Pascack Press 2.13.23

TOWNSHIP ACCEPTS COUNTY

$439K GRANTFOR CLUBBUY

Sparks fly, with mayor addressing council from the public microphone

BY MICHAELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

11th annual event is the last; a new start is promised

WWRSD HAS HEART 2023 WWRSD HAS HEART 2023 HILLSDALE HIRES MONTVALE MAYORAS ITSADMIN

Three-year deal for ʻMayor Mikeʼ; his honor also announces re-election intent

BY MICHAELOLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

Montvale Mayor Michael Ghassali was hired as neighboring Hillsdaleʼs newest borough administrator effective Feb. 21, at a starting annual salary of $140,000, and rising to $150,000 by year three of an approved contract.

Hillsdaleʼs Borough Council voted, 4–2, at the Feb. 7 meeting. John Escobar and Abby Lundy were the no votes.

Ghassaliʼs predecessor in the job, administrator David Troast, resigned on Dec. 16, citing “a great divide” between the mayor and council and health concerns as reasons for leaving. He had urged mediation to help resolve infighting.

BY JOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

ABELOVED K-12

R REELLAATTEED D

The Township Council unanimously approved accepting a $438,750 county Open Space grant, Feb. 6, to help reimburse acquisition costs for the former

W ashington

T ownship

• Swim club board on bond refunds —

Letters, page 2

Swim and Recreation Club.

Steven Cascio votes yes on the condition that the money be used only for property improve-

See GRANT on page 10

con-

in

is no stranger to colorful new vistas and perspectives. Itʼs charting a new course when this 11th anniversary exhibition wraps.

Westwood Gallery and the Westwood Regional School

KIDS HAVE SOLE

District Art Department proudly announced this yearʼs 11th (and final) Annual WWRSD has HeART, a student exhibit on peace and togetherness through art.

Continued on page 23

Ghassali emailed Pascack Press, “I signed up to serve the mayor and council and the residents of Hillsdale. I am honored to take on this duty and I look forward to meet and listen to the governing body members, staff, professionals and board volunteers and to work with everyone to ultimately serve the Hillsdale commuSee DEAL on page 9

A footwear collection held at the Academy of the Holy Angels in Demarest netted 466 pairs of shoes for charity. A student from Emerson was among them. PAGE 22

Dr. Eric Johnson visits the Pascack Historical Society in Park Ridge on Sunday, Feb. 19 to share his findings on the wampum trade in the Pascack Valley. PAGE 4

Pastor Mark Suriano earns a doctorate.

ART

test, exhibition, and fundraiser launched

2012 as Hurricane Sandy relief

Showcased artists from Westwood and the Township of Washington, back to front, left to right: Ainsleigh Walsh, Miranda Iverson, Allaine Raicel Lara, Nicholas Alefanti, Hannah Carey, Alina Solowjow, Leah Tatis, Payton Wiecenski, Kailyn Marcos, Gabriella Ciarmella, Owen Sirchio, Addison Mandaro, Camille Boeri, and Juliana D’Agostino.

Photo via Pamela Guenther-Duffus.

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

PASCACK PRESS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Reasons WT should buy 450 Pascack

To the editor:

LETʼSUNDERSTAND the facts about 450 Pascack Road, the property including 3.2 heavily wooded acres of trees alongside Washington School and Memorial Field.

As very astutely observed by Mayor Peter Calamari at the Jan. 17 council meeting, 450 is unlike any other property in the township, since it adjoins Memorial Field — which the mayor rightly cites is the townʼs flagship field

— and Washington School. Memorial Field is used for township-wide community and sporting events, and 450 offers many possibilities for township purposes.

For example, Police Chief Richard Skinner made it clear at the Feb. 6 council meeting that traffic, parking and circulation at Washington School are becoming dangerous and will get worse. More space is needed and we canʼt simply create more land. Many towns are regretting their overdevelopment decisions. Park Ridge and Emerson look like small cities now.

Our council needs a 10-year vision on how to make the township an exceptional, beautiful and desirable community, preserving what we can for the future.

• Opportunity knocks: 450 Pascack is at the heart of our community lives. Purchasing it offers many opportunities, such as street level parking at Memorial Field; expanding school needs and parking as large numbers of new residents move into two newly approved developments in the township; adding a street level concession stand and/or meeting space for sporting events.

Without purchasing 450, residents will not only lose these opportunities forever, but would lose much more if 450 becomes the target — yet again — of profit-seeking developers.

Concerned residents are asking the council to buy this property because itʼs in the interests of

all residents to do so. Itʼs an investment in our future.

Land is at a premium and profit-hungry developers are snatching up prime real estate for large, dense developments. This is not a “scare tactic.” Itʼs realistic thinking based on fact and aggressive developer “opportunism.”

• Developer attempted this already: The 450 property is zoned for one single-family home. Yet, in 2020 an aggressive developer applied for approval to build an enormously dense complex with four condos and a twostory apartment building of 44 rental units right on top of Memorial Field, including towering retaining walls to accommodate the steep slope in that narrow strip of land and removing 300 trees, which absorb nearly 3,000,000 gallons of water/year. This gargantuan complex would have become “the view” from Memorial Field. 450 Pascack is still being held for a future development project.

• Trees and flooding: Alarmingly, Councilman Sears reported at the Jan. 17 Council meeting that the township has now lost 49% of our tree canopy, versus 29% just 5 years ago! This contributes to flooding. Sears

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.

stated, “We are removing more trees than we are replacing. We are creating more health issues within this community. Weʼre not planting the trees weʼre taking down. That concerns me.”

• Seize opportunity and forestall problems: Buying 450 and reserving it for our communityʼs needs at the school and field, allowing for a conservation easement to preserve the trees and natural beauty of Memorial Field, would prevent all these problems.

• Cost to taxpayer: Weʼve been informed that the average annual tax impact to township homeowners to purchase this property would be minimal –about $16 — even before receiving grants for recreation, conservation and development purposes, for which we will be eligible in April. Grants will reduce costs even more.

Considering how much we value our homes, their salability and the attractiveness of our community, thatʼs a very small cost to preserve the beauty and desirability of our township, and to improve land use at Memorial Field as a venue for communitywide recreational and sports activities.

We appeal to the council to take advantage of this opportunity and to do what informed foresight suggests is in the townshipʼs best interests: Secure 450 Pascack at the heart of our community for our own needs, thus preventing easily foreseen zoning battles, the blighting of Memorial Field, and community detriment.

Diane M. Ferrara for resident members of S.T.O.P. Stop Township Overdevelopment Projects

RENDOUPDATESONAMBULANCEFUNDING, AFFORDABLEHOUSING, ANDPASSIVEPARK

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

WOODCLIFFLAKE

Mayor Carlos Rendo told residents Jan. 25 that he hoped officials “could find other avenues to fund the (Tri-Boro) ambulance corps that donʼt involve taxpayer dollars” during his first Facebook Live question and answer session.

The January social media broadcast, part of Rendoʼs 2023 transparency initiative, is a mayoral effort to keep residents in the loop on vital town matters, he said.

Rendo, whose term expires this year, and the lone Republican on an all-Democrat council, has

not yet announced whether he will be a candidate for mayor.

Rendo said all three towns — Woodcliff Lake, Park Ridge and Montvale — currently contribute $20,000 each for Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corpsʼyearly budget.

The corps, struggling to recruit and retain volunteer members, requested another $100,000 from each town last fall to begin a new volunteer stipend program, offering volunteers who contribute 60 hours monthly a stipend of $750.

Recently all three towns passed a resolution to appropriate $5,000 each to fund a consultantʼs

study of Tri-Boro VAC by EMS Consulting Services to assess options to help the volunteer squad to recruit and retain members, plus sustain itself as a volunteer organization in the future.

A consultantʼs report is due back by mid or late March, according to EMS.

Rendo told Facebook Live viewers that initially officials from the three towns found the $100,000 request “quite high” even though they all agreed that something needed to be done. He said the corps was in a “critical stage” now.

He said officials were not sure if they could accrue a small state

pension via LOSAP (Length of Service Awards Program) if the volunteers received a local stipend and that would need to be checked.

“Maybe we could find other avenues to fund the ambulance corps that donʼt involve taxpayer dollars,” Rendo said, noting the consultant study was “due diligence” on how best to fund and assist the corps.

Rendo said councilors Benjamin Pollack and Jennifer Margolis, along with administrator Tom

Padilla, are meeting with other townsʼofficials on the issue.

Rendo asked for more volunteers, suggesting that medical students might be interested in the corps. “Itʼs very important that we get those volunteers” and keep this vital service running.

During his 72-minute broadcast, Rendo touched on diverse topics from the Tri-Boroʼs situation and affordable housing to the new reservoir walkway, Galaxy

CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

Bckintime... Bckintime...

The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization.Focusing on service to veterans,servicemembers and communities,the Legion evolved from a group of war-weary veterans of World War I into one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the United States.

Students, sponsors sought for Boys’,

PASCACKVALLEY

The General Leonard E. Wood American Legion Post 162 of Hillsdale, serving Hillsdale, Woodcliff Lake, and Old Tappan, has put out the word itʼs seeking qualified high school juniors to attend the Legionʼs Boys or Girls State Experiences this year.

Boys and Girls State are leadership action programs where qualified students take part in a practical government course designed to develop a working knowledge of the structure

See STUDENTS on page 7

BY KRISTIN BEUSCHER SPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS

PARKRIDGE

When the old Campbell wampum mill was photographed at the start of the 20th century, it was already a relic of days gone by in the Pascack Valley.

The mill, which stood on the Pascack Brook in Park Ridge, was out of use by that time. Today itʼs gone, and we know what it looked like only through photos like the ones in this page, which come from the collection of the Pascack Historical Society

The story of wampum in the Pascack Valley begins when John W. Campbell (1747–1826) of Closter moved with his wife Letitia Van Valen to a farm they purchased on Kinderkamack Road North in Montvale, close to the New York State border. He, like many farmers of his day, found a second job during the winter months. He made wampum—beads carved from shells, which the Indians out west used for gifts and personal adornment.

Indians had traded among themselves with wampum prior to the arrival of European settlers, but creating it—by manually hollowing out pieces of shell—was a slow task. Dutch settlers joined in the production of wampum as a means of trading with the Indians.

By the mid-19th century the production of wampum was among the more important industries in Bergen County, and the Campbell family was at the forefront. John W. Campbell is credited with inventing the shell

Left: Once located inside the Campbell mill, this wampum hairpipe drilling machine, the only one in existence, is displayed at the Pascack Historical Society’s museum. Right: Dr. Eric Johnson, then a doctoral candidate, in 2019 at the Pascack Historical Society, studying the Campbell family’s 19th century business ledgers. Johnson, now a postdoctoral fellow at Brown University, will visit the Pascack Historical Society on Sunday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m. to share his findings.

“hair pipe” wampum made from Caribbean queen conch shells that came as ballast on trade ships heading for New York City These tubular beads can be seen in early photographs on the breastplates of Indian warriors.

The shell hair pipes put the Campbells on the map. Lewis and Clark bought and took Campbell hair pipes on their famous westward expedition in 1804. In this way, the work of early Pascack settlers more than 200 years ago helped open up the American West.

In 1808, John W.ʼs son Abraham Campbell (1782–1847) moved to Main Street (Pas-

cack Road) in Park Ridge, where he opened a blacksmith shop and wampum bead business. Abrahamʼs sons John, James, David, and Abraham Jr. eventually became partners and built a new mill on the Pascack Brook near the bottom of Wampum Road.

In the mid-1800s the Campbells revolutionized wampum production by inventing a hydraulic drilling machine that streamlined the production process. The hand-made wooden machine enabled multiple hair pipes to be drilled at one time, uniformly, and with

See BACK IN TIME on page 27

An artist’s depiction of the interior of the wampum mill as it looked in the 19th century.

Feb. 19 for findings in historic ‘shell game’

Girls’ State

Mayor warns of ‘significant tax hike,’ lauds department heads

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

EMERSON

Borough department heads, including police, public works, and ambulance corps officials offered preliminary budget proposals Feb. 4 during a special budget workshop prior to future introduction of a 2023-2024 municipal budget.

No overall budget figure was disclosed, but Mayor Danielle DiPaola praised the department heads for reducing their initial budget requests in light of anticipated local cost increases from the Bergen County Joint Insurance Fund (about 9% to 10%) and the state health benefits program (up about 20%) over last year

A YouTube recording of the

Feb. 4 budget session can be viewed on the borough website.

Other departments presenting preliminary budget and capital improvement requests were the volunteer fire department, finance/tax department, and administrator/borough clerk.

“Due to circumstances out-

police dispatch services, which was on the Feb. 7 council meeting agenda.

DiPaola said “significant increases” were mostly due to contractual obligations, including garbage collection, police, DPW salaries, and Insurance.

honor as many requests while keeping taxes at a level palatable to our taxpayers. We do more with less every day,” added the mayor

side of our control, the Borough is faced with a significant tax increase for this year,” Mayor Danielle DiPaola said, starting off the nearly 2 1⁄ 2hour Saturday morning budget review session.

“The budget is a living breathing document, we work on it every day. Nothing is written in stone yet,” DiPaola told Pascack Press. She said savings may be possible with outsourcing of

“All of these (contractual) things are going up,” she said, noting department capital requests would be considered over upcoming budget meetings. “Weʼll try to

On Feb. 4, Chief Financial Officer Lauren Roehrer said annual appropriations would be up over 3.5% and mostly all the increases would be due to contractual increases in wages, plus

CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

DIPAOLA MAZZEO

VALLEY

Redefining Retirement sesh Feb. 16; volunteers sought

Are you looking for ways to repurpose your skills and life experiences? A Redefining Retirement Information session is set for Feb. 16 from 10 to 11 a.m. via Zoom.

Organizers with Bergen Volunteers tell Pascack Press ,

“Liaisons will offer attendees insight into the nonprofit community, showing how new retirees can utilize their expertise and skills towards volunteer service.”

To register, email retirement@bergenvolunteers.org.

Pay it forward

Meanwhile, volunteers are needed for many roles across member agencies. “We will help you find the right opportunity for an enjoyable and worthwhile volunteer experience. To register email retirement@bergenvolun-

SALE PRESIDENT’S

teers.org.”

Bergen LEADS Class of 2024 application open

Are you ready to join Bergen Volunteersʼpremier leadership program for adults living and/or working in Bergen County? Bergen LEADS graduates include industry, nonprofit, and political leaders throughout Bergen County. Take your first step toward joining this group of experienced and successful leaders by applying today. The application window is open until April 1. Visit surveymonkey.com/r/PCLKY2Q

Thank you to Sharp Electronics Corporation

Bergen LEADS thanks Spark

Electronics Corp. for hosting January Bergen LEADS Industry Day seminar at their facility.

The day included hearing from Sharp branch president Jeffrey Randazzo and director of human services Larry Goldstein. Both spoke about why Sharp has stayed in New Jersey for decades, and how they have adapted both the business and the workplace environment to meet the changing wants and needs of current times.

Bergen LEADS alumna and small business owner Nvair Beylerian shared her insights on industry in New Jersey, as well as the challenges and successes she has experienced in opening WorldFlats.

Woman’s club meets Feb. 13: tech in focus

The Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club holds its next meeting on Monday, Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Park Ridge Community Center, 53 Park Ave.

Featured speaker Bruce Hammer will lead a discussion on the changes technology has made to our lifestyle through the years.

The Greater Pascack Valley Womanʼs Club has been a member of the New Jersey Federation of Womenʼs Clubs since 1990. In

the past 32 years, the club has been a consistent supporter of local groups such as the Tri Boro Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, and community first responders.

The club welcomes all women who want to make a difference in their community and in their own lives.

For more information call Carolyn Delafrange at (201) 8191000 or visit the club on Facebook.

PARK RIDGE

Students: Gov’t

FROM PAGE 4

of government — and to impress upon them the fact that government is just what they make it.

Vice Commander and Youth Activities Coordinator Joe Sgroi tells Pascack Press that college admissions officers regard these as excellent development programs that can help shape young p eopleʼs lives.

The programs run from Sunday, June 18 through Friday, June 23 at two universities in New Jersey. The programs are run at different locations.

To qualify you must be:

• A junior in high school in good academic standing.

• A resident of Hillsdale, Woodcliff Lake, or Old Tappan, or a New Jersey resident who is a relative of a member of Post 162 living in New Jersey.

In order to be considered,

Purim

applications must be filed by April 1.

C ontact your high school guidance counselor or call the post at 201-664-2884.

S groi says the post also is looking for individuals, businesses and or ganizations to h elp sponsor qualified candidates. For more information write boysandgirlsstate@americanlegionpost162.org

Congregation Bʼnai Israel in Emerson presents its annual Purim Shpiel and Megillah Reading, directed by Cantor Lenny Mandel, on Monday, March 6 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

The templeʼs Hebrew schoolers will perform original song parodies and up-to-date dialogue to tell the story of the Purim holiday in a fun and unique way.

All are encouraged to come in costume or a crazy hat to experience the jokes, silliness, and sing-

March 6

alongs that are traditional for the holiday. Rabbi Debra Orenstein will chant selections from the Book of Esther in Hebrew and English, eliciting boos (and the clamor of noisemakers) for Haman and cheers for Mordecai and Esther.

Hamantaschen (traditional Purim cookies) and other refreshments will be served. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for an ongoing food drive benefiting local food pantries.

All are welcome to this family-

friendly event. RSVP to the temple office at (201) 265-2272 by March 3 to be sure your name is on the guest list and to accommodate all attendees.

Congregation Bʼnai Israel, a place for connection, innovation, and inspiration, is at 53 Palisade Avenue in Emerson,down the road from the Emerson Public Library. For more information or directions, call (201) 265-2272, write office@bisrael.com, or visit bisrael.com.

Settingthestandardindentalimplanttherapy

Dental implants are not all the same and have varying success rates. The success is dependent on the product and the practitioner. As a periodontist, which is the ONLY specialty recognized by the American Dental Association as a “dental implant specialist,” I feel it is important to

inform the community about how dental implant treatments have changed over the past 50 years causing a decline in success.

Dental implants have been well researched and placed in patients by periodontist and oral surgeons since the 1970s. The published scientific literature in the ʼ70s and ʼ80s estimated 97-99% success rates when controlled for certain systemic diseases & smoking. More recently, the success rates have gone down while research and knowledge has increased.

In 2007, I graduated from a full-time three-year dental implant specialty training program from Rutgers Dental School called Periodontics. This was in addition to general dental school. At the time, only a handful of companies were fabricating dental implants. These companies were partnered with universities, periodontists and oral surgeons for decades to establish research to prove that their products met or exceeded the standard of care which was 97-99% success rate for 20-plus years.

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

Today many more companies are fabricating these implants and come from overseas with little to no research proving their product has the same level success. This is completely legal through the FDA 501(k) approval process which allows clearance to sell the product.

But this should not preclude the company to perform some level of research to protect the public. These “knock-off” implants are much cheaper and have not taken initiative to prove their success.

What is also happening is that these implant companies and pri-

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

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

I am a solo, female, dental implant specialist, surgeon and periodontist. I am a lead to a team of four hygienists, each with over 25 years of experience. I place hundreds of dental implants a year and follow them in my highly trained hygiene practice. I partner with many general dentists throughout Bergen County to design, perform and maintain complex dental implant restorations.

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

GUPTA, DDS, WESTWOOD PERIODONTICS

Deal: Hillsdale hires Montvale mayor as administrator

FROM PAGE 1 nity.”

Ghassali also said he intends to run for reelection in 2023. His second mayoral term expires Dec. 31, 2023.

The contract provides Ghassali four weeksʼvacation and two personal days annually. As administrator, he does not get overtime compensation.

Asked how he planned to juggle both jobs, he said, “I will do my job as a (borough administrator) and be where I need to be as BA, day or night. If I am not able to be in Montvale for any reason, we have a council president (Douglas Arendacs) and governing body and staff to do whatever needs to be done to serve the residents of Montvale.”

He said, “I had a full-time job for the past seven years and I was managing my time to be a mayor and be where a mayor needs to be during emergencies. There were times when I wasnʼt able to be there, and thatʼs where the council president fills in. Nothing will change here, in fact it will be even better to learn and collaborate between the towns.”

Ghassali attended Hillsdaleʼs

Jan. 4 reorganization meeting, where Ruocco and the council majority disagreed over Ruoccoʼs role. Ghassali called the meeting “interesting” in brief remarks that night.

(See “Trochimiuk, Fox sworn Jan. 4; mayor-council divide persists,” Michael Olohan, Jan. 16, 2023, Pascack Press.)

The council also approved a resolution to pay Troast to remain an extra two weeks, Feb. 21 through March 10, to assist in the new administratorʼs transition. Ruocco said that Troast would be paid his regular salary, about $2,700 per week.

By Ruoccoʼs recollection, Ghassali, a fellow Republican, is Hillsdaleʼs seventh borough administrator since approximately 2012. Jonathan DeJoseph served two tours of duty (2012–2014; 2016–2019); Susan Witkowski

(2014–2016); Robert Gallione (interim, three months, 2019); Christopher Tietjen (2020–2021); and Troast (2022).

Escobar said his no vote was “not a personal thing” against Ghassali but questioned how the Montvale mayor would “budget his time between here and Montvale.” He said there were “numerous reasons why I donʼt think it would be effective.”

Escobar told Pascack Press, “There are too many potential conflicts that I feel could be detrimental to the efficient operation of the Borough. Our towns share a Board of Education. He has a voice in Montvale whether he is part of BOE or not. Everything from state of emergencies to council meetings, his allegiance is going to be where he resides and where he is mayor.”

He said, “Right off the bat, thereʼs 12 council meetings that conflict with Montvale. I can go on and on.”

Escobar criticized Ruocco for not being transparent about his relationship with Ghassali, while vouching for Ghassali. “The mayor (Ruocco) is good at preaching transparency, the practicing part of it, not so much,” charged Escobar. Ruocco did not vote for

Ghassali; as mayor he only votes in case of a tie vote.

Both Escobar and Lundy voted against Ghassaliʼs hiring and his contract.

Lundy told Pascack Press, “While legally there is no conflict with Mr. Ghassali serving as both mayor of Montvale and Hillsdaleʼs administrator, because of the close proximity of our towns, I believe a conflict exists. There are many potential instances where Mr. Ghassali will need to make a choice between the town in which

he lives in and serves as chief executive and the town and residents that employ him.”

Lundy said, “Our mayor has stated that heʼs worked on many projects with Mr. Ghassali in their shared capacity of mayor in the Pascack Valley. Thereʼs an appearance of political cronyism that I canʼt get past in addition to the perceived conflict. For these reasons I was not in favor of appointing Mr. Ghassali as administrator. Since a majority of

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

All evaluations are done in person and payment is immediate.

GHASSALI RUOCCO

Grant: Calamari wanted funds for 450 Pascack Road

ments.

Mayor Peter Calamari had suggested that the council might accept the grant and “repurpose” the funds to purchase a 3.2-acre mostly wooded tract at 450 Pascack Road. The Township put in a $430,000 bid in summer 2021 for the property — under threat of condemnation — and has been negotiating for more than 18 months.

The town bought the 6.1-acre swim club property on Ridgewood Boulevard North for $750,000 in April 2022 to expand recreational opportunities for residents.

At the last meeting, council approved applying for a $68,300 grant from the state Department of Community Affairs to investigate the swim clubʼs topography, drainage and environmental constraints.

Cascio asked township grant consultant, David Biunno of GLD Associates, where funds would go after the township receives them. Biunno said the funds would go

into the general treasury since the township had already purchased the swim club.

He said the funds come with no restrictions on their use, except that their acceptance requires an easement on the swim club property to only be used for open space and recreation.

Biunno said that by accepting the acquisition funds, the township becomes eligible for future Open Space grants for park development and improvements.

He said the $438,750 could be used as matching funds for future grants, noting the township might likely receive more grants of $100,000 or more to develop the swim club property.

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“Be The Best You Can Be”

He noted should the council decide later to purchase 450 Pascack Road it could apply for another grant to defray that cost. However, Biunno said that not accepting the grant “puts you at the bottom of the line for park development funds.”

Cascio said he wanted the nearly $439,000 put into a line item to only be used for swim club property grants and improvements. “I donʼt want to use it in any other area.”

However, discussions on whether the council will purchase the 450 Pascack property are ongoing — mostly held in closed session — with only two members (vice president Stacey Feeney and Daisy Velez) on record as supporting the purchase.

On Feb. 6, councilman Tom Sears chastised both Feeney and Velez for speaking their opinions on 450 Pascackʼs purchase, saying that they were warned not to discuss the matter “out of closed session.”

Later, Township Attorney Ken Poller said the councilwomen could discuss their opinions on 450 in public as long as neither revealed closed-session details.

Following several residents pressing council members to support 450 Pascackʼs purchase, and Feeney and Velez expressing support, Council President Desserie

Morgan said she has not said yes or no to the purchase.

Morgan said she has received emails and phone calls from residents opposed to 450 Pascackʼs purchase and again decried “scare tactics” pressuring its purchase. She did not name the mayor but has singled him out previously for suggesting the 450 Pascack might b e developed for multifamily, affordable housing while no such application is ongoing or imminent.

She said sheʼs looking at possible property purchases “globally” and to which will have the most benefits for the most residents.

When Calamari asked to speak on 450 Pascack, Morgan said she wanted to “move on” and Calamari noted he was only an “invited guest” at council meetings.

Previously, Calamari strongly advocated for 450 Pascackʼs purchase, asking the council recently to put aside funds for its purchase.

Denied an opportunity to speak by Morgan, Calamari went into the audience and rose to speak as a citizen.

“I think itʼs a shame that I am forced to come down here and speak from the pulpit as a citizen, that I have lost my mayor privilege to join the council in its discussion,” Calamari said.

He said in “fairness” he wanted to point out that people advocating 450ʼs purchase were “quite limited” to five minutes speaking time while another speaker got 15 minutes to discuss a drainage issue. “It seems like weʼre cherrypicking if we don't like a certain topic we hold those people to their timeline. If we do like a certain topic we let those people discuss way past five minutes.”

He said a couple council members were noted for speaking out of a closed session and said he believed that “writing a letter to a newspaper is also potentially discussing what was said in a closed session.” referring to Morganʼs recent letter to Pascack Press about 450 Pascack Road. He said all council members should be held “to the same standard.”

He said, “Iʼm stating this all as a resident because my mayor (privilege) to talk has been withdrawn tonight.”

He said he hoped “we can get past it” noting that had been done once before early in his prior term as mayor. “And I don't appreciate it. I think it shows very poorly on the council.”

Morgan asked borough clerk Susan Witkowski to verify that she was stopping and starting during prior speakers “so nobody got more than five minutes” and Witkowski agreed.

“What I donʼt appreciate is if I donʼt follow your agenda you punish me” she said to Calamari. “Okay this is all punishment. Trying to sour what I did with the public doesnʼt look well for you, it doesn't look good.”

She said she was “not being unfair to anyone” and that “sometimes that is not the most popular thing to do. But I am fair. I cannot say the same thing about you,” Morgan said, before going on to another speaker.

Replied Calamari, “Iʼll let the residents decide.” Morgan said, “Thatʼs fine, let them decide.” Calamari did not speak publicly for the rest of the meeting.

In a letter we published Jan. 16, Morgan wrote, “I think it is unfair to ask us to force township residents to purchase this private residence. Are we going to do that for e v ery prime location that hits the market? We already own the swim club. Letʼs build that up before we go around purchasing other properties that we have no solid plan for. That is irresponsible.”

Aerial concept plan for town rec amenities at the former private swim club on Ridgewood Boulevard North.Mayor Peter Calamari released several related documents he said should support a discussion on what to do with the town’s recent big purchase. Township of Washington.

CALAMARI MORGAN

Letters:

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Thoughts on school referendum

To the editor:

DO UG F R ANK , Walt Brown and many others in the Pascack Valley know well that public school maintenance is somewhat like employing a janitor equipped

HILLSDALE

with a toilet plunger. It canʼt be otherwise in a system that funnels 80% of income to payroll.

No matter how many times faces change on the school board over the years, the plunger canʼt handle the job that needs to be done. So, the George White school is said to be fit for demolition and replacement.

Vote against the bond issue to facilitate replacement and the faceless school board will keep coming until you get it right. School board bond referenda are l ike speaker votes in the Congress.

Thereʼs an added element of something like identity theft

in the upcoming Hillsdale vote as the school board makes a perfectly legal intrusion, according to bond counsel, on the boroughʼs borrowing capacity to accomplish its aims.

Itʼs already humiliating that the town routinely has to take in all property taxes and then give up 70% or so off the top to the schools before it can finance itself including necessary maintenance.

Towns are subject to municipal governance. Schools are selfg overning, or non-governable, depending on your viewpoint.

Kurt F. Kron Montvale

SpringFlingshoppingfunMarch25

Hillsdale United Methodist Church invites you to Spring Fling on Saturday, March 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

The event is sponsored by The United Methodist Women, “who work all year long to raise funds for missions around the world. When you do your shopping at a local vendor event, you support local merchants and small businesses. Every year, there is a wonderful variety of gift ideas on display and a great group of local professionals anxiously awaiting your arrival.”

On offer: arts and crafts, jewelry, skin care products, and so much more. Admission is free. All are welcome.

Local businesses and organizations interested in participating should email Lesa Brinker at umwrocks@gmail.com

Bring back the police blotter

To the editor:

THESEARENOT the safest of times, as I am sure most people are aware. I recently learned second-hand of several break-ins into stores in downtown Westwood. None of the incidents were posted in the local news, but they were verified.

If community residents are not made aware of criminal incidents, a false sense of security is created. Up until the recent past we were made aware of what was going on in our towns from the weekly paper. I would like to see this procedure be reinstated via submissions from the local police departments. Names do not have to be given if that is an issue, but descriptions of the perpetrator(s), what occurred, time and place of the incident, etc. should be made public knowledge.

It is then that people start to pay more attention to their surroundings and respond if something seems odd. In some instances the citizens of the community may even help provide some valuable information towards solving an incident.

I hope that this topic can be given some serious consideration.

Barbara Pagliocca Westwood

Editorʼs note: We agree with the writerʼs observation that the Pascack Valley is not without crime, alleged crime, and rumored crime, but we do not agree we arenʼt covering it.

We donʼt cover everything, itʼs true. Weʼre definitely behind the curve on covering the rise in thefts of catalytic converters, for example, and weʼll check into this rumored rise in store break-ins. (Thank you.)

With staffing challenges covering the valley, weʼve been doing more with less, in part relying on our municipal and county police forces to send us a range of updates. Thatʼs not entirely sufficient as it puts the authorities in the driverʼs seat on what they will send us. (The state and this newspaper — a watchdog on state authority — might differ on whatʼs newsworthy.)

And departments have their own digital platforms, which is where we find many leads.

Prior to the pandemic, we had enough staff that one of us could dash out for a few hours each week and make the rounds of the valleyʼs police departments, shining a light into reports, curating our popular police blotter feature, and finding leads to pursue.

We donʼt have that luxury these days, but itʼs something to return to, and this could be part of the work of a sharp high school journalism student weʼre about to welcome as an intern.

So the writer is correct, and we thank her.

In perhaps the bigger picture, thereʼs also tremendous value to sharing with readers how fortunate we all are that on our behalf there are men and women in blue who are ready, willing, and able to descend into the worst that manʼs inhumanity to man can throw at them. Store break-ins are unfortunate — yes, if you see something, say something — but we have seen situations that are far grimmer — messier, more miserable and traumatizing — that our local officers deal with on the job.

Those are stories we are more regretful we arenʼt telling as frequently. In our observation of policework (and of firefighting and EMS) weʼre blessed with a wealth of unsung heroes, and their families, living and working among us.

Looking ahead, anyone sharing our excitement for investing in an even more robust and useful Pascack Press, please note and share this advertisement:

HELP WANTED:

MEDIA SALES ASSOCIATE

Pascack Press, the Pascack Valleyʼs hometown newspaper, is hiring a media sales associate. Applicants should be self-starters driven to succeed. In this position, you will sell advertising space to current and new accounts into our weekly newspapers ( Pascack Press and Northern Valley Press), pending new print products, and digital media. Responsibilities include cold-calling, outside sales, and excellent customer service. Send r é sum é s to jobs@thepressgroup.net

CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

Rev. Suriano earns doctorate

OLGC Women’s Group baby shower

The newly established Our Lady of Good Counsel Womenʼs Group, under the guidance of Joanne Toole, recently sponsored a baby shower to welcome the residents of New Hope Pregnancy Resource Center, which is committed to helping women face the practical concerns during their pregnancy by supporting them financially, emotionally and spiritually.

The parish family of OLGC collected a carload of much n eeded diapers, wipes, baby clothing and blankets for babies as well as toiletries, slippers and throw blankets for mothers.

For more information about New Hope Pregnancy Resource Center call (201) 722-4705. The OLGC Womenʼs Group meets the first Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. in the Rackley Room.

WESTWOOD

Join ‘Ladies Who Launch’ Feb. 15

Celebrate Westwood invites the business community to celebrate Westwoodʼs women-owned and -run businesses on Wednesday, Feb. 15 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Caffe Anello, 11 Madison Ave.

The event is sponsored by Celebrate Westwood and features refreshments by Caffe Anello and networking opportunities.

• Special guests Kim Aluotto founder of Westwood Candy Company will share her perspectives on hosting in-store and local events.

•RoseAnn Ciarlante and Lauren Letizia will speak about community events.

• Newcomers Sara and Katie of Lucky Eden Studio will be there taking photos of the event so attendees can be featured in upcoming Celebrate Westwood social media postings and newsletters [and in Pascack Press! – Ed].

First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ in Park Ridge is pleased to announce that pastor Mark Suriano recently earned the degree of Doctor of Ministry in Christian Spirituality from Fordham University.

A celebration was held at the

church, where the Rev. Dr. Suriano has been serving for seven years. FCC is an open and affirming congregation, and it invites you to Sunday services at 10 a.m.

For more information, visit congregationalchurch.net or call (201) 391-5800.

• Jane French of Maci Collected Works will share her experiences and best practices for creating engaging and seasonal window displays.

The event is designed to celebrate the people behind Westwoodʼs women-owned and -operated small businesses, while creating an opportunity for networking, professional development, and cross-promotion for the benefit of the entire community.

Opportunities to create a subcommittee of business leaders looking to maximize their out-

reach and engagement within Westwood and the Pascack Valley community will be discussed.

The event is open to all Westwood small-business owners and operators, downtown or otherwise. Admission is $10. Registration is required at celebratewestwood.org

For more information, write celebratwestwood@gmail.com

“Dear Pascack Valley — Will you be our Valentine? Love, The Hub.”

So begins the invitation to weeks of timely sweetness brought to you by Celebrate Westwood.

Beginning Feb. 1, love is in the air in Westwood. Stop by the Community Center, 55 Jefferson Ave., and enjoy Celebrate Westwoodʼs outdoor pop-up mural installation, hosted by the Westwood Recreation Department.

The installation is up all month, with an interactive 3D element to be added on Tuesday, Feb. 14 in celebration of Valentines Day.

Moreover, while supplies last, shoppers can find complementary Love the Hub bookmarks at businesses throughout Westwood, courtesy of Celebrate Westwood and co-sponsored by the Friends of the Westwood Library. Bookmarks also are available at the Westwood Free Public Library (49 Park Ave.) and the Community Center.

CW says, “Help us spread the love by uploading photos to social media and tagging @CelebrateWestwood on Instagram or Facebook or emailing your photo to celebratewestwood@gmail.com. All submissions will be eligible for a random drawing to win one of three prizes from a Westwood business. The contest runs Feb. 1–28.

Rules of entry

•Photos must include the Love the Hub bookmark or pop-up mural and tag @celebratewestwood on Facebook or Instagram.

•Photos must include where you took the photo (such as a business name or location within town) as a tag or written in the caption.

•Each photo equals one entry to the prize drawing. Multiple entries are encouraged.

The design for the 2023 Love the Hub campaign was designed by Westwood resident Heather OʼHara.

Celebrate Westwood says it seeks to celebrate and raise awareness of the resources of the Westwood Public Library and the Westwood Recreation Departments, as well as of the boroughʼs vibrant downtown.

Formed in 2018 to organize Westwoodʼs 125th Anniversary Year festivities, Celebrate Westwood evolved into a 501(c)3 organization focused on creating events and engagements to amplify the richness of our local community through collaboration with the borough, businesses, nonprofits, and residents.

For more information about Celebrate Westwood, visit celebratewestwood.org or write celebratewestwood@gmail.com.

Rev.Mark Suriano took his Doctor of Ministry in Christian Spirituality.

Story submission and photo credit Claudia Carroll.

Lombardy: ‘Learn and vote’ on school replacement bond

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

HILLSDALE

Although most recent school bond referendums in Pascack Valley in River Vale and Montvale — drew about 15% turnout of registered voters, the size of the proposed $82.7 million George G. White bond replacement and steady public outreach by the district may likely increase local voter turnout.

And the local superintendent says the district has done its job to help educate voters on the school bond vote.

“We have worked diligently to make sure everyone knows how to learn about this proposal and how to vote on Tuesday, March 14. It is a very important decision for the people of Hillsdale,” Superintendent Robert Lombardy told Pascack Press

He said, “We hosted a virtual forum, we sent information to every household in the district, and we spoke to various community groups. We are about to release a video that summarizes the main points of the proposal and shows people both the current conditions at George White as well as what a modern middle school looks like.”

“I can say that we have tried wholeheartedly to inform the community and urge people to vote. The rest will be up to the people who

choose to cast ballots by mail or in person,” Lombardy said.

Both prior school bond referendums in River Vale and Montvale were approved, with only a small question on student wellness in River Vale getting a thumbs down. However, both referendums asked for borrowing much less than the current Hillsdale referendum.

In December 2021, Montvale voters approved a $29.4 million school bond referendum that cost the average homeowner an extra $325 yearly for 25 years.

In April 2021, River Vale voters approved a $34.0 million school bond, but defeated a $1.7 million bond for student wellness upgrades.

The annual cost to an average River Vale homeowner was $123 yearly on an average home.

As of Feb. 2, 2023, the county clerkʼs office showed voter registration in Hillsdale at 8,156 registered voters. This included: 3.306 unaffiliated voters; 2,505 registered Democrats; and 2,293 registered Republicans.

Other registered party voters included: 11, Conservative Party; 5, U.S. Constitution Party; 7, Green

Party; 26, Libertarian Party; 1, Natural Law Party; 2, Socialist Party; and 0, Reform Party.

Asked to describe the referendum briefly to a voter just learning of it, he said, “The challenges of George White have been going on for decades, and the process of defining a solution started in earnest with a 2019 Strategic Planning endeavor. The way education has evolved, our continual issues with building and mechanical systems, and current and projected enrollment have brought us to the point where doing nothing is not a realistic option. We are out of date, out of space and out of time.”

He noted, “The website hillsdaleschools.com/referendum has all the background information for people to learn more and to find all the forms, dates and times they need to vote.”

Asked what advice he would give a voter wavering between yes and no, Lombardy said, “I can only urge people to learn more and then to vote. If anyone has questions that are not answered on the website, they can send an email to referendum@hillsdaleschools.com.”

He added, “They can watch the

recording of the virtual forum ( https://youtu.be/0mUZ6QDf9C4 ) , which featured the architect and financial advisers that have helped guide the plan. They can walk through George White on Saturday (Feb. 11). We answered numerous questions during that forum and we have answered many more by email. We will keep doing that over the next five weeks. My advice is to learn and vote.”

Following the virtual forum, Pascack Press asked Lombardy to clarify anything that was not adequately explained.

“People may not realize that it took a few years to get to the point of having a referendum, and it would take a few more years to go back to the drawing board and start that process again for a different plan.

During the forum, one person asked when renovations could start if the referendum fails. I want to emphasize that renovations could not just start after the March 14 vote,” he said.

“George White (Middle School) has such significant needs that we cannot address them in the districtʼs annual budget. Bond funding would still be necessary, and that would require developing preliminary plans, making new cost estimates and submitting again for state approval,” he said.

Lombardy added, “The timeline would be one to two years before a public referendum, which puts us into pricing of 2024, action in 2026, and completion in 2028 of work on this long-standing challenge for the Hillsdale community.”

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 h ost your holiday business of family parties. Seating is available for up to 100. Catering is also offered and the restaurant has a full bar, including over 100 wines.

Enjoy making our Signature dish at home!

Salmon Giulio stuffed with crab meat

What youʼll need:

• 10 oz. Salmon filet

• 3 tbs. Colossal Crabmeat

SENIORS’ ANNUAL AUCTION FEB. 15

The River Vale Seniors hold their annual “Regift No See Auction” at their Feb. 15 meeting. The club tells Pascack Press, “You know the gift you got and never used or would like to regift, wrap it and and bring to the silent auction. Bidding for the package

will begin at 50 cents to $2. It is a fun afternoon and youʼll be surprised at how competitive you are when it comes to bidding.” Refreshments and coffee will be served. New members are welcome. For more information call Hilda at (201) 265-5257.

BIG GAME BIG GAME BIG GAME BIG GAME BIG GAME BIG GAME

• 1 tsp. honey mustard

• Dash of honey & balsamic vinegar

• 1 pepper, diced

• Stalk celery, diced

• Salt & pepper to taste

What to do:

Slice salmon down center (lengthwise). Dice peppers and celery; salt and pepper to taste. Add honey mustard mix together w/crabmeat. Stuff in center of salmon. Cook 10 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Drizzle with a dash of honey

Club News?

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

& balsamic vinegar dressing

•Buon appetito!

Giulioʼs Restaurant is at 154 Washington Street, Tappan N.Y. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner

Visit Giulioʼs website for its menu and much more: www.giuliosrestaurant.com. For reservations, take-

Salmon Giulio stuffed with crabmeat

RIVER VALE

EmersonDairyQueenrenovatedandreadyforcommunityfun

Emerson Dairy Queen is pleased to announce that its newly renovated dining room is open. Enjoy your treats inside no matter the weather.

The roomis open every day from 11 a.m. to an hour before closing (currently until 9:30 p.m. Sunday – Thursday, and until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday), subject to special-event closures.

Restrooms are also available to customers when the dining room is open.

The room is available for birthday parties with a variety of party packages and entertainment options.

One option is a cake or cupcake decorating party: The storeʼs t alented cake decorator takes guests through how staff decorate the storeʼs cakes and cupcakes. Each guest gets their own 8-inch DQ cake or two DQ cupcakes to decorate with icings, sprinkles, decoration pieces. The guests then get to take home their decorated cake or cupcakes for the ultimate party favor.

The room also is available for private event rentals, perfect for team meetings, special occasions, fundraisers, & corporate events. A full catering menu is available

in addition to delicious DQ treats.

“We have put a lot of work into improving Emerson Dairy Queen so it can become a go-to place for families to make fun memories together,” says coowner Konstantine Menegatos.

“We are so thankful to the com-

munity for welcoming us and for supporting our business. We look forward to this dining room becoming a hub for the community to gather to enjoy delicious treats.”

The store looks forward to hosting community events

throughout the year. Most recently, it hosted the Emerson Chamber of Commerceʼs kickoff party for the New Year.

On Friday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. the first cake decorating class will be held — attendees will be led through decorating their own DQ heart-shaped cake just in time for Valentineʼs Day.

On Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m., “Valentineʼs Family Night” will be held with free popcorn, movie, and crafts.

For more information about Emerson Dairy Queenʼs new din-

ing room and to sign up for alerts on upcoming events, visit emersondq.com.

For more information on parties and events, write emersondqparties@gmail.com

.

Emerson Dairy Queen is a newly-renovated location of the p opular treat franchise. The store sells their famous DQ soft serve & BLIZZARD treats as well as ice cream, shakes, beautifully decorated DQ cakes and cupcakes, and other yummy treat creations.

Under new management since 2020, the location boasts a lovely outdoor seating area, a fully renovated lobby, and a spacious dining room that hosts parties and special events.

E merson Dairy Queen is conveniently located at 13 Kinderkamack Road in Emerson. For more information, call (201) 262-1350.

Giulio’s Restaurant

PASCACK VALLEY

Emerson Dairy Queen is conveniently located at 13 Kinderkamack Road in Emerson

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

No pressure! Calcagni on ‘Next Level Chef’ season 2 premiere

Resident Michelle (Pallotta)

Calcagni, a hometown chef with chops, recently competed on Gordon Ramsayʼs “Next Level Chef” Season 2, premiering on FOX immediately after Super Bowl LVII on Sunday, Feb. 12.

She said “Competing in the Home Chef category on #TeamRamsay against professional and social media chefs was an incredible experience.”

The grand prize is a hot $250,000 and a one-year mentorship with all three of the showʼs mentors:Ramsey, Nyesha Arrington, and Richard Blais.

In the popular reality show, chefs compete in a series of cooking challenges, divided into three teams under the guidance and judgment of Ramsay, Arrington, and Blais.

In each episode, chefs are assigned to cook in one of three kitchens stacked on top of each other. The top level is equipped with a wide range of modern tools and devices, the middle level is a standard commercial kitchen, and the bottom level contains a limited collection of lower-quality equipment.

In the first episode, the chefs are divided into three groups of

five and each group is randomly assigned a mentor and kitchen. Based on their evaluation of the chefsʼdishes, the mentors take turns choosing one chef at a time for their respective teams. The teams are randomly assigned to the kitchens in subsequent episodes.

Before each challenge, a platform stocked with ingredients is lowered through the structure from top to bottom. As it reaches

each level, the chefs cooking there have 30 seconds to collect whatever items they think they will need, including no more than one protein each. They are then given 45

minutes to prepare, cook, and plate their dishes, incorporating any surprise ingredient(s) that may be delivered to them on the platform without warning.

Elks Ash Wednesday Fish Fry

HILLSDALE

Send off used books in the church bin

What can you do with all the books that have been gathering dust on the shelf, or going unnoticed in boxes, for years?

Books are for reading and renewal. You can give yours a fresh start. Hillsdale United Methodist Church has partnered with New Legacy Books, which gives used and unwanted books a “new life” through reuse, redistribution, or recycling.

Organizers say all donated books collected will be used in some way: either resold to individuals who can give them a new home or, if the books have seen better days, they will be recycled properly and diverted from the landfill.

Youʼll find the convenient

Elks golden ticket raffle aims at $10,000

The Westwood Elks invite you to their golden ticket raffle on Sunday, April 16 at 1 p.m. at Westwood Elks Lodge 1562. Ticketholders will be able to enjoy a buffet and refreshments.

split with a friend, or go in on a group ticket.

bright green donate books bin in the church parking lot, 349 Hillsdale Ave., at the corner of Magnolia. Book donations can be made at this location at any time.

Donation guidelines

• Only books with ISBN numbers/bar codes should be donated. The ISBN is either in the first 1–3 pages or in the back of the book. Books without the ISBN number should not be donated.

• Encyclopedias are not accepted.

• Magazines are not accepted.

For more information, call Terry Stevens at (201) 694-9172 or email her at terrystevens956@yahoo

Two hundred tickets are available at a $100 donation. If all 200 tickets are sold, $10,000 will go to the winner.

Organizers say this is an elimination draw-down from start to finish. Three $150 consolation prizes will be pulled, leading up to the big winner. The last ticket pulled will be winner — or the last two owners may agree to split the grand prize.

You can buy as an individual,

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

Depending on availability, lastminute tickets will be sold on the day of the event from 11:30 a.m. to the start of the drawing. See ticket for details and license number.

This is a great opportunity to

do a lot of good. Proceeds benefit Elks charites, including children and adults with special needs, our veterans, and vital drug awareness programs.

For more information and to purchase tickets, call Carl Williams at (201) 446-6047 or the Westwood Elks Lodge at (201) 666-1562.

With regret, says the Woodcliff Lake Senior Assocation, its book group tea with Hillsdale author Shane Svorec, advertised for Thursday, Feb. 23 is cancelled.

Knights’ spelling bee returns March 1

The members of Knights of Columbus Mother Seton Council 5427 are excited to invite the students of the Township of Washington and Westwood to take part in its 2023 Spelling Bee.

G Geet t t h he e R Reessuul l t s

The event had been a staple on the Knights of Columbus calendar for many years.

The event, Wednesday, March 1 at 7 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus hall, 79 Pascack Road, is open to all students in grades 6–8. Contestant sign-in starts at 6:30.

In order for things to run as smoothly as possible, students are asked to pre-register for the event by sending an email to spelling bee committee chair-

man Mike Fusco at KofC5427@mail.com. Include your full name, grade, and the name of the town you live in. A reply email will be sent to confirm your attendance.

The committee says, “We look forward to continuing this traditional event with a new generation of students.”

For more information call (201) 664-0422 or visit kofc5427.com

WESTWOOD

WOODCLIFF LAKE

Comedy in WT Feb. 18

Shopping Guide

RIVER VALE

RAVENS TEARING IT UP

The River Vale third grade girl Ravensʼwin streak continues as they shut down New Milford, 30–8, and remain 11⁄ 2 games out of second place with a 7-3-1 record.

Michela Sanelli and Bella de la Rosa nailed a couple of buckets early and late in the game to lead in the win.

The Ravens team had eight players score while dominating

the offensive glass. The team will be challenged this weekend with back to back games and seem to be rolling at the right time. Keep up the good work, girls!

—Antonia Hroncich

Give to ‘Soup’r Bowl’ on Feb. 12

NJSFWC/GFWC The Womanʼs Club of Westwood is collecting soup on Soupʼr Bowl Sunday, Feb. 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Nicholas Markets Fresh Grocer in Washington Township.

The soup will be distributed to the local food pantries. All dona-

tions of soup, packaged or canned, will be greatly appreciated by those in need.

The Womanʼs Club of Westwood is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Womenʼs Clubs, an international womenʼs organization dedicated to communi-

ty improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service, with members in all 50 states and more than a dozen countries. For more information about the Federation and the Womanʼs Club of Westwood, call (201) 916-1580.

The Contemporaries turn to yogi

The Contemporaries of the Womanʼs Club of Westwood hosted an evening of restorative yoga and were led in practice by Westwood resident yogi Lauren Foley. The event took place at the clubhouse, 205 Kinderkamack Road, on Thursday, Feb. 2.

A gathering of 19 Womanʼs Club members and friends enjoyed an evening of restoration, conversation, and complementary samples of healthy fresh-prepared meals provided by Fitrition Juice Bar of Westwood.

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

Joey Callahan headlines the next comedy show at the Comedy Corner at Township Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 9 p.m.

Callahan has performed at comedy clubs and casinos across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. He has performed his one-man show at the prestigious Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. A regular at the Borgata Casino in Atlantic City, Callahan has also appeared on Comedy Central, ESPN, Fox TV and the BBC. His popular Dry Bar special “Notorious F.O.D.” is available online and on Amazon Prime.

Also appearing: Jeff Greenberg, Greg Brancato, and Hugh Cassidy. These pros have been featured at some well-known NYC comedy clubs including Comic Strip Live, Broadway Comedy Club, Gotham Comedy Club, and Dangerfields. Hosting the evening will be Chip Ambrogio, one of the producers of this show and a writer for the world famous Friars Club Roasts.

Tickets are $25 each, with no drink requirements, no food requirements, and no bridge tolls to NYC! Tickets are available through BrownPaperTickets at ComedyCorner021823.brownpapertickets.com or by scanning the QR code on the picture of Joey Callahan. Group tickets are also available by emailing Jack@JirwinProductions.com.

TOWNSHIP THEATRE is at 249 Pascack Road, Washington Township. A three-screen showplace, the theater offers the latest films in a local and convenient environment in Bergen County.

J IRWIN PRODUCTIONS, the producer of this show, works with the top comedians in the country to present the best and funniest shows in theaters and restaurants, as fundraisers, or for private events.

All proceeds from the evening supported The Contemporaries committee which has welcomed 25 new members since its formation in January.

The room was full of positive energy, with members looking forward to upcoming charitable and social events including a Progressive Dinner on March 24 which will support local restaurants with all ticket proceeds to be shared between the Womanʼs Club of Westwood and Meals on

The Contemporaries of the Woman’s Club of Westwood hosted an evening of restorative yoga and were led in practice by Westwood resident yogi Lauren Foley.The event took place at the clubhouse,205 Kinderkamack Road, on Thursday,Feb.2.

Wheels of North Jersey.

The mission of the Contemporaries of the Womanʼs Club of Westwood is to bring together a diverse group of women in an inclusive environment who, through fellowship, volunteerism, and leadership,engage in hyper-

local philanthropy to serve the greater Westwood community For info, email westwoodcontemporaries@gmail.com. For more color from The Contemporaries of the Womanʼs Club of Westwood, visit instagram.com/westwoodcontemporaries

P Paassccaacck k P Prreesss s welcomes press releases, birth announcements, wedding announcements and event photographs from all towns in the Pascack Valley. Send your submissions to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net

J Irwin Productions

WESTWOOD

‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ goes right Feb. 18–March 11

Bergen County Players (BCP), one of Americaʼs longestrunning little theater companies, will continue its 90th season on Saturday, Feb. 18 with the hilarious Tony Award-winning hit Broadway comedy “The Play That Goes Wrong.”

Performances run through Saturday, March 11 at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell with shows on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 and Sunday afternoons at 2.

Tickets, priced at $24 on Fridays and Saturdays, and $21 on Sundays, can be purchased at bcplayers.org, by calling (201) 2614200 or by visiting the box office at 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell during regular box office hours.

In “The Play That Goes Wrong,” the “Cornley University Drama Society” is putting on a production of “The Murder at Haversham Manor.” This riotous play-within-a-play whodunnit has everything you never wanted in a show—an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that canʼt play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines).

Audiences can sit back and bust a gut at all the misplaced props, banged heads, missed cues, pratfalls, door slams, broken fingers and mispronounced words as the show literally falls apart at the seams. Nevertheless, the accidentprone thespians battle against all odds to make it through to their final curtain call, with hilarious consequences.

Co-written by Mischief company members Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, “The Play That Goes Wrong” was the winner of the 2015 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, “one of the most laugh-filled works that has ever jollied a stage” (NY Stage Review). Ben Brantley of The New York Times called The Play That Goes Wrong “A gutbusting hit.”

The Broadway production of “The Play That Goes Wrong” opened at the Lyceum Theatre on April 2, 2017, and by its closing on January 6, 2019, the production played 27 previews and 745 performances, making it the second longest running show in the history of the Lyceum Theatre.

Not yet done with New York, “The Play That Goes Wrong” officially opened Off-Broadway on Feb. 20, 2019, at New World Stages – Stage 4.

“The Play That Goes Wrong” received a Tony Award for Best Set Design, Broadway.comʼs Audience Choice Award for Best Play and the Theater Fans Choice Award for Best Play.

The talented cast features Angelina Aragona of Township of Washington, Sean Buckley of

Secaucus, Eric Holzer of Montclair, Wes Laga of Wood-Ridge, Nyasia Legra of Rockaway, Dan Loverro of Parsippany, Josh Switala of Allendale, and Craig Woodward of Little Falls.

Angelina (Sandra) appeared in this seasonʼs BCP opener, “Ragtime: The Musical,” as well as in “Pippin.” At Ramapo College she appeared in “The Library,” “Urinetown,” “Extremities,” and others, prior to receiving her masterʼs degree summa cum laude.

Sean (Chris) appeared in “The Lion in Winter” and “Cymbeline” at BCP. His stage credits at other area theaters include “The Ghost Train,” “Loveʼs Labourʼs Lost,” “Dial M for Murder,” and “Wm. &

Jas. — A Ghost Story.”

Eric (Dennis) has pulled double duty at BCP handling publicity, as well as appearing in “Moon Over Buffalo,” “Clue,” and “Ragtime: The Musical.”

Other BCP credits include “Veronicaʼs Room,” “33 Variations,” “Pippin,” and “The Lion in Winter,” for which he received a Perry Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor.

Wes (Trevor) teaches drama to students in grades 6–11 in Manhattan, and he is the co-founder and vice president of Full Circle Theatre Collective based in New Jersey

Nyasia (Annie) is making her BCP debut in this production. Her

prior credits at other theaters include “Pride and Prejudice,” “Much Ado About Nothing,” “Twelfth Night,” and “Almost, Maine.”

Dan (Jonathan) most recently appeared on our stage in “Ragtime: The Musical.” Previous BCP credits include “Spamalot,” “Pippin,” “Itʼs Only a Play,” “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” and “The Lion in Winter.” Performances on other stages include “Matilda the Musical” and “Avenue Q.”

Josh (Max), a recent graduate of Ramapo College of New Jersey, where he was part of the Alph Psi Omega theater honor society, is excited to make his BCP debut. Credits include The Old Library Theaterʼs “It Shoulda Been You,” Ramapo Collegeʼs “Urinetown,” “A Midsummer Nightʼs Dream,” and “Of Mice and Men.”

Craig (Robert) last appeared on our stage in “The Drowsy Chaperone.” His performances on other stages include “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Falsettos” and “Moon Over Buffalo.”

A Life Member of BCP, director Alyson Cohn has been active with the Players for over 35 years. Her long list of directorial credits includes “God of Carnage” (Perry Award for Best Director of a Play), “Art,” “The Laramie Project,” “Glengarry Glen Ross,” “One Flew Over the Cuckooʼs Nest,” “The Heidi Chronicles,” “Six Degrees of Separation,” “Proposals,” “True West,” and “Proof”

(Perry Award for Best Production of a Play), among others.

She has appeared on the BCP stage in many productions, including “Lend Me a Tenor,” “A Year with Frog and Toad,” “Into the Woods,” “The Full Monty,” and “Little Shop of Horrors” (Best Actress Perry Award).

Alyson is the founder and director of Music Together of Northern New Jersey, an acclaimed music and movement program for pre-schoolers.

Regarding her directorial choices on “The Play That Goes Wrong,” Alyson says, “Everything needs to be precisely timed in this show. Thereʼs no room for actors to do something a little different each night as you might in a drama.”

She says, “The nice thing is theyʼre supposed to be bad actors in a poorly directed show, so finally I have the freedom to create all this terrible staging. I get to break all the director rules! Iʼm like, yes, make it look ugly! Thatʼs kind of freeing and exciting and creative.”

Bergen County Players strongly encourages its patrons to be vaccinated for Covid-19 but will not require proof of vaccination to enter the building. The use of face coverings/masks is also very strongly recommended. Reminders of that recommendation will be visible throughout the facility and stated by our Frontof-House staff before each event. For more information visit bcplayers.org

Bergen County Players continues its 90th season on Saturday,Feb.18 with the Tony Award-winning hit Broadway comedy “The Play That Goes Wrong.”

Deal: Hillsdale hires Montvale mayor as administrator

FROM PAGE 9

my peers did not agree with me, Mr. Ghassali has been appointed and I wish him well and trust that he will serve Hillsdaleʼs best interests.”

Ruocco welcomed Ghassali as the new administrator, noting he works with him on the Pascack Valley Mayors Association and “got to know him personally.”

He said Ghassali knows how municipal government works, and the private sector, and will effectively run day-to-day operations. As mayor, Ruocco only votes in case of a tie vote.

On Feb. 8, Ruocco issued a statement welcoming Ghassali.

“Mr. Ghassali has been a member of Montvaleʼs governing body since 2010, and is presently Montvaleʼs mayor. Having worked

with Mr. Ghassali (Mike) for several years on projects advancing common goals on behalf of the greater Pascack Valley community, it is my pleasure to welcome him as a key employee of the Borough of Hillsdale.”

Ruocco said, “Mr. Ghassali has served in an executive capacity over the past 25 years in both the private and public sectors. For the past eight years he has been a

Emerson’sTripodiliveshervaluesindrive

A footwear collection held at the Academy of the Holy Angels in Demarest netted 466 pairs of shoes for the Humanitarian Respite Center in McAllen, Texas.

AHA students who volunteered at the center in 2022 noticed the scarcity of shoes available to people in need, and advised the school community, which responded generously by donating a mountain of sneakers and other footwear during Catholic Schools Week (Jan. 29–Feb. 4).

Ava Tripodi of Emerson, Grace Cuttita of Glen Rock, Breanna Hetzer of Nutley, Jackie LaMastra of Tenafly, Raffaela Manoy of New Milford, Marina Poire of Dumont, Sydney Ponti of Secaucus, and Ava Santoro of Old Tappan spearheaded the drive.

AHAtold Pascack Press on Feb. 8 these Angels expressed relief, happiness, and gratitude when they realized the respite

• We are a 12 month school, offering 5 day and 3 day programs.

centerʼs top need would be met — adding that several students are

developing ways to send additional help to the center.

language analyst with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Prior to that he served several years as a VP in Corporate Partnerships at Feed the Children, Oklahoma City.”

Ruocco said Ghassali founded Damage Research Inc. in Saddle Brook, and remained as unit head after it was sold to GENCO Inc., Pittsburgh. He also founded a budget hair salon in Saddle Brook, and was employed 15 years at Unilever, Englewood Cliffs, managing large damage and return operations.

Ghassali received an associate degree in biology from Bergen Community College, took courses in computer and business administration at St. Peterʼs University, and also a bachelor degree in sociology from William Paterson University.

Hillsdale Council President Anthony DeRosa said that Ghassali was a “really good fit for the town” and that his management style should have “a calming effect on the town. I hope that heʼll have

VALLEY

longevity here.”

DeRosa told Pascack Press, “We were lucky to have interviewed several solid candidates for the Borough Administrator position. Ultimately, I felt Mr. Ghassali was the best fit for Hillsdale. I feel he brings a level of integrity, experience and professionalism that will serve the Borough well.”

He said, “Mr. Ghassali has been a public servant for many years and has garnered the respect of many in the Pascack Valley and beyond. I am impressed with his management style and his desire to make this a long-term relationship with the Borough. I look forward to working with him and seeing the great things he can do for Hillsdale.”

Councilwoman Janetta Trochimiuk welcomed Ghassali and said she “looked forward to working with him.”

Ghassali was a declared congressional candidate for the Fifth Congressional District in 2019 before dropping out of the race.

ROTARY CLUB SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINENEARS

The Park Ridge Rotary Charity Foundation is pleased to announce it is again granting college scholarshipsto local high school students.

Scholarships are available to senior students who live in Park Ridge, Montvale, or Woodcliff Lake.

The service club will select recipients based upon need, scholastic ability, and contributions to the school and the community.

Moreover, one scholarship is available for an eligible Park Ridge High School senior majoring in education. This scholarship is in memory of Dr. Robert Balentine, former superintendent of

•Hours of operation 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Breakfast and Lunch included.

•Age appropriate curriculum.

• State of the art security system.

•Fully enclosed age appropriate soft surface playground.

• Our staff are CPR and First Aid Certified.

Park Ridge High School, who was a member of the Park Ridge Rotary Club for more than 40 years. The completed application with supporting documents should be submitted no later than April 15.

Students will be notified of results in early June. The club will notify schools of a scholarship recipient(s) in advance of presenting the awards at senior assemblies.

For applications, see the guidance departments of Park Ridge High School, Pascack Hills High School, and St. Joseph Regional High Schools, or download the application PDF via parkridgerotaryclub.org

EMERSON

Back to front,left to right: Marina Poire,Ava Santoro,Sydney Ponti, Raffaela Manoy,Breanna Hetzer,Grace Cuttita,Ava Tripodi,and Texas trip chaperones AHA Social Studies Department Chair Gail Fair and Campus Ministry Director Kathleen Sylvester Not pictured: Jackie LaMastra.

PASCACK

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

HeART: Young artists dazzle in milestone exhibition

FROM PAGE 1

Students were encouraged to reflect on what inspires them to create an original work of art in response.This year more than 90 works were submitted by students in grades K–12.

Voting was conducted online — a Covid-year adaptation that stuck — and 14 outstanding images were selected as finalists.

An opening reception delighted on Thursday, Feb. 2 at Westwood Regional High School, with the young artists receiving awards before a wave of proud parentsʼ and grandparentsʼ mobile devices . The exhibit runs through Feb. 20.

Prints and notecards of the 14 top images are being sold to benefit Artworks, the Naomi Cohain Foundation, “providing children and young adults access to creative arts programs for healing, communication, and self-expression.”

8” x 10” prints by all the artists in the show can be purchased for $5 at the Westwood Gallery and from district art educator Pamela Guenther-Duffus at pamela.duffus@wwrsd.org

5” x 7” note cards are available at one for $3, five for $10 (mix and match), and all 14 images for $20.

All of the profits will be donated to this worthy cause, Duffus tells Pascack Press

The prints and cards make excellent Valentineʼs Day gifts, she says.Flyers say “Support these students in using their talents to make a difference for our community.”

Duffus told Pascack Press on Feb. 8, “This is our last year doing this, the show. Weʼre going to reinvent it, come up with something new. Weʼve been trying for the past couple of years to move it past just images of hearts.”

She said, “It started out with this idea of what it is to have heart. This year we tried to push the concept of peace and togetherness and get the students to reflect on a theme. Itʼs about using your art to express an idea or a concept and to do something good with it.”

The Sandy relief was a high school art push. Since then, various area charities have benefitted, with the work opened up to all students in the district.

In the programʼs run, 154 works have been showcased, with additional pieces featured from Artworks. Many thousands of dollars have gone to charity.

And students whoʼve won in earlier years have gone on to art school and art/design/illustration careers.

“We have students all over the place; thereʼs definitely encouragement that happens, and theyʼll use these works in their portfolio to get into schools,” said Duffus.

The exhibition is home to student voices in a wealth of styles and techniques. “Painting, digital drawings, some are working with collage… they can pick whatever medium they want,”said Duffus.

And though this is the end for WWRSD has HeART, itʼs far from the end of the story.

“Weʼre going to change the title of the whole show and go a

PASCACK VALLEY

different way with it. After 11 years itʼs time for a change,” she said.

She lauded Michael Fitzsimmons, who came on board the first year, throwing open his intimate Westwood Gallery (at 10 Westwood Ave.) for the annual exhibition. “Itʼs been a partnership.”

She also thanked art teachers at Berkeley and Brookside Ele-

mentary schools, Barbara Portelli; Washington and Jessie George Elementary schools, Stacey Becan; Westwood Regional Middle School, Lynda Panno; and Westwood Regional High School, (in addition to Duffus) Amy Grossman, Michele Keller, and Michelle Stoute. Visit westwoodartgallery.com or call (201) 666-1800.

Zachary Berde up for top scholar honor

Hillsdaleʼs Zachary Louis Berde, a senior at Pascack Valley High School, has been named one of more than 5,000 candidates in the 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

The candidates were selected from nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in 2023. Inclusion in the program is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors.

Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in l964 by executive order of the President to recognize some of our nationʼs most distinguished

graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many areas: academic success, leadership, and service to school and community. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students demonstrating exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts.

In 20l5, the program was expanded once again to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields.

Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen from among that yearʼs senior class, representing excellence in education and the promise of

greatness in Americaʼs youth.

A distinguished panel of educators will review these submissions and select approximately 600 sernifinalists in early April. The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 eminent citizens appointed by the President, will select the finalists, and the U.S. Department of Education will announce the Scholars in May U.S. Presidential Scholars are honored for their accomplishments during the National Recognition Program each June. To commernorate their achievement, the Scholars are awarded the Presidential Scholars Medallion.

Zachary, the child of Nicole and Bill Berde, told Pascack Press on Feb. 8 that heʼs applied to several schools in the Northeast for mechanical engineering.

BERDE

Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide

THE SAVVY SENIOR: Specialized moving services for seniors

Dear Overwhelmed, Downsizing and moving to a new home is a big job for anyone but it can be especially overwhelming for seniors who are moving from a long-time residence filled with decades of stuff and a lifetime of memories.

ior move manager.” These are trained organizers (they are not moving companies) who assist older people with the challenges of relocating and can minimize the stress of this major transition by doing most of the work for you.

BY JIMMILLER

Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend businesses or services that specialize in helping seniors downsize and relocate? I need to find some help moving my mother from her four-bedroom home – where sheʼs lived for nearly 50 years – to an apartment near me.

Overwhelmed Daughter

Fortunately, thereʼs a specialized service available today that can help make your momʼs move a lot easier for her, and for you.

Senior Move Manager

To help your mom get packed up and moved into her new home, you should consider hiring a “sen-

A senior move manager can help your mom pare down her belongings, decide what to take and what to dispose of, recommend charities for donations and help sell her unwanted items. They can even create a customized floor plan of her new home so your mom can visualize where her belongings will fit.

50+Club plans lively spring trips

The Hillsdale 50+ Club invites all to gather to meet neighbors and friends. The club meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Hillsdale. The entrance to the meeting room is on Magnolia

Avenue between Hillsdale and Washington avenues.

The Hillsdale club has two trips planned:

•A trip to Hunterdon Hills

Playhouse is scheduled for Tuesday, April 4. This trip includes a wonderful hot lunch and a terrific

ADVERTISEYOURSERVICEINTHE SERVICE DIRECTORYINTHE PASCACK PRESS.

show, “The Million Dollar Quartet” (Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and others). Cost is $83 for club members, $85 for non-members.

•A two-night, three-day trip is set for Cape May, May 8–10. There are many activities planned while the club is there, with hotel lodging.

For more information on club trips call Evelyn Pachner at (201) 666-7675.

Senior move managers can also get estimates from moving companies, oversee the movers, arrange the move date, supervise the packing and unpacking and help set up her new home, have the house cleaned and just about anything you need related to her move.

If you want to do some of the work yourself, you can pick and choose only the services you want. For example, you may only want a move managerʼs help with downsizing and selling excess furniture and unwanted belongings but plan on doing the actual packing and moving yourself.

The cost of working with a senior move manager will vary depending on where you live, the services you want and size of the move, but you can expect to pay $60 to $125 per hour or more, not including the cost of movers.

How to Find One

To locate a senior move manager in your area, visit the National Association of Senior Move Managers website at NASMM.org or call 877-606-2766. The NASMM is a trade association with an accreditation program that requires its members to abide by a strict code of ethics that ensures

integrity. They have around 1,000 members across the U.S.

You can also search at Caring Transitions (CaringTransitions.com), which is the largest senior relocation and transition services franchised company in the U.S. They currently have nearly 200 franchises throughout the country.

Before you hire one, ask for references from previous clients and check them, and check with the Better Business Bureau too. Also find out how many moves they have actually managed and get a written list of services and fees. And make sure theyʼre insured and bonded.

If you canʼt find a senior move manager in your area, another option is to hire a certified professional organizer who specializes in downsizing and relocating. To find one, check the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals, which has a searchable database on its website at NAPO.net. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide

DR. KAPLAN: Thoughts on reducing stress and anxiety

Stress is extremely dangerous for your brain and your body, which responds to stress as if it were a disease. Do your best to avoid stress. The three most significant stresses are physical stress, emotional stress, and biochemical stress. Physical stress could be from sitting at the computer all day, typing on the keyboard, or using your phone.

Emotional stress might result from being unsatisfied at work, being in a bad relationship, or having an unhealthy living situation.

Biochemical stress can be due to toxins in our environment, like the pesticides in food, mercury in some fish, fluoride in some toothpaste, or aluminum in some deodorant.

To combat the physical stresses, we must 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 twenty feet away. After a 20-second break, you can go back to the computer.

These activities will help prevent depression, back pain, headaches, heart disease, and Alzheimerʼs disease, in addition to improving vision

and the function of your brain and body. Another way to avoid physical stress is to make sure the body is balanced.

For example, 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 will avoid physical imbalances and help your brain and body function better and feel better.

Emotional stress is even more important to deal with. You might have to move out of a big city and into the suburbs, to seek out nature and relative calm.

Or you might have to quit an unsatisfying job. If the job pays well, but the hours add stress, your boss is mean, and you donʼt get along with your coworkers, it might be time to start looking in the classifieds. The stress is not worth the money. Without your health, nothing else matters, including money.

Emotional stress is 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, “TGIF.” It means that people do not like their jobs, and canʼt wait for the weekend.

Bright additions

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. Progress 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. Teach more people and learn more from others. Listen more and talk less. Complain less, worry less, stress less, and stop fighting with friends and family. Hold fewer grudges and gossip less.

Use social media less and put away your cell phone more. Check your email less and spend more time with people. Surround yourself with positive people who are going to cheer you on and build you up, rather than people who are negative and criticize you and criticize others around you. Spend more time outside and in nature to help decrease your emotion-

RIDGE

al stress.

The third major type of stress is biochemical stress. This includes the chemicals we are exposed to in our lives. In the past, we discussed many products that contain chemicals we should avoid, like cleaning products, aerosol sprays, deodorants, bleaches, perfumes, colognes, candles, and most suntan lotions. These products are not only toxic to the environment, but they are also toxic to inhale and are toxic to your skin.

In addition to chemical exposure, we also need to limit metal exposure such as aluminum, mercury, lead and arsenic. Many people are exposed to aluminum from antiperspirants, cooking pans, foils, cans, medications, and even in the air. Exposure to mercury usually occurs from eating big fish and leaking of dental fillings.

Fluoride can be found in drinking water, in toothpaste, and is also administered during dental cleanings, as well.

Lead can be found in drinking water, old houses, paint chips, and batteries. Lastly, one more common metal that causes toxicity in our bodies is arsenic which can be found in apple juice, water, rice, and cereal. If you check your levels of these metals and they are high, you might want to discuss with your doctor a way to lower your levels.

Elks’ St. Pat’s dinner March 4

Park Ridge Elks Lodge holds its St. Patrickʼs Day Celebration March 4 from 7:30 p.m. to midnight. Dinner is traditional corned beef and cabbage, with dessert. All are welcome.

Live entertainment is via

Simple, 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 called chelation therapy, but that should only be done as a last resort because it can cause other problems that may be worse than the metal.

If you reduce the three stresses mentioned in this article, you are less likely to be affected by the most common chronic conditions and will therefore function better, feel better, and live better.

Act now! Limited-time offer!

For more healthy habits and information about our in-office and virtual services, visit my website, www.kaplandc.com. For the month of February, we are offering a $21 neurological evaluation which is normally $500. Mention this article and when you come to the office you will also get a FREE vitamin D bottle and a FREE signed copy of my book “Boost Your Brain Power: A guide to improving your memory and focus.”

Call us today at (201) 2612150 or email us at info@kaplanbrainandbody.com to reserve your spot immediately as spaces are filling up quickly. Everyone deserves to feel better, function better, and live better.

PARK RIDGE

The Golden Age Social Club of Park Ridge welcomed three new members during their business meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 7. Shown here, left to right, are John Mahan, Tom Hoskins and Barbara Hoskins. The ceremony was conducted by Second Vice President Mary Jane Burns. Mahan lives with his daughter in Park Ridge after having moved from Crest Hill, Ill. a few years ago. He enjoyed a career as an engineer before retirement. He has another son and a daughter in Illinois and two grandchildren.

Tom and Barbara Hoskins are 50-year residents of Park Ridge. They raised three children here, all graduates of Park Ridge High School. One son remains here, another is in Neptune, and a daughter lives in Oradell, which makes it convenient for family get-togethers. Tom devoted his working life to the New York Times, while Barbara was a popular hairdresser in Park Ridge for 30 years.

The club tells Pascack Press itʼs delighted to have these three new members, who were greeted with warm applause. The club meets at the Elks Lodge on Sulak Lane every Tuesday. For more information on joining, call president Bill Hennig at (201) 391-8318.

High Strung Band and Irish Step Dancers. Tickets are $45 per person. For tickets/reservations, call or text Shelly Thiele at (201) 8352246. The lodge address is 13 Sulak Lane.

I am giving a lecture in River Edge on Feb. 22 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the best ways to reduce depression and anxiety. It is normally $100, but the first seven people to sign up can attend for $49 and get five other bonus seminars (that occur once a month) on sleep, energy, nutrition, inflammation, and improving memory and focus. Call or text (646) 221-6738 or email info@kaplanbrainandbody.com and say you are interested in the Boost Your Brain Power Seminar Series.

PARK

DR. ERIC KAPLAN, KAPLAN BRAIN & BODY

Nancy Frankel photo

Health,Wellness &FitnessGuide

Are you running up your list of pros and cons?

Few physical activities inspire the devotion that avid runners have for running. Millions of individuals across the globe lace up their sneakers and run for miles on end each day, and the fitness experts at Fitbit note that running is the most popular activity in the world.

The global popularity of running suggests itʼs an activity thatʼs all gravy and no grief. However, running can take a toll on a body, and individuals who canʼt wait to lace up their sneakers and hit the road should consider the pros and cons of running before doing so.

PROS

• Running and heart health: Running generally has a positive effect on heart health. The heart is

a muscle, and much like weight training can help strengthen muscles like biceps and triceps, running can strengthen the heart and make it more efficient.

C ardiologists with the Copenhagen City Heart Study noted that jogging increases oxygen uptake, which makes it easier for the heart to pump a larger amount of blood and do its job more easily. In addition, various studies have found that running can reduce individualsʼrisk for heart disease by a significant percentage.

• Running and mental health: “Runnerʼs high” is a welldocumented yet not entirely understood phenomenon. Thought itʼs often associated with the release of mood-enhancing hormones known as endorphins

and characterized as a routine and euphoric byproduct of running, experts at Johns Hopkins Medicine note that research indicates very few runners actually experience runnerʼs high. Instead, runners may feel good after running because physical activity increases levels of endocannabinoids in the bloodstream.

Higher levels of endocannabinoids may promote shortterm responses like reduced anxiety and a greater feeling of calm.

T his is an important distinction, as runners who donʼt feel runnerʼs high after a long run should know that theyʼre likely still gaining some mental benefit from running, even if a long run makes them feel more nauseous than euphoric.

• Running and brain power:

Pool registration starts Feb. 15

The Park Ridge Municipal Pool will open on Saturday, May 27. Pool memberships are open to all residents, previous pool members, and non-resident employees of Park Ridge borough and the local board of education.

A limited number of memberships will be offered to non-residents, so get your registrations in early once they are available.

New non-residents must be sponsored by a Park Ridge resident or prior pool member.

Membership rates remain what they were in 2019:

• Resident family: $410

• Resident single: $300

• Resident seniors: Free

• Non-resident family: $510

• Non-resident: single: $360

• Non-resident senior: $75/$100 per couple (both must be 65 or older).

Registration is available electronically from Feb. 15 on the Park Ridge Municipal Pool page at parkridgeboro.com. Note the registration due dates to avoid a $35 late fee. If electronic signup is not possible, paper pool registration forms can be picked up at the pool office weekends, from May 6, from noon to 3 p.m.

Please read the pool information packet concerning hours of operation, guest fees, swim lessons and other important information by clicking on the link on the Park Ridge Municipal Pool page page.

The Park Ridge Municipal Pool normally provides swim lessons and such activities as competitive swim and dive teams, arts and crafts, story time, Red Cross lifeguard training, and other special events as posted throughout the summer.

For more information visit parkridgeboro.com or write pool@parkridgeboro.com

Can’t wait to lace up your sneakers and hit the road? Consider the pros and cons of running first.

Running also has been found to benefit brain power. Researchers at the University of Ulm in Germany found that individuals who jogged for 30 minutes per day three times a week benefitted from a substantial improvement in concentration and visual memory

CONS

• Running and joint health: Though many medical professionals now dispute that thereʼs a link between running and osteoarthritis, running can lead to wear and tear on the joints over time. Itʼs important to note that such degeneration can occur even in non-runners, especially those who live sedentary lifestyles.

Being physically active is an important part of maintaining long-term joint health, but individuals who like to run should be sure to devise a balanced workout regimen that includes strength training to make the muscles and tissues around joints stronger.

WOODCLIFF LAKE

Running without strength training could contribute to unhealthy joints.

• Running and injury risk: All physical activities involve some measure of injury risk, but itʼs still worth noting that runners are not immune to such risks. The Cleveland Clinic notes as many as 60 percent of runners will experience injuries that sideline them for several weeks or months.

Plantar fasciitis, runnerʼs knee, shin splits, and Achilles tendinitis are some injuries commonly suffered by runners. Common running injuries can make it hard to perform any cardiovascular exercise, which can have a significant and adverse effect on runnersʼoverall health. Though medical experts generally suggest the rewards of running outweigh the risks for healthy individuals, itʼs still important that men and women weigh the pros and cons before lacing up their running shoes.

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

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

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

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

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

PARK RIDGE

Back in Time:

FROM PAGE 4 minimal breakage.

More than one drilling machine existed, but today the only remaining example is in the Pascack Historical Societyʼs John C. Storms Museum, 19 Ridge Ave., Park Ridge. The Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C. has asked to acquire the machine for its collection, but for the time being it will stay where it was invented—right here in Park Ridge, N.J.

The Campbells did not sell their hair pipes directly to the Indians. Rather, they sold them wholesale to New York merchants, such as John Jacob Astor, who resold them to firms of Indian traders in the United States and Canada and to the U.S. government.

By the end of the century the Campbells were out of the wampum trade. The mill was vacant and deteriorating.

An 1891 article from the Passaic Daily Herald explains that while the Campbells had given up the wampum business, “the old mill house is pointed out as one of the places of particular interest to travelers and summer residents of the historic Pascack Valley.”

In 1906, The New York Times reported that Alonzo Campbell (son of Abraham Jr.) had “offered a reward for the arrest of any person caught despoiling the old wampum mill…which he desires to preserve as a landmark.”

The Times added, “Curio col-

lectors have pillaged it to such an extent recently that Mr. Campbell fears it will all be carried away.

Today the wampum-making industry that existed locally is a cornerstone of the Pascack Historical Societyʼs museum, where one can find information about the Campbell family and their mill, early wampum-making tools, and even the Campbell familyʼs business ledgers.

As the repository for all things wampum in the Pascack Valley, the museum, housed in an 1873 former Congregational Church, has been sought out by scholars from across the world. One of these was Eric Johnson, who in 2018 was a Ph.D. candidate with the Department of Anthropology at Harvard University PHS volunteers opened the museum and its archives to him as he conducted research for his doctoral dissertation.

His paper concerns wampum production and its role in economic interdependence between production and consumption 1750–1900.

Dr. Johnson, now a postdoctoral fellow at Brown University, will visit the Pascack Historical Society on Sunday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m. to share the findings from his research, with special focus on an archaeological dig he conducted locally. He will discuss how analysis of merchant ledger manuscripts housed at the Pascack Historical Society reveal the microeconomy of wampum making, and archaeological collections suggest

an unexpected darker side to the industry.

All are welcome to attend this very special presentation at no cost—although donations are gratefully accepted to support your local museum, which relies on fund-raising to keep its doors open.

Although reservations are not

required, seating is limited. Either before or after the program, guests are encouraged to view the museumʼs exhibit on the local wampum industry. Filled with wampummaking tools, examples of the beads, documents, and photographs, the exhibit will help bring Dr. Johnsonʼs presentation to life.

The Pascack Historical Soci-

ety is at 19 Ridge Ave., Park Ridge. For more information, visit pascackhistoricalsociety.org or find the Pascack Historical Society on Facebook.

— Kristin Beuscher is president of Pascack Historical Society

The Campbell wampum mill was already a relic when this photo was taken 120 years ago. The mill, now long gone, was on the Pascack Brook near the bottom of Wampum Road in Park Ridge.

IS YOUR PORTFOLIO AS EFFICIENT AS IT COULD BE?

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

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

words, the former was more “efficient” than the latter, which leads to a concept investors should be aware of: the efficient frontier.

Start with the basics

Having a grasp of the efficient frontier begins with understanding:

default is low. If you buy a stock, however, the potential risk can be significant—think back to what happened to stocks during the Great Recession— and you should expect a greater return potential as “compensation” from the market for accepting that additional risk.

return, or both.

Finding help

ERIC KOHLMEIER

Not so fast.

In fact, according to a Morningstar study for the years 1970 through 2018, a portfolio comprising 67% bonds (measured by the 20-year U.S. government bond) and 33% stocks (using the S&P 500 Index) offered less risk and better returns than a 100% bond portfolio. In other

• The relationship between risk and return

• How diversification can help manage risk and return

In general, risk and return go hand in hand. As an investmentʼs risk increases, so should its return. If you buy a Treasury bond, the return will probably be low because the risk of

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

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

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

Getting to an efficient frontier

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

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

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

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

Determining whether your portfolio is as efficient as it could be may require help from a professional financial advisor. He or she will likely ask about your goals (what youʼre investing for), time horizon (how long until you need to tap into your investments), and risk tolerance (how comfortable you are with swings in your portfolioʼs value).

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

S&P 500 comprises 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market-value-weighted index; each stockʼs weight in the index is proportionate to its market value. It is one of the most widely used benchmarks of U.S. equity performance.

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

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

Investments in securities and insurance products are NOT FDICINSURED/NOT BANKGUARANTEED/MAY LOSE VALUE.

Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. © 2017–2019 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. CAR #1119-019485050472.

Emerson: Tax hike warning Purim carnival

FROM PAGE 5

an annual jump of $463,770 due to increasing garbage collection and insurance rates.

She said the boroughʼs pension obligation increased by $162,540 and debt service increased $158,750. She said that every single department head had gone over respective budget requests and cut back on annual requests to reduce the 2023-2024 budget.

Much of the upcoming local budget increases were detailed by Frank Covelli, a representative for Professional Insurance Associates, the boroughʼs insurance agent.

Covelli said the county Joint Insurance Fund increase would be about 9.9% to Emerson due to increasing costs of workers compensation benefits statewide, including a workers comp wage increase to an $1,100 per week maximum. Moreover, he said recent hurricanes and resulting property damage claims have driven up related insurance rates another 12%.

He said that Emerson rates currently as a Tier II municipality for cyber liability insurance. This insurance protects the borough against potential cyber attacks and intrusions, which costs Emerson about $10,000 annually.

He said this ranking was much better than other towns, which rated lower and paid much more with a higher deductible for cyber insurance protection.

Police Chief Michael Mazzeo said it was “very difficult” to keep part-time police dispatchers, noting much of an extra $33,000 in last yearʼs overtime budget was due to covering for dispatchers as well as covering for crossing guards. He said in six months last year, the department went through eight part-time dispatchers.

The departmentʼs crossing guard budget went from $109,700 last year to $123,750, due to an increase in guardsʼpay rate. He

said they were paying $16 an hour, but that will increase to $21 hourly.

Mazzeo also noted that the Police Academy would not be conducting another dispatcher training class until March, and police would have to cover some shifts until then with overtime.

A possible police camera monitoring system was suggested by police officials to help cut auto thefts and criminal activity, although its cost was not stated. That was not included in this next yearʼs budget, said police officials.

A proposed capital budget request from the police department for 2023 included two allwheel drive police interceptor SUVs at $59,273 each, plus four 9 millimeter carbines and six 9 millimeter handguns for $16,056.30.

Fire Dept. Chief Tom Carlos told members that the department had put in for a new pumper truck, with equipment, for $900,000. No decision was made on the purchase.

The department has a 1998 pumper. He said the new pumper was likely to take over two years to build and deliver when ordered, noting a salesperson told him prices could increase another 20% later this year.

Officials wondered if a lowercost, used pumper truck might be available. Carlos said while itʼs possible a lower-cost vehicle might be found, itʼs likely to not be in great shape and also require costly repairs and maintenance.

A proposed capital budget requests $14,000 for personal protective equipment; $140,000 for tri-band radio system upgrades, and $900,000 for a new pumper truck and equipment. The department request notes this vehicle has increased $225,000 in price since it was first requested in 2019. It also notes its trade-in value as approximately $10,000.

Representatives from the volunteer ambulance corps said they spent about $4,000 more over the

last year than allotted to them, and also put in a request for new radio equipment for $15,000.

Officials said about 12 new volunteer members had joined in the last year, and four will be completing EMT training in about a month. They said they hoped to have more shifts staffed soon, though daytime coverage by Holy Name Hospital should continue.

To qualify as an EMS first responder, volunteers must complete 40 hours of training and an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) requires 260 hours of training, plus continuing education credits, said the corps.

A proposed capital budget requested $54,000 for a power load stretcher mount, which lifts a stretcher from the ground into the back of an ambulance; and $10,000 to purchase/replace equipment and personal protective equipment

DiPaola praised the new members and the corps efforts to recruit new volunteers. She also asked residents who could to make a monetary donation to the corps for items such as medical supplies and equipment to do so.

Public Works Director Perry Solimando said they were able to reduce overtime and Roehrer said any budget increases at the DPW were mostly due to contract-mandated increases.

A proposed DPW capital budget requested $245,000 for a new salter with plow; two portable radios for $14,000; and a new landscape trailer for $8,500. Other 2024-2025 budget year items included a grant-funded electric vehicle and replacement for a 2007 street sweeper. In 2025-2026, the DPW requested a new chassis for a 1995 dump truck, and a new Ford F-250 with 9-foot plow and two way radio to replace a 2006 pick-up truck. Prices were “to be determined” in 2024 and 2025, said the DPWʼs request.

Classic and one-of-a-kind carnival games as well as prizes are part of Congregation B’nai Israel in Emerson’s annual Purim carnival. This year’s carnival will be on Sunday, March 5 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Come in costume to add to the merriment! Options: $20 for unlimited play, $10 for 40 tickets, $5 for 15 tickets, $1 for 2 tickets. Food and snacks will be for sale as well.

The carnival is open to the public. RSVP to the temple office by March 3 at (201) 265-2272 to be sure your name is on the guest list and to accommodate all attendees.

Congregation B’nai Israel, a place for connection, innovation, and inspiration, is at 53 Palisade Ave., down the road from the Emerson Public Library. For more information or directions, call the temple office at (201) 265-2272, write office@bisrael.com or visit bisrael.com.

Above, the Michelson family is dressed up for last year’s Purim festivities at Congregation B’nai Israel in Emerson. Rabbi Debra Orenstein is center in the photograph behind the costumed trio.

EMERSON

Ellen Michelson

ON THE ROAD

Why it’s important to wash your car

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

interior than one with a cabin thatʼs seen much better days. Car washes may be seen as a purely cosmetic form of vehicle maintenance. But the benefits of routine and thorough car washes extend far beyond aesthetic appeal.

Vehicle maintenance tasks drivers don’t want to overlook

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Air filter: The air filter on a

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

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

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

A thorough car wash removes grit and residue, thus protecting the car’s paint job and reducing the likelihood of corrosion.

Why not regionalize the schools?

To the editor:

HILLSDALEDISTRICTʼS PLAN

to borrow $83M to build a new middle school seems likely to fail, given economic headw inds and the reality of the impact to the budget of the town and its taxpayers. If the referendum fails, I hope that the district finally considers consolidation into a regional district that includes Hillsdale and other Pascack Valley towns. Creating a new regional district has many advantages:

• Hillsdale students would attend nearby schools that are not active construction sites, rather than the proposed multi-year construction site at George White;

•Cost savings from sharing of resources and equipment, and redeployment of staff to new initiatives;

• A larger tax base to bear these and other capital costs;

•Significant financial support offered by the state for districts that consolidate into a regional district;

• An opportunity to renegotiate all of each districtʼs existing contracts; and

• If the regional district includes the high schools, it would provide an opportunity to revisit the funding formulas that have caused so much friction in the PV Regional District

In a recent discussion of the referendum, this option was dismissed outright by superintendent Lombardy Iʼm surprised regionalization was never seriously considered, and I hope that regionalization will finally be considered if the referendum fails.

Karl Ward Hillsdale

Where is board on club refunds?

To the editor: I

HAVEBEEN a member and bondholder of the Washington Township Swim Club for over 35 years (Bond No. 1268) and a former executive board member, and a parent of three children who all grew up as m embers of the Washington Township Swim & Dive Team and coaches during their high school years.

As a follow-up to the comments submitted by Robert Bruno of Washington Township r egarding the now defunct Washington Township Swim Club [Letters, Feb. 6, 2023], I along with several other bond holders are appalled at the handling of the manner in which the Washington Township Swim Club sales transaction was finalized with the Township of Washington on April 29, 2022 and even more appalled that the property was sold to the Township of Washington at well below market value and without authorization or consultation of the bondholders as required by the bylaws of the organization.

In an effort to obtain transparency to the illegal sales transaction I had attended a recent Washington Township Council meeting only to be told I would have to contact the current board of trustees as outlined by Robert Bruno.

I also went to the Washington Township administrator and was advised that the board president wasnʼt accepting any direct contact by bondholders inquiring about their bond refund and any email would have to be directed to Washington Township and they would pass along, why all the secrecy?

On May 14, 2022 a current bondholder received an email from Heather Perin, a trustee of the swim club, confirming the sale of the swim club was complete and that all outstanding

bills and fees must be reconciled before any distribution of outstanding bonds.

On May 25, 2022 I sent an email to the Washington Township Swim Club asking the foll owing questions —with no reply to date.

•When will existing bondholders receive a distribution of their bonds ?

•Why werenʼt existing bond holders advised of the sales of the property ?

•Who actually approved the sale of the property on behalf of the swim club?

•When will existing bondholders receive a financial disclosure of the sale of the property as well as current outstanding fees, bills and other liabilities as well as other details of the sale of the property?

•On Jan. 1, 2007 I advised the Washington Township Swim Club in writing of my resignation and on Feb 17, 2007 I received a reply to my request from the swim club board of trustees advising me it would take two to three years before the refund of my bond would be processed. What happened here?

In summary it appears that little or no oversight, transparency, communication or adherence to the swim club bylaws were followed or communicated to the bondholders by the executive board or trustees on the approval of the sales of the Washington Township Swim Club to the Township of Washington.

Iʼm no attorney but not sure if any of this is/was legal.

Rick Boggess Westwood

Swim club board on bond refunds

To the editor: P RIORTOTHE April 30, 2022

real estate closing with the township, the swim club had closed its doors during Covid, mostly due to a declining membership making it increasingly difficult to keep the club running.

Once the executive board decided to meet with bonded members of the club to discuss

options for a sale of the property, we began the process with a realtor and a lawyer. We entertained bids that were compatible with our land use, anything recreation related that would be an asset to the community.

Contrary to some circulating rumors, we received bids for high density housing which the board and the overwhelming majority of members whom we eventually polled, did not agree was the best path forward for the property.

A top priority was to be a good neighbor and while we chose a private sale for plans to keep the club a pool and a camp, it fell through in the 11th hour.

Due to time constraints a transaction with the township who had expressed interest in the property, would prove to be quick and seamless and with great hopes for either open space or recreation.

Since the April 2022 closing, all financial loose ends taken care of in the months that followed, our accountant prepared for our fiscal year end Sept. 30, 2022 and the filing of our taxes due Feb. 15, 2023.

As one can imagine, we must pay tax on our gain from the sale first and foremost.

Which brings us to our final step, repayment of bonds. The board has a list of outstanding bonds to be paid to prior members who resigned properly. And of course current bond holder members who hadnʼt resigned before the club had closed permanently. There are no required steps for anyone to take.

A reminder that the board is volunteer and will do our best to streamline this process once it begins.

As an aside, we communicated with our membership and those who inquired via email regarding bonds etc., and we apologize to those we may have missed.

Loretta DeTitta on behalf of the WTRC Executive Board

Pulling for a ‘no’ vote on March 14

To the editor:

ASARESIDENT of Hillsdale, I just wanted to take a moment to tell everyone that it is OK to vote no for the new middle school on March 14.

One of my biggest determining factors to say no was the school boardʼs decision to go with the most expensive option that utilizes the least amount of state aid. The boardʼs decision to not renovate and expand the existing George White School essentially forces the residents of Hillsdale to pay much more money for the new school, then if they renovate and expand the existing George White Middle School.

The tax increase proposed with the new middle school will adversely affect our most vulnerable residents. Supporters of the new middle school will put forth the narrative that the school is “unsafe” or “falling down.” That is simply not true and the architect and the district superintendent have said so publicly on multiple occasions.

What they have stated is that the school needs renovation and expansion to meet the needs of our students today. If the school was unsafe, the board of education would not allow students to attend classes in the building for the next three years while they construct the new building (should the referendum pass).

Donʼt fall for the fear, uncertainty and doubt being pushed on you in the slick professionally paid for marketing campaign that the board of education is paying for. The George White School can be rehabilitated, expanded and itʼs up to us to have the courage to say no on March 14. Saying no is not dooming our students, it shows the board of education that they should reconsider their decision and come up with a better solution that utilizes the state aid that they are entitled to if they renovate and expand the school.

I firmly believe that it is the teachers,counselors and support staff that are the foundations of a school and help educate our children. It is the care and support that they provide that make our children want to go to school. It is their teaching, help and diligence that make school districts succeed.

Adam Hampton Hillsdale

Parent of children aged 11, 8, and 1

The defunct Washington TownshipRecreation and Swim Club at Ridgewood Boulevard North (seen in happier days), sold to the township in 2022 and is to add to municipal recreational assets,though not as a swimming amenity.Mayor Peter Calamari (inset) has been directing inquiries about overdue club membership bond refunds to the seller.

Siding materials to consider for your home

Exterior renovations consistently top the list of projects that offer maximum return on investment, according to Remodeling magazineʼs annual “Cost vs. Value Report.” Siding replacement is a popular exterior renovation and one that can completely transform the look of a home.

Siding comes in a variety of materials, and homeowners can explore the pros, cons and affordability of each to make the most informed decision when replacing their existing siding. Factors to consider apart from price include durability, maintenance and aesthetics.

Vinyl

Vinyl siding is one the most popular siding materials in North America. That popularity is perhaps due to the relatively low cost of vinyl siding replacement, which Forbes Home estimates is between $6,150 and $15,900 to install for a 2,000square-foot home. A wide array of color options as well as weatherproof protection makes vinyl siding worthy of consideration.

PVC, which is what vinyl siding is comprised of, also is quite fireresistant. Potential pitfalls of vinyl are that it can fade more quickly than other siding materials and is sensitive to excess UV exposure.

Engineered

Engineered materials cost more than vinyl but are considered very durable. They can be advantageous in damp climates or ones where insects are problematic. LP SmartSide™ is a type of engineered hardwood that is very durable, so much so that a 50-year warranty often is offered for the product, according to First American Roofing & Siding. This material can be painted if homeowners desire a change of color down the line.

This siding costs around $2.50 to $4.50 per square foot for siding and all trim accessories with an additional installation cost of $5.50 to $12 per square foot. The product is made of wooden strands that have been coated with wax for moisture resistance. A special zinc-based solution is added to protect against rot and insect infestation.

A similar product, HardiePlank, is engineered from a blend of cement, wood fibers, fine sand, and water. It is similar in price point to the SmartSide and offers resistance to rot and insects. HardiePlank also can be repainted.

Engineered products can be more expensive to install and generally are not DIY renovations, which may deter homeowners working on

tight budgets.

Wood siding

Wood is one of the oldest siding materials. It can be stained or painted and comes in a variety of styles, from boards to shingles. Itʼs a popular choice in historical homes or ones with classic, architectural details.

Itʼs important to note that wood is a combustible material that can be susceptible to water and insect damage. It also needs to be maintained continuously to look its best. This makes wood siding a true commitment on the part of homeowners. The cost is midrange between vinyl and

engineered sidings.

Metal

Those interested in one of the most energy efficient options in siding can look no further than metal siding. Metal isnʼt just for roofing. According to Colonial Contracting, Inc., metal siding creates a uniquely modern appearance and comes in a variety of styles that complement homes.

Unlike fiber, wood or vinyl products, metal siding reflects the sunʼs rays and keeps interior temper-

atures cooler in the summer, a boon in hot climates but maybe not the most insulating option for cold climates. One potential pitfall is the possibility of rust, which would make metal siding a less ideal choice for those who live near the ocean.

The cost of metal siding is comparable to other siding products, at around $10 per square foot. These are a few of the siding options homeowners can investigate if theyʼre revamping the exteriors of their homes.

Siding comes in a variety of materials, and homeowners can explore the pros, cons and affordability of each.

Just the ‘bright’ guide to outdoor lighting

Lighting is an essential component of interior and exterior home design. Not only does lighting add style and make spaces more appealing, when done correctly, it also makes a home safer and more functional.

Homeowners who plan to utilize outdoor spaces like backyards, front porches and walkways to the fullest should think carefully about lighting. These guidelines can assist with selecting outdoor lighting fixtures.

Security lighting

Flood lights and security lights are a good investment for those who want to beef up visibil-

RIVER VALE

ity and security around the home. These lights are high-intensity and designed to illuminate large areas.

The brightness and reach can serve as a preventive measure to keep animals and even criminals away. Motion-sensor lights will immediately engage if something crosses the path of the sensor.

Some lights will remain on from dusk until dawn. Lowes Home Improvement suggests using the correct wattage on outdoor security lights so they flood an area thoroughly without affecting neighboring properties.

Wall, post and ceiling lights

Outdoor lighting fixtures beyond security options come in a variety of styles, according to L amps USA. Wall lights are mounted to the outdoor wall of the home. These typically flank doorways or the garage. Post lights are often installed on the posts of decks and porches, or are free-standing on properties, providing visibility but also style.

Ceiling-mounted lights may be above doorways or installed in any structure that has an overhead area. Warm-colored temperature bulbs in these fixtures can create an inviting atmosphere that is not too bright and jarring, especially when multiple lighting fixtures are

RSVP: ‘Reducing Your Property Taxes’

Friedberg Properties & Associates, at 213 Rivervale Road, River Vale, offers another popular and informational session, “Reducing Your Property Taxes.”

Presented by David M. York, Esq. of Novins, York & Jacobus, this in-person 90-minute session begins at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 2.

Topics to be discussed:

• Common misconceptions related to lowering your propertyʼs assessed value;

DAVID M. YORK

• Determining how you can get your taxes reduced;

• The necessary steps in fighting property taxes and how likely it is that youʼll “win”; and

• Resources available to you.

All are welcome. RSVP by Feb. 24 to rivervale@friedbergproperties.com and include your full

name, the town you reside in, email address, and telephone number.

Friedberg Properties & Associates is a full-service real estate company with offices in River Vale, Alpine, and Cresskill. “We handle sales, and rentals of residential and commercial properties. As a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, we can assist you with relocation around the globe.”

For more information call (201) 666-0777.

working together. When selecting lighting for wall-mounted fixtures, experts suggest sizing up if you are not sure of the size to pick, as lights will look much smaller in scale from a distance.

Accent and landscape lighting

A bevy of accent lighting choices are available. Accent lighting is designed to enhance the mood and appearance of certain elements of a landscape. Accent lighting is not intended to add bright light.

For example, upward-directed lights can be cast on trees or shrubs to accentuate their shapes. Accent lighting also may call out a structure, such as a garden or a fountain. While accent lighting may be hard-wired, homeowners who want the luxury of changing lighting can opt for solar fixtures, which are more mobile but not as bright.

Additional pointers

When shopping for bulbs, consider the number of lumens. A standard 100-watt bulb produces around 1,600 lumens. Security lights should range from 700 to 1,300 lumens for optimal brightness. Other lights neednʼt be so bright.

Furthermore, ensure that any fixtures that are being used are safety-rated for outdoors. Wetrated fixtures are designed to withstand direct exposure to outdoor elements, advises the design experts at Schoolhouse, a lighting and lifestyle goods company.

Damp-rated fixtures are built for outdoor locations protected from harsh weather. Look for the product details or work with an electrician to choose the right lighting choices.

Lighting can transform outdoors spaces for the better.

Homeowners who plan to utilize outdoor spaces like backyards, front porches and walkways to the fullest should think carefully about lighting.

Signs your home exterior needs updating

Renovations are a great way for homeowners to reshape their homes. Some may aspire to renovate so their home is more reflective of their personal taste, while others may do so in an effort to make their homes better align with modern styles and sensibilities. Regardless of why a homeowner chooses to renovate, the need to do so is often evident to the naked eye, especially when the time comes to update home exteriors.

Curb appeal is often discussed in regard to the effects it can have when selling a home. But curb appeal is equally important for homeowners who arenʼt putting their homes on the market. A wellmaintained, aesthetically appealing home is a source of pride, while a home with fading curb appeal can make homeowners feel a little sheepish. Homeowners who want their homes to maintain their curb appeal can look for signs that itʼs time to update their home exteriors.

• Curling shingles: The roof may not be the first thing people think of when pondering curb appeal, but a damaged roof can contribute to problems that ultimately affect the exterior and interior of the home. Multiple curling shingles indicate itʼs time to replace the roof. The sight of curling shingles is not pretty, but the larger issue in such instances is the potential for costly water dam-

age when water gets in through the affected shingles.

• Dated entry door: Many home improvement experts insist they can determine when a home was built or most recently renovated simply by looking at the front door. Steel and glass doors are popular in modern homes, so homeowners with front doors with ornate designs and oval glass inserts can likely benefit from an upgrade to their entryway. A modern front door can make a state-

ment and real estate experts note how popular updated front doors are among buyers.

• Unsightly landscaping: Itʼs not only the physical components of the home that may suggest an update is necessary.

Homeowners without a green thumb may have exterior landscaping that has seen better days. If a spring or summer day spent tending to your landscaping is not your ideal weekend pastime, then con-

sider replacing unsightly landscaping with low-maintenance plants or hardscaping. These alternatives to more needy plants can create curb appeal without requiring any extra work for homeowners.

• Cracked driveways/walkways: If the driveway looks like a busy road at the end of snow plowing season, chances are thatʼs

adversely affecting the impression people have of your home. In addition, cracked walkways indicate a need for renovations, as these areas are front and center when welcoming guests.

Updating a homeʼs exterior can restore curb appeal and help homeowners feel better about their properties.

WE PERFORM ALL PHASES OF LANDSCAPING AND HARDSCAPE WORK: Specializing in developing creative, custom landscape solutions and outdoor Living Spaces, our concept plans and 3-D renderings will help you to Visualize, Plan, Budget, and Experience Your Space.

Richard ‘Rick’ RUSSELL

Richard “Rick” Russell, 76, of Park Ridge, formerly of Winthrop Mass., passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Feb. 6, 2023. He is survived by his wife Nancy, daughter Lauren, son Brett (Crystal) and granddaughter Adalynn. He is predeceased by his parents James and Mary Russell and brother James Russell.

He is also survived by his siblings Rosemary Russell, Robert Russell (Judy), Patricia Shaneck (Mark), Susan Deleamont (Phillipe) and sister-in-law Elaine

OBITUARIES

Russell and many nieces and nephews.

The family will gather at a later date for a private celebration of his life.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to Tri-Boro Ambulance Corp., Habitat for Humanity in Westwood or Alzheimer Association of NJ (alznj.org).

Juanita G. ROWLAND

Juanita Green Rowland, 90, of Westwood, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 31. She was

preceded in death by her husband, Alan D. Rowland, and her son, Douglas P. Rowland.

She is survived by her son, Alan Rowland and his wife, Carolyn Heiser, her grandchildren, Morgan, Dylan, and Heather Rowland, her daughter-in-law, Debbie Rowland, her brother Paul Green, and numerous nephews and nieces.

Born in Weston, WVa., to Floyd W. Green and Frankie Reed Green, she lived up and down the east coast before settling in Westwood where she lived for over 50 years.

Juanita graduated from Glenville State College in

Glenville, WVa., becoming an elementary school teacher.

In later years, she worked as a sales associate at Lord & Taylor in Paramus before retiring. She was a Past Worthy Matron of the Neshaminy Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star.

She was an active member of Westwood United Method Church. Her passions included travel, dining out, her annual family reunion, West Highland White Terriers, and her beloved grandchildren.

The family will receive family and friends on Sunday, Feb. 5 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, West-

wood.

A service celebrating Juanitaʼs life and faith will be held on Monday, Feb. 6 at 11:30 a.m. at Westwood United Methodist Church, 105 Fairview Ave.,Westwood.

The interment will follow at Westwood Cemetery, 35 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Westwood United Methodist Church, 05 Fairview Ave., Westwood, NJ 07675-2223 and/or umc-westwood.org.

Arrangements by Becker Funeral Home Inc., www.beckerfuneralhome.com.

Archdiocese honors ‘the Four Chaplains’ at anniversary

During the early morning hours of Feb. 3, 1943, four chaplains of different religions serving in World War II sacrificed themselves to save soldiers onboard the torpedoed USAT Dorchester when they gave their lifejackets to those who needed them.

To mark the 80th anniversary of their deaths, St. Stephenʼs Church in Kearny honored the men — Lt. Alexander D. Goode, a rabbi; Lt. George L. Fox, a Methodist minister; Lt. Clark V. Poling, a Dutch Reformed minister; and Lt. Father John P. Washington, a Catholic priest who last served at St. Stephenʼs — with a tribute Mass that celebrated their heroism as the ultimate sign of faith, and an example for everyone to follow.

“Most of us will never die a heroʼs death… But all of us are called by the idea of faith to, day in and day out, give of ourselves,” said Archdiocese of Newark Auxiliary Bishop Gregory J. Studerus, who presided over the Feb. 5 Mass before a church filled with military veterans, relatives of those killed on the Dorchester, and other dignitaries like former Gov. Jim

McGreevey.

“Day in and day out we look for ways of being generous, ways of being kind, ways of reaching out and touching the heart of those who are sad and mourning, reaching out and touching those who are oppressed. And sometimes (we go) as far as far as the ones we honor today, giving our lives because of faith.”

The Mass first paid tribute to the Four Chaplains — as the men are universally known — with a presentation of colors featuring veterans organizations, Boy Scouts, and the Knights of Columbus. Later, the St. Columcille United Gaelic Pipe Band played a rousing rendition of “Amazing Grace,” and parish musicians performed fitting tunes like “God Bless America” and “No Greater Love.”

Afterward, Boy Scout troops from as far as Ohio received special Four Chaplains patches after completing an educational program designed by St. Stephenʼs Boy Scout Unit 305 for the anniversary.

“Eighty years is a long time to remember, but remember we

must,” said Father Joe Mancini, pastor of St. Stephenʼs Church.

“We can never let the actions of the Four Chaplains fade away with time and history… The world can continue to learn from their actions, and weʼre the ones charged with telling their story ” St. Stephenʼs Church, which

the Archdiocese designated as the official Sanctuary of the Four Chaplains in 2016, has done much to keep the four menʼs memory alive through the decades.

Beyond celebrating an annual Mass in their name, the parish dedicated its Boy Scout troop and a scholarship program to the Four

Chaplains so their legacy will be passed on to future generations.

Additionally, in 2013 St. Stephenʼs immortalized the chaplainsʼsacrifice when it commissioned internationally renowned sculptor Timothy Schmalz to create a 12-foot, 2,000-pound bronze monument as a testament to their heroism. Visit https://ststephenkearny.com/fatherwashington.

The Archdiocese of Newark serves 1.3 million Catholics throughout Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties. There are 212 parishes, 73 Catholic schools, and many missions and ministries in the Archdiocese. Hundreds of Masses are celebrated in more than a dozen languages each week.

Cardinal Joseph W Tobin, C.Ss.R., the sixth archbishop of Newark, leads the Archdiocese with four auxiliary bishops. Together, they serve the northern New Jersey community through faith, education, and social services. For more information, visit www.rcan.org

Archdiocese of Newark/Sean Quinn

Semper Fi! Remembering ‘Bloody Iwo Jima’

BY DICK BOZZONE SPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS

FROM FEB. 19 through March, 1945, one of the bloodiest battles in the annals of the U.S. Marine Corps took place on an island described as a stinking, sulphur-saturated island that was part of the Pacific island chain held by the Japanese for many years.

The American invading forces were under the overall command of the U.S. fleet led by Chester W Nimitz. The object to capture Iwo Jima was to provide three air fields for the hundreds of B-29 Superfortresses on their way back from bombing Japanʼs home islands. Little did the Americans realize that without these airfields, which would be a safe haven for the B-29s, many would have been forced to land in the Pacific Ocean after the bombers returned from combat missions.

Following the end of the campaign it was discovered that hundreds of airmen of the

20th Air Force would have been casualties without the airfields secured by the Marines.

In the monthlong campaign, the biggest bombers of the war would have been forced to ditch their aircraft that had been damaged causing additional casualties adding to the over all losses when taking the island.

Japanese forces constituted troops under the command of General Tadamichi Kuribayashi, 109th Division of the Imperial Japanese Army, who fully realized the over whelming American forces outnumbered him.

Kuribayashi devised a clever strategy where as after the initial landings on the beaches he chose the high ground and based his operations to a large extent on the highest point on the island, Mt. Suribachi, where he

had miles of tunnels dug separated by steel doors that caused the Marines to fight cave by cave exacting a fearful toll on them.

The ferocity of the Iwo Jima campaign was enhanced by the fact that the highest total of Medal of Honor awards occurred during this Pacific battle. As was previous combat between Americaand Japan. A full 28,000 Marines and Navy medics were killed in action and another 40,000 wounded.

Among the casualties killed in action was Marine gunnery sergeant John “Manila” Basilone from Raritan. Basilone for his exploits at Guadalcanal was awarded the nationʼs highest honor, the Medal of Honor.

In 1943 Basilone was married and sent back to the United States to sell war bonds. Itching to return to combat, he pestered Navy officials before the upcoming Iwo Jima campaign. As part of the first Marine Division he led young Marines on to the beach. Shortly after that, exposing himself to a Japanese sniper, he was killed in action and posthu-

mously awarded the Navy Cross for bravery.

To emphasize those young Americans who died during that campaign 3,000 Marines in addition to thousands more wounded gave their lives on a strip of land not much bigger than the combined Tri-Boro towns.

Prior to Iwo Jima some American politicians jealous of the exploits of the Marine Corps advocated that the Corps be reduced in size. After the battle and what the Marines did, one member of the U.S. Congress said that Iwo Jima insured that the Marine Corps would always stand as part of the United States Armed Forces.

The immortal raising of the flag atop of battle scared Mt. Surabhi guaranteed that the Marine Corps motto Semper Fidelis —always faithful would exist as long as the United States.

PASCACK VALLEY

Several veterans organizations, including the Marine Corps League,participated in a presentation of colors to begin the Four Chaplains 80th Anniversary Mass at St.Stephen’s Church in Kearny on Feb.5,2023. Archdiocese of Newark/Sean Quinn

Richard “Dick” Bozzone is a past commander and historian of Cpl. Jedh C. Barker American Legion Post 153

PARK RIDGE

BOZZONE

WCL: Rendo updates on ambulance funding, more

FROM PAGE 3

Gardens Park, and the Broadway Corridor. He read from emailed questions, but had no back-andforth with viewers.

Rendo said the updated Fair Share Housing settlement — which agreed to 24 affordable units at a North Broadway site and for Bergen County United Way to build the housing — was recently approved by the state Superior Court.

The original 2017 agreement had called for 16 affordable units at the North Broadway site, but due to delays, Covid-19, and that developer dropping out, that did not happen.

However, Rendo noted the borough was able to solve litigation over 188 Broadwayʼs development by agreeing to build its eight affordable units on North Broadway, and limit the 188 site to 46 units (37 condominiums and nine townhomes).

He said had the borough not been able to craft a new Fair Share agreement, the Fair Share Housing Center had threatened to take it back to court and go back to an original demand for 386 units. He said the borough was able to dramatically reduce that number.

“Some residents are upset about development and Fair Share housing… but itʼs a mandate from the state,” Rendo said. He said Park Ridge raised its residentsʼ taxes to fight Fair Share Housing “and guess what. Theyʼre stuck with affordable housing.”

Following a yearslong lawsuit with a developer, Park Ridge agreed to a 448-unit apartment

complex, including 68 affordable units, on a 30-acre former Sony site adjoining Montvaleʼs border.

(See “Judge vets 448 rental units in Park Ridge; 68 affordable.”

Michael Olohan, Jan. 18, 2021, Pascack Press.)

Rendo called the boroughʼs small number of affordable units

“a victory for the municipality and a victory for you.” He said the new Master Plan, a blueprint for future development, was passed to help avoid builderʼs remedy lawsuits.

He called on the state Legislature to tackle the “builderʼs remedy” lawsuit option that allows builders to sue towns to build needed affordable housing. He said 2025 starts the next round of affordable housing obligations.

(Currently, only Montvale in Pascack Valley is part of a multitown lawsuit against Gov. Philip Murphy to reinstate the Council on Affordable Housing, the former agency responsible for determining affordable housing obligations. It was declared “moribund” in 2015 by the state Supreme Court who appointed Superior Courts to determine future affordable mandates.)

He said while the borough is “fully built out,” officials need “to look at what can happen in the future” at possible sites such as BMW, the egg farm, and a parking lot near Jehovahʼs Witness center

He said the local affordable housing trust fund has about $425,000 to assist construction of required affordable housing, if needed.

He said the Hilton remains closed after a December water main break and anticipates after

some renovations, that it will open soon.

He said he looks forward to breaking ground on a long-awaited passive park this fall. The borough purchased the site for $1.65 million in early 2018 and spent over $400,000 to remediate soil contamination from prior uses as a gas station and garden center.

Nearby, the Werimus Road–Woodcliff Avenue intersection requires close examination to determine whether a red light needs to be put there, especially once the new park is opened, said Rendo.

He told Pascack Press that a resident requested a functioning light there and administrator Tom Padilla has reached out to the county about a possible light.

He said he looked forward to the Woodcliff Lake Reservoir walkway, or nature trail, being opened to celebrate Earth Day, on April 22.

“You wouldnʼt even know youʼre in Woodcliff Lake, youʼre in the middle of some forest with a lake,” said the mayor. He said he hoped the town would organize another SpringFest similar to years past, and maybe an Octoberfest.

He also noted “Broadway is going to be beautiful” as the streetscape along Broadway improves. As for rundown properties, Rendo said he was “taking a no tolerance stance on this…(we) need to keep our properties tight and pretty ”

He said the borough recently took down the barn by the train tracks as it “was dangerous and falling down.” He said the borough was determining what might

best go there in the future.

Rendo said his next Coffee

With The Mayor is set for Saturday, Feb. 11, from 9 to 10 a.m. at Whole Foods Market, Chestnut Ridge Road. Coffee and pastries are free to residents coming to

chat with Rendo, courtesy of Whole Foods.

He said he plans to hold Facebook Live sessions a day or two after the regular council meetings.

MEDIA SALES ASSOCIATE

Join our ever growing sales team as as Sales Associate for the Pascack Press, Northern Valley Press North and South and near future publications. Applicants should be self-starters with drive to succeed. In this position, you will sell advertising space to new and existing accounts into our weekly newspapers and various other publications as well as digital media. Responsibilities will also include cold calling, outside sales and excellent customer service.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 201-664-2105

OR SEND RESUME TO: jobs@thepressgroup.net

CROSSING GUARD P/T

BORO OF EMERSON.

The Borough of Emerson, Bergen County, NJ has an opening for a P/T Crossing Guard.

Experience preferred but will train. Background check required.

Approximately 10 hours per week. Apply at Borough Hall, Police Department, 146 Linwood Avenue, Emerson. EOE.

H HEELLP P W WAANNTTEED D

H HEELLP P W WAANNTTEED D

H HEELLP P W WAANNTTEED D Live-in housekeeper, private room with full bath, light housekeeping. Call (201) 960-7707.

Additional responsibilities include facility maintenance, picking up materials & possibly additional responsibilities such as equipment maintenance as the position grows. Hours & requirements of this position will fluctuate throughout the year The busiest times will be during our holiday decorating season of Oct. thru Jan., when hours will be up to 40/week working Mon. thru Fri. From Feb. thru Sept., hours will vary from 8 to 24 hours per week. Call 844-642-9627 for more details.

SERVICES - CLEANING

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

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A Appaarrttmmeennt t f foor r R Reennt t Part Time Recreation Coordinator: The Borough of Emerson seeks a qualified P/TRecreation Coordinator.Supports all facets and functions of recreational programs hosted by the borough. 15–20 hours per week. Full job description and other pertinent information at emersonnj.org > about Emerson > Job Opportunities. EOE

H HEELLP P W WAANNTTEED D Harrington Park - Small apartment. 1 br. with garage. $1,200 per month. Call (201)7393561 for more information.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS LABORER

F/T POSITION – HILLSDALE BOROUGH. The Borough of Hillsdale Department of Public Works is seeking qualified applicants for a permanent full-time Laborer position. Duties will include but not be limited to buildings and ground maintenance, grass cutting, operating a variety of motor vehicles including automated and rear load trash trucks, dump trucks and other equipment used in public works services, assisting in the snow and ice removal operations, collection of leaves, repairing potholes, repairing water main breaks and service leaks etc. Applicant will be required to work scheduled and emergency overtime. Must possess a valid Class B (CDL) license or if hired be able to acquire license within one year. Driver history will be checked upon hire. Public works experience is preferred. Applicant must have the ability to interact in a positive and effective manner with employees and the general public. Applicant will be required to submit to employment drug/alcohol screening, both pre-hire and randomly upon hire. Employment applications are available at www.hillsdalenj.org or at 380 Hillsdale Avenue, Hillsdale, NJ. To apply, please complete a job application from our website and submit to the DPW Superintendent at dhayes@hillsdalenj.org or you may drop off your application at 380 Hillsdale Ave., Hillsdale, NJ 07642 by Feb. 10, 2023. The Borough reserves the right to interview candidates prior to the expiration of the job posting. EOE.