let the modern world mar a nat-

PARK RIDGE

ural wonder. At the turn of the 20th century, owner James Leach allowed the public to make use of the spot—until increasingly large parties of picnickers, including busloads of people from outside town, began visiting regularly and causing damage. When the Erie Railroad approached Leach with a proposition to buy the property and create a resort, he refused the railroadʼs money in favor of protecting the land.

After Mr. Leachʼs death,

Daniel H. Atkins of Montvale bought the property in 1921 and the public was once again admitted—that is, until Mr Atkins was forced to send workers on Mondays to clean up all the trash left behind by the weekend crowd. The public was barred once again.

In the 1950s the estate gifted the land to the Borough of Park Ridge for use as a public park.

Kristin Beuscher is president of the Pascack Historical Society.

Military vets present comedy Nov. 5

The Park Ridge Elks are hosting a Veterans Comedy Night to support Gold Star families, Department of Homeland Security canine veterans, and catastrophically injured veterans.

The event, with a 50-50 raffle, is Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Elks Lodge at 13 Sulak Lane. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Pasta dinner is

at 6:30, comedy show from 7:30 to 9:30.

Tickets are $50 per person, (the show contains adult themes and language) and reservations must be purchased in advance by check payable to Tails of Hope Foundation, Inc. and mailed to: Tails of Hope Foundation, PO Box 103, Litchfield CT 06759, or

at the Park Ridge Elks Lodge by Friday, Oct. 28.

Seven military veteran comedians will be featured:headliner Jo Jo Collins, U.S. Air Force; Ron G., USMC; Dan Collins, U.S. Army/Navy; Rated G, USMC; Dave Hoj, U.S. Army; Linette Pallidino, U.S. Army; and Ozz Born, U.S. Army.

Atkins Glen as it looks today